Chapter 603: Chapter 603: Wealth Can Make One Brazen
The notion that having power allows one to do as they please is beside the point; rather, power and wealth enable people to tear away the facade of decency, commonly known as shamelessness.
But why is this the case?
After news spread that Prince Min, just returned to the capital, was choosing a consort, several Noble Ladies, who were already betrothed, suddenly declared that their engagements were off, for various reasons.
Those with insight knew they were all aiming for the position of Princess Consort to Prince Min.
Princess Consort Ji was smug, thinking: see, her son is in such high demand; even those betrothed are eager to pursue him!
Unbeknownst to her, those with clear minds secretly mockedâchoosing such Noble Ladies would truly invite ridicule.
Having already been betrothed yet voluntarily breaking it off for the sake of climbing the royal ladderâcould they be any good?
What, the Royal Family can do thisâfavoring a young dame or squire from a family, using power to make them break off engagementsâwhy couldnât ordinary officialsâ families do the same?
In the era of royal supremacy, you ask why not?
In Song Ciâs words, the Royal Family is like the Big Boss. "I can do it, you canât; simply because I belong to the Imperial Family!"
"I underestimated the allure of the Princess Consort position; itâs astonishing how shameless some people can be." Song Ci clicked her tongue as she listened to the gossip shared by her daughters-in-law.
Madam Song remarked, "The Princess Consort is of the highest rank, naturally coveted, but our Song Family, some girls are already married, and others are still too young; otherwise, we might compete too."
As she spoke, she looked at Madam Lu, her eyes showing a bit of regret.
Madam Lu also felt a bit of regret; her daughter was only nine, still a childâhow could they possibly wait until she grows up!
But Madam Jiang snorted lightly, "Whatâs there to regret? Being a Princess Consort is prestigious, but donât forget, even though Prince Min doesnât have an Official Wife, his rear court is full of concubines, and thereâs already an illegitimate child for each. What good is it being a stepmother?"
Ah, the voice of reason!
Song Ci laughed and said, "Jiang, youâre truly clear-minded; indeed, marrying into such chaos, what good is it?"
"Indeed, thatâs true, but being a Princess Consort is what matters. As for illegitimate children, as soon as a legitimate heir is born, could they possibly surpass him? As a Princess Consort in her rightful place, could she not suppress a few concubines?" Madam Song believed that as long as one secured the position of Princess Consort, those issues wouldnât matter.
Madam Lu agreed with Madam Songâs view, but thinking about the illegitimate children and concubines, her regret dissipated a lotâafter all, her daughter Weiâer was not eligible.
This demonstrates each personâs values.
Song Ci didnât say her daughters-in-lawâs views were wrong. After all, she was born in the modern era, inherently carrying modern thoughts, whereas the ancients, in these times valuing royal power, believed nothing was more important than holding power.
"Mother, regarding the invitation from Prince Min Mansion, do you plan to attend?" Madam Song asked.
Song Ci replied, "It was sent specifically for me. Iâll go, why wouldnât I go?"
Madam Song suggested, "Shall Weiâer accompany you?"
Madam Lu was delighted.
The Song Family currently had no girls of appropriate age to accompany their elders out, except for Song Ruweiâwho else could it be?
"If it were a different event, she could come along. But this time, going to Prince Min Mansion, clearly for a consort selection, Weiâer should not get involved in this spectacleâitâs unsuitable!"
Madam Luâs delight faded away.
Madam Song thought of something, nodded, and said, "Indeed, Weiâer is still young; bringing her to such occasions would be inappropriate, making it seem like the Song Family is eager to vie for the Princess Consort position."