This time the Duke Ying Mansion hosted a banquet, which was actually the Duchess’s birthday feast. However, since it was July, it was not suitable for a large celebration, so they only invited a few familiar families to join.
Even so, it was a bustling scene with carriages coming and going.
When Song Ci and her party arrived, it was Nanny Mu, a close aide of the Duchess, who came to greet them personally. Upon meeting, she immediately shared several clever sayings with a smile.
Song Ci thought to herself, to reach a position as a close steward nanny, she indeed was not someone ordinary people could compare to. Look at that mouth, as if brushed with honey oil, sweet and smooth, very articulate.
As Nanny Mu spoke, she inadvertently glanced at Song Ruqi, who was positioned behind Madam Song. Seeing her support the maid’s hand, holding herself straight, eyes focused, without the hem of her dress or ornaments moving an inch, it was evident that she had been specially trained in etiquette.
Indeed, Song Ci was a close friend of the Empress Dowager, who in the entire capital didn’t know this? Asking the Empress Dowager for two nannies from the palace for education was a simple task.
Even Song Ci’s personal nanny was bestowed by the palace.
Nanny Mu, seeing Song Ruqi’s etiquette, nodded secretly to herself. Although the Song Family was new nobility, they hadn’t skimped on management, transforming impressively. Just by looking at the children’s etiquette in the family, one could see the extent of their efforts.
Song Ruqi didn’t look around, but Song Ci was different. She sat in the sedan, observing the Duke Mansion.
The Duke Mansion also belonged to the founding heroes, with a hereditary duke title, the foundation of which was incomparable to the Song Family. Moreover, in the previous two generations, the Duke Mansion expanded and flourished, like a towering tree hard to shake.
Especially the current Duke, famous for his gallantry, if Song Ci were to put it, calling him a stud wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Poor Duchess and the Princely Heir’s wife, their ability to manage the household must be exceptional.
Song Ci really didn’t know what got into Song Ruqi, being willing to enter such a household. Could it be that she was merely attracted by its formidable reputation?
If it were her, she would rather choose a simpler family, at least she wouldn’t have to face such a large household, being watched at every turn, it would be annoying to death.
But everyone has their own aspirations, so it’s better not to speak about it.
Upon arriving at the Duchess’s main courtyard, Lady Da Liao, supported by her second daughter-in-law, Lady Xiao Liao, stood at the courtyard gate to welcome them.
By rights, the Duchess, being a noble lady, need not personally welcome Song Ci. However, Song Ci was her senior in age and also an elder, and the two families were soon to be connected by marriage, so her coming out represented importance and respect.
"Madam, we’ve been looking forward to your honorable arrival." Lady Da Liao greeted with a smile, holding Song Ci’s hand as they both curtsied lightly as a gesture of greeting.
Song Ci had long known that this was a second wife, turning forty-four years old this birthday. Looking at her now, she was well-maintained, fair-skinned, dressed in luxurious attire, looking just about forty.
A winner in life indeed.
This young, already a high-ranking duchess, with both son and daughter; it’s just there are many in the family, which might be a bit of a hassle.
"Having you waiting for me, how could I manage this, the sun’s already up getting warm, let’s go in quickly." Song Ci said courteously.
Lady Da Liao smiled and made a gesture of invitation.
The group walked into the main hall, took their seats according to guest and host, and then Madam Song formally led Song Ruqi to greet respectfully.
Lady Da Liao looked at Song Ruqi, smiling and waving her hand: "What a beautiful girl, come forward and let me have a look."
Oh heavens, oh earth, oh Bodhisattva, the object of the Emperor’s betrothal for his son, hopefully, she wouldn’t be as unfortunate as the previous ones, with short lives!