Chapter 1026: Chapter 1026: Reading Between the Lines
Watching Song Ruwei gracefully lead the young ladies away, some Madams exchanged glances and remarked to Lu Shi, "The Third Miss of the Song Family, at such a young age, has truly mastered etiquette and decorum well."
It is said that the Master of the third branch of the Song Family has two concubines, one of whom was granted by the Emperor as a seventh-grade female official, who once served in the palace as a ceremony official. Could she have learned from that one?
Lu Shi smiled modestly and replied, "The little girl is still young, she learns from her two older sisters, guided by the elders in the family. Thereâs still room for polishing."
"Donât be too rigid. Itâs good for a lady to know etiquette and decorum, but if learning strictly by the standards of classical texts, adhering to templates, it might appear old-fashioned instead." Princess Anping chuckled, "This is just right now. She looks quite polite and graceful, and the Imperial Concubine is indeed blessed. Her granddaughters are so remarkable, and her grandsons are outstanding too."
Receiving praise from Princess Anping, Lu Shi couldnât help but feel thrilled and said, "The guidance from the Princess is right."
Song Ci said, "Our familyâs girls are few, you can count them on one hand. The two youngest ones canât even speak completely yet. I find these girls blooming like flowers to be lovely and wish they were ours."
Catching the sentiment, someone immediately responded, "Isnât that simple? If youâve taken a fancy to one, just ask for her."
See, ancient matchmaking is just that nuanced.
Song Ci grinned slyly and said, "Then I must have a careful look, then go back to open the ledger and check if thereâs sufficient wealth to ask for these precious young ladies?"
The crowd burst into laughter again.
At this time, Madam Song spoke, "Mother has instructed us sisters-in-law to prepare many dishes for this banquet. Princess and Madams, enjoy yourselves freely."
She turned to Madam Wen and laughed, "Itâs Madam Wenâs first visit, truly an honored guest. If our hospitality falls short, please forgive us."
Such warmth made Madam Wen feel flattered, and she quickly bowed, saying, "Youâre too kind, Madam. I find your arrangements impeccable."
Madam Wen was born from the Wang family, and her husbandâs family is also a distinguished name. To be honest, she somewhat underrates the Song Mansion, which rose from a poor family, but visiting the Song Mansion, she sees the servants moving quietly, the maids uniformly dressed, all modest and proper, showing that only under strict regulations can such servants be trained.
Madam Song exchanged humble words before complimenting Madam Wen.
Those present, all perceptive, wondered if Madam Song had set her sights on Miss Wen.
Madam Guan maintained a cheerful expression, feeling a tinge of regret inside, yet not too disappointed, since her own daughter wasnât lacking suitors anyway.
Princess Anping had already invited Song Ci to mix those curious wines.
Speaking of mixing drinks, Song Ci had experimented beforehand, as the flavors needed to suit womenâs tastes, certainly needing some sweetness with a pleasant texture. Those days, Lin Qing and a few wives acted as test subjects at Song Ciâs request, eventually producing a few suitable âancient-style cocktailsâ.
The attendees found it intriguing, tasted the unfamiliar wine, found it sweet, rather unique, and unavoidably drank more, leading to conversations turning to some gossip of the capital.
Song Ci learned that the Ji Family was seeking new bride candidates through Princess Consort Ji, which made him nauseous. The corpses of the old people havenât even turned cold, yet they are already considering newcomers, how heartless!
"Letâs not speak of such dispiriting matters, thereâs wine and fine dishes, just missing entertainment. Let the young ladies come over, whoever showcases their skills first will get this jade gold hairpin from me." The Princess pulled out the pin from her hair and said with a smile.