Song Ci, holding Mrs. Lu’s hand, arrived at the building where Princess Anping was. The room was full of people, young and old, who rose to greet her upon her arrival.
Princess Anping stepped forward, holding Song Ci’s hand with the courtesy of the younger generation, and said with a smile, "I heard you’ve entered the Sunflower Garden, but you haven’t been seen around. We all wondered if you went off to guess riddles."
Song Ci replied, "I’ve only just arrived. An old woman like is getting on in years, my legs are not so nimble, so I walk slowly. I just ca along with the Commandery Princess and my family’s youngsters."
Princess Anping, noticing only Mrs. Lu was serving her, was surprised and asked, "So the Commandery Princess Dongyang is here too? Yet only this Third Madam is serving you? The others are not here?"
Song Ci replied mischievously, "Young people should have their own world. They can show filial piety anyti. On such a festive occasion, I let them enjoy a bit of freedom. I allowed the young couples to take their children for a walk, and there’s no need for them to be around an old woman like . As for the little ones, they are off playing with their eldest grandson."
Princess Anping sighed, "You truly are the most understanding of elderly ladies, don’t you all agree?"
"Indeed, Madam Song is the most lenient person," soone laughed and echoed.
Seizing the opportunity, Song Ci surveyed the people in the room. Among them were familiar faces, such as the Madam of Duke Dingguo Mansion with her daughter, the family of the Minister of the History Departnt, as well as Madam Qian of the Ministry of Revenue. There were also unfamiliar faces, such as a dignified-looking lady with a graceful young girl beside her.
Princess Anping, noticing her attention on that lady, waved with a smile and said, "It’s rare to see you socializing. You might not have t her yet. This is the wife of the Governor of Jiangnan and his eldest daughter. They just returned to the capital a few days ago."
Song Ci’s heart skipped a beat as she glanced at Anping, thinking perhaps you’ve been inford by your imperial brother to hint at a potential granddaughter-in-law candidate?
Anping, however, seed completely oblivious to her thoughts.
Mrs. Wen had already brought her daughter forward, bowing again to Song Ci with a smile, "It’s my first ti eting you. I wish you good health. This is my daughter, nicknad Shanna."
Wen Zishan, dressed in a long gown of delicate gauze interwoven with gold threads, her hair styled in a lily topknot, placed her hands on her waist and curtsied steadily to Song Ci. Her every move was impeccably graceful. Even her speech, clear and fluent as if she had been specially taught, was gentle and did not expose her teeth when she smiled.
Such decorum, truly a lady from a noble family.
Song Ci, after observing for a mont, smiled and said, "Look at this young girl, truly graceful and dignified. Madam Wen is truly blessed." She removed a golden hairpin adorned with jewels from her head and handed it over: "I ca out to see the lights and didn’t expect to et such a delightful young girl, so I didn’t prepare much. Please accept this small token."
Wen Zishan looked at the hairpin, glanced at her mother, and upon seeing her nod, she took it with both hands, bowed gracefully, and thanked her with a smile.
The guests present took note, each pondering their own thoughts.
Then Song Ci noticed Miss Guan Liu next to the Madam of Duke Dingguo Mansion. Upon seeing her, Miss Guan Liu’s eyebrows curved, and she courteously greeted her.
"I almost forgot there’s another here. I rember seeing you during the Dragon Boat Festival, yet I didn’t give you a token then." Song Ci took the tourmaline beads pinned on her clothes and handed them to Guan Shuyan.
The Madam of Duke Dingguo Mansion laughed and said, "You are too kind, Madam. Shuyan, thank the Madam."
Guan Shuyan accepted and thanked her with a smile.
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