Chapter 1481: Chapter 1481: The Longevity Banquet, Schemes Abound

When the autumn leaves were about to fall completely, the Longevity Festival arrived eagerly anticipated by everyone. Song Ci, dressed in full court attire, entered the palace to attend the grand banquet.

However, some familiar faces were absent this year. It was said they couldn’t withstand the summer heat during the disaster and passed away. Meanwhile, some new faces appeared at the palace banquet.

"Dear Madam of my in-laws, how are you?" Madam Guan greeted Song Ci with a smile, then clasped Song Da Madam’s hand and they both gave a curtsey as a form of greeting.

Song Ci smiled and said, "Everyone is well." She glanced behind her and asked, "Why didn’t the sixth girl come?"

"She is already engaged and doesn’t like to go out often. She prefers to stay in her chamber embroidering her dowry. Besides, the palace banquet is tedious and crowded, which she finds bothersome. In the future, she will certainly have opportunities, won’t she?" replied Madam Guan.

Song Ci, understanding the implication, said, "That’s true. In the future, she’ll have to accompany either me or her mother-in-law to the palace."

Song Da Madam was all smiles.

A future daughter-in-law so well-behaved naturally pleased her.

Attending the palace banquet was a rare opportunity for noble ladies, but for some, the palace’s many intrigues made staying quietly at home a less troublesome choice.

As everyone took their seats, more people came over to greet them. Madam Guan saw someone and stood up with a smile to greet them, who then approached Song Ci to offer a curtsey in greeting.

Song Ci recognized her; she was part of the Empress’s family, her actual sister-in-law, now the Lady of the Earl Anle Mansion.

Seeing the two so friendly, Song Ci’s eyes flickered, and Song Da Madam, thinking of certain matters, also had her eyes flash. When her family arrived, she greeted Song Ci and then went over to the Old Madam and Madam of Duke Zhongyong Mansion.

Princess Anping approached and engaged in conversation with Song Ci.

"I’m a bit slow with news. Are Duke Dingguo Mansion and Earl Anle Mansion becoming close, with something good happening?" Song Ci asked quietly.

Princess Anping replied, "It seems Duke Dingguo’s Madam has taken a liking to the second master’s legitimate daughter in Earl Anle Mansion. Their families are in contact, and it looks like something good is near."

So that’s how it was.

"Although it has been a tumultuous autumn this year, there have been quite a few fortunate events as well." Song Ci said meaningfully, "With the Emperor’s Longevity Festival, some people would certainly be quite pleased today."

Princess Anping said, "Your young daughter-in-law is certainly one of them. She found and presented the treasure hidden by the former Crown Prince of the previous dynasty, making the Emperor exceedingly happy, so she will surely be rewarded."

Song Ci modestly said, "We all work for the Emperor."

...

On the other side, Song Da Madam greeted her mother and sister-in-law and asked after their well-being. Before she could say anything more, her sister-in-law remarked sarcastically that she had not supported her own nephew.

Song Da Madam almost couldn’t maintain her smile and, with stiff lips, asked, "What does Sister-in-law mean by this?"

Just as Madam Gu was about to speak, Old Madam Gu gave her a slight warning glance, causing her to fall silent, muttering, "Mother, I’m just speaking up for Zi Ran and his brothers."

"I’m aware of Zi Ran’s marriage. He is the eldest grandson, and his marriage must not be handled carelessly," Old Madam Gu said in a very low voice. "This is not the place for such matters, so be mindful of your words."

Song Da Madam, utterly puzzled, asked, "Mother, what on earth is going on here?"

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