After Madam Song returned, she indeed sent Nanny Fang over with half a pound of bird's nest and, in addition, a whole mountain ginseng with intact fibers.
Nanny Fang took Nanny Gong's hand, stuffed a wallet into her hand, and said with a smile, "Our Madam said that you've done a great job taking care of the Empress Dowager; this is for you to buy some wine."
Nanny Gong couldn't decline, so she tucked it into her sleeve and said, "The Madam's intentions are clear; the Empress Dowager understands well. Sister, rest assured."
Nanny Fang smiled and gave a few compliments before turning to leave.
Watching her figure vanish, Nanny Gong entered the room and presented everything that the Madam had sent to Song Ci, subtly praising the Madam.
"...After all, she's from the Marquis Mansion, her virtuousness is unparalleled, the Empress Dowager is truly blessed."
Song Ci, who had been in the entertainment circle for many years, was perceptive. Hearing this, he looked at her and said, "How much did she give you for benefits that you're helping her earn favor ?"
Nanny Gong's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a smiling face, taking the wallet out of her sleeve: "Nothing escapes your eyes, Empress Dowager. Isn't this a pretty little wallet? You know the girl named Jie Gen beside Madam, her needlework is outstanding, which even you've praised. Isn't it made by that girl?"
Song Ci was a bit intrigued, took it, looked it over several times, and then opened the wallet. Inside was a beautiful small plum blossom gold shell. After playing with it for a while, he put it back and handed it back to her: "It's indeed exquisite."
"If you like it, Empress Dowager, shall you keep it?"
Song Ci shook his head: "It's given to you, you keep it."
He remembered this old nanny, who seemed to have been bestowed upon him by the Empress Dowager as help, a remnant Palace Attendant from the former dynasty, very capable and understanding of protocols, arguably the most distinguished servant in this Song Family.
Nanny Gong saw that his demeanor did not appear deceiving, nor did he seem annoyed, so she put away the wallet.
"Empress Dowager, are you bored? Would you like to listen to some storytelling?"
Song Ci shook his head: "Have someone prepare water and assist me in bathing."
Upon hearing this, Nanny Gong waved her hand, and a maid went off to prepare.
In a moment, Song Ci was supported up, but after just a few steps, he was panting heavily, looking as if he might collapse to the ground, finally being carried into the bathing room by a tall, strong maid.
Song Ci nearly wanted to cry; how could his body be so weak?
"Empress Dowager, let this old servant undress you." Nanny Gong came forward to help remove Song Ci's clothing.
Song Ci wanted to say he could do it himself, but as soon as he raised his hand, it dropped down feebly.
Nanny Gong noticed his dim expression and quickly undressed him while saying, "Empress Dowager, you haven't fully recovered. After nurturing for a while, you'll feel better."
Suddenly feeling a chill, Song Ci lowered his eyes and let out a sharp scream.
"Empress Dowager, what's the matter?" Nanny Gong jumped in fright, thinking she had touched something wrong.
Song Ci simply stared stupidly at his chest, not speaking for a long time. He subconsciously touched it a couple of times, pouting.
Is this still a chest? Sagging, wrinkling, shrinking, like a deflated balloon, flat.
Song Ci sniffed and said, "It's nothing, let's go to the bathtub."
The maid hurriedly came forward to lift him steadily into the bathtub.
Song Ci glanced again at his chest not submerged in water, lamenting silently; his proud thirty-four D, gone, turned into two deflated bags.
Indeed, as one ages, the chest sags!
Nanny Gong looked at Song Ci curiously, why did the Empress Dowager suddenly care about her body?