On the other side, Song Zhiyuan settled his father back in his courtyard and returned to his own courtyard with a weary face.
Madam stepped forward to remove his official robe, replaced it with comfortable home attire, and took a warm towel from the maid to hand it to him. Her actions were skillful and natural.
After a while, the couple sat on the Arhat bed by the window, each holding a cup of tea to sip.
The trusted housemaid led a group of maids out, instructing them to tend to their tasks, while she stood beneath the eaves ready to respond at any moment.
Song Zhiyuan took a sip of tea and looked at his wife sitting at the other end of the table. His gaze was gentle, and he said, "These past few days have been hard on you. Now that Mother has woken up, you should also rest more. Delegate tasks to the servants. I noticed you look quite exhausted; don't collapse just as Mother is getting better."
This gentle and grateful tone warmed Madam's heart. Holding her tea, she smiled and said, "It's nothing hard; it's what I should do. Thankfully, Mother woke up, so any hardship was worth it."
Song Zhiyuan nodded: "Yes, indeed."
From entering officialdom at nineteen until now, over the course of two dynasties, he achieved the high rank of a top official. He wielded significant power within the court and became the youngest Prime Minister since the founding of the nation, taking him twenty-one years.
But just during this joyous time, on the very day the Imperial Decree for a top-rank title was received, his mother suddenly collapsed before everyone's startled eyes. Anyone witnessing it couldn't help but say it was joy turning to sorrow.
During her two days of unconsciousness, the entire Song Family was like ants in a hot pan, extremely anxious, fearing the old mother might not wake again. If so, even before warming his new seat, he would have to undergo mourning—a truly undesirable prospect. Though it was possible to resume duties after mourning, who knew how things would be then?
Now that Mother is awake and well, the heavy stone pressing on the heart has surely been lifted.
Madam said, "When Mother was unconscious, people were sent to Second Uncle, Third Uncle, and Great-Aunt. Should we recall them?"
Song Zhiyuan put down the teacup and said, "Recall the people sent to the second brother; his business there has been settled. As for the third brother and Zhi's wife, I reckon they will return themselves upon knowing Mother is awake. The third can't stay away, and the third brother's wife must come back, after all, Zhou'er is already six and needs to attend clan school."
Madam smiled: "Even if he hadn't reached school age, they would come back. Now, as Prime Minister, when you rise, they must return to celebrate."
Song Zhiyuan smiled but said nothing.
"Speaking of celebration, Prime Minister, shouldn't we host guests since Mother is awake..." Madam hesitated.
Song Zhiyuan shook his head: "At my current age, attaining this position has already stirred much envy. I must tread carefully, to avoid giving others a handle against me or appearing frivolous before His Majesty. We can host a banquet anytime; let's wait until things are stable when we'll have many more opportunities."
Madam's heart tightened, and she quickly said: "It's my vanity that spoke."
The title of Prime Minister's wife had indeed fed her vanity, almost making her forget that her husband's position wasn't yet secure.
Song Zhiyuan: "Xiangyi, the higher we stand, the more cautious and aware we must be. You and I both must remember this."
Madam nodded solemnly.
"While we won't host guests now, your birthday is in May, isn't it? We can hold a cheerful celebration then," Song Zhiyuan reached out to take her hand, saying, "As the Prime Minister's wife, you can have a grand birthday feast."