Until everyone had left, leaving only Song Chaoyu and her grandmother, the old lady, in the room, the old lady finally put away her smile and sighed, "Look, A'yu has gone out and returned so thin! I've heard about your affairs! I didn't expect Prince Chang to be not as weak as he appears. Are you determined to be the 'early bird' and take the blame for the Crown Prince?"
For such a long time, Song Chaoyu had understood why Mu Changxi chose to step forward at this moment.
In fact, they were not only doing it for the Crown Prince but also for the common people in the court.
Currently, the Emperor was increasingly fond of Prince Ning, Mu Hansu. If the Emperor's attention couldn't be diverted, then Mu Hansu would continue to suppress the Crown Prince.
If the Emperor's eyes were always on the Crown Prince, it would naturally put immense pressure on him.
It would be better for them to step forward and use Prince Chang to divert the Emperor's attention.
They all knew that this favor could be gained, and if the Emperor knew that Mu Changxi was interested in and capable of handling state affairs, it might not necessarily be a good thing.
After all, Mu Changxi had grown up in the Southern Kingdom. The Emperor's previous favor towards him stemmed from the belief that his legs were broken and he had no ability to participate in court affairs, so it was mostly out of guilt.
However, judging by the Emperor's behavior since his return to the capital, although he praised Mu Changxi for doing a good job with disaster relief, he had also clearly become somewhat distant from Mu Changxi, no longer as affectionate.
Even the Song family's old lady had seen these things and sighed repeatedly to Song Chaoyu, "The two side consorts that the Empress Dowager had you bring back to the mansion this time are not easy to deal with, and their intentions are likely ulterior. Have you thought carefully about how to handle them?"
Previously, Mu Changxi had said that he would never allow the two of them to enter the prince's mansion.
At this moment, Song Chaoyu also sighed and honestly shook her head at the old lady, "Your granddaughter hasn't thought it through yet and doesn't know what to do. Does grandmother have any good ideas?"
The old lady understood her meaning: "Is it that you don't want them to enter the mansion, or is it also Prince Chang's intention? You are a generous girl, and I don't think you would want to be a jealous woman. If the Prince hasn't explicitly refused, I would advise you to generously handle the matter of taking a side consort for the Prince. Otherwise, I fear that before they even enter the door, it will affect the relationship between you two, do you understand what I mean?"
Song Chaoyu naturally understood. She took her grandmother's hand and smiled slightly, "Even if the Prince doesn't want them to enter the mansion, that's why I'm so worried. I fear that the Emperor and the Empress Dowager will make things even more difficult for the Prince because of this. Grandmother, I see that the Prince's mind is made up, what should we do now?"
The old Mrs. Song also did not expect Mu Changxi to make such a choice.
Her brow furrowed, "That's understandable. Regardless of the Prince's sincere affection for you, even if people with intentions know the purpose of sending these two to your prince's mansion. Keeping two such informants by his side is not a good thing, and the Prince's choice is normal."
The old lady patted Song Chaoyu's hand, "During these days, I have also thought of a method for you, though it might not be a perfect solution."
In fact, Song Chaoyu also had a method in mind, it just depended on whether their grandmother and granddaughter could think of the same thing!
—
When Song Chaoyu returned to the prince's mansion from the Song mansion, Mu Changxi had also returned.
His eyes were not good, and he seemed somewhat dejected.
Song Chaoyu knew that it was likely because he had failed to "resist" the Emperor regarding the matter of the side consorts.
She stepped forward and gently squeezed Mu Changxi's arm, "I think we can agree to this matter for now."
"What?!"
Mu Changxi felt that he had barely heard what Song Chaoyu was saying.
He frowned and looked at Song Chaoyu, only to find her eyes calm, as if this were not a major issue.
Song Chaoyu didn't notice the change in Mu Changxi's gaze and said, "I went back to my maiden home today, and my grandmother also thought of a method for me. I think we have reached this point, and it's not appropriate to fall out with Father Emperor over two side consorts. So..."
"So you want me to happily welcome them both into the mansion?"
Even though he knew Song Chaoyu definitely had a plan, Mu Changxi inexplicably felt a blockage in his chest.
He even gently pushed Song Chaoyu's hand away from his arm, "Tell me, what do you plan for me to do?"
This time, Song Chaoyu did not fail to sense his displeasure.
She opened her mouth but found that she didn't know how to explain to Mu Changxi.
She wasn't unaware of Mu Changxi's affection for her, and she didn't intend for Mu Changxi to truly accept those two into the mansion, did she?
For some reason, Song Chaoyu felt a sense of grievance.
She put down her hand and called for Qiū Qíng, "You tell your Prince my plan. I will go to the palace now to personally see Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
With that, she turned and left, leaving Mu Changxi alone.
Mu Changxi still felt wronged and looked at Song Chaoyu's departing back with disbelief, saying to Qiū Qíng, "What's wrong with her?"
Qiū Qíng shook her head and sighed, "Why did you provoke the Princess Consort? Today, for your sake, she was closeted with Old Madam Song for a long time discussing matters. Originally, the Princess Consort didn't have to return to the Song family today, and she even endured the anger of that Princess Ning. Now you're giving her a cold shoulder. I can't help you with this matter. You should think carefully about how to appease the Princess Consort."
At this moment, even if Mu Changxi felt regret, it was probably too late!
—
Meanwhile, in the palace, Song Chaoyu, who had just entered the palace, did not expect to encounter Song Yanjiao, who was also entering the palace to pay her respects to the Empress, outside the Empress's hall.
She was dressed in the attire of the Princess of Ning today, specially adorned, making her look warm and gentle.
Upon seeing Song Chaoyu, she couldn't help but mock, "Oh, why are you here too, sister? I've entered the palace many times, and this is the first time I've encountered you proactively paying respects to Her Majesty the Empress! What, are you here again for the matter of those two side consorts? If you ask me, sister, you're too jealous. Prince Chang holds such a noble status, and he merely wants to take two side consorts into his mansion. Why are you so vehemently opposed?"
Her voice was loud, clearly intended for others in the palace to hear, perhaps to make others think she was generous and to constantly remind Song Chaoyu?
Song Chaoyu raised an eyebrow slightly, unwilling to start a conflict with her here, and simply smiled, "I'm ashamed to say. Sister is indeed not as generous as you, with beauties being sent to Prince Ning's side one after another."
Wasn't this hitting Song Yanjiao where it hurt? But Song Yanjiao stood there at this moment, still needing to consider the Empress inside, and dared not argue with Song Chaoyu.