Chapter 46

Princess Jingyu rarely leaves the palace; she had originally intended to go to Song Manor for a banquet.

Translation: "Princess Jingyu rarely leaves the palace; she originally intended to go to Song Manor for a banquet."

rarely leaves the palace; she originally intended to go to Song Manor for a banquet.

Song Xizhi invited Princess Jingyu.

Translation: "Song Xizhi invited Princess Jingyu."

But upon hearing that Shen Shuangning was at the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation, the princess's entourage turned and headed to Pei Manor.

Translation: "But upon hearing that Shen Shuangning was at the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation, the princess's entourage turned and headed for Pei Manor."

the princess's entourage turned and came to Pei Manor.

At that moment, Song Xizhi was still waiting at the gate of Song Manor to welcome the princess, but at the end of the street, the princess's entourage had not yet appeared.

Translation: "At this time, Song Xizhi was still waiting at the gate of Song Manor to welcome the princess, but at the end of the street there was still no sign of the princess's entourage."

at the end of the street, the princess's entourage was still not seen.

"Wasn't it said the princess had already left the palace? By my reckoning, she should have arrived by now." The maid Zisu beside Song Xizhi looked doubtful and muttered softly.

Translation: "\"Wasn't it said the princess had already left the palace? By the time, she should have arrived. \" The maid Zisu beside Song Xizhi looked doubtful and muttered softly."

the maid Zisu beside Song Xizhi

Song Xizhi stood at the gate, her expression showing no impatience; she only turned her head and whispered: "Send someone to inquire ahead to see if something has delayed her."

Translation: "Song Xizhi stood at the gate, her expression showing no impatience, and she only turned her head to whisper: \"Send someone to inquire ahead to see if something has delayed her. \""

her expression showing no impatience; she only turned her head to whisper

She never would have imagined the princess actually went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation; after all, the princess and she were on good terms.

Translation: "She would never have imagined the princess actually went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation, after all, the princess and she were on good terms."

She would never have imagined the princess actually went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation; after all, the princess and she were on good terms.

Those coming to Song Manor for the banquet were endless, all dignitaries and nobles; every guest passing by Song Xizhi, regardless of rank, she would greet with a warm, gentle smile, never neglecting anyone.

Translation: "Those coming to Song Manor for the banquet were endless, all dignitaries and nobles; every guest passing by Song Xizhi, regardless of rank, she would greet with a warm, gentle smile, never neglecting anyone."

Those coming to Song Manor for the banquet were endless; all dignitaries and nobles; every guest passing by Song Xizhi, regardless of rank, she would greet with a warm, gentle smile, never neglecting anyone.

The Song family was at its peak; as the eldest legitimate daughter of Song Manor, Song Xizhi naturally attracted much attention.

Translation: "The Song family was at its peak; as the eldest legitimate daughter of Song Manor, Song Xizhi naturally attracted much attention."

The Song family was at its peak; as the eldest legitimate daughter of Song Manor; Song Xizhi naturally attracted much attention.

Those who had heard that the engagement between the Yan Prince's Manor and Song Manor had fallen through were restless, eager to see whether the Yan Prince's Manor would come to the banquet today.

Translation: "Those who had heard that the engagement between the Yan Prince's Manor and Song Manor had fallen through were restless, eager to see whether the Yan Prince's Manor would come to the banquet today."

Those who had heard that the engagement between the Yan Prince's Manor and Song Manor had fallen through; many were restless; eager to see whether the Yan Prince's Manor would come to the banquet today.

At that moment, two canopy-covered carriages slowly came from the end of the street.

Translation: "At that moment, two canopy-covered carriages slowly came from the end of the street."

two canopy-covered carriages; slowly came from the end of the street.

Zisu rejoiced and exclaimed happily: "It's the carriage of the Yan Prince's Manor!"

Translation: "Zisu rejoiced and exclaimed happily: \"It's the carriage from the Yan Prince's Manor! \""

The guests at the gate of Song Manor stopped to look; the carriage made of golden-thread nanmu wood was indeed from the Yan Prince's Manor.

Translation: "The guests at the gate of Song Manor stopped to look; the carriage made of golden-thread nanmu wood was indeed from the Yan Prince's Manor."

