The Empress Dowager's overbearing demeanor left others hesitant to speak further.
Moreover, it was true that Song Chaoyu's seat was empty today, though all the noble ladies were supposed to be present to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.
Even with their myriad of doubts, they found themselves unable to ask any questions.
The Empress Dowager, taking Shui Yunyan's hand, smiled and addressed the assembled ladies, "Although Yan'er comes from a merchant family and is not comparable to ladies from other noble houses, I am sure you have all heard of her reputation. I believe she and Prince Chang are a perfect match. I will be relying on all of you to look after her in the capital!"
As the Empress Dowager spoke, a young eunuch suddenly announced from outside the hall, "The Princess Consort of Chang has arrived—"
Everyone looked up in surprise at the Empress Dowager and Shui Yunyan.
Some even whispered, "Didn't they say the Princess Consort had left? Yet here she is! She's a bit late, but her timing is quite opportune!"
"Indeed, what is going on with the Empress Dowager?"
Someone spoke up in defense of Song Chaoyu, "Princess Consort Chang is perfectly fine. Her only perceived flaw is her background, but Prince Chang doesn't mind. Why is the Empress Dowager interfering? And they even have a young heir now, how could the Princess Consort of Chang possibly leave?"
The Empress Dowager and Shui Yunyan's expressions changed drastically!
With a "bang," Shui Yunyan even knocked over the teacup she was about to present to the Empress Dowager, drawing everyone's attention.
The Empress Dowager coughed softly and shook her head at Shui Yunyan, who then seemed to snap back to reality and quickly knelt before the Empress Dowager, "This humble one deserves death for disturbing Your Majesty."
"Rise!"
The Empress Dowager said in a low voice, "The one who disturbed me is likely not you."
The many noble ladies in the hall were unaware of what had transpired, and at that moment, Song Chaoyu slowly entered from outside.
Today, she wore a proper court robe adorned with cloud patterns and cranes, and her hair was styled with a more dignified headdress of pearls and green agate.
This attire made her appear more dignified and composed, yet not overly mature.
Many in the hall had noticed this over the past two years.
While Song Chaoyu was not the type of woman who would immediately stun with her beauty, her demeanor and presence possessed a grace that other ladies in the capital lacked.
Especially the calm elegance she exuded, unfazed by any situation, which other ladies in the capital could not even imitate.
She entered the hall with graceful steps and knelt respectfully before the Empress Dowager, "Your humble servant, Song Shi, Princess Consort of Chang, congratulates Your Majesty on moving into the new palace. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness for my late arrival, as I was too tired yesterday. I hope Your Majesty will forgive my laziness for arriving so late to pay my respects!"
Even her voice was bold and confident, showing none of the timidity often found in women of concubine birth.
In fact, over the past two years, most people in the capital had long forgotten that Song Chaoyu was of concubine birth.
The Empress Dowager's eyes grew cold, her mind filled with confusion.
If Song Chaoyu had indeed appeared before her at this moment, then who was the person who had left the capital today?
However, in front of so many noble ladies, the Empress Dowager could only wave to Song Chaoyu, "Princess Consort of Chang, please rise. I am truly surprised to see you here today."
Song Chaoyu smiled slightly, "It seems I have been too neglectful of Your Majesty, causing you to be surprised. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will visit often to show my filial piety and accompany you, ensuring you never feel I am not attentive or sincere."
The Empress Dowager understood the implication of her words.
Her gaze turned colder, and she could not say much more, only remarking, "Since that is the case, Princess Consort of Chang is thoughtful."
This was a significant loss of face, and it was remarkable that the Empress Dowager could maintain such composure.
But the forthright wife of General Yongjia, seated below, could not remain silent.
She stood up and, seemingly questioning Song Chaoyu, asked, "Princess Consort of Chang, the Empress Dowager said you had left the capital and were abandoning Prince Chang's estate! What is the meaning of this?"
She then specifically glanced at Shui Yunyan, "The Empress Dowager has even chosen a new Princess Consort of Chang, were you aware of this or not?"
"Ah?"
Song Chaoyu looked up in surprise, her gaze turning to the Empress Dowager, "Your Majesty, what is this about? I left the capital? Who told Your Majesty this? It's utterly preposterous!"
Before the Empress Dowager could respond, Song Chaoyu surveyed the room, her voice growing increasingly doubtful as she looked at everyone, "I am perfectly well in the capital, why would I leave?"
She even "explained" on behalf of Mu Changxi, "The Prince and I are also well, and he has not provoked me. I would never abandon the Prince and our two children to leave the capital. Have you all heard of this matter?"
Clearly, this was the Empress Dowager's "ploy."
Seeing Song Chaoyu's demeanor, those who were usually on good terms with her breathed a sigh of relief and then spoke in unison, "We have not heard of it. It was the Empress Dowager who mentioned it."
The wife of the heir of Duke Ning patted her chest, "You truly startled me! I was thinking, weren't you fine yesterday? How could you be leaving the capital today? Thankfully, this is not true, otherwise, Prince Chang would be heartbroken!"
With everyone's support, Song Chaoyu turned back and looked earnestly at the Empress Dowager, "Your Majesty, what exactly is going on? I have never left the capital, where did this rumor come from?"
Her gaze, now carrying a hint of sharpness, also fell upon Shui Yunyan, "And what about Miss Shui? Why is she about to become the new Princess Consort of Chang? If Your Majesty feels that I, as the Princess Consort of Chang, have done anything improperly, please tell me directly!"
Now standing on firm ground, she was unwilling to back down, "Although I am dull-witted, I am willing to change. After all, if the Princess Consort of Chang is to be replaced, it is a significant matter. And does the Prince know about this? If she feels I have made a mistake, she should tell me directly, why would she inform Your Majesty? Please tell me directly, Your Majesty, so I may understand my mistakes and correct them."
After Song Chaoyu's lengthy speech, the Empress Dowager's face had turned ashen.
However, she could not refute anything and only regretted not having personally seen Song Chaoyu leave the capital!
Given the circumstances, the Empress Dowager realized she had been given a "show of force" by Song Chaoyu.
In fact, when she was the Empress, she and Song Chaoyu had maintained a respectful distance.
Furthermore, due to the former Emperor's suspicion and the current Emperor's good relationship with Mu Changxi, Song Chaoyu had even helped her on several occasions.
The Empress Dowager finally understood that Song Chaoyu was not someone to be trifled with!
She dared not discuss this matter with Mu Changxi!
Thus, she sat on her throne for a long time, unable to utter a single word.
Having gone this far, Song Chaoyu had no intention of stopping.
She then looked up at Shui Yunyan, who was already flustered and at a loss.