The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 863: Chapter 863: Family’s Sarcastic Banter

The mother and daughter were having a lively conversation when someone from Duke Zhongyong Mansion arrived — it was Madam Gu herself.

Upon seeing her mother, Madam Song’s eyes turned red, but Madam Gu quickly intervened, scolding, ”Crying during confinement will lead to a lifelong ailment of tearing up at the mere drop of a hat. That won’t do.”

Madam Song wiped the corner of her eyes and forced a smile.

Song Ruqian and her sister respectfully greeted their grandmother and aunt, exchanged pleasantries, then accompanied the other sisters and aunts out, leaving space for Madam Gu and Madam Gu to talk.

”You truly scared me out of my wits this time,” Madam Gu said, looking at Madam Song’s complexion, her eyes filled with concern.

Indeed, one’s own daughter is the dearest, and seeing Madam Song’s haggard and frail face felt like a knife carving pain in Madam Gu’s heart.

Madam Song smiled lightly and replied, ”Giving birth at an older age is more difficult, but fortunately, I’ve gotten through it. Please don’t worry, Mother; I’ll recuperate well, and all will be fine.”

”Exactly, childbirth is like crossing the gates of hell, a trial everyone must endure. Now that the grand aunt has made it through, great fortune surely awaits. Rest assured, Mother,” Madam Gu added with a smile, though her tone?

Why does it sound so biting?

Madam Song’s smile faded slightly as she glanced at Madam Gu, noticing a certain animosity and gloom in her sister-in-law’s eyes. Despite the meticulous makeup, the dark circles under her eyes could not be concealed by powder.

Did something happen?

Madam Song maintained her composure and said, ”Big sister is right; surviving a calamity leads to future blessings. Don’t worry, Mother, my fortune awaits.”

Before Madam Gu could speak, Madam Gu interrupted: ”But this last childbirth, Xiangyi, has harmed your body. You won’t be able to bear children again, right?”

Madam Song, slightly displeased, responded faintly, ”No more. This pregnancy was difficult to achieve, a gift from above — one can’t simply decide to have children.”

She turned to Madam Gu and added, ”Besides, I already have a pair of sons and daughters, the perfect character for them; all are legitimate. I’m quite satisfied, and even the Prime Minister agrees it’s enough.”

”That’s true, but the Song Family’s lineage is still rather thin, isn’t it? Your husband holds a high official rank; I worry he might aspire for more children and blessings in the future...”

”Didn’t Xiangyi say her husband also said it was enough? Why bring this up?” Madam Gu interjected, unhappy, ”Go attend to the guests; I need a few private words with Xiangyi.”

Madam Gu, feeling choked, pursed her lips, gave a reluctant curtsey, and walked out.

Once she left, Madam Song frowned and asked, ”Mother, what’s bothering her? So passive-aggressive.”

Madam Gu sighed, ”What else could it be? Your brother brought a new woman home a few days ago.”

Madam Song’s eyes widened, ”How could brother...”

”He took a liking to her while visiting Prince Zhou Mansion — a Qin Ji, exceptionally beautiful, a virtuoso, and quite cultured,” Madam Gu said nonchalantly.

Upon hearing this, Madam Song’s eyes revealed a certain glint, ”Prince Zhou Mansion? Why did brother go to Prince Zhou Mansion as a guest?”

Madam Gu explained, ”Prince Zhou had a legitimate son and hosted lavish banquets. This time, he invited some high-ranking officials from the capital. I suppose they’ll have a grand feast come the full moon.”

Madam Song furrowed her brow, pondered, and said, ”Mother, though establishing a crown prince is sometimes discussed in the court, the Emperor is still in his prime. He likely has no intention of doing so anytime soon. Please advise brother to attend fewer of these banquets to avoid arousing the Emperor’s suspicion.”