Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Speaking Ill in the Breeze Could Get You Killed
Madam Song and her two sisters-in-law were waiting in the main hall, gossiping about the various households in the estate while they waited for their mother-in-law to come out.
"Has Weiāerās courtyard been chosen yet?" Second Madam Jiang looked at Lu and asked with a smile, "When do you plan to move? I, as her second aunt, should prepare a housewarming gift."
Lu smiled and thanked her, saying, "Itās all settled. Itāll be the Glass Pavilion next to Qiāer. Thanks to Qiāer for helping her choose. Otherwise, with so many courtyards, she would have been spoiled for choice."
"The scenery at the Glass Pavilion is also excellent, though the place is a bit small." Madam Song said, "The Liuqu Pavilion is as large as Qiāerās Liuqu Pavilion, so I thought she would choose that one."
Lu chuckled softly, holding her handkerchief: "She said she likes those few Furong trees at the Glass Pavilion, and since itās close to Qiāer, she thinks it would be easier for the sisters to talk."
"True, there are too few girls in our estate. Aside from Qianāer who is married, there are only the two of them now; being close is good." Madam Song sighed.
Jiang covered her mouth and smiled, "Sister-in-law, Qiāer might not stay long either. Isnāt she coming of age at the end of this winter? What are your thoughts on that, you and Big Brother?"
Lu also looked over when she heard this.
By custom, Song Ruqi should have been engaged by now, like Song Ruqian, who was betrothed at thirteen, married at sixteen, and pregnant the following year.
Now that Song Ruqi is almost of age, thereās still no engagement in sight. Matchmakers have practically flattened the doorstep of the Song Family, yet the two of them have been adamant about waiting a few more years.
Her eldest brotherās official position has been rising steadily, now reaching the rank of Prime Minister. Whether theyāre eyeing a more distinguished family, like the Royal Family, is anyoneās guess.
Within the Royal Family, aside from the Eldest Prince who is already married, there are three or four other princes eligible for marriage.
And Song Zhiyuanās position is being courted by more than just one family.
Though Song Ruqiās personality is rather spoiled and unsuitable to be a Prince Consort, she is nevertheless the second daughter of Prime Minister Song, with a noble status befitting a prince. If it really happens, the prestige of the Song Family would ascend another level, and in the future, it could benefit the daughters or sons of the family.
Thinking of this, Luās heart warmed a bit.
Madam Song noticed Lu pretending to be calm but clearly listening, and felt a bit smug, smiling subtly, "Even though Iām her mother, Qiāerās marriage is arranged by her father, and I have no say in it."
"Sister-in-law, you say you have no say, but you are the Lady of the house. As for Qiāerās marriage, eldest brother-in-law cannot bypass you and will surely consult with you." Jiang sighed, "Ah, speaking of daughters getting married, it is saddening. The girl youāve painstakingly raised becomes someone elseās in the blink of an eye; just thinking about it is depressing. Ah, even so, Iām so envious of you all. Why canāt I have a daughter?"
In their hearts, Madam Song and Lu each had a string of ellipses, thinking if other women heard this, theyād want to beat you. Others find it hard just to have a son, and yet youāve had two sons and are still making such remarks.
Even they, though they have a son, feel itās not enough, just that their wombs have not been compliant.
"You and Second Uncle just need to try harder." Madam Song teased.
Jiang, who had traveled as a merchant before and heard all kinds of bawdy jokes, didnāt feel embarrassed by this remark. She nodded, "Of course, I must have a little girl somehow. Just right, that Doctor Lin is with mother; Iāll see if she can feel my pulse and prescribe some remedies."
As they were speaking, Song Ci came out from the inner room and overheard, "What remedies are you talking about?"