However, it's not a big deal if I couldn't figure it out for the time being. After some days, most of the servants sent by Princess Chong of Jin State to take care of Jian Pingyu would return to the capital and be dismissed to serve their old masters - by then, these people wouldn't be able to hold back anymore!

  Song Yixiao thought about it and decided that she must think of a way to tell her mother-in-law about these things when she returned.

  She didn't think for long before the servant she had sent to the residence of Princess Chang returned with a report, saying that Princess Chang had personally said so and told her to go over at any time.

  The two managers, unable to persuade otherwise, had no choice but to follow Song Yixiao's wishes and send the person away. For the time being, there was nothing more to do at the Yan Guo Gong Fu. Upon hearing this, Song Yixiao immediately boarded her carriage.

  She arrived at the residence of the Princess of Jin State, but the princess was not in the main hall to see her. Instead, she had someone lead her to the waterside pavilion in the back garden.

  Not yet entered, only far away saw a corner of the flying eaves hidden among the flowers and trees by the lake, already heard the faint sound of silk and bamboo.

  "Is the young lady listening to music?" Song Yi smiled and asked the maid who was leading the way.

  The maid seemed uncertain of what to say and hesitated before saying: "It should be Mr. Qiao playing the guqin for Your Highness."

  "Mr. Qiao?" Song Yi smiled and looked at the maid's expression, also guessing that this "Mr. Qiao"'s identity was somewhat different. She thought of the rumors about her mother-in-law having some unmentionable hobbies, and her mouth slightly curled up. She only repeated it once, but didn't dare to ask more about Mr. Qiao's situation.

  Things were almost as she had guessed - when the maid went in to report, the music inside immediately stopped, but it wasn't until after a while that the voice of Princess Chang was heard, allowing Song Yiliao to enter.

  In the meantime, Song Yi smiled and lowered her head, not daring to look up: not only to express her humility as a daughter-in-law; but also because the windows around the water pavilion were all wide open, with only a thin layer of gauze covering the view, and at her age, she could clearly hear the rustling sound of clothes being worn inside...

  Even after she was allowed in, except for looking at her mother-in-law on the main seat, her eyes didn't dare to glance around.

  Nor did she know whether Princess Chang was feeling guilty or what, but she waived the courtesy to her daughter-in-law and had her take a seat. After the servants presented tea, she pointed to a man not far away from herself and introduced him: "This is Mr. Qiao of our estate, a renowned guqin master of our time."

  Song Yi Xiao then glanced over and smiled slightly: "Good sir!"

  Mr. Qiao, about thirty years old, wore a jade-colored mandarin collar shirt and leather belt with black hat; he had broad eyebrows and bright eyes, fair skin, sharp facial features, a short beard under his chin which was quite handsome, and an elegant demeanor; the way he held the guqin in his arms was even more refined and dignified.

  He was obviously a man who could keep his temper, and although there were some attendants in the pavilion, they were either eunuchs or maidservants. The person who had hastily dressed just now was none other than him, it was clear without asking.

  But this expression was not seen to be flustered or embarrassed, calm and even with some dignity, just looking at the demeanor, it really had a noble air: "It's just familiar, can't be called 'noble'!"

  Then she smiled and slightly bowed her head: "Fourth Madam is also good!"

  The Princess of Jin State knew that her daughter-in-law had not been married for long and it was not a leisurely time, so she asked to see her. There must be a reason for this. Although she was somewhat reluctant to part with Mr. Qiao, after exchanging a few pleasantries, she still hinted at him to take his leave.

  Only the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were left in the room, she smiled and asked: "This child of yours didn't come today, I was just about to send someone to ask: I heard that your family added a younger sister for you yesterday? How are things now? Does your little sister look like you?"

  Song Yi Xiao hastily said, "Thank you for your concern, everything is fine over there! However, I haven't met my sister yet. Yesterday, after receiving the message, I rushed back from the Eastern Palace banquet and didn't have time to bathe and change clothes, fearing that the wine fumes would disturb her!"

  "Just look at your appearance, your younger sister will definitely be fine in the future." The Empress Dowager was not very interested in her daughter-in-law's younger sister, whether she was a biological or step-sister, and only mentioned it to set an example.

  More interested in what happened after the small banquet at Dong Gong yesterday, "What's going on with the girl from the Si Kong family? I heard she fainted on the way?"

