What does it mean to be slapped in the face? Song Ci’s words were exactly that, making everyone’s face burn with shame.
On top of that, she was the oldest and most respected person present, so it was hard for anyone to argue with her. They could only take it. A few military generals’ wives were so moved that their eyes turned red, finally someone was speaking up for them.
The Marquess of Xiangyang’s wife felt the most embarrassed. Instinctively, she felt that Song Ci’s words were aimed at her, yet she couldn’t react, so she forced a smile and said, "Madam Song is right in her teachings."
In her heart, though, she was gnashing her teeth, thinking, this old bat, so smooth with your words. How come you never talked this much before!
Song Ci scoffed, "I don’t have the qualifications to teach you all. Everyone knows I’m just a farmer’s wife—uncouth and rude. I have a bad temper and don’t speak nicely. Just now, you probably cursed me as an old hag in your heart!"
The Marquess of Xiangyang’s wife was startled. Could this old woman have some demon art to see through her thoughts?
She laughed awkwardly, "Madam, you’re just joking."
Song Ci’s gaze swept over the crowd, "I say these things because I feel for these soldiers. No matter how ignorant or rude I am, I know you should never curse someone holding your bowl of rice. We might not understand warfare, but we can’t speak ill of people behind their backs, or how disheartened would they be?"
The Duchess stepped forward and said, "You’re right, today you gave us a wake-up call and taught us a lesson. I’ve decided, I’ll 5,000 taels of silver to the Ministry of War and also 10,000 sets of winter clothes, so our soldiers can have a good winter."
Does the Ministry of War have such unexpected income?
Once the Duchess took the lead, the other ladies followed suit. They had to . Not donating would make them look bad and might even reach the Emperor or Empress Dowager’s ears. Their husbands wouldn’t want to be in trouble.
What, it can’t be spread? Are the military generals’ wives present just dead? Is Song Ci, the Empress Dowager’s friend, a fake?
Song Ci didn’t expect that her few persuasive words could inspire such a lively wave of donations. Naturally, she had to play along, and gratefully said to the Duchess, "Madam Duke truly has a kind heart. I thank you on behalf of the soldiers. Since this donation started with you on your birthday, why don’t you oversee it? I’ll also send some of my own silver later, as a token of my regard."
The Duchess felt comforted. Such a good deed could only enhance her reputation, so she smiled and agreed.
After finishing her speech, Song Ci looked at the Marquess of Xiangyang’s wife and the other lady and said, "The Commandery Princess is magnanimous and overlooks this time, but you should be vigilant. Your children are growing up, they need to know what should and shouldn’t be said. At home, they are spoiled but once outside, careless words can lead to criticism, or worse, bring trouble to the family!"
The Marquess of Xiangyang’s wife and the others turned pale. Song Ci’s words were as if condemning them, implying their daughters were gossipers. How could their daughters find good marriages after this?
"Enough, let’s go, there’s tea ahead." Song Ci pulled Niu Pan’er away.
Everyone bowed respectfully as they departed.
After walking a few steps, the words of the two in front floated back on the wind.
Song Ci: "...The funniest thing is that they called you a troublemaker, but I don’t understand, even if you are a troublemaker, you haven’t spoken a word, yet a bunch of nonsense jumped out first."
The righteous speech they heard earlier must have been auditory hallucinations.