The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 50: Chapter 50 Nanny Always Thinks I’m Old, Weak, Sick, and Disabled

The shops on Zhengyang Street, not far from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, sell the finest goods, exquisite inns and taverns colloquially known as luxury items. Naturally, those who come are either wealthy or noble. However, Song Ci didn’t head to Zhengyang Street, not because she couldn’t afford it, but because she wanted to see the lives of the common people. So she chose a street that could be considered middle-tier, frequented by both nobility and commoners.

Chaoyang Street is the central axis of East and West City, close to the canal in the city. It’s a prime location with carriages and horses bustling and pedestrians flocking in an endless stream.

Song Ci looked at the rows of shops on both sides of the street and clicked her tongue in admiration.

Red walls, green tiles, soaring eaves and towers, vibrant colors, and exquisitely carved patterns. The shop signs and banners fluttered in the wind, and the crowd weaved back and forth.

In the distance, the unique exaggerated cries of street vendors carried along with the wind, occasionally mixed with a couple of long neighs of horses, and the joyful laughter of passersby walking past, creating a lively animation.

Prosperous and bustling, with an antique charm, a grand and flourishing era.

Song Ci felt as if she were on the set of a historical drama in an ancient film city, but the genuine, self-enjoying smiles on those dressed in ancient attire told her they were not extras.

And the buildings before her were not faux antique sets from a film city but real ancient structures.

Everything was not a dream; she was truly in the ancient time-space of several hundred years ago.

”Grandmother, there are so many people.” Song Lingzhou stood by Song Ci, curiously looking around.

Song Ci sighed, ”Indeed, a flourishing era, peace and comfort. The current emperor is wise, with remarkable governance over the land.”

It’s easy to conquer the land, but hard to hold onto it. The previous emperor established the land but passed after merely eight years on the throne. At that time, Great Qing was still in chaos and needed to recuperate and recover. It was challenging to pacify internal unrest while defending against external threats.

After Emperor Chu ascended the throne, he quelled the chaos, initiated reforms, revitalized commerce, and strengthened the military. It took nearly twenty years to achieve the current peace and happiness of Great Qing.

Today, Great Qing is prosperous and the people live and work in peace, enjoying harmony. Tribute is brought by hundreds of countries; Emperor Chu’s contributions are indispensable.

Of course, Emperor Chu’s success couldn’t have been achieved without the support and advice of his courtiers. Yet, from another perspective, he is a competent and promising leader, with formidable authority and an overall strategic vision. Otherwise, even with a good hand of cards, lack of skill would only ruin it.

Naturally, Great Qing isn’t without its contradictions. For instance, some reforms meet resistance from traditionalists, and remnants of rebellious factions shout for the reversal of Qing’s rule. These are headaches for those in power.

For an old lady like Song Ci, a simple street stroll and spending time with her grandson suffice.

”Madam, would you like to hire a sedan chair to carry you?” asked Nanny Gong, stepping forward softly.

Song Ci felt a pang in her heart, her good mood dampened a bit, and she said in a faint voice, ”What’s the fun in shopping if you’re carried around? What use is hiring a sedan chair?”

Alas, nothing is more frustrating than Nanny constantly thinking I’m frail and infirm.

”Exactly, hiring a sedan chair means I can’t see the treasures properly,” Song Lingzhou agreed.

Song Ci pinched the chubby hand of the small pudgy boy, ”We’ll walk.”

”Yes, walk.”

Nanny Gong, seeing the elder and the child so enthusiastic, merely smiled, stepped back two paces, and instructed the coachman to park the carriage and wait on standby.

Song Ci glanced back. Her two little granddaughters each held a round fan, slightly shielding their pink cheeks. The maids and servant women surrounded them, preventing anyone from peering in. She said, ”Let’s first go to Shangzhen House to see if there’s anything good to browse.”

With her command, the maids and servant women gathered them to move forward, while the guards followed at a distance.