novelAbuy Chapter 1046: Does She Even Deserve to Be Called Dignified?
Chapter 1046: Does She Even Deserve to Be Called Dignified?
As the maid lifted the curtain, Madam Song walked inside with her entourage. Consort Zhou sat elegantly and gracefully in the center on a cushion wearing a palace dress. Upon seeing Madam Song lead the way inside, she rose with the help of her personal maid.To reach this position, she was no fool. She knew that with some madams, she needed to win them over rather than stand aloof, especially this one, for she was the wife of Prime Minister Song, whose pillow-talk could not be ignored.
Prime Minister Song was the favorite in front of the Emperor. If she could truly bring people over to the Prince’s side, her efforts would be significant.
"Greetings to the Princess. May the Lady be blessed," Madam Song bowed and saluted.
Consort Zhou came over, personally holding Madam Song’s arm and said, "Madam Song, please do not be overly formal, you are indeed my elder."
Such obvious admiration and flattery were very much appreciated by Madam Song, yet she did not let it get the better of her. Instead, she smiled respectfully and said, "The Princess is too kind, but I must adhere to the proper etiquette."
Consort Zhou asked about her well-being and also about Song Ci, saying, "A few days ago, I brought our son to see the matriarch, she still thinks fondly of Madam Song."
"I appreciate the Empress Dowager’s concern. Mother also often remembers your good health, and I will definitely convey it to her," Madam Song replied with a smile. "By the way, this is the wife of the Governor of Jiangnan. Has the Princess met Madam Wen before?"
Consort Zhou smiled and said, "I’ve heard much about her but never had the chance to meet. Madam Wen, please do rise. It is my preoccupation with reminiscing with Madam Song that has been discourteous."
Inside, Madam Wen felt a cold chill. Such a flagrant deliberate ignorance, she couldn’t believe it wasn’t intentional.
Sure enough, it was all because of that matter regarding Wanbao Pavilion.
Consort Zhou then looked at Wen Zishan, who stood a step behind Madam Wen, a hint of jealousy and resentment flashed through her eyes, yet her face was all smiles as she said, "Is this Miss Wen? Truly as beautiful as a flower, breathtaking like a sinking fish and falling geese. No wonder even mother praises you. Madam Wen, you are fortunate indeed."
Wen Zishan, being named, had to bow again, pretending to be shy with her head slightly lowered.
Consort Zhou further inquired about her age, what she usually did, and whether she was engaged in such matters, speaking with a tone of an older, understanding sister.
Wen Zishan took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing her inner annoyance, responded gracefully, and daringly raised her head toward the counterpart. At this glance, there arose a hint of disdain within her.
Despite the luxurious palace attire and elegant makeup, her figure was somewhat plump, and the spots under her eyelids couldn’t be concealed even with layers of powder.
Consort Zhou was not truly radiant; post-childbirth, she appeared incongruously aged. As Wen Zishan would say, the counterpart had aged, while she herself was in the blossom of youth with skin as radiant as porcelain.
Wen Zishan, unable to hold back momentarily, a trace of provocation flashed through her eyes, caught by Consort Zhou, who was so enraged she nearly clawed at the porcelain-like face with her long nails.
How could mother’s eyes be deceived? This was clearly a seductress, yet she praised her as a noble lady of dignified upbringing, even? Does she truly deserve the word dignified?
Consort Zhou held back, smiled at Madam Wen, and said, "Look at me, so captivated by Miss Wen that I forgot myself, forgetting to offer seats. Servants, quickly bring seats and tea for the madams and young ladies."
Madam Wen smiled and signaled subtly to Wen Zishan, who pretended not to see and sat down directly, infuriating her.
This reckless behavior!