Song Ci was lamenting the bad news she had heard when she heard that Madam Lu had arrived, and instantly perked up.
"Could she really be here to ask me to stand up for her?"
Nanny Gong said helplessly, "This matter hasn’t been confirmed yet; it’s also news I’ve heard from the old maid. Given the caution of the third madam, she probably would send someone to Shanxi. Besides, the third master hasn’t made it clear on his side either."
Song Ci curled her lips disdainfully, "No matter how you look at it, the third one is just a scoundrel."
His wife hadn’t been back for long, and he was already letting loose over there. So much for true love, it’s all just nonsense.
"Mother, your daughter-in-law greets you."
Madam Lu walked in with a smile, bowing to Song Ci.
Song Ci noticed she had put on a thick layer of powder on her face, her smile was bright, as if nothing was wrong, and couldn’t help but be amazed.
The women of the inner courtyard have truly perfected the art of endurance and pretense; she herself was ashamed of her inferiority.
"You’ve come." Song Ci smiled and pointed to a seat, saying, "Have you had breakfast?"
"I have." Madam Lu took the gift list from Ji Xiang, handed it over with both hands, "I came because Qing Ge sent someone with gifts for the festival, just arrived yesterday. Some items were specially instructed by Qing Ge to be given to Mother; I’ve organized them and brought them over."
Song Ci took the list, glanced at it, and saw that it contained rare furs, some tonics, a few antiques, and some specialties from Datong.
She set the list aside, saying, "You are considerate."
"As long as Mother doesn’t mind." Madam Lu held the tea to her lips, glanced at Song Ci, hesitant to speak.
Song Ci was not in a hurry, just waiting. If she wanted to speak, she’d say a few words; if not, she’d pretend not to notice.
Seeing Song Ci’s indifferent demeanor, Madam Lu felt disheartened; if it were the two sisters-in-law, would she be this indifferent?
It all comes down to the stigma of being illegitimate.
Song Ci saw her , sighed inwardly, and couldn’t help but say, "Today, Zhou’er and her siblings came to greet me, and the children are very worried about you. They all want to stay at home to accompany you and not go to the clan school. Lu Shi, don’t let adult matters trouble the children; they are your life."
Madam Lu’s face went pale, feeling heartbroken, "Mother, I..."
"Zhou’er and Wei’er are also my grandchildren; I don’t want to see them unhappy. Lu Shi, do you understand?"
Madam Lu nodded, "I understand; it’s just that seeing the first sister-in-law and second sister-in-law with their complete families, I felt a bit wronged and envious. I kept thinking, when can Qing Ge also be transferred back to the capital so we can reunite as a family."
See, sometimes she’s just not fit to be a good person.
Whenever she shows some kindness, people cling on to it. Saying these words, isn’t she hinting for Song Zhiyuan to use his connections and get him transferred back?
Song Ci was a bit displeased, and said flatly, "As long as he makes meritorious deeds, his superiors will naturally promote and appoint him. You need not worry about him. If you’re really worried about him being alone in Datong, you can return to take care of him. As for the two children, they can stay in the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Staying in the capital is undoubtedly better for their studies and etiquette education than in Datong."
Madam Lu’s face flushed crimson, she forced a smile, "Mother is right, it’s my overthinking."
"Take good care of the children, I need to go to the prayer hall now!"
Madam Lu quickly set down her tea, got up, and took her leave.