Chapter 393: Chapter 393: Skilled in Social Engagements
The Lin Family bought a three-entry courtyard for Song Zi and her family in Baxi Alley. Upon hearing this, Madamâs eyebrows twitched.
"So, youâre planning to live in Baxi Alley when you return? What, youâre not willing to stay at your motherâs house?"
Song Zi smiled and said, "I am more than willing to stay at my motherâs home. I wanted to let Mother and Sister-in-law know that my husband received an excellent evaluation for his official duties this year, and his term is over. Thanks to my brotherâs good fortune, my husband has been promoted to a Junior Officer in the Ministry of Industry and will return to the capital next year for his new post."
"Oh my, thatâs a promotion." Madam smiled and congratulated.
Song Ci and the Nanny exchanged a glance, silently confirming that the prediction was accurate.
Song Zi was also delighted and said, "Itâs all thanks to Brother and Sister-in-lawâs good fortune."
Madam couldnât hide her pride in her eyes.
"I told my husband that since we have to return to the capital anyway, we should take advantage of Sir Langâs wedding to come back first. The house needs some organizing, and once his handover is complete, heâll return to pay respects to you, Mother."
"I actually wanted to return when Mother was ill, but at that time, I was in a hurry and sprained my ankle. Later, when I heard that Mother was fine, I put off the visit. Sigh, Iâm just making excuses for my lack of filial piety. After all, itâs my own failing." Song Zi looked at Song Ci with a mournful expression, "No wonder Mother is resentful of me; perhaps youâve lost all affection for me."
Song Ci responded, "I didnât think that, youâre just imagining it."
Song Zi: "..."
Awkward silence.
Madam laughed to smooth things over, "Mother is blessed, let bygones be bygones. Anyway, youâre returning to the capital, and there will be plenty of opportunities to show filial piety."
"As long as Sister-in-law and Mother donât find me a bother, I am willing to come and serve Mother every day." Song Zi gazed at Song Ci with a look full of affection.
Song Ci shuddered, please no, I can barely handle your daily displays of filial piety!
Seeing Song Ciâs lack of enthusiasm, Song Zi changed the topic with a smile, "I havenât congratulated Mother on the excellent marriage, Sir Lang is indeed fortunate, marrying Commandery Princess Dongyang. And Sister-in-law too, will soon be a mother-in-law again next year. Iâve heard that Young Master Qi San from Duke Ying Mansion is very handsome and bold. Congratulations to you, you have very well-matched sons-in-law, one better than the other. Youâre truly blessed."
"Thank you, thank you."
Who doesnât like to hear nice words? Madam was all smiles, her joy overflowing.
Song Ci observed silently and secretly applauded. My goodness, this one is skilled in social interactions, shooting compliments like a machine gun, yet you canât pick up any sourness or jealousy, itâs pure joy for others, making everyone feel comfortable.
Song Zi is either genuinely happy for her family or is an expert actress, concealing her true thoughts deep down.
Whether real or feigned, Song Ci felt inferior, seeing how even the aloof Madam treated her like a younger sister.
Unbeknownst to Song Ci, Song Zi wasnât just flattering to please; she was genuinely delighted. After all, these were her closest family members, and the more illustrious their marriages, the better it was for her. It made her feel more confident and proud, how could she not be happy?
Look at the current in-laws, either fabulously wealthy or highly distinguished, her backing is rock solid.
So, even if Song Zi didnât want to be tactful, she had to be, as it concerned her interests.
Soon, the children returned from the clan school, each following the etiquette, chattering away together, making Chunhui Hall bustling like a schoolyard after the bell.