Song Ci found it a bit strange. Ever since she had a nightmare, Nanny seemed like a changed person, serving her with utmost dedication and care, even giving her thoughtful suggestions she wasn’t aware of before, both thorough and warm.
This warmth made Song Ci a bit overwhelmed, and she couldn’t help but look at the elderly nanny.
Nanny touched her face, "Why is Madam looking at this old servant like that? Could it be my face has something on it?"
"No, Nanny, why have you suddenly become so enthusiastic with me? The meticulous tasks of attending to me can be left to the maidservants. You’re making me feel like a swaddled infant, it’s quite awkward."
Nanny’s mouth twitched, and she said, "Serving you is this old servant’s duty. Perhaps Madam thinks I can’t compare to Hong You and the others, that I’m not as nimble anymore?"
"You’re quite nimble. If you ever feel otherwise, join us for Tai Chi. I guarantee you’ll still be quick on your feet even when you’re old." Song Ci once again tried to recruit for her ’square dance’ team.
Just imagine, a group of people practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard—doesn’t it just give a vibe of square dancing?
"I’m all alone. What’s the use of living so long?" Nanny smiled.
"That’s not the way to look at it. You spent half your life in the palace, and after leaving, you came to the Prime Minister’s Mansion. You could say you haven’t seen the outside world," Song Ci disagreed and said, "When you retire, you can hire a carriage, wander here and there, and see the magnificent mountains and rivers of our Great Qing Country. It’s not just living through life for nothing."
"By then, I’d be quite old, and I still have to serve you. Retirement can wait until..." Nanny paused, not finishing her sentence.
Song Ci smiled and said, "Yes, until I die, then you can retire. But actually, you can retire now if you wish, since you haven’t sold yourself. You’re a free person and hold ranks."
Nanny shook her head, "The world is vast, but where could I go? I’ll stay by your side."
Song Ci: "If you wish to retire in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, that’s fine too. Rest assured, even if I pass away, I’ll ensure your retirement is well arranged, with sufficient funds for your old age. Or, Nanny, you could be like Mama Li and adopt a granddaughter in the mansion. Alternatively, you could buy a young maid or boy to raise outside. This way, you’ll have someone to accompany you in the future, so you won’t be too lonely."
Nanny hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit emotional, and said, "Madam, don’t keep talking about death. It’s not auspicious. You’re going to live to a ripe old age."
"Everyone must face death someday. You and I both will. We shouldn’t avoid talking about death; only then can we face it calmly." Song Ci thought of the transaction with the original old mistress, smacked her lips quietly, and murmured: "But before I die, I have to make sure everything is arranged with you and this mansion. Otherwise, she certainly won’t let me off."
Nanny’s eyes flickered slightly, pretending not to hear.
"Nanny, Hong You and the others are of age now. Find some time to ask them if their families have any arrangements or if they have someone in mind. If not, we should help find suitable matches. We can’t keep delaying these young maidservants." Song Ci thought again of the idle chatter she once heard about the maidservants, and then of Little Treasure Yu, adding: "And Fourth Young Master as well, sigh, ask the old lady of the Wei Family which family they’re considering for our Fourth Young Master. We should inquire first."
When counting everything, there truly were a lot of tasks.
Nanny watched as Song Ci lowered her head, counting on her fingers while frowning and discussing things, inadvertently showing a smile.
Doctor Lin was right; this isn’t a bad thing at all.