Chapter 1286: Chapter 1286: Would You Want This Good Fortune?
As an elder, I understand propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. Do you?
Was that the meaning behind Madam Songâs words?
The face of Madam Zheng, who was trying to embarrass Song Ci, showed an unpleasant expression.
Perhaps the remark was mocking her for meddling in her son and daughter-in-lawâs affairs, although she indeed engaged in such behavior, it didnât mean she wished to be exposed.
Some people chuckled.
Madam Zheng forced a smile and said, "Thatâs not exactly right, youâre the Old Lord â you should treat everyone equally."
"Youâre right, but I still believe what I said: you canât force a cow to drink by pushing its head down. Can you really act on behalf of your son?" Song Ci chuckled, "Itâs hard to buy willingness, some things cannot be forced, if he doesnât want to, why should I be the villain? No need to be disliked."
"No wonder Madam Song grows younger as she ages; you are truly insightful," someone laughed and complimented.
Song Ci waved her hand, "I dare not take such praise; otherwise, some might think Iâm making idle remarks, after all, my mother-in-law passed away long ago, so Iâve never been pressured, naturally, I wouldnât know how to trouble my daughter-in-law. If praised, maybe it should be attributed to good family virtues passed down generation to generation?"
"You sure love to joke; it seems your future granddaughter-in-law will be a fortunate person then."
Song Ci said, "Fortune is earned personally, I definitely wonât expect a daughter-in-law to act as I do. People should focus on doing right by themselves and not overly demanding of others. Even the Saint says to lead by example, influence through words and actions. One must do well themselves for others to follow, donât you agree?"
The crowd echoed in agreement.
Madam Zheng felt embarrassed, coughed, feeling a bit disdainful, just making idle remarks indeed.
"Speaking of fortune, Madam Yuan is also blessed, with several daughters-in-law by her side, her fortune is truly abundant." Suddenly, someone chuckled and looked towards the Madam Qingcheng who wished to stay invisible.
All eyes swiftly turned, familiar ones exchanged cryptic smiles.
The affair of the Yuan familyâs eldest son is hardly a secret in noble circles, everyone knows his legal troubles, with him gone, Mrs. Luo stays widow peacefully but now heâs back, bringing family along, itâs awkwardly a trio, unclear whoâs primary and secondary.
At the Song family New Yearâs banquet, both accompanied Madam Yuan.
Song Ci looked over as well, honestly, as a widow, Mrs. Luo rarely appeared publicly; it was a first-time meeting for both as Madam Song was not adept socially either.
Perhaps due to years of ascetic living and practicing Buddhism, Mrs. Luo appeared slightly thin, dressed in understated elegance for the New Year, her face seemed to hold a weathered story, her eyes and brows conveying some melancholy, making her appear dimmed.
In contrast, the otherâ Mrs. Li, although not extravagantly dressed, having a loving marriage with children, showed no signs of lifeâs hardships, appeared young, gentle, noble, yet there seemed to be faint worry in her eyes perhaps caused by troubles since returning to the capital.
Now both sitting on either side of Madam Yuan, hearing this, they felt somewhat uneasy.
"Madam Song, isnât it true Madam Yuan is fortunate?" someone asked Song Ci with a smile.
Song Ci retorted, "If this fortune were yours, would you want it?"
The crowd: "..."