The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

As an elder, I understand propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. Do you?

Was that the meaning behind Madam Song’s words?

The face of Madam Zheng, who was trying to embarrass Song Ci, showed an unpleasant expression.

Perhaps the remark was mocking her for meddling in her son and daughter-in-law’s affairs, although she indeed engaged in such behavior, it didn’t mean she wished to be exposed.

Some people chuckled.

Madam Zheng forced a smile and said, ”That’s not exactly right, you’re the Old Lord – you should treat everyone equally.”

”You’re right, but I still believe what I said: you can’t force a cow to drink by pushing its head down. Can you really act on behalf of your son?” Song Ci chuckled, ”It’s hard to buy willingness, some things cannot be forced, if he doesn’t want to, why should I be the villain? No need to be disliked.”

”No wonder Madam Song grows younger as she ages; you are truly insightful,” someone laughed and complimented.

Song Ci waved her hand, ”I dare not take such praise; otherwise, some might think I’m making idle remarks, after all, my mother-in-law passed away long ago, so I’ve never been pressured, naturally, I wouldn’t know how to trouble my daughter-in-law. If praised, maybe it should be attributed to good family virtues passed down generation to generation?”

”You sure love to joke; it seems your future granddaughter-in-law will be a fortunate person then.”

Song Ci said, ”Fortune is earned personally, I definitely won’t expect a daughter-in-law to act as I do. People should focus on doing right by themselves and not overly demanding of others. Even the Saint says to lead by example, influence through words and actions. One must do well themselves for others to follow, don’t you agree?”

The crowd echoed in agreement.

Madam Zheng felt embarrassed, coughed, feeling a bit disdainful, just making idle remarks indeed.

”Speaking of fortune, Madam Yuan is also blessed, with several daughters-in-law by her side, her fortune is truly abundant.” Suddenly, someone chuckled and looked towards the Madam Qingcheng who wished to stay invisible.

All eyes swiftly turned, familiar ones exchanged cryptic smiles.

The affair of the Yuan family’s eldest son is hardly a secret in noble circles, everyone knows his legal troubles, with him gone, Mrs. Luo stays widow peacefully but now he’s back, bringing family along, it’s awkwardly a trio, unclear who’s primary and secondary.

At the Song family New Year’s banquet, both accompanied Madam Yuan.

Song Ci looked over as well, honestly, as a widow, Mrs. Luo rarely appeared publicly; it was a first-time meeting for both as Madam Song was not adept socially either.

Perhaps due to years of ascetic living and practicing Buddhism, Mrs. Luo appeared slightly thin, dressed in understated elegance for the New Year, her face seemed to hold a weathered story, her eyes and brows conveying some melancholy, making her appear dimmed.

In contrast, the other— Mrs. Li, although not extravagantly dressed, having a loving marriage with children, showed no signs of life’s hardships, appeared young, gentle, noble, yet there seemed to be faint worry in her eyes perhaps caused by troubles since returning to the capital.

Now both sitting on either side of Madam Yuan, hearing this, they felt somewhat uneasy.

”Madam Song, isn’t it true Madam Yuan is fortunate?” someone asked Song Ci with a smile.

Song Ci retorted, ”If this fortune were yours, would you want it?”

The crowd: ”...”