Chapter 113: On the Combat Prowess of the Matriarch

Standing before the gates of the Palace of Kunning, Song Ci gazed at the plaque bearing its name, feeling a fleeting disorientation—her body rooted in ancient times, yet her mind drifting back to that moment years ago when she visited the Forbidden City.

Like Zhuangzi dreaming of a butterfly.

“Madam,” a palace attendant gently held Song Ci’s hand.

Snapping back to reality, Song Ci asked, “Shall we enter now?”

The attendant shook her head. “We must wait for summons first.”

“Oh.”

Voices approached again, and Song Ci turned to see another sedan chair carried by bearers. The occupant’s hair was streaked with white, her face marked by deeper wrinkles than Song Ci’s own, and she too wore the formal first-rank robe.

This was...

“That is the Madam of the Fan Prime Minister’s Mansion,” the attendant whispered.

Ah, the matriarch of her eldest son’s greatest rival.

Hmph, she looked even older than Song Ci. Bearing such a heavy golden crown must be an even greater burden.

Song Ci felt somewhat consoled.

She wasn’t the only one suffering.

“Ah, isn’t this Madam Song? I heard you’ve recovered well,” Madam Fan greeted her even before stepping down from her sedan chair.

Song Ci replied, “Thanks to your kindness, I’m able to stand here and respectfully greet Her Majesty.”

Really now, if the old lady could see her clearly, she wouldn’t be blind. If she hadn’t recovered, how could she stand here unscathed? She wasn’t seeking torment.

Madam Fan was somewhat miffed by the “your kindness” remark—did that imply she was old?

She looked down on Song Ci, despite the first-rank decree robe. To her, Song Ci was still a coarse country woman, washing feet and tending fields, unworthy of comparison—an embarrassment to be associated with.

“I was truly worried when I heard you were unwell. Amitabha, I’m glad you’re better now,” Madam Fan said with feigned concern as she stepped closer. “We’re not young anymore, so you must take care of yourself. Life has been hard, but from now on, you must cherish your health. Honestly, since you’ve just recovered, you could have asked Her Majesty for leave—the Empress is kind and would surely grant it. No need to push yourself.”

Song Ci nearly propped her drooping eyelids with a toothpick to study the old lady more closely. Was this concern or a veiled jab?

Both were madams of first-rank decrees—who was truly nobler?

Ah, so she wanted a battle of wills.

Wearing an expression of deep gratitude, Song Ci stepped forward and took Madam Fan’s hand, feigning emotion. “Sister, you’re over ten years my senior, so I’ll boldly call you sister. What you said truly touched my heart. We’re both old bones with one foot in the grave, so indeed we must take care. I see through it all now—eat when it’s time to eat, drink when it’s time to drink, and avoid meddling in the affairs of the young. What’s better than simply being alive?”

“As for taking leave, well, I just happen to be fully recovered and truly wanted to ask for it. But the Empress Dowager said she missed me, so I couldn’t be too presumptuous. I could only come to respectfully greet Her Majesty. Ah, sister, take care. We must both take care—we’re no longer young.”

Her words were laced with subtle barbs.

Madam Fan was left stung and sour.

Just then, Aunt Bi Luo of the Kunning Palace appeared, smiling warmly. “Her Majesty the Empress requests the two madams to enter for an audience.”

Both were madams of first-rank decree—who would go first?

Madam Fan’s eyes flickered as she prepared to step forward.

Song Ci said, “Sister, you’re older than I am. Let me support you as we walk. After all, I’ve worked long and hard, so my legs are stronger.”

Without waiting for Madam Fan’s reply, she took her hand.

Madam Fan’s face stiffened. “Thank you so much. Calling me sister every other word—who the hell is your sister? And no need to remind me I’m older than you!”

The Ancestress is truly formidable. Please remember to bookmark: The Ancestress is Truly Formidable, The Peerless Tang Sect updates fastest.