At the second gate of the inner courtyard, Madam Song and the Second Madam Song were waiting. From afar, they saw several tong oil carriages approaching, and the two exchanged a glance.
Second Madam Song curled her lips slightly: "They’ve arrived."
The people have arrived, and with them, the household’s liveliness.
Madam Lu also saw the two, and when the carriages stopped, she walked over with small steps, supported by the maidservants. Kneeling to give her respects, she spoke with a hint of emotion: "Elder Sister, Second Sister, it’s been many years. Are you both well?"
"Good, good, it’s wonderful that you’ve come back." Madam Song smiled, taking her hand and gently patting it: "You’ve been following the third brother all these years on his assignments, but now you’re finally back."
Madam Lu blushed slightly, her expression carrying guilt, and said: "It was my laziness. These years, I only sought my own comfort, relying entirely on you, Elder Sister and Second Sister, to take care of our parents-in-law. I truly feel ashamed."
"There are plenty of servants at home to serve. Who needs you? On the other hand, for the third brother, he can’t be left on assignment without someone considerate by his side, managing the affairs of the household." Madam Song reproached gently.
Second Madam Song turned to look at the two children behind Madam Lu and said, "These must be Wei’er and Zhou’er, right? Come over and let your second aunt have a look."
Madam Lu quickly beckoned the two children forward to introduce them to the two aunts.
Song Ruwei and Song Lingzhou obediently greeted both women, calling out sweetly.
Madam Song observed, nodding silently to herself. Although the two children had been living in Shanxi, they followed rules and etiquette perfectly, a testament to Madam Lu’s diligence.
"In the blink of an eye, Wei’er has grown so much." Madam Song sighed.
Second Madam Song easily picked up Song Lingzhou, weighing him in her arms, and said, "Zhou’er is sturdy and well-raised."
Song Lingzhou, looking at Second Madam Song’s spirited face, eyes sparkling, asked, "Mother said Second Aunt knows martial arts, is that true? Can you fight bandits?"
Second Madam Song laughed: "Not martial arts, but I know a bit of boxing and kicking. I could handle one or two bandits."
Upon hearing this, Song Lingzhou’s face was full of admiration: "Wow, Second Aunt is amazing."
Madam Song laughed and said, "Let’s not talk here; Mother is waiting. Let’s go to Chunhui Hall first."
Madam Lu felt a slight tension in her heart. Following the others inside, she subtly inquired about the current temperament of Old Madam Song.
Song Ci was a bit troubled.
She realized she couldn’t recall the wife and children of the third son of the Song Family. It seemed there weren’t many memories involving this person.
She rested her chin on her hand, brows furrowed.
Nanny Gong observed and quietly inquired: "Madam, are you tired?"
Song Ci shook her head, thought for a moment, and asked: "Nanny Gong, can I trust you?"
Nanny Gong was slightly taken aback, then smiled: "My whole foundation for stability in life relies entirely on you, Madam."
This implied that she was trustworthy.
Song Ci thought, indeed, she was the most authoritative in this house. Being the first-class trusted nanny beside the matriarch carried an honor that ordinary servants couldn’t compare to.
"Nanny Gong, I can’t remember the face of the third daughter-in-law, nor her temperament. How is she?"
Nanny Gong’s heart skipped a beat and she said: "Madam, have you really forgotten entirely?"
Song Ci: "There’s just not much memory, it’s as if I have no interaction with this person."
"Naturally, the third madam went on assignment with the third master six years ago and hasn’t returned these years. It’s normal that you don’t remember. As for the third madam, she is perceptive with a calculated mind. You used to say she was too clever and treated her indifferently. In fact, regardless of her temperament or skills, can she surpass you, Madam?"
Just a mere concubine’s wife, can she overturn the sky under the authority of a high-ranking imperial decree-holder mother-in-law?
Song Ci was thoughtful, it seemed her former self might have had some reservations about this daughter-in-law.