In the twenty-first year of Sheng Ping, on New Year’s Day, the sound of firecrackers welcomed the New Year.
Song Ci, however, fell ill on this festive day. The cause: excessive worry, wind entering the body, a very official explanation.
Song Ci looked at the worried faces of the dutiful children and grandchildren at her bedside, wanting to cry but without tears. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn N0veI.Fiɾe.net
Excessive worry? She merely thought of her hometown for a moment last night, and now she’s punished to be bedridden during the New Year?
Song Ci struggled to get up.
"Mother, what are you doing, please lie down." Song Zhiyuan pressed her hand, not letting her move.
He just couldn’t understand, a few days ago she was happily accompanying the Empress Dowager to the Hot Spring Palace, how could she be excessively worried now?
Song Ci, with a hoarse voice, said, "Help me up, I need to go to the Buddha hall to burn incense."
Song Zhiyuan found it both funny and exasperating: "You’re so sick, what incense do you need to offer? Madam Gu will do it for you later, just rest quietly."
Madam standing behind her quickly expressed that she would personally go.
Song Ci: What incense? Of course, to question your old mother, is it not even allowing her to enjoy the New Year, not blessing her with health, and even making her sick.
This body is too weak.
She usually dresses warmly and hasn’t caught a cold. The medicinal meals prepared by Lin Qing are eaten on time, so why did she get sick?
This whole-body fatigue and heaviness feel like she just fought a tough battle.
Even if you want to mess with her, at least let her get through New Year’s Day. Starting on the first day of the year, how will there be good luck for the rest of the year?
Song Ci expressed her frustration.
Weakly lying in bed, Song Ci waved her hand feebly and said, "You all go out, don’t gather around my bed, lest you all catch the illness on New Year. Especially Madam Jiang, don’t come over."
Madam Jiang said, "Mother, I’m just standing here, and I’m in good health, not afraid."
"All of you go. Nanny Gong, distribute the prepared red envelopes to them."
Just as everyone was about to leave, Old Master Song came in.
"What’s going on here? This old lady won’t let anyone have peace on New Year’s Day, and she’s sick again? What kind of nonsense is this?"
The rough, loud voice, full of energy, entered with a rosy face and brisk steps, catching everyone’s eyes.
Comparing to the frail lady on the sickbed, one can’t help but feel a strong sense of unfairness.
Just three years apart, is there such a big difference?
Old Master Song walked closer and saw, indeed, the old lady was really sick, her face white as a ghost.
"You say your body is this weak, yet you practice boxing every day. Is it fake boxing?"
Song Ci was so angry she almost fell back, pointing at him unable to speak.
Song Zhiyuan’s face darkened. He stood up and looked at Old Master Song.
Old Master Song was startled: "Wha-what’s wrong?"
Song Zhiyuan said flatly: "Mother needs to rest. Father, let me escort you out. The children should pay their New Year’s respects to you."
This tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable authority.
Old Master Song swallowed hard and turned to leave.
"Mother, have a good rest." Only then did Song Zhiyuan turn back to glance at Song Ci.
Song Ci nodded and signaled for the others to leave.
Niu Pan’er smiled and said, "I’m not very mobile anyway, I’ll stay here with Mother, take two scripture books, and read to Mother."
Her leg injury has yet to heal.
Song Ci wanted her to leave too, as she didn’t want to listen to any scriptures, but in her haste, she started coughing.
Dang it, there’s no way to have a good New Year!