Chapter 1132: Chapter 1132: Disposition
Song Ci hadnât expected Qi San to act so promptly this time, and the very next day he brought news of the Duke Mansionâs âdisposalâ of the young Mrs. Liao.
"He said itâs been years since theyâve visited their ancestral home for the memorial rites or interacted much with the clan. So, they sent the second brotherâs family back to live there for a year or so, and to tidy up the sacrificial field of the Duke Mansion," said Song Ruqi, speaking of the Duke Yingâs action toward Mrs. Liao.
With a year to spare from having this troublemaker constantly in sight, Song Ruqi could peacefully nurture her pregnancy and safely give birth to a child.
"The Duke Ying and Madam Qi are quite fair," Song Ci thought, recognizing this as an explanation to Song Ruqi. Although sending them back to their old home for a year or so might change their hearts over time, who knows what the situation will be when they return to the Prime Ministerâs Mansion.
Of course, no matter the situation, by then, Song Ruqi would have already given birth, and perhaps have even followed her husband on a posting elsewhere, regardless of the internal strife at the mansion.
"Itâs a pity they arenât kept in their old home all the time, they still have the chance to return," Song Ruqi lamented.
Madam scolded, "Youâre being too greedy. After all, your second uncle is your mother-in-lawâs own son. How could she let them stay cooped up in their old home indefinitely? Having a year or so of peace is already good enough."
"Your mother isnât wrong. The Duke Ying Mansionâs action is an explanation, but thatâs all there is to it. They canât do much more to them. After all, they just sent a wallet over, and didnât cause you any substantial harm. They might even claim they were unaware of your good news," Song Ci added. "Now that theyâve gone back to their old home, you should be more at ease to focus on your health. But thereâs one thing you must remember."
Song Ruqi straightened her expression, "Grandmother, please tell me."
Having helped several times with suggestions, Song Ruqi couldnât deny that wisdom comes with age, and now that her grandmother seemed ready to provide guidance, she naturally had to pay heed.
"Your mother-in-lawâs favoritism towards the second house is inevitable. Now that theyâre back at the old home, she may not openly say anything, but sheâs bound to hold some resentment towards you in her heart, and might give you a hard time."
Song Ruqi frowned, "Grandmother, it was their mistake that led to them being sent back. Itâs unfair for them to blame me. After all, they are both legitimate sons. Such favoritism is too unfair."
Song Ci chuckled, "There are plenty of unfair things in the world, like ten fingers vary in length, people have preferences. Thereâs no need to dwell on it too much. What I mean is that even if your mother-in-law bears any grudge against you, donât directly confront her. Just let unpleasant words go in one ear and out the other. If youâre really fed up, donât you have a golden shield? Do I really need to teach you how to use it?"
She gestured towards Song Ruqiâs abdomen, "No matter how much she favors, she would want Qi San to have a legitimate heir, wouldnât she? The Lord is watching."
Song Ruqi felt relieved and nodded, "Grandmother, I understand."
"As long as you understand, itâs important to maintain outward courtesy and respect as due, given she is still your mother-in-law. Thereâs no need to let it stress you to the point that people think our Prime Ministerâs Mansion lacks family manners."
Madam also said, "Your grandmother is right. Just bear with it until the New Year, or into the fifth month. Weâll bring you back by then."
"I understand now."
"Your husband should still be talking with your father. Go back to your quarters, they should be done soon." Song Ci waved her away.