The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

While Xiao Liao was changing, Lu accompanied Song Ci and the others for some casual conversation. As the Princely Heir’s wife of the Duke Mansion, she was a regular attendee at family feasts, known for her smooth and pleasant speech. Occasionally, she would even praise Song Ci, the Madam, or Song Ruqi, showcasing her excellent social skills.

”...Mother-in-law trusts me to manage the house,” Lu said with a smile to Song Ruqi, ”Though sometimes I wish I could take it easy like my third sister-in-law, but there’s just so much to do around the house that I can’t afford to be lazy. I could really use some help from you.”

Song Ruqi lazily glanced over and said, ”Every person by your side is as effective as ten. You must be joking. I’m not inclined towards management; if you truly need help, Second Sister-in-law would happily volunteer.”

Lu’s eyes lowered slightly as she replied, ”Second Sister-in-law is indeed a clever person, and Mother-in-law often praises her. Isn’t managing the main kitchen something you could let her assist with?”

The atmosphere amongst the group became subtly tense.

The main kitchen was indeed a place of potential profit. External procurement, aside from being a source of income, also made gathering information rather convenient. Placing reliable people there could facilitate both internal and external communication.

Song Ruqi might not manage the household, but by placing a few trusted people in such a position, she wouldn’t be entirely in the dark. She said, ”Speaking of the main kitchen, I happen to know a cook skilled in Jiangnan cuisine. If you approve, I can send her over for you to manage. Didn’t Father-in-law always have a fondness for Jiangnan cuisine? Consider it a gesture of filial piety from me as a daughter-in-law.”

”It’s wonderful if you’re willing to make such a gesture. When I mention it to Mother, she’ll only praise your filial nature,” Lu smiled.

Song Ruqi replied, ”Whether or not I’m praised, I don’t really care. People’s hearts are inherently biased, and you know best who Mother favors most. I can’t be bothered with such trivial matters; they’re quite tiresome. As for me, I believe Father-in-law is the fairest in handling affairs. No matter whom Mother favors, the future of this house will still be managed by Brother and Sister-in-law. And when the family eventually splits, we’ll still rely on you both.”

Lu’s eyes flickered; there was a hint of insinuation in those words.

Madam gently reprimanded, ”Qi’er, what nonsense are you talking, discussing matters of separation while the elders are still here?”

”Indeed, just because your sister-in-law indulges you, doesn’t mean you can speak recklessly,” Song Ci also chided, then turned to Lu, ”Heir’s wife, please don’t take offense. This girl has been spoiled at home, she’s straightforward and doesn’t have any hidden motives, so she dares to say anything.”

”You honor me too much. Younger Sister-in-law is candid and genuine, and I regard her like my own younger sister. Still, separation isn’t necessarily a good thing. Living together as a family in harmony is also quite nice.”

”One shouldn’t speak like that. Just as a tree naturally spreads its branches, when brothers have wives and children, more people lead to more conflicts. As the saying goes, distance can make the heart grow fonder. Once separated and living in different residences, reuniting during festivities can foster closer relationships,” Song Ci added. ”Qi’er isn’t wrong. In families like ours, the emphasis is on the legitimate heir. Future matters of the Duke Mansion will rely heavily on your main branch. As for Qi’er and the others, I think while the husband is still young, it might be worthwhile to discuss with the elder brother and consider sending him to Jiangnan for some experience. With military accomplishments, he would surely excel anywhere, and upon success, could support the family.”

The latter part was addressed to the Madam.

The Madam understood; this was a message for Lu, indicating that Song Ruqi and her family were not in competition and could be seen as allies, essentially pledging allegiance to Lu.