The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 1068: Ji Family Invitation, Not Going

The Longevity Festival banquet has ended, each family having their own pleasures and grievances.Song Ci heard much gossip and learned that after receiving the Imperial edict for the arranged marriage, Madam Wen experienced "extreme joy followed by sorrow" and fell ill.

"Probably, Madam Wen feels merely furious at Wen Zishan’s inability at this moment." Song Ci sat cross-legged on an Arhat bed equipped with cushions, helping Brother Dan to roll over.

Nanny Gong, who was attending nearby, said, "It’s just momentary anger. Once Miss Wen marries, the Wen Family should prepare to pave the way for Prince Zhou."

Since the Emperor has not yet established the Crown Prince, anyone could be chosen. They’ve already given a daughter to the Imperial Family; wanting their family to become more honorable and rise higher depends on backing Prince Zhou as the Crown Prince, ascending the throne in the future, then the Wen Family could produce an Imperial Concubine, and if she bears a son, they might become even more prestigious.

Of course, the prerequisite is Prince Zhou being chosen as the Crown Prince; otherwise, she would just be a Concubine Lady.

Song Ci said, "That’s probably what you think. This is why marrying a daughter to the Emperor’s son is so troublesome. Although it is quite prestigious, the family cannot help but pave the way and fight for it."

Nanny Gong laughed and replied, "But this is something many families are happy to do. After all, if the family can produce an Imperial Concubine or even an Empress Dowager, it is beyond prestigious. For a family’s wealth and prosperity to endure, this is the most effective and feasible."

Song Ci was somewhat noncommittal: "But the risks you bear are equally significant. One careless move, and it’s entire family extermination."

This is indeed the case.

"Seeking wealth amidst danger, there’s no other way; one can only wish to gamble and accept defeat." Nanny Gong picked up the rice ball Brother Dan tossed to the ground, smiled, and tapped his nose, saying, "Our Brother Dan is growing more energetic."

Song Ci was diverted, lifted him, weighed him with a smile, saying, "This lad has grown heavier again."

Deng, who stood nearby, chuckled, "Brother has had a good appetite lately and sleeps soundly, so naturally, he’s grown."

"Madam, don’t hold too long, lest it tires your hands," said Deng.

Song Ci held him for a while and laughed, "Indeed, he does tire my hands. It’s only been three or four months. When he grows further, won’t I be unable to carry him?"

"Not just you, even slaves probably won’t be able to carry him," quipped Deng, joining in on the jest.

Nanny Gong added, "It’s good if he becomes too heavy to hold."

Song Ci nodded, "Absolutely, absolutely."

If one can’t hold him, that indicates the child’s safe and healthy growth, which everyone is glad to see.

Madam Song and Jiang entered at this moment, holding an invitation in her hand.

Song Ci raised an eyebrow, "What, is it an invitation from the Ji Family?"

Jiang said in surprise, "Mother, when did you gain the ability to predict?"

"During the Palace banquet at the Longevity Festival, I overheard Madam Duke Dingguo mention it briefly, and coincidentally, the invitation arrived, so I thought of it." Song Ci didn’t even look at the invitation, saying, "No need to give it to me, I won’t be going."

Who would want to attend such a wedding, it only diminishes one’s dignity.

Madam Song and Jiang exchanged glances, asking, "Mother, if you aren’t going, can we?"

"Better not go; just send the gift. We aren’t close with the Ji Family, and with what happened, there’s already been resentment. Not going, no one says anything; even if they do call us petty, it doesn’t matter. Besides, maybe they just want the gift!"

As for some idea of laughing and burying the hatchet?

Bah!

Who wants to engage in pretenses with that Ji Family, exhausting oneself in the act?