Chapter 928: Chapter 928: The Fate of Legitimate and Illegitimate Children
After two days had passed like this, Madam Lu brought Song Zhiqing along with the two children to Chunhui Hall to pay respects to Song Ci.
After a dozen days of illness, Song Lingzhou had just begun to recover from his severe sickness, and he hadnât yet regained his energy. He appeared droopy and noticeably thinner, and the summer clothes made in spring hung loosely on his body.
"Your grandson has been unfilial, causing grandmother to worry." Song Lingzhou knelt on the ground, respectfully kowtowing to Song Ci, his voice somewhat hoarse.
Song Ci quickly called him to get up, instructing Chun Fen to help him up, and beckoned him to come forward. She held onto him to examine him closely.
"Youâve lost so much weight, your face looks so sharp." Song Ci caressed Song Lingzhouâs cheek, her eyes full of distress, saying, "Good boy, youâve truly suffered during this time."
Song Lingzhou, still just a child, felt a sense of reliance seeing Song Ciâs gentle and concerned demeanor, and leaned over.
"Itâs not hard for your grandson, after all, Iâve endured through it. But making grandmother worry, that was my lack of filial piety."
Song Ci embraced him, calling out affectionately her dear heart and soul, repeatedly saying, "What lack of filial piety, grandmother doesnât like to hear those words. You being healthy and standing before grandmother, whole and intact, is your greatest filial act."
Song Lingzhou smiled bashfully.
"This illness has caused you to grow, thereâs not much flesh on your face, but you seem to be heading towards the direction of a tall, rich, and handsome man. However, youâre still young now, most important is to regain your health. Once youâve recovered, make sure to maintain regular exercise. A strong body makes it less likely to fall ill, understand?"
Song Lingzhou respectfully bowed: "Grandson will carefully follow grandmotherâs teachings."
"Speaking of your illness, the one who worried the most was your mother. It was her who didnât care about life and death and took care of you tirelessly day and night. She was the most exhausted. So in the future, you must remember this point and never defy her."
Madam Luâs eyes turned warm as she listened, turning away to wipe the corners of her eyes.
Song Lingzhou quickly stepped forward to support and comfort her.
Watching this scene of maternal love and filial piety, Song Zhiqing felt a mix of emotions.
Earlier, watching Song Ciâs affection towards her legitimate son, he observed coldly that it was truly genuine, without any pretense. Indeed, Song Ci treated Zhouâer as if he were her legitimate grandson.
But what about those born of concubines?
Song Zhiqing glanced at Jing Shui, who was standing silently holding her child, feeling somewhat depressed.
Song Ci seemed to have just noticed Jing Shui and beckoned, "Little Five, come over and let me have a look."
Jing Shui walked over holding the child, standing before Song Ci, always wrapped in a light cloak. Song Lingyi, lying in her arms, now had his entire face exposed to Song Ci.
Speaking of it, Baiâs pair of twins were born in May, just a month younger than Yuanyuan, and it was said they were quite clever, learning to speak early.
Now, the child nestled quietly in Jing Shuiâs arms, his eyes did not move quickly, his face barely the size of a palm had thinned considerably, originally a fair complexion now had several pockmarks and scars, looking somewhat bumpy.
Song Ciâs eyes flashed, fearing he might end up with a pockmarked face. In ancient times, appearance was highly regarded, if he truly ended up with a pockmarked face, the child might as well be doomed.
But that wasnât the important part, what was crucial was the childâs response.
Song Lingyi lay in Jing Shuiâs arms, gazing at Song Ci, his eyes werenât particularly lively but rather a bit dazed, with some drool flowing from the corner of his mouth.
Song Ci felt a heavy heart, casually pulling out a hairpin to tease him: "Little Five, look here."
After being teased by Song Ci for a long while, Song Lingyi finally grinned â
A little foolishly!