The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

As for the arrangements regarding Buhui, Song Ci mentioned it briefly and then said no more; Song Madam has been in charge of household affairs for several years now, and if she can’t do it well, that would be a real embarrassment.

”The palace sent down some gifts; take them and divide them among your sisters-in-law. I see there are some brightly colored fabrics; distribute them to the young ladies, whether they’re married or not. Tailor a few outfits to wear for the New Year and bring about some festivity.” Song Ci pointed to the gift list presented by Nanny and said, ”In it, there are some medicinal herbs and supplements. You should let the doctor check them carefully first before deciding how to distribute them. Be cautious with Qi’er.”

Although they are from the palace, no one knows through how many hands they have passed, so it’s better to be cautious with things like herbs and supplements.

Song Madam said, ”Your generosity is our blessing. How can you not keep some for yourself?”

”Things that are too bright don’t suit me. Besides, with my health, I never know when it’ll improve; it’s unlikely I’ll have many opportunities to go out. Should I leave them in the storeroom to gather dust? Distribute them and have them tailored into new clothes to wear. Leftovers go out of style if stored for too long.”

Song Madam had no choice but to flatter her mother-in-law a bit.

After discussing these matters, Song Ci mentioned making Laba porridge. ”This year, both my health and the Empress Dowager’s are poor. Whether for blessing or accumulating virtue, make more porridge, and make it thick. Besides being distributed to the families, distribute some at the City God Temple to the poor and beggars.”

Song Madam agreed repeatedly.

”When does Su’er get a holiday?”

At the mention of her eldest son, Song Madam’s face lit up with a smile. ”They said the Academy would officially close for holiday on the seventeenth of the lunar month, and someone would be sent to pick him up on the sixteenth.”

Song Ci nodded: ”The weather’s cold and the roads difficult to traverse; make sure to send capable people. Equip the carriage with chains to prevent it from slipping on icy roads.”

”Alright.”

”How is your third daughter-in-law?”

”Injuries to the bones and muscles take a hundred days to heal. Although getting better, she’s still afraid to move about freely; she only moves around inside, needing the maids’ support, and she asks me to apologize to Mother for being unable to pay her respects in the morning or evening.”

Song Ci waved her hand: ”It’s not important whether she pays respect morning and evening; let her take care of herself. Likewise for Qi’er; she shouldn’t come over to prevent catching a cold.” Song Madam replied with a smile.

Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law chatted about many family matters before Song Ci had her return.

Turning her head, she saw Nanny smiling, looking at her, and couldn’t help but ask: ”What’s the matter?”

”I see you’re becoming more and more like a proper mother-in-law, even giving orders on such trivial matters.”

Song Ci was taken aback, ”So you’re saying I’m becoming naggy?”

Nanny helplessly replied, ”Your tendency to react strongly is also growing.”

Song Ci smiled pleasantly: ”I’m not as good as you say; I’m not worthy of praise.”

Nanny: ”...”

Song Ci did a little teasing, lowered her head to look at Dan Ge’er, and her smile faded somewhat: ”It’s a pity, this mother and child can’t seem to connect closely.”

Nanny looked over too; Dan Ge’er was sneaking a fist into his mouth. Seeing her gaze, he squinted his eyes and grinned mischievously.

”Relationships between people depend on fate, as do mother and child. Dan Ge’er won’t lack love since there’s you and the Prime Minister.”

She saw Song Zhiyuan was quite devoted to Dan Ge’er.

Indeed.

Just as Song Ci was about to speak, Chun Fen joyfully came to report: ”Fourth Master and the Commandery Princess have brought the Princely Heir back to the mansion.”