Hmm, an old monster indeed.
The carriage slowly pulled up at the side gate of the Prime Minister’s Mansion. With the help of the servants, Lu got off the carriage and glanced at the two imposing stone lions at the main gate ahead, pursing her lips slightly.
She naturally did not have the privilege of entering through the main gate.
Besides, the main gate wasn’t opened casually—it only opened for the Emperor’s arrival or the visits of the Royal Family.
Lu withdrew her gaze and saw someone approaching from beside the side gate. It was Nanny Liang, one of the trusted servants by Madam’s side.
"Greetings, Third Madam, peace and prosperity to you. You’re finally back; our Madam has been waiting for quite some time," Nanny Liang said, her face full of smiles, bowing to Lu. She then looked at the two finely crafted children behind Lu, bowing again: "This old servant greets Third Miss and Fourth Young Master as well."
The Song Family hadn’t split up, so the third generation was ranked by gender. Song Ruwei ranked third, while Song Lingzhou was fourth.
Lu made a brief gesture, smiling as she said, "Nanny Liang, you’re too courteous. Sorry to trouble you to wait for me here; it’s been many years since we last met."
Ever since Song Zhiqing was dispatched elsewhere, she had followed him from post to post, never returning. Even Song Lingzhou was meeting the Song Family for the first time.
"It’s what this old servant should do," Nanny Liang replied. "It’s been a long and tiring journey, let’s hurry inside. The Grand Madam and Madam are all waiting. Your and Third Master’s courtyard has been prepared ahead of time, with luggage sorted and sent in appropriately."
"Thank you for taking such care, Sister-in-law," Lu expressed her gratitude.
Nanny Liang smiled and personally escorted the two young masters through the gate. Inside, several tung oil carriages waited.
Nanny Liang helped Lu into the first carriage, then assisted the two little masters to share another, attending them from the side herself.
Song Lingzhou stuck his tongue out, whispering to Song Ruwei, who was holding her serious little face: "How big must this mansion be if we have to take a carriage?"
Song Ruwei felt slightly embarrassed, glaring at him, as if he was a country bumpkin.
Nanny Liang’s sharp ears caught them, and she explained with a smile, "The newly bestowed Prime Minister’s Mansion is vast. Walking to the second gate would take an hour, according to novels. So we prepared small carriages to save your energy, also concerned you might be wearied by the journey."
Lu expressed her gratitude once more: "Sister-in-law is considerate in every aspect."
Nanny Liang, showing a hint of pride, had the carriages driven on towards the second gate.
Lu remained reserved, but her heart was tense. However, in her peripheral vision, she discreetly observed the passing servants, noting how they stood silently with hands respectfully down as their carriage approached, their etiquette flawless.
This was the household management under Song Madam—indeed the legitimate eldest daughter of a Marquis Mansion, noble and dignified. From the servants’ impeccable manners, one could glimpse a fraction of her household management capabilities.
She was far from comparable.
Lu pursed her lips, subconsciously clutching the handkerchief in her hand tighter.
Meanwhile, the young Song Lingzhou was mesmerized by the scenery along the way, feeling like his eyes couldn’t take it all in. The Prime Minister’s Mansion was vast, beautiful, and full of people.
Even the outwardly composed Song Ruwei couldn’t help but marvel at the mansion’s sights, though she didn’t openly gaze around like Song Lingzhou. Yet, she couldn’t resist glancing at the surroundings.
Even the tung oil carriage they sat in was inset with glass, embroidered with jewels, with tassels hanging down—lavishly adorned, reflecting its distinguished value.
Song Ruwei took a shallow breath—this was the Prime Minister’s Mansion. No wonder mother had specially hired someone to teach her etiquette so rigorously. Otherwise, how could she interact with her two elder female cousins above her in the future?