The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Lingjie held Song Xiaomei’s hand, silently watching his mother and Madam Fu exchange pleasantries while holding hands.

He had always known his mother could put on quite the show, but hadn’t expected Madam Fu, from a scholarly family, to be just as adept. Watching these two exchanging pleasantries, anyone unaware might truly believe they had just run into each other!

Quite the performance!

Song Lingjie’s hand was scratched lightly, prompting him to look down. He saw his younger sister making faces at him and couldn’t help but follow her pouting lips to where the familiar Fu San stood. The winter sun shone upon her fair face, making it glow like porcelain.

Their eyes met and quickly shifted away.

”Look at me, I’ve been too busy catching up. Jie’er, Yuanyuan, quickly pay your respects to Madam Fu.”

Song Lingjie released his sister’s hand and bowed to Madam Fu: ”Young man greets Madam.”

Song Xiaomei placed her hands at her waist and properly curtsied: ”Yuanyuan greets Madam. May Madam be blessed with Ru Yi.”

Madam Fu smiled, waved off the courtesy, and came over to pick up Song Xiaomei, saying with a laugh: ”You manage the proprieties so well at such a young age; it’s clear your mother has taught you well.”

Madam Jiang chided: ”This little girl can be lively; she can only act ladylike out in public.”

”The child is adorable, truly. Just now, I saw some jewelry and found a particularly exquisite little bracelet, I’ll make it a New Year’s gift for her.” Madam Fu touched Song Xiaomei’s nose, ”But between our families, we’re not strangers. Call me Aunt Fu.”

”Good day, Aunt Fu.”

”Ah, good child.” Madam Fu smiled broadly, then turned to her daughter: ”What are you standing there for, girl? Hurry and pay respects to your aunt and cousin.”

Fu Yunjin stepped forward to greet Jiang and Song Lingjie politely.

Song Lingjie returned the courtesy.

Both families prepared to take their seats, and Madam Jiang signaled her daughter with a glance.

Song Xiaomei approached Fu Yunjin, pulling her sleeve and saying, in a childish voice: ”Fu sister, adult conversations are no fun. Let’s go look at some jewelry; Yuanyuan heard there’s many exquisite and curious things on the third floor.”

She was as cute as a carved doll, her eyes pleading, akin to a little fawn. How could Fu Yunjin resist? She quickly held her hand: ”Sure.”

Madam Jiang, seeing this, smiled: ”Then go ahead and take a look on the third floor. I’ll have a chat with your mother. Jie’er, go with them as a protector; make sure no one bumps into them.”

Song Lingjie looked at her with an amused expression. Bump into them? Wasn’t it the case that the third floor had already been cleared, waiting for them to perform as scripted?

Matchmaking.

Madam Jiang guiltily avoided his gaze.

Song Lingjie said: ”Miss Fu, please.”

Fu Yunjin glanced at him, then took Song Xiaomei’s hand to leave the room, with him following behind.

Madam Fu and Jiang, seeing this, both smiled and waved their hands, prompting the maids and servants to follow.

Even when matchmaking, propriety must be upheld.

Song Lingjie watched the pair ahead, their conversation clearly audible. Though quiet, he often practiced martial arts; not as accomplished as the second brother, but neither was he a frail scholar, unable to lift or carry. His hearing was quite adept.

Fu Yunjin was indeed patient, answering Xiaomei’s many questions tirelessly and with great care.

Song Lingjie walked with his hands behind his back, leisurely strolling while peering into the courtyard below, his steps pausing slightly, eyebrows furrowing.

That figure entering the private room earlier seemed like Third Uncle.

”Third brother, what are you doing, hurry up!” Xiaomei called out when she saw him lost in thought.