After the picnic, Lin Qing returned to her room to ponder over a recipe for Niu Pan’er, while Song Ci was taking a walk with Niu Pan’er to aid digestion.
"Madam, I should be leaving soon."
Song Ci was taken aback: "So soon? Didn’t you say this trip to the capital was just for fun, with nothing much to do?"
"That’s true. This time I returned to the capital to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday, and on the other hand, my father, the Prince Dingbei, wishes to find a husband for me," Niu Pan’er stated candidly.
Song Ci remained silent.
Niu Pan’er chuckled and said, "I initially thought people in the capital were dull, always obsessed with etiquette, spending their days on zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. But who knew I’d meet such a wonderful person like Madam, which is truly my luck."
Song Ci also laughed, "This is the bond between people; I too feel a great affinity with the Commandery Princess."
"You give me the feeling of an elder sister around my age, not like an elder, you view people and matters with such openness and generosity, and are easy to get along with."
Song Ci coughed twice, a bit guilty, and changed the subject, saying, "You praise me so much I’ve turned red. It’s enough for me that you don’t find me a clueless old woman."
Niu Pan’er pondered for a moment and said, "Madam, aren’t you afraid of outsider’s gossip? My visiting your estate might be seen by those with intentions, and they might spread rumors of our collusion."
"Collusion?" Song Ci was puzzled, "What collusion? Inviting a girl I like to my estate is collusion? What kind of collusion? Let me see who dares to spread those rumors, I’m liable to scold her into the cesspit and see if she’s eaten too much and wants to find trouble."
You’re like a firecracker, Madam, you ignite at the slightest touch.
"Madam, civil and military have always been opposites; the Prime Minister Song is a Civil Servant, whereas my family is a Military Family. Aren’t you afraid of leading to suspicion?" Niu Pan’er further clarified.
Whether to continue associating with the Song Family, she thought about it for a long time last night. If they continue, would it lead to someone’s suspicion, but to break ties , she felt inexplicably reluctant.
She had only met Song Ci a few times but genuinely wanted to get closer.
Song Ci paused for a step, seemed to understand the meaning behind her words, was stunned for a moment, and said, "Commandery Princess, I’m just an old lady halfway toward the grave, my views don’t represent my sons. I am me, an independent individual. Associating with you is simply because of the bond we share and the joy it brings to my heart. Even if in the future the Prince Dingbei and my eldest son have differing opinions in the Court, my feelings for you, this young friend, will remain unchanged."
She fondly smoothed the hair at Niu Pan’er’s temples and said, "You don’t need to think too much, just follow your heart. Moreover, it’s just making a friend, and that friend happens to be an old lady with some status. Who says you can only befriend people in the same field?"
Niu Pan’er was genuinely moved, but then she heard a new term and couldn’t help but curiously ask, "Same field?"
"It’s referring to people with similar backgrounds as you, like those from military families, hmm, Military Generals, perhaps," Song Ci explained, "It’s true that civil and military are opposites, but they do not exclude each other; they are complementary. Who says civil and military can’t get along well? In these noble families, intermarriage between civil and military is quite common. What, just because we make friends they say we’re colluding to rebel? Come on, who dares to say that, I’ll roll up my sleeves and give them a few big slaps."
Niu Pan’er almost wanted to pounce on her and cover her mouth; how could she mention rebellion so lightly?
But hearing her speak , she felt she understood.
Indeed, she’s merely befriended a kindred elder, forming a friendship that transcends generations.