The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Although the birth was by a concubine, it was still a joyful event of adding a new member to the family. All the servants at Moyun Inn received rewards, and this was initiated by Song Zhiqing himself.

Plum Garden.

Madam Lu sat on the Arhat bed, gazing at the plum trees outside that had sprouted new branches and leaves, her expression melancholic.

”Madam, here is the lotus seed tea.” Mama Zhou handed her a cup of hot tea.

Madam Lu took it, sipped, and lightly furrowed her brows: ”It’s a bit bitter.”

Mama Zhou was surprised and said: ”How could it be? I instructed that the lotus seed cores be removed, and a bit of rock sugar was added during brewing. Should I change it for you?”

”No need, nothing is as bitter as the heart.” Madam Lu held the tea and sipped again.

Mama Zhou sighed with some helplessness: ”Are you thinking of Concubine Shen again?”

Madam Lu laughed self-mockingly: ”People always see newcomers smile, yet do not see old ones cry, isn’t that the truth? Shen gave birth, everyone is joyfully smiling, who knows the bitterness in my heart.”

”Madam, how have you still not come to terms with this?”

”It’s not about not coming to terms, just witnessing the joyful scene today, my heart feels somewhat blocked. Mama Zhou, I am just a woman, you speak of being broad-minded, how can it be so easy?”

”Madam...”

Madam Lu continued: ”Today, you saw how delighted the master was, he was equally delighted when Zhou’er was born.”

Mama Zhou sighed, men finding novelty and discarding the old is common, especially among high officials and noblemen, how many truly live like the Prime Minister and the second lord, loyal to just one person?

Madam insisting on this point is setting herself against herself, making life more difficult.

But if everyone were like this, it wouldn’t be so stifling, it’s the comparison that makes the bitterness hard to swallow.

”Mother.”

Song Ruwei and Song Lingzhou walked in together.

Madam Lu smiled and beckoned: ”Why have you come?”

Song Ruwei gave a salute and smiled: ”We just returned from the family school and heard that Concubine Shen had given birth to a little brother. Mother, may we visit?”

”Of course, but today’s Moyun Inn is quite chaotic, your Concubine Shen is very weak as well, better not go, spare her the energy to entertain you. I think, let’s wait until the third-day ritual, especially you, Zhou’er, it’s not appropriate to visit your aunt’s quarters alone.” Madam Lu looked at Song Lingzhou and said.

In a blink, the children had grown, Song Lingzhou was already nine years old this year, and seven-year-olds are supposed to not share seats due to gender differences. He, being an adolescent boy, should not visit a concubine’s quarters alone, for it breaches etiquette and easily subjects him to criticism.

Song Lingzhou nodded in agreement.

Song Ruwei then inquired about Shen’s health, and Madam Lu openly discussed it.

”Zhou’er, are you able to keep up with the assignments given by the teacher? Make sure to listen attentively to your teacher’s teachings, write an essay every day, and if you have free time, you can take your essays to seek guidance from your uncle.”

Song Lingzhou’s body slightly stiffened and said: ”Mother, how can I write essays so quickly, being able to compose a few phrases of poetry is already a skill.”

Madam Lu’s eyebrows furrowed and said: ”How can that be, your eldest brother and third brother could write essays at your age.”

Song Lingzhou pursed his lips and lowered his head, he did not enjoy writing essays.

”Zhou’er, you are the eldest son of our third household, you will inherit the family business in the future, you must strive.” Madam Lu sternly said: ”Your woodworking hobby, you cannot play with them often anymore, I will pack them away for you.”

Song Lingzhou’s face turned slightly pale.