Chapter 376: Outmaneuvering the Entire Army

Chapter 376: Chapter 376: Outmaneuvering the Entire Army

Song Ci spoke frankly, appearing blunt, but openly flattering the Emperor.

Ha, who said the Song Family’s Grand Madam only knows farming?

Look at this straightforward flattery, who dares to argue with that?

"The chosen one, even the Grand Madam of the Song praises him," Consort Fan said with a half-smile.

Song Ci glanced sideways, seeing the dark circles under her eyes that even makeup couldn’t hide. She wasn’t as radiant as she used to be, presumably having lost sleep after learning who her son’s betrothed was.

Ha, knowing her son’s awkward position, she should be flattering and currying favor with the Song Minister’s Mansion, yet instead, she looks for trouble everywhere. Is she thinking of standing by her family?

What a pity, Consort Fan, you are devoted to your family, but your family has found another investment opportunity. They might not be solely devoted to you now; they’re weighing their options. When they indeed support the Fourth Prince, you’ll find it really embarrassing and infuriating.

Song Ci replied calmly, "I am uneducated and ignorant, I only know these two phrases."

Consort Fan replied noncommittally, "How could that be? You can even say things like ’To become rich, first build roads,’ and the encouragement words for the scholars in the court, proving that the Grand Madam is extraordinary."

"Lady, you are well-informed, I am impressed," Song Ci said with a smile, "As the saying goes, even if you’ve never eaten pork, you’ve seen a pig run. I may be ignorant, but the children in my family are all scholars, reading and discussing with me daily, and I’ve merely learned from them."

Consort Fan’s face changed slightly as she subconsciously looked towards Empress Dowager Wang and Empress Gongsun.

For a consort to be so well-informed is not precisely good praise.

The Grand Madam Song reversed the situation on her.

Though secretly resentful, she pinched a handkerchief and smiled, "The palace’s stories have circulated lively recently, not only heard by me, the Grand Madam is overly modest."

As she spoke, she signaled a certain noblewoman.

The noblewoman, whose husband’s family was surnamed Guo, caught Consort Fan’s hint and interjected during a quiet moment, "The Grand Madam Song is indeed overly modest. Who doesn’t know those motivational quotes for the civil service exams nowadays? Even my child recites them fluently."

Song Ci: "Are you saying I’m famous?"

Madam Guo was momentarily stunned, wondering what "famous" meant, understanding it should mean well-known, and laughed, "In any case, now when the Grand Madam goes out, more guards are probably needed, or else those adoring scholars might all want to come forward and talk to you!"

"I understand your point. People fear fame like pigs fear getting fat, now that I’m famous, I should be cautious, lest someone uses me as a stepping stone." Just like now.

Madam Guo felt a bit lost for words and embarrassed, wondering if she was being hinted at.

She laughed awkwardly, "The Grand Madam Song is truly humorous."

Song Ci smiled faintly, "You’re flattering me. I’m just a simple peasant woman, lacking in knowledge, speaking bluntly, as long as it doesn’t make you uncomfortable."

Everyone chuckled.

But no matter how uncomfortable, who would dare say it face to face?

"Ci, you don’t have to belittle yourself. Some people may know a lot but may not understand reason. Your straightforward personality and speech show your clarity," said Empress Dowager Wang. "It’s not easy to live with such clarity."

See, this shows the importance of having someone powerful on your side. Being straightforward and blunt in speech, if it were someone else, they might be criticized as ignorant, easily offending people, and lacking social tact. But for Song Ci, it becomes clarity.

Empress Dowager Wang, her best friend, truly protects her thoroughly.