Chapter 114: Deceived by That Old Lady Song Ci

There is a reason why people say exercise is necessary. Take Song Ci, for instance. When she first arrived in this world, she had to stop and catch her breath after walking just a few steps. But after a month of practicing Tai Chi?

Look at her now—she was practically rushing along while supporting Lady Fan, and her legs didn’t even tremble.

Lady Fan desperately wanted to shake off Song Ci’s hand. Good heavens, this little old lady walked so fast that she nearly tripped over her own skirt.

Glancing sideways, she saw that Song Ci wasn’t even breathless or flushed. Lady Fan couldn't help but wonder if the woman had been faking her illness all along. Even with the best recovery, how could she be walking as if she were flying without breaking a sweat?

As for herself, she was being dragged along by Song Ci’s pace, her own breathing becoming erratic.

"Sly," she thought. "This little old lady is definitely trying to spite me."

Song Ci, lacking the ability to read minds, had no idea what her companion was thinking. She was walking a bit fast, but her neck was beginning to sag under the weight. It couldn't be helped; the golden crown atop her head was truly heavy. She had to keep her head high, otherwise, would she still be a noble lady?

Upon entering the grand hall, Song Ci looked up. Seated on the throne was a middle-aged woman of regal beauty, adorned in a phoenix crown and robes. This was the mother of the nation, Empress Gongsun Jing.

Song Ci took a quiet breath, recalling the memories and the intensive etiquette training she had received from Nanny Gong, and bowed tremulously before Empress Gongsun.

"This subject pays her respects to Your Majesty. May you be blessed with longevity and peace."

"Please, both of you, rise. Biluo, bring seats," the Empress said with a gentle smile, raising her hand.

Song Ci stood up with Nanny Gong’s assistance and sat on the cushioned chair brought by the maidservant. She straightened her back and looked at the Empress.

The Empress sat perfectly upright, her phoenix robes without a single wrinkle—one could only imagine how long they had been pressed. Her hands rested flat on her lap. Her oval face, while not strikingly beautiful, possessed a dignified and gracious air.

She had the true bearing of an Empress.

Song Ci secretly mused that this was exactly how a mother of the nation should look. She didn't need to be a great beauty, but she had to have that grand, elegant presence—much like the first ladies of the modern era.

While Song Ci was busy assessing her, Lady Fan had already begun exchanging pleasantries with the Empress.

"Lady Song, you have only just recovered. Are you tired?" Empress Gongsun asked, looking toward her with a smile.

Song Ci pulled herself back to the present and laughed. "This subject is not tired at all. It is simply that I have not been able to pay my respects to Your Majesty for some time. Now that I see you, your radiance surpasses even the past, and I found myself quite dazzled for a moment."

Empress Gongsun was slightly surprised; Lady Song had actually learned to offer compliments.

Lady Fan flicked her fingers, thinking to herself, *What a sycophant.*

"The Empress Dowager has been keeping you in her thoughts, Lady Song. Hearing that you have recovered, she issued an imperial decree for you to come and speak with her. I imagine she will send someone to fetch you shortly," the Empress said with a smile.

Song Ci hurriedly stood up and bowed toward the direction of the Cining Palace. "I am humbled by the Empress Dowager’s concern. It is my fault for being remiss, and I shall certainly go to offer my apologies to her presently."

Empress Gongsun: "..."
Lady Fan: "..."

Who said Song Ci was a crude, unrefined woman from the countryside? Look at this political savvy—they had all been deceived by this little old lady.

"Your Majesty, Nanny Lianqiao from the Cining Palace has arrived under the Empress Dowager’s orders to escort Lady Song to see her, and she says you and the other noble ladies may take your time arriving," a maidservant reported respectfully as she hurried in.

Empress Gongsun quickly ordered them to invite Lianqiao in. She wouldn't dare slight the Empress Dowager’s most capable confidante.

Lianqiao entered, performed a bow, and relayed the Empress Dowager’s message. Song Ci realized that the Empress Dowager still held some affection for her and was intentionally giving her face.

Lady Fan felt a surge of bitterness. They were both first-rank noble ladies and mothers of high-ranking officials, yet the Empress Dowager favored only her.