  "Does the wife not understand what's going on?" Song Yi smiled, not expecting that the Grand Empress Dowager already knew about yesterday afternoon's events. She roughly explained what had happened, but didn't mention Wei Yinlai's attempt to persuade her to drink - after all, it was unclear whether Ci Kong Yirou's illness was related to this or not. Instead, she said, "At the time, I randomly sought help from a nearby household, and coincidentally knocked on the door of the imperial concubine's nephew, Su Xieyuan's estate. The old steward of that estate happened to be kind-hearted; otherwise, at the time, neither I nor Wei sister would have known what to do."

  The Empress heard Su Shaoge, but unlike Jian Xuwu, she didn't explicitly express her dislike. Instead, she smiled mysteriously and said: "That child from the Su family, I've met him once before. Not to mention his talent, his appearance is exceptional! In my opinion, among the young generation in the imperial capital, except for Ah Xuwu, there's no one else who can match his looks and demeanor! If he weren't the Emperor's nephew, I'd want to invite him over often to chat with me. Those eyes of his..."

  It suddenly dawned on her that the person in front of her was her daughter-in-law, not her own daughter or confidante - although at this moment, Song Yi's face was stern and serious, not smiling or joking, as if she were a mother-in-law who was not losing her dignity by evaluating a handsome young man who was younger than her own son and daughter, but rather discussing some national affairs related to the people's livelihood. However, that kind of "daughter-in-law didn't hear anything, daughter-in-law didn't understand anything" inner voice also made the Empress Dowager feel embarrassed for a while.

  But it was just a flush, after all, Princess Chang had just been chatting with Mr. Qiao in the pavilion, and this level of embarrassment would be forgotten with just a turn of the head. She stroked the hairpin on her temple and changed to an expressionless face: "This matter is indeed abrupt, how did you do it at that time?"

  After asking some details and confirming that her daughter-in-law had done nothing wrong in this matter, she nodded slightly, "The true Yang Huang has only two granddaughters under his knees, who have always been loved like treasures. But I hope the child will get better soon, for a good person is bound to have a good destiny!"

  The words were so, but the tone of the eldest princess was very calm, and it seemed that her feelings for the real Yang Da Zhang Gong Zhu, this aunt, were just like that. As for Si Kong Yi Luo, this younger generation, it was even more just a superficial relationship.

  Song Yixiao had not long entered the house, although her mother-in-law had instructed her last time, but as for the emotional situation of her husband's family, she still hadn't reached a deep understanding, so she naturally followed the principle of speaking less and making fewer mistakes, only echoing without expressing her own opinions.

  The princess sighed and then put the matter aside, smiling and asking: "Is there anything else?"

  Song Yixiao reported that the kitchen service was not attentive, and Princess Chang's eyebrows slightly frowned: "These people are also too unreasonable!"

  After a moment of contemplation, he said, "This way, it's also not necessary to drag things out any longer. Coincidentally, I've recently acquired some new property and am short-handed! Since you two don't need that many servants at present, why not give the excess ones to me? The contracts can be sent over as well - the silver...

  "What did you just say, Mother?" Song Yi was surprised at Empress Dowager's decision. Last time, she had clearly proposed it, but her mother-in-law had only nodded in agreement, without directly helping her son and daughter-in-law resolve their troubles.

  Why should I take the initiative to help now?

  Although she didn't understand in her heart, she hurriedly said, "You're not an outsider, aren't you aware of the situation with the servants in the Yan State Duke's mansion? Now that you want someone, it's your loving son and daughter-in-law's heart, how can you still mention money? If this gets out, let alone the daughter-in-law's reputation, the husband will also be scolded for being unfilial!"

  The Empress Dowager did not argue - after all, she was Jian Yu's biological mother. No matter how much family property they accumulated, in the end, it would not be possible to deprive her youngest son of his share. So upon hearing his daughter-in-law say this, he nodded and said: "Then you handle it!"

  Song Yi Xiao saw that she was showing a gesture of sending guests off, and hurriedly said: "Actually, the daughter-in-law came over today because she received a hint from her husband."

  "Oh?" The Empress Dowager put down her tea cup and asked in surprise, "What did Ah Xū say?"

