After the reward was given, everyone, young and old, cheerfully moved to the small flower hall for breakfast.
Song Ci walked into the flower hall with her two daughters-in-law on either side, only to be met with a strong scent of sandalwood that almost made her sneeze, causing her to pause.
"Mother, what's the matter?" Madam Song, seeing her stand still, asked with concern.
Mrs. Song was more direct: "Are you tired from walking? Shall I carry you inside?"
Carry her? Carry her?
Song Ci almost thought she had misheard, turning her head to look at her: "You, carry me?"
Mrs. Song laughed heartily: "Mother, have you forgotten? I've been practicing martial arts for years; I have the strength to carry you." As she spoke, she got into position, ready to lift the petite Song Ci.
Song Ci quickly said, "No need, I don't require it."
Indeed, this daughter-in-law was a merchant's daughter, and because she used to travel with her father on business, which was risky, the Jiang Family specifically hired a martial arts master to teach her. Not only her, but also several maids and old women around Jiang had some martial arts skills.
Afraid that this daughter-in-law might really lift her, Song Ci said, "Why is this flower hall so fragrantly strong?"
It felt stifling, like worshipping in a temple.
Madam Song was surprised: "Mother doesn't like sandalwood?"
Song Ci felt a sudden thump in her heart, frowned, and said, "Incense during prayers at the small Buddha hall is enough. Remove it from the dining hall; it's too strong." Pausing, she added, "In the future, don't burn sandalwood in the dining hall. Instead, put some orange peels in the stove, or place some fresh flowers. Citrus and floral scents are more refreshing."
Everyone looked puzzled. Has the old lady's illness changed her habits?
Seeing no one speak up, Song Ci asked, "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, we will all listen to Mother," Madam Song said with a smile, then instructed Hong You and the girls, "Make sure you remember to cut some pretty flowers from the garden every day."
Hong You and the others quickly agreed.
By that time, Nanny Gong had already instructed someone to move the four-sided auspicious incense burner filled with sandalwood away, opened the windows for ventilation, and replaced it with a cloisonné incense burner, throwing in a few pieces of orange peel, releasing a fresh citrus scent.
They certainly were people of action.
Song Ci sat down contentedly. Before she could say anything, the maids stepped forward to roll up her sleeves, wiped her hands with a hot towel, and brought warm tea, while another maid stood by with a white porcelain blue and white jar.
Song Ci took a sip of tea and was about to swallow when she saw out of the corner of her eye that Song Ruqi, holding tea as well, also took a sip and moved her mouth slightly before spitting the water into the jar held by the maid beside her. She then took a towel from another maid to wipe her mouth and sat properly.
Two handsome youngsters were making the same movements.
It turned out this water was for rinsing the mouth.
Feeling a bit awkward, Song Ci pretended to be calm and turned her head, spitting into the elegantly decorated spittoon.
Big families have many etiquettes; it seems she needs to learn them to avoid making a fool of herself.
"Mother, your daughters-in-law will serve you breakfast." Both Madam Song and Mrs. Song stood beside her, picking up chopsticks to serve the dishes.
Song Ci quickly waved her hand: "There aren't so many rules with me, sit down, all of you."
"Be good, sit down," Song Ci said, looking at them. "I don't want to be labeled as an evil mother-in-law who torments her daughters-in-law."
Madam Song and the others looked distressed: "You're flattering us, Mother. This is what we daughters-in-law should do; there's no torment. Has someone been speaking ill in front of you?" Could it be they had been caught complaining behind her back?
No, she was just being considerate. Why do these two seem guilty?