Chapter 609: Chapter 609: A Test from the Senior Princess
All talent performances generally come with prizes, firstly to add a bit of fun, and secondly to inspire the young ladiesā competitive spirits.
Song Ci also contributed a prize, nothing too extravagant, merely pulling a gold-and-jade hairpin from her hair, which didnāt particularly stand out among the other prizes.
Yet, at least she donated a gold-and-jade hairpin, while Princess Consort Ji and her daughter-in-law only offered a golden hairpin, painfully given, unsurprisingly attracting some disdainful glances.
The face of Princess Consort Ji turned green; her sisters-in-law truly havenāt changed their peasant mindset, valuing a few pieces of jewelry above all else. Their miserly nature remains unchanged for twenty years, infuriating indeed.
As the young ladies began to display their talents, engaging in painting, poetry, or playing instruments, Song Ci started gossiping with the nearby Princess Anping.
"Even without these prizes, these young ladies would still put all their effort into showcasing their best talents."
They are essentially all aiming for the position of Princess Consort of Prince Min. If they donāt go all out to show their worth to Princess Consort Ji, would they hold back? It would have been better not to come.
Song Ci noticed Commandery Princess Shou Ning and asked Anping: "Princess Consort Ji invited people to see if there are suitable candidates for her daughter-in-law. Why did Commandery Princess Shou Ning also come with you?"
In terms of hierarchy, shouldnāt Commandery Princess Shou Ning call Prince Min little uncle?
Princess Anping replied, "Princess Consort Ji invited me to lend presence. As for Shou Ning, Lady, sheās fourteen this year and should attend some banquets."
Song Ci raised an eyebrow, understanding this was telling everyone that their daughter has grown up and is ready to enter the marriage market.
"But all those attending are ladies; how can they see any young gentlemen?" Song Ci curiously asked again.
Princess Anping chuckled softly, lowering her voice, "By observing a young ladyās temperament and upbringing, one can also glimpse the character of her mother."
Song Ci realized, indeed, thatās the logic.
Continuing this conversation, Princess Anping said, "Speaking of which, youāre the only one here who hasnāt brought a young lady, Madam."
"You know, I only have a few daughters, and the older ones are married, while the younger ones are still quite young." Song Ci, gazing at families who brought two or three daughters, admitted enviously, "To be honest, Iād love to have some charming young ladies accompanying me to the banquet too."
Princess Anping laughed, "You may have fewer daughters, but you have several grandsons who are about the same age. In a couple of years, theyāll be getting engaged and married, so even without granddaughters, youāll have granddaughters-in-law to accompany you to banquets, no need to worry. By the way, hasnāt the eldest son of the Prime Minister also turned fourteen?"
Song Ci raised an eyebrow, was this a probe?
Could it be Princess Anping has her eyes on Suāer?
"My eldest grandson is already fifteen this year, but the marriage is not settled yet. However, he has just apprenticed under a master. His father said thereās no rush for marriage; once he earns his title, heāll have more confidence."
Princess Anpingās eyes flickered lightly, "Indeed, thereās no rush for men, but if thereās a suitable girl, setting things early and marrying around the same age would be ideal."
"That makes sense; it depends on what his parents think." Song Ci assumed a nonchalant expression.
Princess Anping didnāt press further on this topic, speaking too much might cause misunderstandings, making it seem like sheās pushing.
She changed the subject, focusing her gaze on the young ladies present.
Song Ci followed her gaze, inwardly thinking, though itās about selecting a princess consort, even if they have someone in mind, it may not necessarily be approved. It ultimately depends on the Emperorās decision since itās about the vassal kingās consort, and the Emperor will surely have a say.