Chapter 49: Going Out of the Residence to Ramble on the Streets

Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Going Out of the Residence to Ramble on the Streets

The next morning, Song Ci learned that the Old Master of the Song Family had taken two concubines to the hot spring manor, ostensibly for convalescence, but really to avoid embarrassment and stay out of the mansion.

Song Ci didn’t care, as she had no feelings for the old man, and he was often away from the mansion anyway.

"Make the arrangements, I want to go out," Song Ci suddenly instructed Hong You by her side, as she looked at the clear skies outside.

Hong You was taken aback: "Madam is going out?"

"Yes, we’re going for a stroll."

"A stroll?" Hong You was bewildered. What did a stroll mean?

Song Ci chuckled: "Oh, it just means going for a walk around town."

After being here for so many days, it was time to see the outside world, rather than just being an ancestor in the Prime Minister’s Mansion. She also wanted to see the ancient world.

Upon hearing this, Hong You quickly went to report that Madam was unexpectedly interested in going out.

An hour later, Song Ci boarded the carriage to leave the mansion, bringing along the two young ladies of the family and Song Lingzhou, who had not yet gone to the clan school.

When Song Ci left the mansion, the First Madam was fully prepared and made everything just right. For instance, now there were guards on tall horses leading the way, with guards riding alongside on the left, right, and behind the carriage to prevent any assassins or unexpected events.

In addition, there were house servants, maids, and a grand entourage which attracted quite some attention.

This was already Song Ci’s request for discretion; if it had been her own first-rank Imperial Decree procession, there would have been even more people, making it more conspicuous.

Song Ci shared a carriage with Song Lingzhou, with Nanny Gong, Hong You, and Hongtao, the two head maids, accompanying them, while the sisters Song Ruqi and Song Ruwei each brought a close maid to sit in the carriage behind them.

"Second sister, why is Grandmother suddenly taking us out to walk the streets?" Song Ruwei was a bit curious.

Song Ruqi, holding up her hand to admire her newly dyed nails, glanced sideways at this little sister and said indifferently, "Who knows, Grandmother’s actions are always so unpredictable."

Song Ruwei said, "Second sister, tell me about Grandmother’s likes. As you know, I haven’t been home for many years and don’t see her as often as you do. If I accidentally offend her, it would be my fault."

"You’re still young, what difference does it make if you make a mistake? Would Grandmother really punish you?" Song Ruqi snorted and after thinking, said, "Grandmother doesn’t understand many major principles or possess great wisdom, just go along with her and don’t go against her."

This grandmother of theirs, she wasn’t capable of much but was good at talking about principles, especially about the bitter old days, which was quite tiresome. It was as if she feared others wouldn’t know that the illustrious Prime Minister’s Mansion of the Song Family was basically just seen as a sudden upstart by outsiders.

Besides, that was from so many years ago. What’s the point in repeating it over and over? The Song Family certainly isn’t that impoverished family struggling for a meal anymore.

Song Ruwei frowned at that.

Noticing Song Ruqi’s impatience towards their grandmother, she tactfully switched the conversation to the prosperity of the capital and to their handkerchief comrades.

"At the end of the month, my cousin’s birthday is coming up. I’ll take you to Duke Zhongyong Mansion to gain some insights and meet a few young ladies," Song Ruqi proudly said, "But you should be gracious and not do anything petty to embarrass me."

Song Ruwei was delighted, smiling as she said, "Thank you, Second Sister, you’re so kind to Wei’er."

Seeing her obedient demeanor, Song Ruqi rarely reached out to touch her face and said, "We are sisters, no need for thanks. There aren’t many girls at home anyway, being good to you is only right."

Song Ruwei uttered a few more flattering words, successfully coaxing Song Ruqi into smiling with eyes half closed.