Song Ci didn’t want to think too badly of people; it was all the fault of TV series and novels, as well as reality.
Oh, now that the cake from the Uncle’s Mansion has been touched, perhaps their Prime Minister’s Mansion will also be cursed. Sigh, another enemy added to the list.
Empress Dowager Wang held Song Ci’s hand and said with emotion, "I knew, Ci, that you aren’t unaware. Instead, you understand but don’t speak of it; this is discreet modesty. I know your nature; you’re not like those who wear dozens of masks. What you say to me comes from the heart."
Song Ci felt embarrassed.
Please stop praising me, I’m so ashamed I can’t continue this act anymore.
"I will do as you wish. At that time, I will summon the people from Uncle’s Mansion and let them know that without this child, there would be no Duke Cheng’en Mansion," Empress Dowager Wang snorted coldly, "After all, adoption is always half-coerced and half-consensual. But if there’s no adoption, would really nobody offer incense?"
Now she has specifically sent an old servant to watch over the graves and weed at her parent’s and brother’s side, never interrupting the incense offerings during festivals and the first and fifteenth of every month.
Song Ci felt slightly relieved and said awkwardly, "Lady, don’t blame me for overstepping; I was just afraid you’d finally get an agreeable heir only for feelings not to develop in time... I don’t want you to be heartbroken."
Empress Dowager Wang was indeed moved, gently squeezing her hand, "How could I blame you."
"So this child is to be adopted under your nephew’s name?"
Empress Dowager Wang nodded, "During the chaos of those years, my nephew had been married just two years and had a child, then the whole family was lost. It’s good that this child is passed on to his name."
"In that case, congratulations, Empress Dowager! Your family has an heir now." Song Ci stood and offered a salute, smiling, "It seems I should prepare a gift to celebrate Duke Cheng’en inheriting the title and opening his mansion."
"No hurry, the child is still young, and the mansion needs refurbishing. Moreover, if he inherits the title, he would be Duke Cheng’en and it should be called Duke Cheng’en Mansion," sighed Empress Dowager Wang, "I really wish that ten years could pass in the blink of an eye so I could see him marry, settle down, and have offspring to continue the family line. This way, even when I go underground, I could face my parents with dignity."
"Rest assured, the days will pass quickly, and soon that day will come."
"By the way, why are you carrying the candy you just gave that child? Let me taste it too," Empress Dowager Wang looked curiously at her waist, "There’s also an herbal packet."
Song Ci untied two sachets, handing over the herbal packet first, explaining that it was made by Lin Qing, and as for the candies, they were made by a small kitchen. "As you age, you tend to get dizzy sometimes, and the doctor by my side mentioned it’s a blood sugar issue. So, I prepared small candies to carry with me. In case I feel faint, I can quickly eat one to regain energy and recover."
Song Ci shamelessly attributed the excuse to Lin Qing, knowing that the Empress Dowager wouldn’t ask her.
"Is there such a thing?" Empress Dowager Wang found it fascinating, peeling off the candy wrapper to reveal a pink, translucent candy and popped it into her mouth without a second thought.
Song Ci was shocked, "Lady, it hasn’t been tested yet."
Lian Qiao, standing not far away, also looked somewhat nervous.
"It’s just a candy; what needs testing? Especially since it’s you, Ci, eating it yourself, there shouldn’t be problems. Hmm, sweet and sour, what’s it made of?"
"Boiled with hawthorn and dried tangerine, added some sugar..." Song Ci quickly replied.
"Later, I’ll also have the imperial kitchen make some to carry with me," thinking even if she didn’t eat them, she could use them to coax children. Seeing how Song Ci did it, it seemed quite nice.