The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 1082: A Warning from the Boss

Song Zhiyuan changed into his court attire to attend the court session. Throughout the journey, he remained cold and silent. Song Zhiqing, who was sharing the carriage to save time, wished he could turn invisible, shrinking by the carriage door to avoid being noticed.Song Zhiyuan opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on his younger brother.

"B-Brother," Song Zhiqing shivered, speaking with a stammer.

Song Zhiyuan said, "I heard that your concubine Bai has caught the eye of Consort Xiao, who often invites her over for incense and flower appreciation?"

Song Zhiqing paused, carefully responding, "There is such a thing. Bai is good at painting floral patterns and, having a good rapport with Consort Xiao’s maternal aunt, Consort Xiao has asked about her several times, thus forming a connection."

Song Zhiyuan gave a smile that didn’t reach his eyes and said, "The majestic Consort Xiao seems quite unpretentious, showing concern for the maternal aunt, and mingling with an insignificant concubine without any airs, indeed the most approachable among the princesses. I dare say many noble madams in the capital don’t match her broad-mindedness."

Song Zhiqing felt his face burn, as if he had been slapped multiple times.

Despite Song Zhiyuan’s words being all compliments, upon reflection, one could sense a deeper meaning.

Wasn’t this a mockery of Consort Xiao for getting close to a mere concubine?

In these noble families, is there a concubine whose visits are personally received by the official wife, and with such close interactions? Calling it approachable sounds pleasant, while the less pleasant truth is a lowering of status and dignity.

Were these words spoken before Consort Xiao, she’d be so ashamed that she’d never dare associate with Bai again.

"Brother, this..."

Song Zhiyuan cut him off: "The profusion of enchanting flowers may blind the eyes. You’ve climbed to this position, and with standing higher, your thoughts become more complex. I understand growing tired of seeing a woman, but Bai, do you really know this person?"

Song Zhiqing felt a pang in his heart and said, "I don’t quite understand the meaning of Brother’s words."

Song Zhiyuan chuckled without speaking.

Song Zhiqing said, "At first, I just appreciated Bai’s gentle and obedient nature. Moreover, with Lu not around, Bai bore me a pair of twins and raised them herself, which I witnessed personally. Brother, Bai has done nothing out of line. I really don’t know why Mother holds such animosity against her."

These words carried some resentment.

Song Zhiyuan’s gaze turned sharp as he said, "Over the years, you have some understanding of what kind of person Mother is. Would she hate someone without reason? Has she ever spoken a word against Shen?"

Song Zhiqing remained silent, thinking it’s all because Shen was bestowed by the Emperor.

"Are you aware of how Madam Chen of the former Director of the Ministry of War, Chen Da, passed away?"

Song Zhiqing was taken aback; how was this related to that person?

"People say, including Chen Da’s obituary, stated that Madam Chen died from a sudden illness. But the actual truth is, she was a spy buried from the previous dynasty under the surname Xia."

Song Zhiqing’s face turned ashen.

"Madam Chen was quite advanced in age and regarded as the Old Madam of the Chen family, a grandmother, yet her identity was that of a spy. So how long was that line buried, can you calculate it?" Song Zhiyuan said indifferently, "A Madam Chen was not the only one. Chen Da was able to retire safely due to ignorance, but what about others?"

What about you?

Song Zhiqing broke out in goosebumps, his lips trembling, stammering, "Brother, is Bai...?"

"You’d better pray she isn’t. If she is..." Song Zhiyuan looked at him coldly, "You’re the second Chen Da!"