Chapter 89: Chapter 89: The Old Servant Is By Your Side
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 wasnât aware of before, both thorough and warm.
This warmth made Song Ci a bit overwhelmed, and she couldnât 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. Youâre making me feel like a swaddled infant, itâs quite awkward."
Nannyâs mouth twitched, and she said, "Serving you is this old servantâs duty. Perhaps Madam thinks I canât compare to Hong You and the others, that Iâm not as nimble anymore?"
"Youâre quite nimble. If you ever feel otherwise, join us for Tai Chi. I guarantee youâll still be quick on your feet even when youâre old." Song Ci once again tried to recruit for her âsquare danceâ team.
Just imagine, a group of people practicing Tai Chi in the courtyardâdoesnât it just give a vibe of square dancing?
"Iâm all alone. Whatâs the use of living so long?" Nanny smiled.
"Thatâs not the way to look at it. You spent half your life in the palace, and after leaving, you came to the Prime Ministerâs Mansion. You could say you havenât 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. Itâs not just living through life for nothing."
"By then, Iâd 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 havenât sold yourself. Youâre a free person and hold ranks."
Nanny shook her head, "The world is vast, but where could I go? Iâll stay by your side."
Song Ci: "If you wish to retire in the Prime Ministerâs Mansion, thatâs fine too. Rest assured, even if I pass away, Iâll 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, youâll have someone to accompany you in the future, so you wonât be too lonely."
Nanny hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit emotional, and said, "Madam, donât keep talking about death. Itâs not auspicious. Youâre going to live to a ripe old age."
"Everyone must face death someday. You and I both will. We shouldnât 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 wonât let me off."
Nannyâs 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 canât 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 theyâre 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 isnât a bad thing at all.