When Song Zhiyuan and his wife arrived together, Song Ci was arranging a table under the grape arbor in the backyard with a few maidservants. A pure white tablecloth embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns spread over the table, with a few exquisite snacks and a set of sky-blue porcelain teaware. A fair-skinned and beautiful maid was sitting by the table brewing tea.
As for the main character, Song Ci, she was holding a small pair of silver scissors, squatting without any regard for her image in front of the flowerbed, clipping a few longevity flowers, and placing them in a wide-bellied porcelain vase. She arranged them casually yet artfully on the table.
"Madam, the Prime Minister and Madam have arrived," Nanny Gong reminded Song Ci.
Song Ci looked up and indeed saw the couple approaching, with the maidservants bowing in greeting. She stood upright.
"May you be blessed, Mother," Madam Song bowed to Song Ci in greeting.
"Mother," Song Zhiyuan carefully examined Song Ci's complexion and was slightly relieved.
Her face was rosy, her spirits high; she had indeed improved a lot, allowing him to lay aside his worries.
Song Ci looked at the couple, the man elegant and charming, the woman dignified and graceful, of high status, having both children, truly the winners in life.
Song Ci burst that bubbling jealousy within her heart, handed the silver scissors to a nearby maid, took a handkerchief to wipe her hands, and said with a smile, "Why have you two come at such a time?"
"We just wanted to pay our respects to Mother. What are you doing, Mother?" Song Zhiyuan stepped forward, supporting one of Song Ci's arms.
Being held by such a handsome elder, Song Ci felt slightly uneasy, forcefully suppressing the discomfort. She sat down with the couple's assistance.
"The spring weather is perfect today, and being cooped up indoors was boring, so I came out to get some fresh air," Song Ci said. "You two have a seat as well, have some tea."
Madam Song glanced at the arrangement on the small table. She had to admit, it was quite uniquely elegant. Who knew a cloth could be used ?
She complimented with a smile, "I didn't expect Mother to have such taste. It looks rather nice and is very refreshing."
Song Ci replied, "What's so refreshing about it? Trimming flowers and arranging them in a vase is what you usually do as well. I just moved to a different spot to set it up."
"It takes Mother's ingenuity to come up with such an idea," Madam Song said, "Usually in the garden, one just enjoys the scenery, drinks tea, eats some snacks, at most lights some incense."
Song Ci felt a bit embarrassed by the praise. Would she admit this was Western-style afternoon tea?
She looked at Song Zhiyuan, saying, "You, Dar lang, are busy with official duties, no need to come see me. And you, Gu Shi, have many affairs in the household; there's no need to worry about me. I'm just an idle person, not bothering anyone."
Song Zhiyuan said, "You've exempted the children from paying respects to you these days to be considerate of us, but we can't really just not come all the time. It happened there was some leisure today, and Gu Shi was also filial, wanting to pay you respects; we have to see that you are genuinely well to be at ease."
Song Ci blurted out, "If you have such leisure, go back and make babies. You're the firstborn of the main branch, having only one son isn't enough; having another is also a help to Su'er."
As soon as she spoke, she covered her mouth, looking somewhat flustered at the couple opposite her.
Oh heavens, hallelujah, this wasn't intentional. She didn't mean to be so forward.
It must be the residual will of the original owner causing this.
Song Zhiyuan and Madam Song were a bit taken aback. They didn't understand what making babies meant, but based on what followed, it should be that, right?
Mother-in-law is urging them to have children!