Nanny reminded Song Ci that her status is that of the Madam, an Imperial Decree holder, a presence that can walk with arrogance in this mansion.
In fact, even without the Imperial Decree, as long as she is the mother-in-law, the daughters-in-law cannot surpass her, unless a daughter-in-law is a figure like a Princess or Commandery Princess, otherwise, just the word filial is enough to suppress them.
Song Ci’s heart was settled.
Forget it, as long as she maintained the demeanor of a mother-in-law, it was fine.
With this figured out, Song Ci sat confidently on the Taishi Chair, waiting for her daughter-in-law and grandchildren to pay their respects.
Soon, a maid reported that Madam Song and others had arrived. With just a word from Song Ci, the curtain was lifted, and people came in.
Lu Shi took a deep breath, followed behind her two sisters-in-law, walked in, and after Madam Song spoke with a smile, she knelt on the ground and performed a grand ceremony to Song Ci, prostrating herself, choking with emotion: "Unfilial daughter-in-law Lu Shi comes back to plead for forgiveness and offer greetings to mother, wishing mother great health and happiness."
Lu Shi knelt, so her two children had no reason to stand either, and followed her in kneeling, feeling somewhat apprehensive.
Song Ci widened her eyes. She had been here for days, often seeing servants offer greetings and salute, but none as ceremonious as Lu Shi, who was entirely prostrate on the ground.
Looking at the one on the ground, wearing a silver-red skirt, overlaid with a simple purple cape, her hair tied high with two golden hairpins and a ruby hairpin, balanced and tasteful, stately and beautiful.
Ancient people knew how to dress. Whether it was Lu Shi or the other two daughters-in-law, they were dressed appropriately, suiting their status and temperament.
Song Ci was so focused on the attire that she forgot to tell them to rise, causing anxiety, especially for Lu Shi, who was almost plastered to the floor.
Madam Song and Second Madam exchanged glances, communicating with their eyes.
Madam Song: "Look, mother is still our mother, after all these years, still has quite the opinions about the third sister-in-law, just returned and already intimidating."
Second Madam: "Such a stern mother-in-law, like a rock."
It took Nanny gently nudging Song Ci, urging her that enough was enough.
Song Ci came to her senses, imitating an elderly tone: "All rise, doesn’t it hurt to kneel?"
Lu Shi said, "Daughter-in-law feels no pain. Mother is magnanimous and caring, yet daughter-in-law dares not become complacent. If it can appease mother, daughter-in-law will kneel until her legs break without complaint."
Nanny and others: "..."
What kind of words are these, Lu Shi, are you digging a pit for the Madam, trying to spread the word that she mistreats her daughters-in-law?
Madam Song felt a bit uneasy; in this mansion, everyone is eager to please Song Ci, fearing that any displeasure might cause her pain. Are you trying to trouble the elder?
Just as she was about to speak, Song Ci retorted: "You’re so young, your bones aren’t fragile, it’s impossible for your legs to break from kneeling."
She looked at Song Ci in astonishment.
Song Ci innocently said, "This expression, did I say something wrong? It’s people of our advanced age who are more prone to breaking legs. As you get older, the bones become brittle, and prone to bone spurs. Forget kneeling, even casually walking up stairs can cause a crackling sound and snap, just like that."
No, you’re not wrong, you’re absolutely right, you’ve convinced us all with your earnest look, but what do you mean by bone spurs?