Twilight at sunset, Chunhui Hall.
Song Ci was lounging on the Arhat bed by the window, staring blankly at the flowering trees outside.
"Madam, the eldest lady has come to greet you." Nanny Gong called softly.
Song Ci turned her head and saw her eldest daughter-in-law walking in with a full face of smiles, followed by a maid carrying a tray.
"Mother, I've had some bird's nest soup prepared, it's just right, would you like to try it?" The Madam first greeted her with a bow, then smiled and took the tray from the maid, placing it on the kang table.
She scooped the bird's nest from the pot and said to Nanny Gong, "Later I'll have Mistress Fang send half a pound over. Nanny, make sure the small kitchen prepares it daily for Mother to strengthen her body."
Nanny Gong nodded with a smile, "An old servant hears the Madam."
Bird's nest, a fine tonic.
Song Ci looked at her eldest daughter-in-law with a face full of gratitude and said, "You're thoughtful." Seeing her want to feed her personally, she said, "No need for you to feed me, let the servants handle such things."
Hong You, who was serving on the side, stepped forward to take over, but the Madam avoided her and said with a smile, "A daughter-in-law serving her mother-in-law is only natural, it's no hardship to feed you a bowl of bird's nest."
Song Ci felt somewhat uncomfortable and shook her head, "Let the maid do it, for the past two days with my illness, you must have been very worried, and you still have to manage the affairs of the whole family, it's hard on you, go back and rest, I have enough people to take care of me here."
The Madam was somewhat shocked, glancing at Song Ci several times, her mind filled with questions.
No, after fainting once, has the old lady changed, or is something wrong?
Song Ci, not being the original host, felt guilty under her gaze. Could it be that she had let something slip?
Recalling the manner of the original host, she frowned and said, "What's the matter? Just go when I tell you to, take good care of your husband and children, I won't die anytime soon."
She deliberately put on a harsh tone, watching the Madam's reaction from the corner of her eye. As expected, seeing her relieved expression, she couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth.
It seems that being considerate makes people uneasy.
With this thought, Song Ci's heart settled, "Go on, don't tire yourself out, or who will manage the affairs of the family? The eldest son has just been promoted and is very busy, your greatest contribution would be to manage the household well, giving him peace of mind."
The Madam agreed repeatedly, seeing that she was firm, she had to stand up.
Song Ci added, "Have someone go to each courtyard and tell them not to come here, after finishing this bowl of bird's nest, I'll be going to sleep."
She didn't want to become an evil mother-in-law or a troublesome elder, it's always tiring to put on a show, and she's weak herself.
Song Ci waved her hand in a manner indicating she didn't want to say more, seeing this, the Madam had to bow and withdraw.
Leaving Chunhui Hall, the Madam held Mistress Fang's hand and slowly walked back to her own courtyard, "Mistress Fang, do you think Madam has changed?"
Mistress Fang carefully supported her, responding, "Why do you say that, Madam?"
The Madam: "Just feel like she's become more peaceful." And considerate too.
Mistress Fang laughed, "Perhaps Madam, after this illness, has come to realize many things. After all, she's getting old. Actually, although Madam can be a bit quick-tempered, she's not malicious; compared to many large households where the mother-in-law is always picking on the daughter-in-law, she's much better, Madam should be glad."
"Indeed." The Madam curled her lips, "She's scared me so much I doubt everything."