As soon as Song Yihuan stepped into the Pine and Crane Courtyard, her eyes were immediately drawn to Ji Lingchuan, who was sitting on the left side of the Princess of Ning.
The man had a tall and imposing figure. He exuded both the nobility of a prince's heir and the majesty of the commander of the Black Armored Army. Even when he sat there in silence, he was so imposing that one couldn't ignore his presence.
Especially when his gaze turned towards her and their eyes met, locked by his sharp eyes, Song Yihuan almost instinctively held her breath. Her heart sank and beat twice, and she had an illusion of having nowhere to escape.
Fortunately, Ji Lingchuan didn't linger his gaze on her for long. With just a brief glance, he turned his face away. His expression remained as cold and solemn as ever, as if he was determined to ignore her completely.
Song Yihuan's eyes fell on his right shoulder, but she didn't notice anything unusual. Then she turned to Song Nanxin, who was sitting opposite him.
This look surprised Song Yihuan greatly.
Her elder sister was radiant today, with a rosy complexion and bright eyes, completely different from what she had seen a few days ago.
It was as if... she had suddenly undergone a complete transformation.
A hint of suspicion flashed through Song Yihuan's mind. At this moment, Song Nanxin stepped forward and took her hand, smiling, "Yihuan, Xuan'er, you're here. Come and greet the princess."
She looked like a kind and loving elder sister.
But thinking of what Fuling had told her, Song Yihuan now felt that the hand of her elder sister wrapped around her arm was like a venomous snake ready to strike at any moment.
Taking the opportunity of bowing, Song Yihuan quietly slipped out of Song Nanxin's grasp. She curtsied to the Princess of Ning and said,
"Song Yihuan and Song Yixuan of the Marquis of Ding'an's Mansion come to pay respects to the princess."
The cold and aloof voice of the Princess of Ning came from above, "Get up."
The distant tone made Song Yihuan pause for a moment. Coming back to her senses, she replied and then stood up, leading her younger brother. She then paid respects to Ji Lingchuan beside her.
"Greetings to the heir."
Ji Lingchuan was as cold as ever, as if he was a complete stranger to Song Yihuan.
Song Yihuan didn't mind. She knew that he was a man who adhered strictly to etiquette and would never reveal their previous private encounters in front of the Princess of Ning and Song Nanxin.
After the siblings finished paying their respects, the Princess of Ning waved to Song Yixuan with a loving look on her face, "Come here, little Xuan'er."
Song Yixuan had met the Princess of Ning before. He had a very good impression of her and was willing to get close to her. Hearing this, he let go of Song Yihuan's hand and trotted over on his short legs.
He hugged the Princess of Ning's leg affectionately and asked with concern,
"Goddess of Mercy, I haven't seen you for a long time. Are you okay?"
After hearing the rumors in the Marquis's Mansion, the Princess of Ning now felt even more pity for Song Yixuan.
She stroked his face and said, "Oh, my legs and feet haven't been feeling well these days. But when I see your cute face, I'm already much better."
Seeing the two of them getting so close, Song Nanxin was extremely annoyed in her heart.
The rumors in the Marquis's Mansion must have reached the Princess of Ning's ears. Why was the princess still so affectionate towards this short - lived child?
But on the surface, she smiled and said to Song Yixuan,
"Xuan'er, stay with the princess today. Be a good boy and don't cause any trouble for the princess."
Song Yixuan nodded vigorously, "Elder sister, Xuan'er will take good care of the princess."
The Princess of Ning looked up and saw the two sisters, Song Nanxin and Song Yihuan, standing together. Only then did she notice that, if one didn't look at their faces, their figures were almost identical and hard to distinguish.
Especially today, for some reason, Song Nanxin was more beautiful than usual. There was a hint of spring in her eyes and eyebrows, and with her added charm, she and Song Yihuan beside her looked like sisters from the same mother.
The Princess of Ning frowned imperceptibly and said to Song Yihuan,
"Miss Song the Fourth, go to the Duke of Jiang's Mansion for a banquet with your elder sister and brother - in - law today. Take a good look around at the banquet. If you take a fancy to any young master, just tell your elder sister. She will make the decision for you."
Although the words sounded like those of a kind elder, Song Yihuan keenly sensed the change in the Princess of Ning's attitude.
The Princess of Ning had once called her "Yuan girl" for a while, but now she had changed her address. This meant that the princess must have known something, which was why she treated her like this.
Without time to think further, Song Yihuan curtsied and replied, "Yes."
After instructing Song Nanxin and Song Yihuan, the Princess of Ning looked at Ji Lingchuan meaningfully and said,
"There will be a large number of guests at the Duke of Jiang's Mansion's birthday banquet today. In terms of status, you should be the highest - ranking guest. When you get there, pay more attention. You and the princess consort have been married for a short time and haven't had any legitimate children yet. You mustn't be seduced by some flirtatious woman who doesn't know the rules."
It was probably just Song Yihuan's illusion, but when the Princess of Ning said this, she felt that the princess glanced in her direction.
"I don't stop you from taking concubines, but not just anyone can climb into the Prince of Ning's Mansion. Even a concubine should have a clean background and a decent family, and must meet my standards..."
"Mother." Ji Lingchuan interrupted the Princess of Ning. Meeting the princess's slightly dissatisfied gaze, he said, "It's time. We should go."
The Princess of Ning had no choice but to swallow the words she hadn't finished and said, "Go."
His eyes swept over Song Yihuan imperceptibly, and Ji Lingchuan strode out.
Song Nanxin curtsied to the Princess of Ning and then got up to follow.
Song Yihuan stood still on one side. Only after seeing Ji Lingchuan and Song Nanxin leave first did she plan to follow.
Just as she took a step, the voice of the Princess of Ning came from behind,
"Miss Song the Fourth."
Song Yihuan stopped and turned around to look at the Princess of Ning.
Song Yixuan had already been taken away by the princess's servants. The elegant and noble woman was sitting on the seat, smiling at her,
"These days you've been living in the Prince of Ning's Mansion, free from the cold looks and mistreatment of the Marquis of Ding'an's Mansion. I'm sure you've been very comfortable, right?"
"One can't choose one's birth, but one can choose what kind of person to be. No matter what one's character is, knowing how to repay kindness is a principle that everyone should know."
"Miss Song the Fourth is a smart person. I'm sure you understand what can be done and what can't. Don't do anything that will bring shame to the Marquis of Ding'an's Mansion and the Prince of Ning's Mansion."
"How your younger brother fares in the Prince of Ning's Mansion depends entirely on how you handle things. Do you understand?"
The words of the Princess of Ning stirred up waves in Song Yihuan's heart.
The other party must have known about her mother's matter and deliberately left her behind to warn her.
So that was the reason for the change in the Princess of Ning's attitude towards her.
Song Yihuan had long seen through the warmth and coldness of the world. She never expected the Princess of Ning to treat her well. She also knew that a person like the princess, who seemed kind on the surface, was actually very cold - hearted.
Since she never had any expectations in the first place, she wasn't sad.
As long as the Princess of Ning had no prejudice against Song Yixuan, she would be satisfied.
Song Yihuan said, "As long as my younger brother is doing well, that's enough for me. I don't dare to expect anything else. Thank you, princess, for taking care of Xuan'er today. I'll take my leave."
After saying that, she curtsied and then turned around and walked out.