Chapter 220: Overly Familiar

Chapter 220: Chapter 220: Overly Familiar

The scene of Song Zhiyu and Niu Pan’er walking into the Zen Temple together shocked quite a few people.

How did that playboy from the Song Family end up with the Commandery Princess Dongyang? How did these two get connected?

Everyone was filled with surprise and suspicion.

Those with political acumen thought about quickly relaying this information to their own masters.

After all, both of these individuals were still unmarried.

Could it be that the Song Family is joining in marriage with Prince Dingbei’s Mansion?

Song Zhiyu didn’t expect that merely leading the way would cause people to imagine a scene; it’s not as if he was alone with Niu Pan’er. There were several guards around her, and yet there were still misunderstandings?

Upon hearing that Niu Pan’er had come to greet her, Song Ci was somewhat surprised and quickly invited her in.

"Mrs. Tai, Pan’er greets you," Niu Pan’er said with a smile as she bowed to Song Ci.

Song Ci beckoned her over, "Why has the Commandery Princess come? Come and sit." She then instructed Nanny Gong, "Pour a cup of cool tea for the Commandery Princess."

Niu Pan’er sat down and said, "My mother’s longevity tablet is enshrined at Songshan Temple, and I came to light a long-lasting lamp for her. I’ve been staying at the temple these past few days. Just now, I met Lord Song Si outside and learned that you were also here, so I came over to greet you."

"I see, the Commandery Princess is thoughtful indeed." Song Ci understood and asked, "So, are you heading back down the mountain to the city?"

Niu Pan’er nodded.

Song Ci said, "It’s a rare chance to leave the city, no need to rush away. Our family has an estate at the foot of the mountain. If the Commandery Princess doesn’t mind, you can go there for some leisure; it’s nice for escaping the heat."

Leaning against the doorframe and acting invisible, Song Zhiyu quickly stood up and said, "Mother, the Commandery Princess is a young general, how could she be interested in playing in an estate? You shouldn’t make things difficult for her; the Commandery Princess is probably busy and might have to inspect the barracks again."

Inviting her to the estate would be like catching a cat into a mouse cage—no, it’s like inviting a deity that’s difficult to send away.

The guard Yuan Yi also frowned, clearly not in favor of the idea.

Niu Pan’er, seeing Song Zhiyu’s anxious expression, couldn’t help but tease him, "Lord Song Si, you’re mistaken. I’m not busy at all. I came back to the capital to play, so there’s no need to inspect the barracks."

Song Zhiyu: "..."

That stiff soldier can’t even tell from people’s hints that it’s a refusal, can he?

His face showed a disdainful expression, making Niu Pan’er smile brightly. She said to Song Ci, "Since Mrs. Tai invites me, then I shall impose for a night, as returning to the city now would have us entering at dusk."

"Commandery Princess..." Yuan Yi frowned.

Niu Pan’er raised her hand.

Seeing this, Yuan Yi said nothing further; once the Commandery Princess had decided something, it usually didn’t change.

Song Ci said, "Not imposing at all, not at all. Let’s head down the mountain then."

"I’ll help you walk," Niu Pan’er went to support Song Ci.

Song Ci was quite pleased, finding another benefit of being elderly.

Song Zhiyu was stunned. No way, the Commandery Princess, being this familiar already? They’ve only met twice, right?

Could she have some plans against their Song Family?

Song Zhiyu scrutinized the overly attentive person, his eyes showing vigilance.

It was precisely the time when many Madams were descending the mountain, and upon seeing Niu Pan’er cheerfully helping Song Ci onto the carriage, their eyes widened.

Were they seeing things?

This scene was more eye-catching than seeing Song Zhiyu standing beside her. How could the Commandery Princess Dongyang be so close to that vulgar old woman from the Song Family? Their eyes must be playing tricks.

Even some went as far as to be more certain that the Song Family and Prince Dingbei’s Mansion were about to unite in marriage.

This was big news, and they needed to report it back to their houses as soon as possible.