Song Jinyu had just entered the Song Mansion when Lady Xiang rushed over to see her. "Yu'er, you're finally back!" Lady Xiang took her hand affectionately. She truly missed this younger sister - in - law.
This scene was an eyesore to Lady Xiang's sisters. Their elder sister had never been close to them when she was still in the Xiang family, but she was so close to her younger sister - in - law. Xiang Jinglan gave Lady Xiang a disgruntled look. "Humph..." She's just currying favor!
"Who are these two?" Lady Xiang was so happy that she forgot to introduce her younger sisters from the Xiang family to Song Jinyu. After the formal greetings, the three of them were officially acquainted.
The Xiang sisters sized up Song Jinyu. Her clothes were not particularly grand, but her face was truly enviable. Although she was still young, as she grew up, she shed her childishness and gained the charm of a young girl.
"Two elder sisters, since you're here in the Song Mansion, stay for a few more days." Although Song Jinyu didn't like their looks, she still gave Lady Xiang face. As long as they didn't go too far, she didn't mind the Song Mansion taking care of them.
However, when Song Chuyu entered the mansion, Xiang Jinglan's eyes were fixed on him all the time. Even Lady Xiang noticed this, not to mention Song Jinyu.
She looked at her brother thoughtfully, then at Xiang Jinglan.
After the two concubine - born sisters of Lady Xiang left the mansion, Song Chuyu said, "You came back without even saying a word."
"Brother, Master let me come back to see Sister - in - law."
"Sister - in - law, are these two elder sisters your full - blooded younger sisters?"
At the mention of them, Lady Xiang frowned. In the past few days, she had also noticed that whenever Song Chuyu came back, Xiang Jinglan and her sister would surely come over for dinner. During the meal, Xiang Jinglan always stole glances at Song Chuyu.
"Of course not. Father asked them to come and keep me company. They are the daughters of a concubine in the family."
"Judging from their ages, they're not young. Are they betrothed?"
Lady Xiang sighed. "Father hopes that I can find well - to - do families for them in Liuzhou City. But I..."
She was about to give birth. How could she be bothered with her sisters' marriages!
Song Jinyu frowned and said, "Sister - in - law, just focus on your pregnancy. Leave the rest to me."
She hoped that these two sisters wouldn't be like Song Wangqiu. Thinking of this, her eyes turned cold.
Song Chuyu had already heard the news that the side concubine of Prince Yu had come to Liuzhou City. He looked at Song Jinyu meaningfully. He remembered what Prince Yu had said, "Let me explain this to her."
But...
Before Prince Yu came to visit, Rong Qing'er showed up.
When the gatekeeper informed Song Jinyu, she was completely confused. "The young lady of the Rongguo Duke's Mansion?"
Rong Qing'er sized up Song Jinyu. This so - called future Princess Yu of Prince Yu had only received the imperial edict of betrothal by saving Princess Heyi's life. She couldn't help but feel disdainful. However, she had a purpose for coming today.
"Miss Rong, a pleasure to meet you..."
Not knowing why Rong Qing'er had come to visit, Song Jinyu had to treat her well. After all, the official position and title of Rong Qing'er's father were much higher than her own father's. It was only reasonable to treat her well.
Rong Qing'er walked up to Song Jinyu affectionately and sat down on the couch next to her. "Sister, don't be surprised."
"Sister?" Song Jinyu couldn't help but find it funny. This Rong Qing'er must be over seventeen years old, right? She saw through it but didn't say it out loud. She shook her head helplessly and sat there, allowing Rong Qing'er to hold her hand and chatter on.
"Sister, in the future, I will serve His Highness Prince Yu with you. So I came to visit you today. When we enter the mansion together in the future, please take care of me."
What was she talking about? Song Jinyu didn't understand. Enter the mansion together? Two women serving one husband? She had just returned to the Song Mansion and hadn't had a chance to get any news.
When did Zhongli Mingye get a side concubine? There weren't even any concubines in his mansion in the capital city.
Had he hidden her?
Song Jinyu was a bit confused. Good for you, Zhongli Mingye. It had only been a short time since I left Liuzhou, and you already have a side concubine!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, and her eyes gradually dimmed.
Did Rong Qing'er come here just to provoke her?
She pulled her hand out of Rong Qing'er's. "Miss Rong, I'm a few years younger than you, so don't call me sister anymore."
"Also, did you come here on the prince's orders?" If Zhongli Mingye really sent her here, he was dead!
Rong Qing'er's smile froze. "The prince knows about this... Qing'er was just afraid that he would worry."
Oh, listen to that! Afraid that he would worry! Hmph... Song Jinyu was very angry. What was all this?
"Miss Rong, would you like to have lunch in the Song Mansion?" Seeing that it was already noon, Song Jinyu listened impatiently to Rong Qing'er's story about how she had met and fallen in love with Prince Yu, and even about their meeting on the Qixi Festival when he returned to the capital a few days ago.
The more she listened, the more annoyed she became. "Then I'll have to trouble Miss Song."
As soon as the lunch was served, Rong Qing'er covered her nose with a handkerchief and said, "In our Rongguo Duke's Mansion, we usually have eighteen main dishes and fourteen side dishes for lunch."
Song Jinyu put down her chopsticks and looked at Rong Qing'er with great interest, indicating for her to continue. Niaoniao was so angry that she couldn't help it, but Song Jinyu gave her a look and stopped her.
"However, Miss Song's place is a bit simple. Once you marry into the prince's mansion, you'll surely enjoy endless wealth and honor."
"Oh..."
Song Jinyu suddenly stopped and couldn't bear it anymore. "The Rongguo Duke's Mansion has so many rules. Don't they have the rule of not talking during meals?"
Rong Qing'er was taken aback by her words and blushed immediately. She didn't know what to say.
Zhongli Mingye, who was busy in Prince Yu's Mansion, heard that Rong Qing'er had gone to the Song Mansion. He immediately felt something was wrong and rushed over, leaving his work behind in a hurry.
When he arrived, the two women had already finished their lunch and seemed to be chatting happily. When Rong Qing'er saw Prince Yu, she was so excited that she even forgot to pay her respects.
Ironically, after being in Liuzhou City for many days, this was the first time she saw Prince Yu, and it was at the future princess's mansion.
But before she could say anything, Zhongli Mingye's next words made Rong Qing'er's mood hit rock bottom.
"Qingfeng, send Miss Rong back to the inn. She is not allowed to go out without permission."
Was he putting her under house arrest? Rong Qing'er stared wide - eyed in disbelief, while Song Jinyu on the high seat watched this scene coldly.
"Miss Rong, please..."
Since Prince Yu entered the mansion, he hadn't even given Rong Qing'er a single look. She had to leave the Song Mansion reluctantly. She had originally wanted to complain to Prince Yu about her grievances, but he didn't even give her a chance.
For a long time, Song Jinyu refused to speak, and Zhongli Mingye didn't know where to start.
When he wanted to explain the whole thing to Song Jinyu, before he could even open his mouth, he heard the young girl say sarcastically, "Your Highness Prince Yu..."
"Please keep your woman in check!"
"I'm going to take care of my sister - in - law. Don't bother to see me off!"