Song Ci delivered the message and did not linger at the Wei Family’s estate. Firstly, it would be impolite to leave her own estate while Niu Pan’er was visiting as a guest. Secondly, she anticipated that Madam Wei would be eager to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Sure enough, when she returned to the estate, she heard the news of Madam Wei returning to the city.
"I’ve done my part by delivering the message; the outcome, however, is beyond my control," Song Ci sighed to Nanny Gong.
Nanny Gong replied, "Madam, Madam Wei will appreciate your intentions."
"I don’t need her gratitude. I just feel for young Wang Qiuman, such a tough life at a young age. I hope she will have a smooth life ahead."
Nanny Gong praised, "Ever since encountering you, Madam, fortune must have smiled upon her, and she is bound to enjoy prosperity in the future. You just wait for her to come and kowtow to you."
"Nanny Gong, you also flatter me now," Song Ci winked, then spotting someone ahead, she called out loudly, "Commandery Princess."
Niu Pan’er was watching the villagers harvest crops. Hearing the call, she quickly came over to Song Ci and greeted, "Where did you head off to so early in the morning?"
"Just visiting the neighboring Wei estate. How come the Commandery Princess is up so early too? Have you had breakfast?" Song Ci asked with concern.
Niu Pan’er replied, "Madam, please just call me by my name. I am used to rising early for practice, and I have eaten breakfast. I’m just out for a walk now."
"Although the estate’s scenery isn’t perfect, the rural life has its own charm. You should walk around and explore more," Song Ci suggested, glancing at the sky. "Today’s weather is perfect, not a cloud in the sky and a gentle breeze. How about we have a picnic?"
Niu Pan’er perked up with interest, "A picnic?"
Song Ci said mysteriously, "You’ll find out soon enough."
She went back indoors, changed into casual clothes, issued several instructions to Nanny Gong and the others, and then gathered Lin Qing and a few children. Together, they marched down to the large jujube tree by the river creek.
Niu Pan’er quickly understood what a picnic was — dining outdoors in the breeze, but as Song Ci put it, it had a certain rustic charm.
A large, elaborately embroidered blanket was spread out on the grass, piled high with various snacks. A seemingly inconspicuous pottery jar was artfully filled with a handful of wildflowers, placed haphazardly in the center of the blanket, adding an exotic flair.
The tea was milk tea, mixed with milk and the finest Da Hong Pao, sweetened with sugar.
And they just sat casually on the blanket, without regard to etiquette or decorum.
On the other side, a simple stove was set up, with a wire rack grilling meat.
From the river creek came bursts of laughter — it was the Song Family’s boys swimming and catching fish. Freshly caught fish were tossed ashore, where the servant women butchered them on the spot, then salted and spiced them for grilling.
Niu Pan’er rarely felt so carefree, her gaze lingering on the river creek nearby. At some point, she noticed the Song Family’s fourth son had taken off his shirt, revealing his pale skin.
Niu Pan’er froze for a moment, then looked away, her ears slightly warm. Meanwhile, she thought to herself, Song Yulang sure lives up to his name, skin like jade.
Song Ci noticed too and blurted out, "Hey, that boy, why take off your clothes? Can’t you see there are ladies here? How inappropriate. Flaunting that chicken-white body of yours, who wants to see that? Nanny Gong, go make him put his shirt back on, it’s indecent."
Niu Pan’er snorted with laughter, quickly picking up her milk tea to sip and hide her amusement.
The Song family, truly amusing — Song Family’s Grand Madam is just like an old child, so fun.
Song Ci: Whee, I’m an old baby!