The guests at the gate of Song Manor stopped to look; the carriage made of golden-thread nanmu wood was indeed from the Yan Prince's Manor.

Everyone had different thoughts; those who had planned to discuss marriage with Song Manor couldn't help but feel regret.

Translation: "Everyone had different thoughts; those who had planned to discuss marriage with Song Manor couldn't help but feel regret."

Everyone had different thoughts; those who had planned to discuss marriage with Song Manor couldn't help but feel regret.

It seems the rumors cannot be fully trusted; the Yan Prince's Manor and Song Manor have not fallen out.

Translation: "It seems the rumors cannot be fully trusted; the Yan Prince's Manor and Song Manor have not fallen out."

It seems the rumors cannot be fully trusted; the Yan Prince's Manor and Song Manor have not fallen out.

However, the only person from the Yan Prince's Manor who came was Xiao Jingyuan, along with an aide who often accompanied him.

Translation: "However, the only person from the Yan Prince's Manor who came was Xiao Jingyuan, along with an aide who often accompanied him."

However, the only person from the Yan Prince's Manor who came was Xiao Jingyuan, along with an aide who often accompanied him.

Song Xizhi immediately lifted her skirt and went forward, her face bright with a smile: "Heir, you've come."

Translation: "Song Xizhi immediately lifted her skirt and went forward, her face bright with a smile: \"Heir, you've come. \""

Song Xizhi immediately lifted her skirt and went forward; her face bright with a smile; Heir, you've come.

Xiao Jingyuan bent to alight from the carriage, wearing a dark robe with subtle patterns; his presence was imposing, and when he lifted his gaze and scanned, those who met his eyes inexplicably felt fear and unconsciously looked away.

Translation: "Xiao Jingyuan bent to alight from the carriage, wearing a dark robe with subtle patterns, his presence imposing; when he lifted his gaze and scanned, those who met his eyes inexplicably felt fear and unconsciously looked away."

wearing a dark robe with subtle patterns; his presence imposing; when he lifted his gaze and scanned, those who met his eyes inexplicably felt fear and unconsciously looked away.

No one dared to step forward to greet him; they all hurried into Song Manor.

Translation: "No one dared to step forward to greet him; they all hurried into Song Manor."

No one dared to step forward to greet him; they all hurried into Song Manor.

Xiao Jingyuan glanced at the woman before him, nodded in return, and said nothing more.

Translation: "Xiao Jingyuan glanced at the woman before him, nodded in return, and said nothing more."

the woman before him

Su Chen beside them cupped his hands to Song Xizhi: "Miss Song."

Translation: "Su Chen beside them cupped his hands to Song Xizhi: \"Miss Song. \""

Su Chen beside them cupped his hands to Song Xizhi; Miss Song.

Song Xizhi smiled and replied: "Master Su." She then turned her gaze to the carriage behind them.

Translation: "Song Xizhi smiled and replied: \"Master Su. \" She then turned her gaze to the carriage behind them."

Song Xizhi smiled and replied: "Master Su."; She then turned her gaze to the carriage behind them.

The Yan Princess Consort did not come to Song Manor; she went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation.

Translation: "The Yan Princess Consort did not come to Song Manor; she went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation."

The Yan Princess Consort did not come to Song Manor; she went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation.

Song Xizhi felt a little disappointed; she stood before Xiao Jingyuan and carefully asked: "Is the princess consort still angry with me?"

Translation: "Song Xizhi felt a little disappointed; she stood before Xiao Jingyuan and carefully asked: \"Is the princess consort still angry with me? \""

Song Xizhi felt a little disappointed; she stood before Xiao Jingyuan and carefully asked; Is the princess consort still angry with me?

The Yan Princess Consort is haughty; upon receiving the invitation from Song Manor, she tossed it aside and said: "If Song Zhang doesn't come in person to explain, I will never set foot in Song Manor!"

Translation: "The Yan Princess Consort is haughty; upon receiving the invitation from Song Manor, she tossed it aside and said: \"If Song Zhang doesn't come in person to explain, I will never set foot in Song Manor! \""

The Yan Princess Consort is haughty; upon receiving the invitation from Song Manor, she tossed it aside; and said: "If Song Zhang doesn't come in person to explain, I will never set foot in Song Manor!"

