The initial meeting was somewhat awkward.
But Song Ci thought, as long as she didn’t feel awkward, then it was the others who were awkward. Look, weren’t the three daughters-in-law looking embarrassed?
Song Ci didn’t intend to make things difficult for them and instead turned to look at the two children, smiling as she said, "What are your names? How old are you?"
Mrs. Lu quickly gave both of them a meaningful look.
Song Ruwei stepped forward boldly and knelt to give a formal greeting, "Granddaughter Song Ruwei, eight years old, greets grandmother. Wishing grandmother peace and prosperity."
Song Lingzhou followed his sister’s example and kowtowed, "Grandson Lingzhou, six years old, greets grandmother. Grandmother, good day."
Song Ci warmly beckoned them over, and Song Ruwei didn’t hesitate to lead her brother forward.
Song Ci appraised the two of them. They were likely the youngest grand masters of the family, adorably cute and very beautiful. The boy looked chubby like a little white steamed bun.
"How did you get so plump? Was it because you ate too much of the staple foods in Shanxi? Or was it from eating beef and drinking milk?"
Song Lingzhou stared with big eyes, "How does great-grandmother know what I eat every day?"
"Aren’t those famous over in Shanxi? As for how I know, it’s simply hearsay," Song Ci said with a smile.
Seeing her kindness, completely unlike the dignified figure he imagined, not fierce, Song Lingzhou relaxed a bit and chirped, "Wow, great-grandmother is impressive! I drink milk and eat staple foods daily. My dad says boys need hearty nourishment, so I also eat beef, sesame cakes, oil cakes..."
Seeing him count off with his chubby little fingers, Song Ci felt a bit tempted and said, "With so many good foods, no wonder you became a little chubby boy."
Song Lingzhou puffed up his little chest, "Great-grandmother, I’m not fat; I’m just a bit sturdy. Once I grow taller, I’ll slim down."
Seeing him speak so earnestly, Song Ci couldn’t help but chuckle, "Yes, yes, it’s great-grandmother who misspoke. Our Zhou’er will certainly grow up to be a tall, slender, handsome lad."
Song Lingzhou blushed and said, "I’m not that great either." After a pause, he shyly added, "But I’ll try to grow well and not disappoint grandmother."
Everyone was amused and laughed.
"Drinking milk is good, especially when you’re young, to ensure proper nutrition." Song Ci looked at Madam Song and said, "Does our household have cows? If not, have someone buy a milk-producing cow. If there are no cows, goat milk will suffice, so he can continue drinking it. Otherwise, abruptly changing habits right after returning would be uncomfortable."
Madam Song laughed and said, "Mother, rest assured, we have all these."
Song Ci nodded and then asked Nanny to bring over the prepared meeting gifts, presenting them to each child. Song Ruwei received a red gemstone bead necklace, while Song Lingzhou was given a longevity lock with a Sheep White Jade Pendant, both very valuable.
Mrs. Lu, watching, felt relieved, realizing that her mother-in-law indeed adored the children, especially Zhou’er.
"Having just returned, you’re surely tired from the long journey, and your luggage needs sorting, so go back to your courtyard to rest. Tomorrow, Silang and Su’er will return from the ancestral rites, and we’ll have a family banquet to welcome you." Song Ci said to Mrs. Lu, "Today, I’ve come across some fabrics and jewelry. Let your sister-in-law distribute them among you, and she should have your share sorted out, which will be sent to your courtyard later."
Mrs. Lu, feeling quite overwhelmed by the favor, gave a respectful bow to Song Ci, "Mother, thank you for thinking of this daughter-in-law, your kindness is deeply appreciated."
Song Ci, impatient with these overly formal courtesies, dispersed them all.