The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Ruqi listened to this basketful of reasoning, her eyes already red. She retorted, ”Grandmother, you say you don’t understand, but your logic can’t even fit into ten baskets.”

Song Ci waved her hand with a smile: ”You’ve been pampered and proud since a young age, and you have had good fortune. I just worry you might waste this good fortune. What I’m saying today, Grandmother hopes that in the future, when you encounter what we’ve just discussed, you’ll handle it well.”

Song Ruqi nodded: ”I’ll remember it.”

”That’s good. In fact, some of the bad habits of men never change, and we shouldn’t expect them to. You don’t have to pretend to be generous and virtuous, offering concubines to him. But if your husband really wants to take in others, there’s no need to stop him firmly. Just do your duties well. To put it bluntly, everyone will grow old and lose their charm one day; who can rely on beauty to be favored all their life? Status and honor are different, like children, they remain your most precious wealth. If anyone dares to take them from you, roll up your sleeves and fight back.”

Song Ruqi was amused: ”Hmm.”

”Of course, we’re just talking hypothetically, preparing for the worst. Maybe your husband will be an exception, and if so, then you have great luck.”

Song Ruqi felt sweet inside but pretended to be tough: ”We’ll see. As you said, everyone in that house has concubines and playmates, who can guarantee he won’t do the same?”

Song Ci smiled and said nothing. Her words proved she was also mentally prepared.

”What Grandmother can say is just this. Just hold your back straight and do your duties with dignity, following the rules and being in the right. As for the rest, your family will stand for you.” Having finished, Song Ci said to Nanny Gong: ”Bring the Ruyi hairpin.”

Nanny Gong walked into the inner room, took out a red sandalwood box, and handed it to Song Ci with both hands.

Song Ci opened the box and motioned for Song Ruqi to come forward.

”This jade double-headed Ruyi hairpin was bestowed by the Empress Dowager, and I’ve worn it for years. Now, I only have five granddaughters, all by my side except you, who are leaving. This departure, who knows when you’ll return.” Song Ci personally inserted the Ruyi hairpin into her bun, smiling: ”Though it’s impossible for everything to go as one wishes, what if it does? This Ruyi hairpin is a keepsake for you, wishing you all the best.”

”Grandmother...” Song Ruqi knelt down, burying her head in her grandmother’s lap, shoulders trembling.

”Stop crying. Remember what Grandmother said today, so my words won’t be in vain.” Song Ci intentionally spoke lightly, smiling: ”Remember, you are no worse than anyone else. When encountering difficulties, grit your teeth and endure, and once you get through, everything will become bright and better.”

Song Ruqi nodded heavily: ”Granddaughter dares not forget.”

”Alright, go talk to your mother, she must have much to tell you too.”

Song Ruqi stood up, slowly walked out, and at the doorway, suddenly turned her head, looking at Song Ci who was sitting on the Arhat bed.

Her grandmother’s eyes were kindly, smiling at her, and a ray of sunlight from the south window fell on her, making the scene softer.

Song Ruqi’s eyes turned red, feeling as if this might be the last time she’d see this elder.

She couldn’t help but kneel down again, kowtowing three times to Song Ci, chokingly saying: ”Grandmother, wait for my return, to celebrate your grand birthday.”

”Alright.”