The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 1353: A Matter as Small as Sesame and Mung Beans

As for what Nanny Gong fears most, it is precisely when Song Ci suddenly grows sentimental and melancholy. The old lady, day in and day out, greets everyone with a ready smile, yet once she is in private with no one around, she inevitably starts saying some inauspicious, gloomy things, lamenting the passing of spring and autumn.Just like now.

Seeing her old habit acting up again, Nanny Gong’s scalp tingled. She chided, "What sort of words are those? How could anyone ever forget you?"

Song Ci shook her head and said, "You don’t understand; time is what most easily erases everything. Some people will, in the end, be washed away in the torrent of time. I have been thinking, since I have come to this world once, I ought to leave something behind here. Only something tangible will not be so easily forgotten by others."

These words Nanny Gong did not refute; just like those Saints and great masters whose names echo through the ages, it is because they left behind famous writings and works that they are celebrated for generations.

"So what is it you want to busy yourself with this time?" Nanny Gong asked curiously.

"I must think on it. It’s not something done in one stroke. While my energy and spirit are still enough, and I can still be considered young, I ought to invite a Court Painter to paint a portrait of me."

Nanny Gong choked for a moment and said, "You mean to have it painted this very year?"

Song Ci smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Of course. It’s not as though I’ve never been painted before. I should have it done; otherwise, if I should..."

"Please stop right there." Nanny Gong immediately cut her off and said, "Even if you are to have it painted, now is not the time. This old servant feels that early summer, when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot, would be just right."

Song Ci nodded and said, "I’ll have the eldest make arrangements later."

Just as the two were speaking, Xiaoman came in to report that the Third Madam had come to pay her respects to Song Ci.

Song Ci glanced at the sandglass; it was not yet the proper hour for the morning and evening salutations. Why would she be here already?

Under the curtain lifted by the maid, Madam Lu walked in, bowed to Song Ci with a formal greeting, and then sat down by the Arhat bed.

"What brings you here at this hour?" Seeing the faint joy on her face, Song Ci could not help asking, "Has some happy event occurred? You have a smile on your face."

Madam Lu smiled and said, "Mother, last spring your daughter-in-law had a maid by her side called Xizhi, who was sent out and married to a young man in the household, the son of the outer-court Steward Chen, Chen San—she is now Mistress Chen San. That girl is truly blessed. Less than half a year after entering the door, she conceived. A few days ago she gave birth to a big, sturdy son weighing seven jin. Today is the washing-three* day, and Steward Chen and Chen San personally brought me red eggs to share their joy."

Song Ci said, "Oh my, seven jin, that really is a big, sturdy boy. Was the birth a smooth one?"

"Thanks to your good fortune, that girl has always been steady and capable. After leaving the house she’s also proven to be a fine hand at running a household, not at all delicate. Though she did suffer a bit of hardship in labor, there were no major problems. Mother and child are safe, all went smoothly."

Song Ci nodded. "That truly is a joyful event." She turned to Nanny Gong and said, "They all serve in our household. Later, take out two pairs of peanut-shaped silver ingots and have someone send them over. It will count as me adding to the child’s joy, and as a blessing that he may grow up safe and smooth."

Nanny Gong smiled and agreed.

Madam Lu’s face was wreathed in smiles as well. Playing along, she said, "Mother is so kind and generous. In future Mistress Chen San must bring the child here to kowtow to you in thanks."

"Whether they kowtow or not makes no difference. Everyone being safe and at peace is blessing enough." Song Ci waved a hand, thinking that such a sesame-sized, mung-bean matter was hardly worth Madam Lu making a special trip. She wondered if there was something else to be brought up through this.

Sure enough, Madam Lu took a sip of tea and said, "This little matter ought not to have disturbed Mother, but as for Shen’s side, her due date is in the sixth month, and she may be early. There are still three or four months to go, and it is about time we prepared a wet nurse."