The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

When Song Zhiqing felt moved, Madame Lu was somewhat willing despite her surprise; what official wife would be fully delighted to see the children from a concubine lingering before her? Especially since the children’s birth mother brought such unpleasant feelings to her.

But after a fleeting happiness, she knew it was not feasible; the children were too young.

Now Song Ci’s words further reminded her; both children’s mothers were gone, and at such a tender age, truly sending them to be raised in the ancestral home would indeed be heartless. If word got out, her reputation would be ruined.

Reputation dictated by etiquette is harsh on women everywhere; Madame Lu dare not gamble, nor could she let her own daughter bear the awful consequences. After all, if the mother’s reputation is bad, the daughter is the first to be implicated.

Song Zhiqing showed no warmth on his face, his expression indifferent, he said, ”Since they cannot be sent back to the ancestral home, let’s change their courtyard. Continuing to stay in Yuran Garden only adds to the sorrow. I think we should find a courtyard over in South Garden and let them move there, free from disturbance.”

Madame Lu glanced at him and lowered her gaze, ”Yes.”

”As their recognized mother, it’s your duty to handle these matters.” Song Zhiqing said wearily, ”Also, have someone make arrangements to conduct a memorial service at Xingshan Temple for the burial of Madame Bai.”

Before Madame Lu could respond, Song Zhiqing thought of something else and said, ”Forget it, you don’t need to worry about this. I will instruct Cheng Yong to handle it. That’s it then.”

After speaking, he didn’t look at Madame Lu and walked away directly.

Madame Lu watched his departing figure, feeling a chill deep in her heart.

”Mother, I never realized that when love is sweet and tender, it’s enchanting. But when feelings are gone, even breathing becomes sinful.” Madame Lu said coldly, ”Before, he cared so much about Bai Shuilian, even after her death. When I cleared out her belongings, he argued with me over it. Yet, time has passed, and he seems like a different person, despising her deeply, unwilling to care for those children, commanding them away and moved as he pleases.”

Song Zhiqing’s change in attitude could certainly be described as a stark contrast; what was once affectionate is now ironically bitter.

Nanny Zhou lowered her voice and said, ”Perhaps the Prime Minister called the master that day and said something, leading to this unusual change? Notice, master was feverish that very night; it does seem rather peculiar.”

Madame Lu felt a stirring in her heart, ”Are you suggesting?”

Nanny Zhou said, ”As an old servant, I believe, perhaps the unseemly matters of Madame Bai came to master’s knowledge, otherwise, why would he change so quickly?”

Madame Lu licked her lips, recalled the murmurs she had heard, and thought of Song Zhiqing’s pale, lifeless face. An icy chill went down her spine, causing her to shiver.

She shook her head and said, ”The dead are gone, like extinguished lamps; let’s not mention this matter and attract bad luck. As for Little Five and their changing courtyard, you personally oversee it. Even if the courtyard is remote, do not skimp on expenses, especially with it being so cold now. Ensure plenty of braziers are prepared. Send more people to serve, lest others say I, as the recognized mother, am heartless, neglecting the children of a deceased concubine mother to suffer abuse.”

”Yes.”

Madame Lu waved her hand to have her leave and make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, Song Zhiyuan left Plum Garden and saw Song Ruwei and her brother. He paused his steps, nodded casually at their greeting, then continued on.

Song Lingzhou watched him leave, pursed his lips, and said, ”Sister, father has changed so much, I don’t like him anymore.”

Song Ruwei trembled, gripped his hand, and said, ”Don’t speak nonsense.”

Song Lingzhou lowered his eyes; the father now seemed too unfamiliar. He did not like it.