To welcome the arrival of Duke Cheng’en, Wan Yicheng, Song Ci organized a small family banquet, allowing the children to get to know each other.
Wan Yicheng was somewhat surprised; he hadn’t expected Song Ci to go to such lengths to host a family banquet for him.
A family banquet, bringing back memories of living with his parents and grandmother; after they passed away, he no longer had a family.
Looking at this bustling gathering, Wan Yicheng smiled shyly, pursing his lips.
No wonder the Empress Dowager Aunt said the Song Family had a simple household, making it feel more comfortable upon his arrival; indeed, she hadn’t lied to him.
"After dinner, come to my study, and I’ll test you on your lessons," Song Zhiyuan said, looking at the little Wan Yicheng.
Wan Yicheng promptly put down his chopsticks, sat up straight, nodding respectfully in agreement.
The Empress Dowager Aunt had said that Prime Minister Song’s knowledge was no less than that of the Scholars at the Imperial Academy. To become a useful person, one must study diligently, read broadly, and gather diverse ideas.
Just as Aunt Lian Xin said, he is a child of fortune, with such an opportunity to inherit, which is hard to come by, he must not disappoint the Empress Dowager’s expectations.
Wan Yicheng didn’t understand great principles, but he didn’t want to return to his uncle’s house, where he was treated like a horse to ride and humiliated. He had to make people look up to him.
At another table, Madam Lu, observing the dignified Wan Yicheng, couldn’t help her sparkling gaze.
"Mother, have you truly decided to go to the estate near Songshan Temple to escape the summer heat?" Song Zhicheng asked his mother. "There are so many summer resorts; Lian Village also has a lake. Why go all the way to the temple area?"
Song Ci replied, "Madam Wei invited me to incense and listen to the scriptures, and since we have an estate there, it’s fine to stay for a few days. It’s too hot these days."
In fact, she couldn’t stand being cooped up at home; she was eager to see the Great Qing mountains and rivers.
Song Zhiyu remarked, "Going for incense is just an excuse; you’re really there for matchmaking, right?"
Song Ci sneered, "Exactly, so what? You don’t have the blessing to match with that girl anyway."
The chicken leg in his mouth suddenly lost its flavor; his mother was becoming increasingly adept at undermining him.
"Mother, I feel you are disliking me more each day; you don’t love me anymore!" Song Zhiyu said, aggrieved.
Song Ci exclaimed, "It’s rare you actually have self-awareness. So be sensible, stop being picky, and obediently find someone for your old mother to meet and settle down with."
These past two days, she had vaguely felt the elderly lady of the household watching her from the bedside, which was terrifying.
Song Zhiyu lamented, "Heaven help me, let a little sister fall from the sky soon, or else Mother won’t let me in the house!"
Everyone laughed heartily.
After the meal, Song Ci was accompanied by her second daughter-in-law and son for a walk in the back garden, while the others returned to their respective courtyards.
Song Ruwei was also taken by her mother to the Plum Garden for a chat.
"Mother, what exactly do you want to say to me? At the banquet, you kept winking at me," Song Ruwei looked curiously at her mother. "Instructor Xiu has assigned homework; I still need to go back and trace some floral patterns."
Madam Lu instructed the wet nurse to take Song Lingzhou away for a wash and nap, then pulled her daughter to sit on the couch, teasing, "Homework can’t be completed in a moment. Don’t rush; Mother has something to tell you."
"Did you see the little lord today?"
Song Ruwei was taken aback for a moment; the little lord meant Wan Yicheng, right? She couldn’t help but feel speechless. "Mother, such a big person, your daughter isn’t blind, how could I not see him?"
Besides, when he came to the mansion, he even brought gifts for everyone in the family. How could he be ignored?