Just as Song Ci and Madam Shen were having a pleasant conversation, the people from the Duke Zhongyong Mansion also arrived, and again there were mutual courtesies exchanged and introductions made.
Song Ruqi and Song Ruwei also came to entertain the guests. After all, there were few people at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and even fewer young ladies. Apart from the eldest daughter who was already married, there were only two young ladies left. By next summer, when Song Ruqi marries, there will only be one unwed maiden remaining.
"Why haven’t I seen your second Madam?" Madam Shen observed that both the senior Madam and Mrs. Lu were present, but there was no sign of the second Madam Jiang, and she couldn’t help but be curious.
Song Ci smiled and said, "She’s not feeling too well, just resting in the courtyard, so she won’t be meeting guests."
Madam Shen’s eyes flashed slightly as she asked, "It’s nothing serious, is it?"
"It’s nothing major; she’ll be fine in a couple of months."
She’s expecting! They probably intend to wait until the pregnancy feels secure before announcing it.
Madam Shen understood and smiled, "Congratulations to the old Madam in advance then."
"Thank you, thank you," Song Ci didn’t deny it; both were wise and spoke with ease.
Then the senior Madam smiled and said, "Mother, arrangements at the Chrysanthemum Garden have been completed. Shall we move there?"
"Let’s go, lest these charming young ladies feel stifled in here." Song Ci looked at the room full of young blossoms, her eyes curling with a smile.
Madam Shen had brought three, and Mrs. Gu, for some reason, besides the young ladies from the Duke Zhongyong Mansion, also brought a niece from her family, making four ladies in total, plus their own two, adding up to almost ten charming young ladies, each with their own unique grace and beauty.
Song Ci felt like she had walked into an idol group’s practice room; these young ladies, each with distinct personalities and outstanding appearances, were truly eye-catching.
"You all have talent. The Chrysanthemum Garden has many famous chrysanthemums arranged. You can incorporate them into a painting or use them as a theme for composing poetry or couplets. Whoever comes out on top, I will have a special reward for her," Song Ci said with a smile.
Mrs. Gu said, "Since the old Madam has a reward, I will join in for fun. I will add this hairpin to the prize pool."
She took a golden phoenix hairpin from her head, which was very luxurious.
Madam Shen also added a bracelet to the tray.
The senior Madam and Mrs. Lu, not to be outdone, also removed the jewelry they wore to contribute.
Soon, the tray had several pieces of jewelry on it, and Song Ci, even more generous, put a string of pink finger-sized tourmaline on it, luminous and perfect for young ladies.
Everyone exchanged glances, all eager to try.
"Qi’er, you and your sister lead them over first. We’ll follow slowly," Song Ci instructed Song Ruqi again, "You are the hosts, so make sure to properly entertain these sisters."
Song Ruqi, who had been learning about etiquette and formalities recently and was now engaged, although not yet of age, was more poised than before. Hearing this, she stood up and obediently agreed.
She and Song Ruwei led the group away.
As Song Ci watched the senior Madam and the others discussing household matters, she went to change clothes, taking the opportunity to ask Nanny Gong, "What’s going on with the fourth one, he’s not here yet?"
The young ladies have all gone to the Chrysanthemum Garden. Is he planning to meet them or not?
Before Nanny Gong could answer, Hong Zao entered in a hurry, saluted Song Ci, and reported.
"Old Madam, the Fourth Young Master is not in the mansion."
"What?" Song Ci’s face darkened, "Didn’t we agree on the viewing today? Where has he gone off to?"
Hong Zao replied, "At Fengfeng Pavilion, they said that an hour ago, the Fourth Young Master was already not in his courtyard. I just asked at the door; the Fourth Young Master, he, he left the residence!"
Goodness, he vanished on her!
"That mischievous child!"
Song Ci was thoroughly angry, challenging her to play the game of urgency. Fine, let’s play along.