  "Hubby said yesterday that his wife is young and inexperienced, so she should often ask Empress Dowager and you for advice!" Song Yi smiled, remembering her mother's reminder "the good things about your husband must be made known to his mother", and thus with a virtuous and gentle face said, "So I got up early today, after sending hubby off to court, and was thinking of coming to pay my respects to you!"

  As expected, Princess Chang heard that she got up early in the morning just to serve Jian Yu Bai on his way to court. She revealed a satisfied smile: "Ah Yu is also too unreasonable! How old are you? This insight, it's also a little bit of progress, it's him himself, nowadays he's still learning by doing? Nowadays, as the weather gradually cools down, it's really hard for you to get up so early and rush around for him!"

  Song Yi Xiao thought about the real encounter this morning, and with a clear conscience, she felt particularly happy: "Mother, you're being too serious. Now that I've entered his household, I am his person. To be able to receive his teachings, I'm so happy I can hardly contain myself! I only fear that I'm too foolish, and will spoil his mood! As for taking care of him, it's my duty as a wife..."

  Blushing and lowering her head, “...it's also a blessing for a daughter-in-law!”

  This shameless remark won the great princess's high praise, and she rewarded her with a pair of sheep fat jade hairpins on the spot, saying to those around her: "My son has such a good wife, what more can he ask for?"

  "Good for you!" Song Yi smiled with joy, hugging the hairpin tightly - but in her heart, she thought that when she turned back, Jian Yu would know the reason why she got this pair of hairpins, and what kind of expression would he have?

  Just thinking about it makes me feel good!

  The Empress Dowager finished rewarding her and didn't delay, ordering people to prepare the imperial carriage to enter the palace and pay respects to the Empress Dowager.

  This time, Song Yixiao also enjoyed the treatment of Pei Youdui before, and arrived at Qingxi Hall without any obstacles. The Empress Dowager was delighted to see her daughter and granddaughter-in-law: "Just now, the Empress led the consorts to pay their respects, and mentioned you!"

  "What did they say?" Duke Jing's eldest princess sat under the empress dowager, took over the tea handed by the palace staff, lifted the lid and smiled, "Is it about my relative having a new daughter?"

  The empress glanced at her and smiled: "Has the King of Hengshan added another child? I didn't know that - but it's also related to Princess Wei, isn't Guanlun that child older than Ahxu's daughter-in-law?"

  Song Yi smiled awkwardly and hastily said: "In response to the Empress Dowager's words, Lu San Gongzi is indeed superior to me!"

  She didn't say much after a few years, after all, Lu Guanlun had no blood relation or name with her, and it wasn't a good thing for a woman to be so clear about a man's age.

  "At this age, children are basically brought up in relation to marriage." The Princess of Jin State heard and asked, "Empress Dowager, am I right?"

  "The Hengshan Wangfu has raised such an intelligent and clever child, it's a testament to the upbringing and character of the Wangfu." The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "In recent days, there have been many families who want to marry their daughter off to Guanlun, as numerous as fish in the river. But now, even the Hengshan Wang Taifei can't hold on! Two days ago, she came to the palace and asked me to help her make a decision. However, I've been unwell for the past two years, and previously, it was Qingjiang who helped with the selection of consorts for the Wei King and the Liang King. Which one could help her? Just now, the Empress and the others came over and discussed it."

  Song Yi Xiao's ears perked up when she heard that it was indeed Lu Guan Lun's marriage: firstly, Lu Guan Lun had always been kind to her, and she sincerely hoped that this Master Lu would have a happy and fulfilling marriage; secondly, this matter involved the struggle for the position of Crown Prince in the Hengshan Wang Fu, and although Song Yi Xiao did not want to help her younger brother contend for the position, she also hoped that Lu Guan Lun would marry a virtuous wife, so that in the future, brothers would be harmonious and sisters-in-law would be friendly, and her half-brothers and half-sisters could grow up in a good environment.

  It was just then that the Empress Dowager wanted to tell Princess of Jin more details, when a palace maid came in to report: "Gongye Jian is outside the palace gate, and has sent someone to pass on a message saying that Song Nainai must go immediately, as there is something urgent!"

  Everyone in Qingxi Hall was stunned by the words, and Empress Dowager asked in surprise: "What important matter?"

  The eunuch's voice was not loud, but his words made the hall fall silent instantly: "I heard that a young lady from the Siku family has passed away!"