Song Ci finally understands what it means to experience something in one’s lifetime.
In her lifetime, she sits and eats cakes with the Empress Dowager, talking about everything under the sun.
In her lifetime, she meets the real Emperor, and the Emperor even calls her his aunt.
You could say, truly the amazing Song Ci.
"Mother?" Song Zhiyuan noticed Song Ci was lost in thought and gently called out to her.
Song Ci snapped back to reality and awkwardly said, "It’s been a while since we’ve met, the Emperor is so majestic and imposing, I was just overwhelmed."
Emperor Chu laughed heartily, "Aunt, you still speak with such humor."
Song Ci hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please don’t call this humble woman that, it’s too much for me to bear."
Being impressive is one thing, and feeling proud is another; she could boast about this forever, but it was also quite terrifying.
"Why wouldn’t you be able to handle it? He called you that in the past as well," Empress Dowager Wang teased.
Song Ci responded, "What happened in the past is in the past, we won’t look back, just keep it in our hearts and focus on the future."
She didn’t dare say much in front of the Emperor, afraid of saying something wrong, so she feigned tiredness, barely holding on.
Seeing this, Emperor Chu said, "It’s getting late, Prime Minister Song, you and your mother should leave the palace early."
Song Zhiyuan acknowledged and, along with Song Ci, bowed and took their leave, walking out of Cining Palace.
"Dear, your mother is such a troublemaker, I’ve caused you trouble," Song Ci whispered.
"Why do you say that, mother?" Song Zhiyuan was a bit surprised.
Song Ci sighed, "It’s about the adopted son of Duke Cheng’en Mansion chosen by the Empress Dowager, named Wan Yicheng. I’ve already agreed to let the boy stay at our mansion every now and then, and even volunteered you to tutor and critique his studies. My dear, you’re so busy and now you have to play teacher. Isn’t that your mother causing you trouble?"
Song Zhiyuan chuckled, "This is no big deal, it’s just about setting up a courtyard. As for tutoring, how much time can a child’s studies take? You don’t need to worry or feel guilty; I can handle it."
"The paper, ink, and other expenses will be needed too. How about this: let your wife prepare a small courtyard, with a small kitchen as well, and any expenses for that courtyard, be it paper or ink, will come from your mother’s private funds," Song Ci decided not to use public finances; she would pay from her own, since she brought this on.
"Using your own private funds?" Song Zhiyuan held her hand, smiling, "Using your private funds will need quite a bit of silver, are you willing?"
Song Ci said proudly, "Willing, your mother is loaded with money!"
She had money and no place to spend it, afraid she’d never finish spending even after death. It was all for future generations anyway, so why not spend it joyfully now?
Song Zhiyuan was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.
Emperor Chu and Empress Dowager Wang listened to the conversation coming through the "hearsay device" and exchanged glances, then burst out laughing.
"Oh dear, Ah Ci is still the same Ah Ci, speaking so amusingly. Loaded with money, that’s really down-to-earth."
Emperor Chu also laughed, holding his tea, "With this, I grant that Prime Minister Song’s mansion can recruit another three hundred soldiers, they will be able to afford them, since his mother is so rich."
Empress Dowager Wang raised an eyebrow, "Allowing Prime Minister Song’s mansion to recruit another three hundred soldiers?"
"Prime Minister Fan’s mansion only has eight hundred, Emperor, aren’t you balancing things out?"
Emperor Chu looked down, gazing at the dragon design on the edge of the bowl, "Every finger varies in length, favoritism from the head of the family is bound to happen, and it’s the same with ministers. If I favor Prime Minister Song, what’s the harm? Everyone knows that I met Prime Minister Song in tough times, he’s my first trusted aide, showing some favor is harmless."
Empress Dowager Wang: "As long as you’re clear in your mind. Lian Qiao, send a eunuch to summon Duke Zhongqin and Madam Zhongqin to enter the palace tomorrow."