Xiao Jingyuan then said: "It has nothing to do with you."

Translation: "Xiao Jingyuan then said: \"It has nothing to do with you. \""

Seeing him comfort her, Song Xizhi felt warm inside and showed a gentle smile.

Translation: "Seeing him comfort her, Song Xizhi felt warm inside and showed a gentle smile."

Seeing him comfort her; Song Xizhi felt warm inside; showed a gentle smile.

The princess consort's dissatisfaction with Song Manor, she understands, but she doesn't really mind; it's her grandfather's fault. Once she marries the heir, there will be plenty of time, and the princess consort will still come to like her.

Translation: "The princess consort's dissatisfaction with Song Manor, she understands, but she doesn't really mind; it's her grandfather's fault. Once she marries the heir, there will be plenty of time, and the princess consort will still come to like her."

The princess consort's dissatisfaction with Song Manor, she understands, but she doesn't really mind; it's her grandfather's fault. Once she marries the heir, there will be plenty of time, and the princess consort will still come to like her.

She was about to invite them in.

Translation: "She was about to invite them in."

She was about to invite them in.

At that moment, the servant who had gone to inquire about Princess Jingyu returned, hurrying to the few people, panting as he reported: "Eldest Miss, the princess...... she went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation."

Translation: "At that moment, the servant who had gone to inquire about Princess Jingyu returned, hurrying to the few people, panting as he reported: \"Eldest Miss, the princess...... she went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation. \""

the servant who had gone to inquire about Princess Jingyu; hurrying to the few people; panting as he reported; Eldest Miss; the princess...... she went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation.

When Song Xizhi heard this news, the smile on her face froze, and the fingers hidden in her sleeves tightened a little.

Translation: "When Song Xizhi heard this news, the smile on her face froze, and the fingers hidden in her sleeves tightened a little."

the smile on her face froze; the fingers hidden in her sleeves tightened a little.

Hadn't Princess Jingyu promised she would come to Song Manor?

Translation: "Hadn't Princess Jingyu promised she would come to Song Manor?"

Hadn't Princess Jingyu promised she would come to Song Manor?

Soon, the news that Princess Jingyu had gone to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation for a banquet spread throughout Song Manor.

Translation: "Soon, the news that Princess Jingyu had gone to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation for a banquet spread throughout Song Manor."

the news that Princess Jingyu had gone to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation for a banquet; spread throughout Song Manor.

Everyone was greatly surprised.

Translation: "Everyone was greatly surprised."

One must know that they had only come to Song Manor for the banquet after hearing rumors beforehand, and they had even brought the family's most cherished legitimate daughter and son, all in order to establish a good relationship with the princess.

Translation: "One must know that they had only come to Song Manor for the banquet after hearing rumors beforehand, and they had even brought the family's most cherished legitimate daughter and son, all in order to establish a good relationship with the princess."

One must know that they had only come to Song Manor for the banquet after hearing rumors beforehand; and they had even brought the family's most cherished legitimate daughter and son; all in order to establish a

As it turned out, the princess didn't go to the Song manor at all—she went to the Pei manor instead. What on earth is going on?

Translation: "As it turned out, the princess had not come to Song Manor but gone to Pei Manor—what could this mean?"

As it turned out, the princess had not come to Song Manor but gone to Pei Manor. What could this mean?

"Miss, the Shen family also went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation!" Zisu frowned. "They must have known the princess went there, which is why they eagerly followed."

Translation: "\"Miss, the Shen family also went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation! \" Zisu looked unhappy, saying: \"They must have known the princess went there, which is why they eagerly followed. \""

Miss. The Shen family also went to the Manor of the Duke Who Guards the Nation. Zisu looked unhappy. They must have known the princess went there, which is why they eagerly followed.

Shen Shuangning had previously promised to come, but the Manor of the Duke of Glory declined Song Manor's banquet, and today not a single member of the Shen family showed up.

Translation: "Previously, Shen Shuangning had also promised to come to the appointment, but the Manor of the Duke of Glory declined Song Manor's banquet, and today not a single member of the Shen family came."

