Princess Mansion.

Princess Anping led her daughter, Commandery Princess Shou Ning, waiting at the second gate. Seeing Song Ci step down from the small oil carriage, she approached with a smile, clasped hands in greeting, and spoke warmly, "No wonder I felt inexplicably joyful this early morning. It turns out we have a distinguished guest at our door. Your unexpected visit truly brings brilliance to my humble abode."

"Your Princess Mansion resembles a celestial realm even in the depths of winter, with scenery that’s truly unforgettable. How could one call this humble? Any truly humble abode would be embarrassed," Song Ci remarked, surveying the scenery.

"Oh dear, garnering such praise from you, this winter scenery hasn’t donned this color in vain," Princess Anping replied, beaming.

At this moment, Commandery Princess Shou Ning stepped forward and gracefully saluted Song Ci, teasingly saying, "Mother, let’s invite the Madam into the East Warm Pavilion to talk. The chill outside might cause a cold."

"Yes, yes, look at me, overly excited. Please follow me quickly." Princess Anping affectionately held Song Ci’s hand, leading the way to the prepared East Warm Pavilion.

"This warm pavilion has underfloor heating and glazed windows, offering a view of the outside scenery. We’ve prepared a small furnace for warming tea, making it wonderful for sipping tea or warm wine while enjoying the scene, without fear of catching a chill," Princess Anping explained.

Song Ci replied with a smile, "You’re so considerate. I’m truly blessed today."

Princess Anping teasingly laughed, "Compared to the Prime Minister’s Mansion’s warm pavilion, I’m afraid it’s nothing worth mentioning."

Song Ci naturally offered a few humble remarks.

Commandery Princess Shou Ning accompanied her from the side, and Song Ci asked her how she spent her leisure time during the winter.

"Either indoors embroidering the wedding trousseau or helping Mother manage household affairs."

Princess Anping continued, "With the New Year approaching, everywhere is bustling. I caught this lazy girl to help, letting her learn the ropes of stewardship in advance."

Commandery Princess Shou Ning blushed, playfully retorting, "Mother."

Song Ci jested, "Indeed, it should be how it is. With the Commandery Princess’s good event approaching, it’s wise to experience the duties of a bride in advance, to avoid chaos when the time comes."

"You hear that? I’m not deliberately lazing around pulling you as reinforcement," Princess Anping teased her daughter.

Commandery Princess Shou Ning turned red and stood up, "I’ll go see what snacks are in the small kitchen and bring some for the Madam to taste."

"Go ahead, go ahead. See if your brother is currently idle, have him come greet the Madam if he’s free."

Commandery Princess Shou Ning agreed.

Princess Anping then said to Song Ci, "Since you’ve come, you must stay for lunch at my mansion before returning. It happens that this morning, a fresh deer just arrived from the estate. We can make a stew to eat here in this warm pavilion, and heat a pot of wine, making it hard not to feel warm."

"Princess, your hospitality is overwhelming. I shall indulge, but I dare not drink wine with you. Recently, I’ve been following a prescription given by Master Buhui, instructed strictly against alcohol. If I secretly drink, I’m afraid the monk will add coptis to my medicine."

Princess Anping laughed aloud, "Your health is the priority. You must obey. If not wine, perhaps a bit of pure dew will suffice. I have rose dew here, drinking a cup can also be invigorating."

"That sounds wonderful." Song Ci chatted idly with her, then inquired about Prince Consort Su.

Princess Anping playfully responded, "Now that the government office is sealed, he eagerly sought out friends to sightsee and enjoy the snow. You couldn’t hold him back!"

"He’s one to find joy, one who truly knows how to enjoy life." Song Ci sipped some tea and then spoke, "Actually, my visit this time is also for an important matter, seeking a favor from the Princess."