Wan Yicheng stepped forward.
"Grandma Song, please don’t call me Little Marquis, just call me by my name."
The title Little Marquis felt too formal, and he didn’t like Song Ci addressing him that way.
"Then I’ll call you Little Cheng," Song Ci smiled as she touched his face, "It seems you’ve been living well over at the Empress Dowager’s place; your face has filled out."
The first time she saw him, the little fellow’s face was sallow. After some time, his face had gained some flesh, his complexion had become rosy, and with his fine clothing, he now had the air of a young noble.
Wan Yicheng was very happy: "Little Cheng is good, I like it very much."
"Now that you’re at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, make yourself at home, don’t be reserved. There are fewer people here, and not as many strict rules as in the palace, so enjoy yourself." Song Ci pointed at Song Lingsu and the others: "These older brothers are all older than you. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask them. There’s also Little Fatty, who’s about the same age as you, you can play together."
Song Lingzhou protested, pouting: "Grandmother, in front of the Marquis, please don’t call me Little Fatty."
"Oh, you care about face now? But Grandmother isn’t wrong to call you that, look at your round, plump face." Song Ci pinched his tender flesh again.
Song Lingzhou was flustered.
Wan Yicheng chuckled quietly.
Song Ci handed a cookie to Wan Yicheng and casually asked him about what he was learning in the palace and how he was getting along with the Empress Dowager.
"The Empress Dowager is getting old, she must feel quite lonely in the palace. There’s no need to be afraid of her, just accompany her and chat with her like you’d talk to your grandmother," Song Ci said tenderly.
To be honest, maybe because of her status, he couldn’t be as relaxed with the Empress Dowager as he was with Song Ci. After all, she was the Empress Dowager.
"Go on and play. See if anything is missing in your courtyard. Su’er, if anything is lacking, have the steward from the North Garden fix it," Song Ci said.
Song Lingsu nodded with a smile: "Grandmother, I understand."
He led the children to bow to Song Ci and took their leave.
Song Ci left Lian Xin, who served Wan Yicheng, behind.
"Did the Empress Dowager assign you to Little Marquis’s side?"
Lian Xin bowed: "Replying to Madam, yes, from now on I will be the steward aunt for the Marquis."
Song Ci nodded: "This is also your good fortune. Though he’s being raised at Cining Palace now, eventually he will leave the palace. If you serve him well, you’ll leave the palace with him, managing his affairs just like a nursemaid would, and he will remember your kindness and care for you in your old age."
Lian Xin hastily said: "Madam, I will definitely serve the Marquis well."
"I know, there are no fools in the palace. You’ve been with the Empress Dowager, so you’re well-versed. Even if you don’t leave the palace, you won’t fare badly. But Aunt Lian Xin, who wouldn’t want to leave the palace to see the outside world as they grow old? I always think it’s not a wasted life if you can see more of the world, right?"
"Madam is right, I truly cherish this opportunity and feel very fortunate."
Song Ci chuckled: "See, I’m getting chatty in my old age. You definitely know what’s best for you."
Lian Xin shook her head, expressing gratitude: "Madam is only thinking of what’s best for me, fearing I might feel disappointed, but I understand. I feel the current days are full of hope."
Who would want to die old in the palace if they could leave?
Now she stays loyal to Wan Yicheng, and in the future, he will remember this affection, and who could surpass her then?