Previously, Shen Shuangning had also promised to come to the appointment, but the Manor of the Duke of Glory declined Song Manor's banquet, and today not a single member of the Shen family came.

Song Xizhi frowned slightly, wondering if it was because Shen Shuangning had felt wronged at the Song manor last time, which is why none of them came.

Translation: "Song Xizhi frowned slightly, wondering if it was because Shen Shuangning had felt wronged at Song Manor last time, which is why none of them came."

Song Xizhi frowned slightly, wondering if it was because Shen Shuangning had felt wronged at Song Manor last time, which is why none of them came.

As for the Manor of the Marquis of Eternal Tranquility and the Xie family, Shen Miaoyun and her husband, together with the elderly lady, left the city to visit relatives, and the Zhao family didn't send anyone either.

Translation: "As for the Manor of the Marquis of Eternal Tranquility and the Xie family, Shen Miaoyun and her husband, together with the elderly lady, had left the city to visit relatives, and the Zhao family also had no one come."

As for the Manor of the Marquis of Eternal Tranquility and the Xie family, Shen Miaoyun and her husband, together with the elderly lady, had left the city to visit relatives, and the Zhao family also had no one come.

"Who from the Shen family went?" Song Xizhi asked.

Translation: "\"Who from the Shen family went? \" Song Xizhi asked."

Zisu replied, "The second young master, the fourth miss, and the fifth miss all went."

Translation: "Zisu said: \"The Second Young Master, the Fourth Miss, and the Fifth Miss all went. \""

Song Xizhi asked, "Did none of the elders go?"

Translation: "Song Xizhi asked: \"Did the elders not go? \""

Zisu said, "It seems not."

Translation: "Zisu replied: \"It seems not. \""

Song Xizhi's expression eased a little.

Translation: "Song Xizhi's expression eased a little."

She stood under the corridor outside the flower hall, watching the noblewomen at the banquet, her face devoid of any smile.

Translation: "She stood under the corridor outside the flower hall, looking at the noblewomen at the banquet, her face devoid of any smile."

She stood under the corridor outside the flower hall, looking at the noblewomen at the banquet, her face devoid of any smile.

All that could be seen was Grand Secretary Song robed in purple with a jade belt, surrounded by people as he approached.

Translation: "Only see Grand Secretary Song robed in purple with a jade belt, surrounded by people as he approached."

Only see Grand Secretary Song robed in purple with a jade belt, surrounded by people as he approached.

"Grand Secretary Song, a pillar of the state, is the fortune of Great Liang!"

Translation: "\"Grand Secretary Song, a pillar of the state, is the fortune of Great Liang! \""

Grand Secretary Song, a pillar of the state, is the fortune of Great Liang!

No one knew who had offered that compliment, but the hall erupted in agreement, and Grand Secretary Song stroked his beard and smiled, very pleased.

Translation: "No one knows who offered that compliment, but the hall immediately erupted in agreement, and Grand Secretary Song stroked his beard and smiled, very pleased."

No one knows who offered that compliment; the hall immediately erupted in agreement, and Grand Secretary Song stroked his beard and smiled, very pleased.

Now is the best time to go to grandfather's study...

Translation: "Now is the best time to go to grandfather's study......"

Now is the best time to go to grandfather's study...

Grand Secretary Song caught sight of Heir Xiao not far away and smiled proudly.

Translation: "Grand Secretary Song caught sight of Heir Xiao not far away and smiled proudly."

Grand Secretary Song caught sight of Heir Xiao not far away and smiled proudly.

What lofty heir of the Yan Prince's Manor—surely he didn't come to the Song house just to condescend for his granddaughter?

Translation: "What lofty heir of the Yan Prince's Manor, still not for his granddaughter deigning to come to the Song family?"

What lofty heir of the Yan Prince's Manor, still not for his granddaughter deigning to come to the Song family?

After Xiao Jingyuan took the evidence of Grand Secretary Song's corruption from Song Xizhi's hand, he prepared to leave.

Translation: "After Xiao Jingyuan took the evidence of Grand Secretary Song's corruption from Song Xizhi's hand, he prepared to leave."

