Chapter 821: Chapter 821: Scolding the Illegitimate Son
Ever since the old Lady narrowly escaped death, everyone in the house felt that this matriarch has become much more gentle and cheerful, gradually forgetting her past temper.
She was known to loathe evil like a bitter enemy, and if she didnât like you, sheâd let loose whatever filthy words came to her mind. Especially when she was younger, since her husband couldnât hold the fort, the family had to rely on her, so her temper was quite fierce.
No wonder people outside said Song Ci was uncouth, that even as an Imperial Decree lady, she couldnât shake off the temperament of a rural farm woman.
Truly, this old lady could stay silent, but the moment she opened her mouth, sheâd shame the other party so thoroughly they couldnât raise their head. Her strength in argument was unparalleled, unwittingly offending many.
Even she knew her personality wasnât very likable, but she didnât care, and avoided social engagements as much as possible.
It was only after a severe illness that she seemed to have let things go, and thatâs why everyone forgot her original temper.
Now, with one extremely coarse remark from Song Ci, Song Zhiqing wished he could find a hole to crawl into, his face turning red up to the ears.
Madam Lu was equally ashamed, twisting her fingers, wishing she could dig a hole into her embroidered shoes with her toes.
The matriarchâs words were simply too straightforward.
Nanny Gong could barely handle it, silently gazing at the ceiling beams.
Too blunt.
Song Ci thought, I nearly lost my life coughing up phlegm for those two nuisances, am I still supposed to be polite and soft-spoken with you?
Be direct, shame you rubbish people to death.
Shame aside, Song Zhiqing didnât dare to refute, kneeling on the ground, meekly saying: "Mother, I realize my mistakes, please donât be angry and take care of yourself."
No matter how dissatisfied he was with Song Ci, Song Zhiqing didnât want her to die now; after all, if she died, as a concubineâs son, he too would have to observe mourning rites.
He had only sat in this position for barely a year, and his earnings were still small, not wanting it all to end.
As he spoke, Song Zhiqing tugged on Madam Luâs sleeve, for Godâs sake stop it, if things donât go well with this one, weâll be screwed.
Madam Lu, hesitating, said, "Mother, itâs all my fault. No matter what, we shouldnât have brought this issue to you. Please forgive us this time."
Song Ci rolled her eyes at her, glaring at Song Zhiqing: "Back then you begged me in every way to marry her, and now, only a few years later, youâve had a change of heart but shouldnât forget what sheâs done for you. How has she not been good? Sheâs borne children for you, managed the household, handled social obligations â how has she wronged you?"
"Mother, itâs all my fault."
"Indeed, itâs your fault, forgetting where you came from," Song Ci said coldly. "Our Song Family rose from poverty to prosperity by sheer luck, we should never forget our roots. For a family like ours, including you, fully expecting to have sons and daughters, concubines shouldnât even be considered. Instead of learning other things, youâve picked up your fatherâs habits, behaving more outrageously by bringing someone in without the main wifeâs consent and even having a child."
Song Zhiqing felt his cheeks burn with shame.
These words slapped him like ears filled with chili powder, hot and searing.
"No matter how lacking Madam Lu is, she was the one you tirelessly sought to marry. Even if your heart isnât in it anymore, you shouldnât demean her. She is the main wife of the third family branch, your legitimate first wife. Even if you donât love her, you must respect her, but what is it youâve been doing, huh?"
Madam Luâs heart was heavy with sorrow, head bowed, tears falling in streams, quickly becoming a puddle on the floor.