Chapter 965: Chapter 965: The Prime Minister Returns
No matter how Song Ci argued, the Nanny kept the Song He walking stick, just had it taken away, not put in front of Song Ci, to avoid poking that overly sensitive and fragile heart akin to that of the Madam of her household.
Song Ci admired the gifts sent by the merchants for a while, then had them registered and stored, though she kept the screen painting on the table in her room to admire, with its double-sided embroidery, it was pleasing to the eye.
Unexpectedly, just as the gifts were sent away, Chun Fen came over to say that the Madam of Marquis Weiyuan had sent over a steward to apologize to Song Ci and send a gift.
"Oh, itâs a crowd of gift-givers today." Song Ci raised an eyebrow and said to the Nanny, "Go brush them off, just say Iâm not feeling well and wonât see anyone."
As for what kind of unwell, let them imagine, probably out of anger.
As expected, the steward, upon hearing the news, was somewhat anxious, said a few pleasant words with a smile, and went back to report to the Madam of Marquis Weiyuan.
The Madam of Marquis Weiyuan was furious, her face livid, and said, "Wait for the Young Master to return, have him come to me, I have something to say."
"Yes."
A few days later, Song Ci heard the news that Wei Duanxiu had taken a concubine who seemed rather compliant. Why say compliant? Because she wasnât particularly beautiful, rather plump, with a round face, a typical child-bearing look.
Song Ci immediately understood, estimating she was taken to bear children, since Madam Wei had been married for years and had no offspring.
Originally, the Madam of Marquis Weiyuan didnât want her as a daughter-in-law, but she forced her way into the family, and now she made a foolish mistake that angered them, itâs no wonder the Madam of Marquis Weiyuan couldnât tolerate her.
Not favored by the mother-in-law, not loved by the husband, and having no children, Song Ci couldnât help but shed a tear of bitterness for Madam Weiâs future days, yet felt no sympathy at all.
What one creates, one must endure, itâs no one elseâs fault.
...
On the fifth of August, Emperor Chu and Empress Dowager Wang, who had been staying at Wanhe Palace to escape the summer heat, returned to the palace. Song Zhiyuan also sent people back home after finishing matters in the palace, making Madam Song busy with arranging for attendants to assist with washing and dressing, and sent someone to deliver news to Song Ciâs Courtyard.
Song Ci now had little Dan by her side, such a soft and cute little thing, with a lovely milky scent, she couldnât care less if those dutiful children and grandchildren came to pay their respects or not.
"Got it." Song Ci merely said three words to Nanny Fang, waved her hand, and continued drawing small educational pictures on paper with a charcoal pencil.
Nanny Fang laughed and withdrew, went to report back to Madam Song, suggesting, "This old servant noticed that the Madam was not in a high spirit. Since the Prime Minister is back home, wouldnât it be good for Madam to propose having dinner with the Empress Dowager and the Prime Minister? Especially since the Sixth Young Master is being raised in the Empress Dowagerâs courtyard."
Madam Song nodded: "Yes, we should do that. You go and make some arrangements, have the small kitchen of the Empress Dowager add two more dishes, check if the farm sent any fresh items, and cook a dish of Furong fish slices, as the Prime Minister likes this dish."
"Yes."
Song Zhiyuan stayed at the palace with Emperor Chu for these two months, busy with state affairs, and though a new child had been added to the family, he only took a few days off, with no time to return to the capital.
Emperor Chu was quite considerate, and after entering the palace peacefully, only mentioned two or three minor matters and then let him go: "Youâve been away from home for so long, I think your wife misses you too, go out of the palace and spend time with your family early."
Song Zhiyuan knelt on the ground to perform a grand salute, happily left the palace, boarded the carriage that came from the estate, and listened to Jiang Fula report the various matters of the house.