Song Ci is someone who acts on impulse, so she called her four main maids and inquired about their marriage plans.
The mention of marriage made Hong You and the others blush with embarrassment, unable to speak. It was only when Song Ci remarked that women of age should get married and it was nothing to be shy about, that they managed to stammer out their thoughts.
Hong You, an orphan, was sold into the mansion and has been by Song Ci’s side ever since. She is Song Ci’s trusted maid, and her marriage arrangement is decided by Song Ci.
As for Hongtao, her parents are both servants in the mansion. Her mother reportedly arranged for her to marry her cousin on her mother’s side, who works as an assistant shopkeeper, just waiting for Song Ci to agree.
Hong Ju and Hong Zao haven’t found a match yet, but it’s heard that a guard from the outer courtyard has taken a liking to Hong Zao and is asking an acquaintance in the inner court to look into it.
With a plan in mind, Song Ci said, "Let’s not talk about Hongtao. As for the three of you, if you have someone in mind, let me know soon, or have them come forward with a proposal. If not, I’ll have Nanny Gong check for suitable matches among the household."
The girls all professed loyalty, claiming they’d serve the Madam for a lifetime and not marry.
"Don’t say things like that, it doesn’t sound realistic to me. Finding a suitable husband, having children, and living a harmonious life is what the Madam would really want for you," Song Ci playfully said. "If you keep saying you won’t marry, I’ll really call in a matron to tie your hair into maiden hairstyles, and you’ll remain spinsters forever."
Hong You and the others: "..."
Aren’t you supposed to be touched? Why does this differ from what we expected?
Seeing their bewildered and unsettled expressions, Nanny Gong laughed, "Madam, let’s not tease them anymore, or you’ll have to deal with their tears."
"I just wanted to give them a scare," Song Ci grinned. "Go on now, and remember what I said."
Hong You and the others dared not insist on not marrying any longer, lest they embarrass themselves further, so they curtsied and withdrew.
"Nanny Gong, go to Lady Gu’s and get a copy of the household servants’ register for me to look over when we have time," Song Ci, unfamiliar with matchmaking, decided to review the register and hear about people’s characters first.
Nanny Gong smiled and agreed.
"Has there been any news from Old Madam Wei’s side?"
"Message from the Wei Mansion came back saying the Old Madam will visit tomorrow to chat."
Song Ci acknowledged it, then asked about the housewarming party of her granddaughter, which she heard was lively. The young ones in the house were boisterous, and the twins from the second family even drank too much, nearly causing a ruckus.
"Today, the young lady of Duke Zhongyong Mansion is celebrating her birthday, and the second young lady took the third young lady to congratulate her."
Upon hearing this, Song Ci said, "Only those two young girls went? Lady Gu didn’t go?"
"It’s just a girl’s birthday party, and Madam is busy, so she wouldn’t attend," Nanny Gong replied with a smile, offering Song Ci a cup of tea.
Song Ci pondered for a moment and said, "Though it’s her own family, Qi’er is coming of age this winter and will be considered for marriage. You should remind Lady Gu to send a reliable female servant to take care of our two young girls."
Nanny Gong raised her eyebrows, "Do you mean, Madam?"
"Nanny Gong, you’ve seen all sorts of scheming in the palace; the Prime Minister’s Mansion is currently flourishing. I’m just worried someone might seize the opportunity to climb up through connections. Reputation is secondary, but it could ruin a child’s life," Song Ci clicked her tongue and said. "You know Qi’er is proud and a bit foolish. I’m afraid she’ll stumble into someone else’s trap without realizing it."
You really didn’t need to say that. Is any other matriarch like you, speaking of her granddaughter in such a way?