The matters in Song Ci’s courtyard were not dared to be spread by the servants, but those masters who knew were definitely aware. It was said that the old man barged into Song Ci’s room and was chased out by Song Ci again, which couldn’t help but cause private complaints.
The old man was too shameless!
Being of such an age, the two had not lived in the same room for many years, so suddenly running over to play rogue, it’s no wonder the old lady would kick him out.
However, they only dared to complain in private and wouldn’t say anything more, especially not in front of Song Ci. Some matters, as sons and daughters-in-law, they had to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to.
As for Song Ci herself, she didn’t take it seriously. This incident only made her even more annoyed by the old man and she longed for him to quickly leave the house to go wandering. She didn’t want to see him at all.
Fortunately, even if the old man was in the residence, he seldom showed up in front of Song Ci, after all, he had a new person with whom he was infatuated. If not, he’d leave the mansion to visit friends or have tea.
As long as the old man didn’t hover around, Song Ci was cheerful and smiling, especially after hearing that Madam Wei was willing to act as a matchmaker for her fourth son and quickly went to the Shen Family to convey the news, which pleased her even more.
"It seems another visit to the Shen Family will likely finalize the marriage," Song Ci said with a smile to those serving her.
The maids and women like Hong You all laughed and curtsied to congratulate, "Congratulations Madam, felicitations Madam."
Song Ci said, "Once your fourth master gets married, it will be time to arrange the marriages for some of you girls. We mustn’t delay your respective affairs."
The maids, including Hong You, blushed shyly.
Nanny Gong said, "Stop teasing them, or they’ll be too embarrassed to come near and serve you."
"So quickly find some newcomers for your madam to work with; otherwise, once you’re all married, I truly won’t have anyone to order around," Song Ci joked playfully.
"Even if we become married, we wish to serve before Madam," Hong Xiu was the first to declare loyalty.
Song Ci said, "Certainly, I can’t do without your service."
Chunhui Hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
Nanny Gong brought a cup of tea and said, "Madam Wei is very thoughtful; I didn’t expect her to make this trip so quickly."
"Giving back in kind. She saw that I helped her find a suitable husband for Qiuman, so she promptly secured this marriage," Song Ci, happy about her son’s marriage prospects, said, "Once Madam Shen’s reservations are over, she will agree in a few days."
Now, Madam Shen’s hesitation is just the usual reserve appropriate for a young lady’s family, and a trick all aristocratic families in the capital are accustomed to.
Song Ci eagerly added, "It’s time to consider the dowry. Nanny Gong, do you know what the custom is for the dowry? By the way, should we hunt a pair of real wild geese to show sincerity?"
It’s said in the books that when the groom’s family proposes marriage, they bring a pair of real geese to the bride’s family to show respect and value for the marriage and the bride.
This would be her ’first time’ preparing to be a mother-in-law!
Nanny Gong was about to elaborate when she saw Hong Zao smilingly report that the mother and sister of Scholar Yan had come to the residence to deliver festival gifts and wished to pay respects to Madam Song. Should they be received?
The other party was mere commoners, and Song Ci, being a first-rank imperial decree madam, held a noble status and could completely decline to see them.
However, Song Ci thought that after all, she had facilitated this connection and it would be good to assess the character of Wang Qiuman’s future mother-in-law and sister-in-law, so she said, "Pass them through."
Nanny Gong said, "I will assist you in changing clothes."