Chapter 490: Chapter 490: Thoughts
When the daughter was mentioned, Madam Luâs expression relaxed, becoming somewhat lighthearted.
Their third branch of the family was originally from a secondary line, and although Weiâer and the others were legitimate children, they were still labeled as children from a secondary line, making them a step lower in status compared to her two elder sisters.
Fortunately, there were few girls in the Song Family, and with fewer people, they became more valued. Even with Weiâerâs status, she was considered rare.
Especially since her two elder sisters were already married or about to be married, in the entire Prime Ministerâs Mansion, she was the only young girl who could accompany the elders out as guests or help entertain guests at home.
Moreover, Song Ci was willing to uplift and support her, which was a tremendous advantage for Weiâer.
After all, Song Ci was the most esteemed person in the Prime Ministerâs Mansion and was on good terms with the Empress Dowager. Her willingness to elevate Weiâer and take her to meet guests was a subtle signal to the outside world that she valued her granddaughter.
The prospects of her daughter provided considerable comfort to Madam Lu.
"Go call Weiâer over; I havenât yet asked her about todayâs visit."
Mama Zhou saw her change the subject and was naturally happy to comply, calling a young maid to fetch Song Ruwei.
Song Ruwei came quickly and gracefully saluted Madam Lu.
Madam Lu smiled, pulled her over to sit down, and asked, "Have you eaten? Your second aunt just gave birth to a little sister today. Itâs been a busy day, and I havenât had the chance to ask how your visit to the Bai Mansion was?"
Song Ruwei replied obediently, "Daughter has already eaten; please have your meal, Mother."
"Very well, then tell me about your visit?" Madam Lu picked up her bowl and chopsticks.
Song Ruwei didnât feel the need to hide anything and recounted everything from following Song Ci as a guest to leaving.
Clang.
Madam Luâs hand shook, and the bowl fell on the table, her expression somewhat startled as she asked, "Did Prince Zhou give you a jade pendant?"
Song Ruwei nodded, "I didnât dare accept it, but Grandmother did."
Madam Lu furrowed her brows and gazed at her daughterâs pretty and gentle face, momentarily dazed.
With the turn of the year, her daughter had grown a year older, and her face had matured a bit, already acquiring the look of a young girl. In a few years, even if not a stunning beauty, she would still be charmingly attractive and naturally able to catch menâs attention.
Could it be that Prince Zhou had taken a liking to Weiâer?
Madam Lu, being an Imperial Decree wife, was not foolish, nor was she arrogant enough to believe that her nine-year-old daughterâs beauty had attracted Prince Zhou, assuming it was more likely her status.
Weiâer, as a daughter from a secondary line, couldnât become the Official Wife. A position like Concubine or secondary wife would be just right, given that sheâs a Song Family girl and her father is a Fifth Rank official; her status is respectable.
Prince Zhou, if truly interested, was probably because she was a Song Family girl.
Madam Lu felt a complex mix of pride and delight, tentatively asking, "What does Weiâer think of Consort Bai, is she admirable and dignified?"
Song Ruwei was taken aback, recalling the haughty woman, her expression momentarily fearful, and said, "Mother, I donât like Consort Bai. The way she looks at me is terrifying, like she wants to devour me."
Madam Lu was startled, seeing her daughterâs frowning and fearful look, her brief moment of pride instantly vanished.
Indeed, no matter how dignified, sheâs still a concubine. With her daughterâs disposition, could she compete with those women?
But he is a Prince; to go further means unparalleled prestige.
Madam Lu gazed at Song Ruweiâs innocent expression, suppressing her inner excitement, and said, "In the future, take more people with you when you go out. Iâll ask your eldest aunt to assign you some more attendants later."
After all, the girl is still young; letâs see what happens later. For now, itâs best to raise her well!