Madam Wei wasn’t in a hurry to sit down. She pulled Wang Qiuman forward with a smile and said, "Man’er, this is Madam Song. Go and pay your respects."
Wang Qiuman stepped forward gracefully and bowed: "Wang Qiuman greets Madam Song, wishing you prosperity and health."
"Good, good. No need for formalities, come closer so I can have a look," Song Ci said with a smile, gesturing for her to come forward. She said to Madam Wei, "I’ve been sick, and aside from my own daughters, I haven’t seen any other young girls. You do know my heart well, bringing such a flower-like girl to cheer me up."
She winked at Madam Wei. Is this the girl meant to be betrothed to my son?
Madam Wei gave an imperceptible nod and said, "As people age, they yearn to see fresh faces and things. Knowing this, I brought her along. Don’t you think? With her by my side, I feel years younger."
Wang Qiuman approached Song Ci, who took her hands affectionately and asked her age, and what she usually did—those familiar old questions.
Wang Qiuman answered each one articulately and with poise.
Song Ci patted her hand and said, "Such a good child." She then took a string of tourmaline from a nearby table and slipped it onto her wrist: "This is our first meeting, and I have nothing special to give you. Wear this for fun."
Wang Qiuman looked down at the tourmaline, which shimmered with multicolored brilliance, each bead round and translucent, appearing extremely luxurious. She politely declined, "Madam, this is too precious."
"It’s not. I’m too old to wear such a thing. It’s just right for a young girl like you. Wear it," Song Ci insisted.
"Well..." Wang Qiuman hesitated a little, looked at Madam Wei, and seeing her nod, finally accepted it, offering a solemn bow of thanks to Song Ci.
Song Ci said, "Enjoy your time with us, have a good look around. Gu Shi, is Qi’er here? Have her accompany little Man’er for a walk, will you?"
Madam Song smiled and said, "I’ve already sent someone to fetch the girl."
As soon as she finished speaking, a maid came to report that Song Ruqi had arrived.
Song Ruqi entered and first paid her respects to Song Ci, then was directed to greet Madam Wei. She received a bracelet as a meeting gift and exchanged greetings with Wang Qiuman.
"Qi’er, make sure little Man’er has a good time," Song Ci said.
Song Ruqi smiled and agreed.
Madam Wei also said to Wang Qiuman, "You’ve just arrived in the capital, get to know a few more young sisters. Go and have fun."
Wang Qiuman nodded, then followed Song Ruqi out.
As they left Chunhui Hall, Song Ruqi said, "I think Qiuman elder sister is older than me, so I’ll call you sister, alright?"
Before her was Song Prime Minister’s legitimate second daughter. Wang Qiuman didn’t dare show any disrespect or arrogance, she smiled warmly, "Then I’ll assume that role, and I apologize for this unannounced visit. I hope it hasn’t disrupted your plans, Qi’er sister."
"I don’t have any special plans, just playing the zither and writing in my room as usual. What about you? What do you usually do?" Song Ruqi noticed the exquisite wallet tied to her waist and said, "This wallet looks beautiful; it seems as if the butterfly is about to fly away. Did you make it yourself? Can I take a look?"
Wang Qiuman took off the wallet and handed it to her with both hands: "I made it during my leisure time. It’s nothing special, just something I use. If you like it, I’ll make one for you later."
Song Ruqi’s eyes lit up: "That would be wonderful! I’m good at playing the zither, but my needlework is a mess, especially embroidery. If you’re willing, I would truly appreciate it. By the way, I like peonies. Could you embroider peonies for me?"
"Meanwhile, the elderly ladies won’t finish talking anytime soon. How about coming over to my courtyard, and we can sketch a pattern?" Song Ruqi, full of enthusiasm, didn’t wait for Wang Qiuman’s response and led her away.