The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Lu Shi achieved her goal and quickly took her leave, sparing Song Ruqi the formalities, only reminding her to take care during her confinement.

Song Ruqi simply nodded, watched her leave, then leaned back in bed and let out a sigh.

Her trusted head maid, Shuhua, handed her a cup of herbal tea to replenish her energy and blood, saying, ”Miss, since you became a mother, you’ve truly improved a lot. Listening to the conversation between you and the Heir’s wife earlier, it was quite impressive.”

Song Ruqi spat at her and sighed, ”As the years go by, I’ve slowly grown, having suffered losses. The lessons and wisdom I’ve gained in the Duke Mansion these past two to three years surpass what I learned in my previous decade.”

To avert her melancholy, Shuhua asked, ”Do you genuinely wish for the Heir’s wife to stabilize her position, or are you intentionally provoking conflict with the Old Madam and the others?”

”Of course, I hope she stabilizes. If she falters, wouldn’t that position fall to Liao Shi? Once that woman becomes the Heir’s wife, ha, wouldn’t she strut about like a proud peacock? Do you think I want to see her lord over me?” Song Ruqi ground her teeth with resentment at the mention of young Liao Shi.

Before Shuhua could speak, she continued, ”As for the conflict, even if I don’t mention it, would my sister-in-law and the others not engage in conflict with Liao Shi? Let them fight however they wish; in any case, I’m out of sight.”

Shuhua chuckled, ”You are certainly looking forward to going to Jiangnan now.”

”Indeed, Jiangnan is a fine place, and my husband’s position isn’t low, a Fourth Rank official. I’ll have a Fourth Rank Imperial Decree. Hey, over there, I’ll still be in charge without those annoying sights and pests in front of me.” Song Ruqi said with smug satisfaction.

The two were happily chatting when a bout of baby cries was heard; Song Ruqi instantly stopped speaking and had Jin Ge’er brought over.

Chunhui Hall.

Song Ci learned from Madam Song about Qi Zhen’s second brother and family returning from the old home and mentioned the Heir’s wife Lu Shi’s overtures to Song Ruqi, bringing her gifts, and Song Ci had added some good items herself.

”Qi’er said included is an entire ferret pelt, intended to make a cloak for you.” Madam Song spoke with a hint of flattery.

Song Ci replied, ”She is filial. I have more pelts here than I can use; let her keep it for a greatcoat or give it away, as they’ll need silver and means for networking once they reach Jiangnan.”

”It’s just one pelt, and the younger generation is honoring you, so you should accept it.” Madam Song smiled and changed the topic, ”It seems the Heir’s wife wants to align with Qi’er; she’s quite bold, isn’t she afraid Qi’er will betray her?”

Song Ci calmly replied, ”From what Qi’er experienced, it’s destined she won’t ally with Liao Shi. Even if she’s not making alliances, as long as Qi’er doesn’t side with Liao Shi, it’s enough. Otherwise, the fight would involve not just two Liao Shi’s but also Qi’er.”

”Mother speaks wisely.”

”Moreover, she’s clear about her own status; the dignified Heir’s wife is destined to be a Duke’s wife, barring unforeseen events. Her younger brother-in-law has a promising future, which greatly benefits the family. Only then will her children benefit too,” Song Ci remarked thoughtfully, ”A mother, from the heart of every mother, plans for her children. Whether it’s Lu Shi or Liao Shi, Qi’er is the same. In this world, is there any mother who doesn’t consider her children? Qi’er maintaining good relations with the future Duke’s wife is certainly better than discord, for they’ll eventually return to the capital.”

So, if this pair of sisters-in-law maintains friendly relations, it’s a win-win situation.

Madam Song’s smile slightly froze: could mother-in-law be subtly hinting at me with these words?