On the day of the Spring Banquet, the Song estate had already emerged from its mourning period. Early that morning, Ming Xiang waited in the courtyard with Song Nian, who was properly dressed and adorned, presenting a fresh and lovely appearance.

Before long, Yang Pianzi also arrived from the third branch, leading Song Zhao and Song Ni.

The three sisters were close in age. Though they wore identical cloud-patterned crabapple crepe gauze jackets and silver point cui flower hairpins, each possessed distinct beauty—like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each beautiful in their own way.

Song Zhao was the eldest of the three. Her temperament was sincere and gentle, her features exuding youthful feminine charm. Song Ni was naturally reserved, her manner carrying an air of cool detachment that appeared dignified and refined.

But Song Nian was the most eye-catching. Despite her young age, when she should have been lively and charming, her every gesture displayed extraordinary propriety and restraint—clearly the exemplar of a noble family’s refined daughter.

Ming Xiang gazed at the three sisters and couldn’t help but smile.

Yang Pianzi knew she had important business today. She had risen early to dress herself in magnificent splendor, adorned with jewels and jade.

“Sister-in-law Fu…”

Yang Pianzi looked at Ming Xiang. This usually domineering woman had surprisingly restrained herself today, asking carefully: “Third Aunt, I have a matter to request. I wonder if you could help me with it today?”

“Please speak, Third Aunt. If Xiang’er can help, I will certainly do my best.”

Yang Pianzi said: “It’s like this—I know Her Majesty the Empress intends to help find suitable matches for the two children, but I was thinking whether you could convey a message to Her Majesty first.”

“I’m currently considering matches for both children and have a few families I’ve taken a liking to. If Her Majesty has someone suitable in mind, could she perhaps consult with me first?”

She knew her words were presumptuous and improper. Yang Pianzi’s expression turned awkward: “You’re close with Her Majesty. Could you ask her for Third Aunt?”

Ming Xiang thought for a moment before agreeing.

She knew Song Wan’s temperament—even without Yang Pianzi’s request, she would certainly select the best families for her younger sisters. After offering a few words of comfort, she let the matter drop.

When they entered the palace, they went to Changle Palace to pay respects to the Empress. As Yang Pianzi knelt before Song Wan, she was respectful and proper in her behavior.

Song Zhao was somewhat surprised—her mother’s demeanor today was truly rare. Song Ni and Song Nian both smiled faintly as they observed.

Who in the estate didn’t know that the third branch’s matriarch was an habitual troublemaker?

Not only was she usually domineering and arrogant in the estate, but when her temper flared, she would throw tantrums regardless of who was present—there was nothing she wouldn’t dare do.

Song Nian glanced at Song Zhao, whose eyes were clear and still held a touch of innocence, and suddenly felt envious.

Even though both elders of the third branch were notorious troublemakers, they had always treated Song Zhao well.

“We are family—there’s no need for such formality.”

Song Wan spoke warmly, allowing everyone to rise.

The three young ladies stood gracefully to the side, their movements light and elegant, quite pleasing to behold.

Because of her past grievances with Song Wan, Yang Pianzi had been cautious with her words and actions since entering Changle Palace, even avoiding Song Wan’s gaze.

Noticing her worry, Song Wan had no intention of holding grudges.

“Mother Empress…”

“Mother Empress…”

As they were speaking, Shen Shiyan came running in from outside, with Consort Shang following behind, carefully watching over him.

“Greetings to Noble Consort Shang.”

Ming Xiang and the others rose and curtsied to Shang Rong.

Shang Rong waved her hand, allowing everyone to rise, then gathered up the running Shen Shiyan into her arms. As she turned, she happened to notice the three beautiful young ladies standing obediently to the side.

She stared at them for a few moments, then smiled.

“The Song family’s daughters truly live up to their reputation—each one more delightful than the last.”

“How old are they all? Have any been betrothed?”

