The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 33: Modified: Chapter 33 All Smart People

Madam Song led Mrs. Lu and her children to Meijun Garden.

”When the Prime Minister’s Mansion gifted this place, it was just as Zhou’er broke his leg, and you didn’t have the time to return. I’ve set up Meijun Garden according to your previous courtyard,” Madam Song said to Mrs. Lu with a smile. ”This setup is merely a rough imitation and doesn’t quite resemble your own living space. You should arrange it according to your own preferences.”

Mrs. Lu looked at the spacious yard, which was tastefully and comfortably arranged, with a dozen or so wintersweet trees planted in the backyard, and realized it was done with care.

She was full of gratitude, ”Elder sister-in-law, how could I ever be dissatisfied with your taste? This is already wonderful. To be honest, I should have returned earlier, but every time I planned to set off, various matters cropped up and I couldn’t free myself.”

Madam Song patted her hand, ”We are sisters-in-law; there’s no need to say such things in the future. Since you’re back, just settle in comfortably. In the yard, I’ve only left a few servant women and girls for rough work. I figured you would want to use people you’re accustomed to, so go ahead and arrange things first. Once you’ve settled everything, I’ll have Mama Liang bring some children over so you can choose some people to use.”

A wise and generous lady knows what needs to be thorough and what can be left loose. Regarding servants, if you arrange everything yourself, others might think you have ulterior motives.

Mrs. Lu quickly said, ”Speaking of servants, I must trouble you once more, elder sister-in-law. When we returned, we dismissed many maids and young servants because they were local to Shanxi and some were unwilling to leave their hometown. So, as you see, I didn’t bring many people back. The less critical positions can wait, but the ones serving the two children should be reliable, not like outsiders who can’t compare to the dependable ones raised in your mansion. I would like to ask you to select some for me.”

Isn’t it said that Mrs. Lu is clever? Her words are just right and pleasant to hear. One should know that the servants beside you should be personally selected and trained to ensure loyalty. Who knows if the ones sent by others are spies?

But Mrs. Lu is not at all worried that Madam Song would take the opportunity to plant spies in her courtyard.

Madam Song felt relieved and smiled, ”Naturally, the ones raised in the family are stronger. I will have Mama Liang bring them over to you, and you can choose yourself.”

Mrs. Lu gratefully bowed with a salute.

Madam Song then looked at Song Ruwei, who stood obediently by Mrs. Lu, and said, ”In our mansion, the Prime Minister set the house rules early that boys move to the outer courtyard at the age of seven. So Su’er, Jie’er, and the others have long lived in the outer courtyard. Zhou’er is still young, so there’s no rush. As for Wei’er, now that you’re eight, you can have your own courtyard. Your eldest sister is already married, and her courtyard is still available. Your second sister lives in Fuqu Pavilion. Since you’ve just returned, get familiar with the layout of the Prime Minister’s Mansion first, and then choose a courtyard to set up according to your own preferences. In the meantime, stay with your mother for the next few days.”

Upon hearing this, Song Ruwei secretly rejoiced and respectfully bowed, ”Wei’er thanks Aunt for your concern and effort.”

With Song Zhiyuan as the pillar, the Song Family had far-sighted vision, and Madam Song, hailing from the Marquis Mansion, had a broad perspective. They were not like others who thought girls were useless. In fact, if daughters were well-educated, they could also be a great asset to the family.

In the second generation of the Song Family, although there were four brothers, only three were married, and none had taken concubines, so the descendants were not plentiful. Together, there were only seven children in the third generation, both boys and girls combined. Therefore, daughters were highly treasured and focused on their upbringing.

The Prime Minister’s Mansion was vast, with dozens of independent courtyards and no shortage of space. Allowing the girls to live in their own courtyards early on to manage their own affairs helped nurture independence, a fact that garnered much admiration.