After Xiao Jingyuan took the evidence of Grand Secretary Song's corruption from Song Xizhi's hand, he prepared to leave.

Song Xizhi hurriedly called out to stop him.

Translation: "Song Xizhi hurriedly called out to stop him."

"Heir, you previously promised me—does it still count?"

Translation: "\"Heir, you previously promised me—does it still count? \""

"Heir, you previously promised me—does it still count?"

Xiao Jingyuan didn't know whether Song Xizhi was aware that her grandfather had colluded with the Holy Heaven Sect, but for her to preserve the Song family by undertaking such a righteous act over family is truly admirable.

Translation: "Xiao Jingyuan did not know whether Song Xizhi was aware that her grandfather colluded with the Holy Heaven Sect, but for her to preserve the Song family, undertaking such an act of righteousness over family is truly admirable."

Xiao Jingyuan did not know whether Song Xizhi was aware that her grandfather colluded with the Holy Heaven Sect, but for her to preserve the Song family, undertaking such an act of righteousness over family is truly admirable.

Xiao Jingyuan halted his steps, turned back, and said, "The crimes Grand Secretary Song has committed go far beyond this; you should have made plans early."

Translation: "Xiao Jingyuan halted his steps, turned back, and said: \"The crimes Grand Secretary Song has committed go far beyond this; you should have made plans early. \""

Xiao Jingyuan halted his steps, turned back, and said, "The crimes Grand Secretary Song has committed go far beyond this; you should have made plans early."

"What, what?" Song Xizhi's face turned pale, and her hands hanging at her sides unconsciously clenched the hem of her skirt.

Translation: "\"What, what? \" Song Xizhi's face turned pale, and her hands hanging at her sides unconsciously clenched the hem of her skirt."

"What, what?" Song Xizhi's face turned pale, her hands hanging at her sides unconsciously clenched the hem of her skirt.

"What, what?" Song Xizhi's face turned pale, the hands hanging at her sides unconsciously clenched the hem of her skirt.

"Did grandfather also do something more serious?"

Xiao Jingyuan stared at her face; after a moment, he confirmed that the other party knew only that Song Zhang was corrupt.

Xiao Jingyuan pondered for a while, then still offered her a few words of advice.

"I previously promised you that I would not implicate the other innocent people of the Song mansion; it was because I did not know then that the Song Grand Secretary had also done even more unforgivable things, and your grandfather's crime is the death penalty of implicating nine clans, which I alone cannot change the imperial will."

The death penalty of implicating nine clans?!

Song Xizhi's pupils shrank sharply, and she felt somewhat unsteady, as if about to collapse.

She had a vague suspicion in her heart, so she asked, "Could it be... related to the rebel faction?"

Xiao Jingyuan said nothing, yet it seemed as if he had said everything.

The color finally drained from her pale lips; Song Xizhi felt as if all her strength had been sucked out, leaving her unable to stand, fortunately Zisu, with sharp eyes and quick hands, held her up.

In her previous life, the Song mansion suffered a great calamity; she only knew that her grandfather had made a grave mistake, but she did not know exactly what it was.

After being reborn in this life, in order to avoid the Song family repeating its mistakes, she devoted much thought to investigating, and only then did she discover that her grandfather had colluded with the Salt Transport Commissioner, embezzling a huge amount, enough to destroy the Song family.

But she never expected that it also involved the Holy Heaven Sect!

How could her grandfather have done such a terrible thing?

"No, it won't be..." the woman's tears streamed down, her scarlet eyes gazing at Xiao Jingyuan as she sobbed, "My grandfather would never do such a thing; he must have been framed!"

Xiao Jingyuan glanced over the Song mansion and said, "For your sake, I will not move against the Song mansion today, let you enjoy the last bit of revelry..."

His gaze finally fell on the woman's bloodless pale face, and he said, "Tomorrow, the Office of Pacification will arrive as promised; keep your grandfather company."

Song Xizhi hurriedly grabbed the man's hand, weeping and pleading, "Your Highness, please, for the sake of our past affection, save the Song family."

Who would have thought Xiao Jingyuan slowly withdrew his hand, coldly saying, "I cannot save them."