At these words, Yang Pianzi’s eyes immediately lit up. She quickly replied with a smile: “In response to Noble Consort Shang, except for our Nian’er, the other two have already had their coming-of-age ceremonies.”

The Shang family was a genuine scholarly family of distinction. Three generations of ancestors had served as officials, incomparably more upright than the Cui family. Moreover, regardless of gender, the Shang family members were all exceptionally well-educated. The family had always been steady and low-key in their conduct, and it was rare to see legitimate or concubine-born members bringing disgrace to the family name.

Such a family—even the Song daughters of the past would have had no way of marrying into it.

Yang Pianzi raised her eyes to look at her own daughter, then glanced at the slightly bowed head of Song Ni, her heart tightening.

If Zhao’er could marry into the Shang family, no one would look down on their third branch. Her Zhao’er had such a gentle temperament that any man of good character would treat her well.

But…

Looking up at Song Ni, who was carefully staying out of the spotlight, Yang Pianzi’s heart immediately felt uncomfortable.

Song Ni’s father was no good, and her mother was no good either. This child had essentially been raised by her, though never brought to her side. Still, she had treated her no differently than Zhao’er.

Zhao’er still had her—even if the marriage wasn’t ideal, she could risk everything, like Song Lan’an, and bring Zhao’er back home.

But what about Song Ni?

In a flash of inspiration, Yang Pianzi sighed softly and stepped forward to pull Song Ni out: “This is our estate’s second branch legitimate daughter, Song Ni. Ni’er, quickly pay respects to Noble Consort Shang.”

She smiled ingratiatingly, directly pushing Song Ni before Shang Rong.

Song Wan looked up, seemingly surprised.

Shang Rong also raised her eyebrows at Song Wan. Seeing Song Wan smile faintly and nod at her, she turned her gaze to Song Ni before her.

The Song family all had fine features. Even Song Nian, who had not yet fully blossomed, already had eyes like brilliant pearls, growing increasingly beautiful.

Song Ni possessed the beauty of a sinking fish. What Shang Rong appreciated most were her eyes—untroubled by worldly matters.

Without joy or sorrow, neither humble nor arrogant, she maintained dignified propriety and appropriate behavior even when facing her or Song Wan.

The more Shang Rong observed, the more pleased she became. Looking up again at Song Zhao, whose face showed bashful delight for her cousin’s fortune, Shang Rong smiled gradually.

All three girls were good ones.

Shang Rong’s emotions were unreadable. Unable to discern her meaning, Yang Pianzi grew anxious, constantly extolling Song Ni’s virtues.

“Third Aunt, I have something to ask you. Please sit closer.”

At Song Wan’s gentle reminder, Yang Pianzi finally realized she had been too eager.

Where in family matchmaking discussions did the woman’s side show such lack of restraint? Thinking this, she sat awkwardly before Song Wan, her features drooping as if she had done something wrong.

Her emotions were written all over her face. Another family might have found fault with this, but Shang Rong didn’t mind.

She only cared that Song Ni’s eyes, from beginning to end, showed only faint gratitude and warmth, without any trace of resentment at being burdened.

“A good girl, one who knows gratitude.”

The older one grows, the more one appreciates those who are grateful.

Raising her hand to beckon a palace maid behind her, Shang Rong said: “Go ask Young Thirteenth to come pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress.”

At these words, Yang Pianzi suddenly stood up, the dejection on her face instantly transforming into abundant joy.

Shang Thirteen, the Shang family’s legitimate son—an absolutely excellent young man!

Yang Pianzi felt a moment of regret in her heart, but seeing her own daughter’s eyes full of smiles, happy for Song Ni, she too couldn’t help but grin.

“The weather is lovely today. Would this young lady be willing to accompany me for a walk in the courtyard?”

Though Shang Rong phrased it as a question, she had already stood up.

Before Song Ni could answer, Yang Pianzi quickly nodded: “Ni’er, go quickly. We’ll keep Her Majesty the Empress company here.”

Song Ni’s face flushed. After curtsying to everyone, she followed Shang Rong out.