The fake daughter married into the mountains and had meat to eat every day during the famine

Shen Yin's eyes were filled with smiles.

"The climate in the capital is cold, so it's really not easy to grow peonies into this state."

The other lady nodded.

"This year's peonies seem to be blooming better than in previous years. I wonder how the adults in the Forestry Bureau are raising them."

"The peonies can't withstand the cold winter in the capital. I heard they will be moved to a greenhouse during the winter and moved out again after the spring."

Some people were amazed.

"The palace is really willing to spend a lot of money on these flowers and plants every year."

Someone on the side lowered his voice and looked around. Seeing that there were no palace servants nearby, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Don't say this carelessly. If someone with ulterior motives hears it and spreads it to the palace masters, they might think I'm dissatisfied with the palace."

When everyone heard this, they became cautious.

The topic changed, and several people started talking one after another, discussing the latest popular clothing and rouge in Beijing.

"Speaking of clothes and jewelry, Shi Jin Zhuang has to be the best. The new styles they've recently released are quite popular among the ladies in Beijing."

"I've also heard of Shijinzhuang. Do you know who owns it?"

"The owner of Shijinzhuang seems to be from Anyang County, Yingshan City. I've heard that it seems to be the property of the Princess of Le'an County."

"This Le'an County Lady is truly remarkable. She lives in Anyang County, yet she's able to do business successfully in the capital. If I had the chance, I'd really like to get to know her."

"Who says it's not? Besides Shijin Manor, there's also Yujun Pavilion and Xinglin Medical Clinic. They've been very popular in the capital lately. The clothes I've been wearing and the rouge I've been using were all bought from the county lady's shop. Needless to say, the stuff is really good."

"That's the Princess of Le'an. If the things in her shop aren't good enough, wouldn't that damage her reputation?"

Just then, someone noticed the clothes worn by the lady who had just spoken and Song Yuntang.

"The dress Madam Xu is wearing is similar in style to the one in Shijinzhuang. Did she also buy it from Shijinzhuang?"

Song Yuntang smiled faintly and nodded.

"Yes."

Mrs. Su, the wife of the Lieutenant General of the Guards, looked at Song Yuntang's clothes with a look of surprise on her face. "I took my sisters to visit Shijinzhuang yesterday, how come I haven't seen this style before?"

Song Yuntang looked normal.

"Perhaps this lady didn't look carefully and missed it."

Su shook his head with certainty.

"No, I really like the clothes from Shijinzhuang. I've been paying attention to every set of clothes that have been released recently and won't miss any."

Song Yuntang smiled.

"Maybe after today there will be one?"

Su didn't continue to argue about whether this happened or not, and just smiled and replied, "Yes, after today, I have to go to Shijinzhuang to take a good look."

Then he asked again.

"Is this Madam Xu's first time in the palace?"

Song Yuntang nodded.

“It’s indeed the first time.”

Seeing the two chatting animatedly, the other lady came over with a curious look on her face.

"I heard that Lord Xu has been out on business for His Majesty. Hasn't he returned yet? And you let Madam Xu come to the palace alone for the banquet."

Song Yuntang smiled and shook his head.

"I never ask about official affairs, but even if he came with me, he should be in the Hanlin Academy right now. We can only meet at the evening dinner."

Some people looked envious.

"I heard that Lord Xu is very considerate to Madam Xu, and that he has no concubines vying for his favor. I'm really envious of him," Madam Zhao said, humbly asking for advice. "I wonder how Madam Xu does it?"

The man in her family is a playboy. He likes this person today and that person tomorrow.

She was sad at first, but as more women appeared in the backyard, the man paid less and less attention to her.

If she doesn't adapt to the current situation and win the man's heart, her position as the wife of the Ministry of Revenue Doctor will be unstable.

It would be fine if she suffered a little injustice, but it’s a pity for her two children, who will have to suffer with her.

Zhao's question really stumped Song Yuntang.

Shen Yin, who was standing by, hurried to help her out.

"Mrs. Zhao's question is really a bit embarrassing. In this matter, it all comes down to the man in the family."

Zhao was a little disappointed.

"Sister Shen is right. Speaking of which, Mr. Fan from Sister Shen's family is also a loyal person."

Song Yuntang looked at her, "If I were your sister, and if I didn't plan to leave my husband's family, I would manage my dowry well, surround myself with reliable people, and raise my children wholeheartedly. As for men, I would just use them when it matters, just like living together. If he doesn't have you in his heart, why should you still care about him?"

Everyone seemed to be surprised that Song Yuntang would say such a thing, and they were all stunned.

But after thinking about it carefully, I felt that what she said made sense.

It’s already like this, why are you still thinking about men?

It is better to focus on the interests at hand.

"Looking at Madam Xu's age, she must have been married to Master Xu not long ago. Now that Master Xu has been away for so long, isn't Madam Xu worried that he'll be accompanied by a new bride when he returns to the capital?"

Song Yuntang shook his head.

"Not afraid."

After spending several years together, she has come to understand Xu Qingye's character.

He is a self-disciplined and prudent person.

Unless necessary, he would not take the initiative to contact other women.

Even if other women wanted to scheme, few men could match him in terms of strategy, let alone women.

"What will you do if he really has a new person by his side?" someone asked curiously.

Song Yuntang remained calm.

"If that's the case, I'll help them."

The lady was stunned.

"How can we achieve perfection?"

Song Yuntang raised his head slightly and looked up at the blue sky above his head, "The sea is wide enough for fish to leap, and the sky is high enough for birds to fly."

The lady was frightened.

"Mrs. Xu is willing to do so?"

Song Yuntang looked at her and said, "Madam Yang, compared to wasting ten or even dozens of years in the backyard, what does this little bit of reluctance mean?"

"That's true." Then he sighed, "But ordinary women, I'm afraid, rarely have the courage of Madam Xu."

The other lady obviously disagreed with Song Yuntang's words.

"Manly men often have three wives and four concubines. Life is difficult for women. If they really fall out with their husbands, not only will it bring shame to the family, but they will also suffer in the future. After all, you are still the mistress of the family. You should think more about yourself and your children in the future. Madam Xu's actions are too extreme."

Song Yuntang smiled and didn't refute.

Everyone has their own choices. What she chooses may not be the best, it’s just what she chooses from her heart.

For some things, there is no need to pursue perfection, just follow your heart.

While they were chatting, a palace maid came over and bowed to them.

"Ladies, the Empress has said that she would like to use a basin of jade-faced peach blossoms as a prize. She invites all the ladies to the pavilion to play the zither, recite poetry, and paint. Whoever has the best talent will receive the Empress's prize."

After saying that, he made a gesture of invitation in the direction of the pavilion.

There is no woman who doesn't love flowers.

When they heard that the Queen wanted to use the Jade Face and Peach Blossom as a prize, the two ladies immediately stood up.

"Yeah! Then I have to go and take a look."

Seeing that the Queen had sent someone to inform them, the others did not dare to offend her. Regardless of whether they wanted to see her or not, they all stood up and walked towards the pavilion.

……