Song Ci was listening to the little chubby boy recite poems when she heard the sound outside of people calling out for the eldest young lady, making her look towards the door.
"Madam, the eldest young lady has returned." Hongtao raised the curtain, reporting with a cheerful smile.
"Grandmother, Qian’er has come to pay respects to you."
With the sound of a clear voice, Song Ci saw a young woman dressed in a loose purple-pink gauze dress, with round cheeks and only a few festive hairpins in her hair, carefully walking inside while holding the hand of a maid.
"Grandmother, your granddaughter is late." Song Ruqian gracefully knelt down, her voice carrying a touch of emotion.
Song Ci quickly said, "Oh, oh, no need for that, get up quickly. Someone, help your young lady up, make sure not to hurt the child."
She hadn’t forgotten, this eldest granddaughter was carrying a precious treasure in her belly.
Song Ruqian was steadily helped up, and she looked at Song Ci seated, slightly surprised in her heart. After being sick, Grandmother had become fond of dressing up, and she looked quite handsome today.
"Little chubby boy, you haven’t met your elder sister yet, go and pay your respects." Song Ci patted Song Lingzhou’s shoulder.
Song Lingzhou obediently stepped forward to greet Song Ruqian and also received a meeting gift, while Song Ci was beside them, observing this eldest granddaughter.
The old lady in her past life, though preferring male grandchildren, nevertheless cherished Song Ruqian, her first granddaughter. Even if unspoken, in her heart, she was fond of her, so the relationship between Song Ruqian and the old lady was quite close.
Being the legitimate eldest daughter, her upbringing was exemplary; Song Ruqian dabbled in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, though not particularly skilled in any. She excelled in managing household affairs and needlework, her personality was charming and amiable, never offending others easily, thus being well-liked.
It could be said that Song Ruqian was raised following the template of a grand household mistress, otherwise, the prominent Gu Family would not have chosen her as their future daughter-in-law.
In fact, her performance after marriage was commendable, and there wasn’t much to criticize her about. Of course, there were always some who didn’t like her, such as County Lord Zhao Mingyao.
Song Ci came back to her senses, seeing her eldest granddaughter looking a bit inquisitive, she smiled, "You’re pregnant, quickly take a seat while we talk. Hongtao, bring a chair with a backrest for the eldest young lady, and get a soft cushion. Hong Zao, go make a cup of longan and red date tea."
Song Ruqian felt a warmth in her heart, noticing the wrinkles on Song Ci’s face, and said, "Grandmother, I’m truly sorry. Upon hearing you were ill, Qian’er couldn’t come back to see you."
"There are plenty of people to take care of me in the residence, no need for you to come back. I heard from your mother that you were so worried you affected your pregnancy. Are you alright now? This is your first pregnancy, don’t be too brave. I’m doing well, and the household is fine, you don’t need to worry. Just focus on taking care of yourself," Song Ci said with concern.
In ancient times, people married early and women gave birth early, which entailed risks, especially for pampered women. If the child in the womb was too active, there could be serious complications, and young, newly pregnant women, especially those not used to exercising, could suffer greatly.
So Song Ci was quite worried about Song Ruqian, who was only seventeen, wasn’t she?
Oh, at an age to be a high school student, already becoming a mother.
"Grandmother, don’t worry, the imperial physician examined me before I came, and the pregnancy is stable now." Song Ruqian touched her belly and smiled, "Once the child is born, we’ll hope you can give them a nickname."
"That won’t do, the formal name should certainly be given by your father-in-law and them. The nickname, you and your husband can decide together, after all, it’s your first child."
Song Ruqian chuckled softly, indeed, Grandmother was as mother said, quite changed.