Chapter 608: Chapter 608: Encountering Enlightened Mouth Again
Princess Anpingâs preferential treatment made Princess Consort Ji somewhat annoyed, but she couldnât say much. After all, her own family wasnât promising.
She glared at the Ji familyâs Madam and her daughter-in-law with a look of frustration, planning to find two palace nannies for the Ji family to teach them proper manners, lest they become a laughingstock.
The Ji familyâs Madam and her daughter-in-law: "..."
They felt something was amiss, but couldnât pinpoint where.
Princess Consort Ji decided not to argue at the moment. Remembering the purpose of hosting the banquet, she smiled and suggested going to the warm pavilion to watch the young ladies perform their talents.
Many attendees were here for the position of Princess Consort Min, so they eagerly agreed upon hearing this.
Who cares whether the wine is good or the snacks are tasty? Whatâs important is watching their daughters shine.
Song Ci was also eager for the talent performances, especially to see beautiful women. These were truly classical beauties. Who would rather look at old and faded ones?
Upon reaching the spacious warm pavilion, with light incense in the air, the young ladies stood in small groups, either chatting softly, enjoying the snow scenery outside while composing poetry, or playing musical instruments, creating a beautiful scene.
Song Ciâs eyes lit up. The women were all different and pleasing to the eyes.
"These young ladies are truly pleasing to the eye," he said. "Each one of them could debut as a group in the ancient maiden style."
Princess Anping covered her mouth with a handkerchief, chuckling, "If they heard you say that, theyâd be overjoyed."
"Iâm just speaking the truth," Song Ci said, noticing a beautiful young girl in a fiery red robe and jewel crown. "Is that your Commandery Princess Shou Ning?"
Princess Anping nodded with a gentle smile, "Indeed, thatâs my unworthy daughter."
She instructed a nearby palace maid to call Commandery Princess Shou Ning over.
Princess Anping is Emperor Chuâs youngest sister, only about thirty-one or two years old. She married the Hanlin Academy lecturer Su Tongzhan and had a son and a daughter. Her daughter Su Qing was titled Commandery Princess Shou Ning and is only fourteen this year, while her son Su Zhao is just twelve.
Su Qing approached, first saluting her mother, who then introduced her to Song Ci.
"Shou Ning greets the Madam, may the Madam be well."
With exquisite features and a gracious demeanor, it was evident she was well-educated. Song Ci smiled, praised her a bit, and slipped a bracelet onto her wrist.
Su Qing, coming from a good family, had a sharp eye. Seeing the jade braceletâs high quality, she knew it wasnât an ordinary piece and looked towards Princess Anping.
Princess Anping also noticed and said to Song Ci, "Madam, this is too precious. Sheâs just a young girl; how can she accept it?"
"Why shouldnât she accept it? No matter how precious an object is, itâs just a dead thing. People are more important. I like giving it to whoever I choose." Song Ci laughed, "I just adore lovely and bright young girls like the Commandery Princess, so pleasing to the eye."
"Just call her by her name," Princess Anping chuckled, then told her daughter, "Arenât you going to thank the Madam?"
Itâs just a bracelet. Perhaps in the future, when she sees a girl from the Song Family, sheâll gift something valuable as well.
Su Qing graciously thanked her.
Song Ci sent her off to play, then quietly whispered to Princess Anping, "Actually, Iâd rather give it than not. Youâll see, with talent performances, thereâs usually a prize, and I donât want to give my precious bracelet to someone whoâs not likable."
Princess Anping chuckled, just about to speak when she heard Princess Consort Ji mention adding a prize for the performance.
She looked at Song Ci, wondering if his words had somehow made it happen!