The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Avoiding Blunders, Recognizing People is Key

She had only been acting spoiled for a short while when, coaxed gently by everyone’s soft words, Song Ci obediently dressed and was helped out of the main hall.

A glance across the large main hall revealed only a few people seated; upon seeing Song Ci emerge, they all stood up to greet and pay respects.

”Blessings and peace to Mother.”

”Wishing Grandmother health and happiness.”

Song Ci watched the people paying their respects with proper etiquette and was full of praise in her heart.

Such is the demeanor of a grand family; the etiquette and manners were impeccable. Not a single hem moved, nor were their waists swayed. It was truly classical etiquette, engraved into their bones with a natural grace that was pleasing to the eye, rather than the awkwardness of a forced performance in a period drama.

Seated in the main position, Song Ci quietly admired, not realizing that those below, with bent knees or stooped backs, had not been invited to rise, leaving her slightly puzzled.

Nanny Gong coughed lightly, bent down with a smile, and reminded softly in Song Ci’s ear, ”Grand Madam, were you planning to let Madam and Second Madam have breakfast in Chunhui Hall today?”

Song Ci snapped back to reality and quickly invited them to their feet, saying, ”You haven’t had breakfast yet? Then let’s eat together.”

Second Madam Jiang, being straightforward, said, ”The food from Mother’s little kitchen is particularly fragrant for breakfast. I’ve been craving it for a while, and today we have this good fortune. I won’t decline this favor.”

Song Ci looked at the few exquisite children, trying to match faces to her memory, wondering if she would make a mistake since recognizing people was crucial.

The charming girl in a goose-yellow spring dress, with a maiden’s hair bun and cascading locks, eyes clear and sparkling, was about fourteen or fifteen. This must be the second young lady of the main house, Song Ruqi.

And beside Madam Jiang, stood a pair of beautiful twin boys around twelve years old, her twin sons, Song Lingzhao and Song Lingjie.

Besides them, there was no one else.

Song Ci looked behind them with some confusion.

That’s odd. Starting from Song Zhiyuan’s generation, the Song Family had been quite prosperous, with at least four male members. The three elder brothers, already having established families, each had their own sons, amounting to four in total, and three daughters, all legitimate.

Now, only three younger generations were present.

”Mother, what are you looking at?” asked Madam Song as she saw Song Ci looking around, her voice gentle.

Song Ci blurted out, ”Why are there so few people?”

Madam Song hesitated, thinking she referred to why only a few grandchildren were around due to her illness, and started explaining.

”... Your youngest brother and Su Ge’er have gone back to the hometown to honor our ancestors. The news of your illness was dispatched with urgency; they should come back as soon as they receive the message. Xi Jie’er wanted to return as well, but she’s recently pregnant and still needs to stabilize her condition. She was so anxious when she heard about your fainting that there was a scare. Her in-laws didn’t allow her to travel. I’ve already sent them a message, and she’ll come see you once her pregnancy stabilizes. As for your second uncle, the Prime Minister said he’s busy with business and didn’t let him return. Meanwhile, from your third uncle’s side, your third aunt is probably bringing the children along the way, and they’ll be here in a while. When the time comes, Grand Madam, don’t dislike the noise.”

With Madam Song’s explanation, Song Ci gradually matched the people mentioned, realizing they were all elsewhere.

Madam Jiang gave her twin sons a look, and they cheerfully approached, kneeling on either side of Song Ci and began massaging her legs.

”Clearly, we are all here in front of you, but Grandmother only thinks of elder brother. Do you not like us?”

Madam Song also signaled to her second daughter, but Song Ruqi pouted. She didn’t have much fondness for the seemingly unsophisticated old grandmother, ignoring her mother’s signal, as she lowered her head and played with her handkerchief, making her mother roll her eyes in exasperation.