After the news of Song Ci waking safely spread, various visiting message cards flew to the Prime Minister's Mansion like snowflakes and were placed on Madam Song's desk. She simply went directly to Song Ci to discuss.
Facing Madam Song's inquiry, Song Ci feigned weakness and waved her hand, saying, "Refuse them all. With my health, speaking a few words leaves me breathless. Meeting those people would only hasten my death, wouldn't it?"
"Mother..." Madam Song's heart choked with emotion, and she scolded gently, "You will live to a hundred."
Song Ci thought to herself, with this body, living to seventy would already be a gain.
"They may not really want to see me, but are coming for the sake of the Prime Minister's Mansion's reputation. If they come, they will definitely bring lavish gifts. With Dalang just promoted to Right Minister, the mansion hosting so many people so high-profile, those Imperial Censors who specialize in nitpicking might exploit the situation and accuse Dalang in the court, claiming I'm using my illness to amass wealth, wouldn't it bring trouble to Dalang?"
Hearing this, Madam Song was suddenly startled, very surprised at her awareness.
Wasn't she an unknowledgeable peasant woman?
As Song Ci spoke, she observed her eldest daughter-in-law's expression, thinking about the melodramatic palace dramas she had seen before; wasn't scheming ?
Seeing Madam Song's expression become somewhat stern, she knew she had said the right thing and continued, "The Prime Minister's Mansion is in the limelight now, we should keep a low profile. The more at this moment, the more we need to be calm and low-key. I heard from Nanny that your birthday is in May?"
Madam Song nodded, "Mother, what do you mean?"
"Your birthday should be lively. Invite some close friends to have fun, by then my health will be better, and it won't be too late to socialize with those ladies, what do you think?" Song Ci suggested tentatively.
This was the exact same idea as Song Zhiyuan's.
Not to mention it was exactly what Song Zhiyuan had planned, even if he hadn't, given Song Ci's status, Madam Song dared not disagree, especially since it coincided with her husband's thoughts.
Madam Song immediately smiled and said, "As Mother says, I dare not disobey. In fact, the Prime Minister planned it this way too. You and the Prime Minister truly have a telepathic connection. You think alike without even discussing."
Truly, this is the importance of knowing how to speak. This flattery is so clever, easily making her feel uplifted.
"Then it's settled. You handle it. These days, you don't have to come for morning and evening greetings. As long as I can eat and drink, that's good. Socializing with you all makes me feel exhausted, you may go." Song Ci massaged her temples, pretending to be weary.
Seeing this, Madam Song had no choice but to instruct Nanny and others to take good care of her, then withdrew.
After she left, Song Ci let out a long sigh.
Joking aside, even when facing people from the Song Mansion, she needed to be extra cautious about her own performance. If she entertained people from outside, wouldn't it be even easier to reveal herself?
At present, the priority was naturally to nurse her health and familiarize herself with her position and the people around, in order to navigate this unfamiliar ancient life smoothly.
After sending Madam Song away and excusing the juniors from their morning and evening duties, Song Ci began her days of recuperation. She got up to eat and exercise at regular times, taking walks in the courtyard every morning and evening, sweating before returning to bathe. The behavior surprised the servants of Chunhui Hall, but Song Ci explained that in the past she was agile and healthy due to work, and doing nothing led to ailments, hence the need to be active.
Gradually, it became a habit among the people of Chunhui Hall to see the Grand Madam incorporating exercise into her routine.
Thus, more than half of April passed, and Song Ci's health gradually improved, her complexion became rosy and fleshier, naturally she then also had the interest to check the rewards from the nobles in the palace.