As Master Jinghui’s sermon approached, Song Ci encountered more and more noble Madams, most of whom had once been present at her eldest daughter-in-law’s birthday banquet, so they were familiar faces.
However, the Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam was unfamiliar.
"On your eldest daughter-in-law’s birthday, she was ill and didn’t attend. But haven’t you met her before? Don’t you remember?" Madam Wei asked in surprise.
Song Ci didn’t blink as she replied, "I’m of the age where I start forgetting things. I never much liked attending banquets anyway, so how could I remember so many people?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Wei felt a twinge of discomfort in her heart.
They were all getting old, starting to forget things.
Perhaps Song Ci’s gaze was too intense, for the Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam glanced over, nodded slightly at Song Ci, but looked at Madam Wei with more enthusiasm.
Song Ci also nodded in acknowledgment.
"She seems quite amiable, but the Marquis Weiyuan’s household doesn’t seem all that peaceful. Are you assured about Qiuman?" Song Ci’s voice was very low, and she felt, perhaps mistakenly, that the Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam seemed a bit weary and aged.
Upon learning that Wang Qiuman’s matchmaking prospect was from the Marquis Weiyuan’s household, Song Ci had specifically inquired about this family.
The Marquis Weiyuan’s household had no legitimate sons—no, there was one, but the child succumbed to smallpox at ten. The Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam had complications during childbirth and could no longer bear children, so the Marquis continuously elevated concubines, while she spent years in Buddhist practice, detached from worldly affairs.
The Marquis Weiyuan had many concubines but only two illegitimate sons. The one matched with Wang Qiuman was the eldest illegitimate son, Wei Cheng.
Speaking of Wei Cheng, he was twenty years old, a year older than the late legitimate son of the Marquis Weiyuan. When the legitimate son fell victim to smallpox, the Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam suspected Wei Cheng’s birth mother had a hand in it and executed her. Later, the Marquis sent the eldest illegitimate son to be raised in his hometown, only bringing him back now.
Wei Cheng was indeed impressive, with exceptional literary talent, a graceful demeanor, handsome appearance, and he treated people with great courtesy, showing deep respect for his legitimate mother, without a hint of resentment. It was said that he would participate in the autumn exam this year and was a popular candidate for the third place scholar.
With such a story, Song Ci felt the waters at the Marquis Weiyuan’s household ran deep. To say that Wei Cheng harbored no resentment over his birth mother’s death was hard for her to believe. If Wang Qiuman was interested in such a person, honestly, she was a bit skeptical.
However, in families of status, dirt often lays hidden. Such thoughts were her perspective; how others viewed it was not for her to say. If others valued family or the person, who was she to judge?
Not being a fish, how could she understand a fish’s joy? It was best not to comment too much.
Madam Wei said, "I’ve had him checked out. Although Wei Cheng is the eldest illegitimate son, he is very cultured and polite, with an excellent reputation among his peers. I figured if his character is decent, there’s nothing wrong with it, and, he might as well stand a chance to inherit the Marquis title."
The Marquis Weiyuan’s title was hereditary and irrevocable.
Song Ci didn’t speak further.
"Elder sister, if I could choose, I’d naturally wish for your family’s simplicity—fewer people and less hidden dirt, without illegitimate sons or daughters. With fewer members, there’s less trouble, but alas, we don’t have the fate." Madam Wei sighed, "In large families, problems are inevitable. I trust Man’er has the knack to manage well."
Which family’s courtyard is truly tranquil? Except for those with very few family members, even my Wei family has its restlessness.