Su Chen already knew that Yuan Zhenfeng's grisly death was related to Song Zhang; given Xiao Jingyuan's temperament, not immediately killing Song Zhang to avenge was already giving Song Xizhi face—how could he then help to save a life?

Even Su Chen felt somewhat reluctant; he patiently said, "Miss Song, this is not a dead end; persuade your grandfather to confess honestly, and perhaps his guilt could be lessened."

Song Xizhi looked at the man before her, her voice trembling, "....... Your Highness, would you still be willing to marry me, the daughter of a guilty official?"

Xiao Jingyuan raised his hand to wipe her tears, his movement gentle.

Hope rose in Song Xizhi's eyes.

"Miss Song, I cannot marry you."

After leaving the Song mansion, the two drove to the Zhen Guo Gong mansion, as the Yan Wangfei had specially instructed, they must go.

At that moment, the Zhen Guo Gong mansion was filled with a harmonious and congenial atmosphere.

In the courtyard, the sun slanted past the west corridor.

Nowadays, everyone considers pitch-pot a refined pastime; those who excel at it at banquets are often praised.

Shen Shuangning has always had a talent for pitch-pot; saying she hits nine out of ten throws is no exaggeration, and because her aim is good, she wanted to try learning archery.

In the state of Liang, a noble lady only needs to study rites, music, and writing; some official families may let their legitimate daughters learn an additional skill such as mathematics, but archery need not be studied.

Thus Shen Shuangning knows nothing about archery.

She hopes that in this life she can acquire more self-defense abilities.

However, Xie Lin is absent, the elder brother is often so busy that his shadow is hardly seen, and Shen Er's archery is nothing to write home about, so Shen Shuangning can only temporarily set this aside.

Princess Jingyu has loved playing pitch-pot since childhood, though she lacks talent; seeing Shen Shuangning play well, her two round eyes looked at her with great admiration.

"Ning elder sister, can you teach me?"

Shen Shuangning had actually not been serious just now, merely playing casually; but after seeing the admiration in Princess Jingyu's eyes, she felt regret, wishing she had pretended not to know how.

"Ning elder sister, I want to be as capable as you," Princess Jingyu said sincerely.

"Actually, there isn't really any special technique," Shen Shuangning said after a moment's thought, "Stabilize the body, correct the mind, fix the gaze and mouth."

"Steady the body, correct the mind, fix the gaze and mouth?" Princess Jingyu seemed to half-understand.

Shen Shuangning had no choice but to teach her hands-on.

Thus Princess Jingyu tried using her technique to play pitch-pot, gradually finding the feel; previously, with six arrows she could hit at most two, and that was only when she performed at her best, but now, with Ning elder sister's guidance, she actually managed to hit four!

Although she only hit the mouth of the pot, it was a great improvement.

Princess Jingyu could not help but feel excited, then looked toward Shen Shuangning with an expectant face, like a student awaiting praise from a teacher.

Shen Shuangning then praised, "The princess is very clever; she grasps things instantly, and with more practice she will surely hit all."

Princess Jingyu felt embarrassed by the praise, her cheeks red as apples.

The young ladies saw that the princess only got close to Shen Shuangning, while they had no chance to even speak to her, and they felt resentful.

They increasingly felt that this Fourth Miss Shen was scheming; how could a girl be so skilled at pitch-pot? Surely she had been secretly practicing hard to win the princess's favor.

"Princess, let me give it a try."

The Miss Chen smiled and walked to the princess's side, saying, "I also play pitch-pot at home usually."

Princess Jingyu feels favorably toward anyone who shares her hobby, "Really? Then let me see—are you more skilled, or Fourth Miss Shen more skilled?"

Having said that, she gestured for the maid to hand her the arrows.

After finally obtaining the chance to perform, Chen Qianqian was very excited; she slightly lifted her chin, gave Shen Shuangning a provocative glance, and felt a strong competitive spirit.

Just now Shen Shuangning had only hit five arrows, all in the pot's mouth; one must know that to be truly skilled in pitch-pot one must hit the pot's ears.

She had trained hard at pitch-pot, refusing to believe she could not surpass Shen Shuangning!