Madam Wang discreetly made disparaging remarks about Wufu in front of Princess Consort Wei, deliberately mentioning Song Jiaoer, who had returned to the Northwest in disgrace.

It’s the same situation for any mother; she couldn’t believe that Princess Consort Wei wouldn’t resent it?

Compared to herself, Princess Consort Wei, accustomed to being aloof, would find it even harder to accept someone like Wufu, who hails from the countryside, ascending above them.

Soon enough, upon mentioning Song Jiaoer, Princess Consort Wei’s face darkened, her lips pressing into a line.

Madam Wang feigned fear as she kneeled, "I deserve death, I shouldn’t have mentioned the Princess Consort’s painful matters."

Princess Consort Wei cast a sidelong glance at her and snorted coldly.

"Speaking of the Commandery Princess returning, I am truly sad. Such a clever and beautiful girl, innocent and lively—saying she instigated those deeds, I absolutely don’t believe it," Madam Wang said, "Our Ningning is also upset, cried for several days, and even talked about visiting the Commandery Princess in the Northwest!"

Though Princess Consort Wei didn’t believe this nonsense, Madam Wang’s words nonetheless improved her mood.

"So, Princess Consort, tell me: How could we provoke such a person? Two girls raised with pure and kind hearts—how could they match her deep schemes?" Madam Wang pretended to wipe nonexistent tears from the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief.

Princess Consort Wei sighed, "It’s hard on you!"

Madam Wang was taken aback, looking at her with some confusion.

"I’ve heard about the troubles in your family, pushed so far by a woman of unknown origin who has no upbringing; Lord Wu must be muddled, unable to distinguish pearls from fish eyes!"

In her heart, Madam Wang felt a pang, her eyes slightly reddened, and she choked up, "Princess Consort..."

Princess Consort Wei said, "Actually, you were foolish back then. If only you had welcomed her in sooner, you wouldn’t have had so many troubles. A mere plebeian, held in the Matriarch’s hand, and she could’ve stirred things up? Yet you... alas."

Her words were somewhat resentful, and Madam Wang’s face stiffened, forcing a smile, "Princess Consort, the heavens are high, outweighing human wit. I absolutely didn’t expect them to be so difficult to deal with."

"Though small, she has some abilities, but you, ah, failed to grasp her weaknesses, which is why you’ve been bitten by her." Princess Consort Wei spoke with deep meaning.

Madam Wang was slightly stunned, pondering.

"Everyone has weaknesses, and to defeat them, you must find those weaknesses," Princess Consort Wei said as she looked at her.

"What does Princess Consort mean?" Madam Wang probed.

Princess Consort Wei averted her gaze, "I hear you have only one son?"

Madam Wang nodded.

"Having only one is good; all the household resources can be used exclusively for him, especially with the family head... Ah, the sedan has arrived; it’s time to go in." Princess Consort Wei smiled at Madam Wang, "Your Ning Girl is also straightforward; I like such children, and she gets along well with our Jiaojiao. She’s almost reaching the age of marriage, isn’t she?"

"Yes."

"In the blink of an eye, children have grown up, and our Princely Heir should also take a wife," Princess Consort Wei laughed while looking at Madam Wang, "We’ll talk again on another day when we find a suitable time. Ah, if those troublesome matters were gone, truly the world would be peaceful, and this breath would be smoother."

"Princess Consort, it’s time to leave."

Princess Consort Wei nodded towards Madam Wang and boarded the sedan, turning and curling her lips coldly.

"Princess Consort, what about the words you said to Madam Wu just now?"

Princess Consort Wei sneered, "Just a tool; whether it’s useful depends on her cleverness."

Meanwhile, Madam Wang watched the Princess Consort Wei’s sedan depart, contemplating the information revealed in her previous words, her heart pounding heavily.