The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 843: Chapter 843: The Betrothal of the Twins

In Chunhui Hall of the Song Family, the gathering today was particularly lively, even Madam Song came by to pay her respects.

”With such a big belly, you still came over; aren’t you here to see your third sister-in-law make a fool of herself?” Song Ci glanced at Madam Song’s swollen belly.

Madam Song’s face warmed, and she retorted, ”Mother, your words make me feel ashamed. It’s not like that; I’m just thinking it’s beneficial for the childbirth to move around more since I’m due in a while.”

Song Ci: ”Even so, you should be cautious. Coming from the main courtyard, you still need to cross a small bridge. Although it’s midsummer, the dew makes the road quite slippery in the early mornings and evenings. You must be careful.”

Madam Song quickly said, ”Mother, I’m being careful, and I have several maids with me supporting me along the way. Please don’t worry.”

Song Ci nodded, took the tea handed over by Nanny Gong, and heard the maid report that Madam Lu had arrived.

Everyone looked towards the entrance, seeing Madam Lu with a different hairstyle than usual, their eyes couldn’t help but brighten.

”This attire looks nice. The hairstyle complements your face shape.” Song Ci looked at Madam Lu and complimented her.

Her attire was luxurious and elegant, the hairstyle was unique without too much jewelry, yet it made her look dignified and poised. The exposed neck was long, making her look vibrant and youthful.

Madam Lu, delighted, lightly touched her head and said with a blush, ”To earn a compliment from Mother shows how skilled Madam Shen really is.”

Madam Jiang smiled and said, ”According to what my third sister-in-law said, did she help you with your hairstyle?”

Madam Lu sat down on a chair beside her, nodded, and said, ”She came to my room before dawn to pay respects and serve me, then did my hair, saying she learned this skill in the palace.”

”It looks quite good.” Madam Song also sincerely praised, ”From what you said, this Madam Shen seems quite knowledgeable about etiquette, visiting you early to establish rules?”

Madam Lu nodded: ”After all, she’s an aunt from the palace. She’s very mindful of etiquette and rules. I initially wanted to bring her to pay respects to Mother and the sister-in-laws, but she said as a concubine she shouldn’t move around without summons, which wouldn’t be proper, so she didn’t dare come.”

In doing so, she lifted Madam Shen, yet subtly criticized Madam Bai.

Madam Song and Madam Jiang exchanged glances, each picking up their tea, observing that Madam Lu’s satisfaction showed her resolve to pit Madam Shen against Madam Bai.

Song Ci looked at her daughters-in-law, then said, ”Understanding etiquette is good. Harmony among wives and concubines still counts as a good name, but a concubine is still a concubine. Even if you intend to elevate her, don’t go overboard and fuel her ambition, lest it causes trouble.”

Madam Lu straightened her expression, quickly stood and gave a courtesy bow, saying, ”I heed Mother’s teaching.”

Song Ci stopped at that, then inquired about the arrangements for Madam Song’s delivery room, followed by various casual conversations.

After chatting for a while, Madam Jiang and Madam Lu went off to handle household affairs, leaving Madam Song still in Chunhui Hall, discussing how her maternal family recently sent gifts urging childbirth, and asking whether marriage arrangements had been settled for the two twins of the second household.

Song Ci raised an eyebrow, saying: ”What, Duke Zhongyong Mansion wants to form another marital bond with our Song Family?”

Madam Song asked tentatively, watching Song Ci: ”What does Mother think? Should we agree or not?”

”Which one are they interested in? Surely they wouldn’t fancy both children?”

Madam Song laughed: ”They are interested in Jie’er. My second brother’s legitimate second daughter is named Ruo Yan, and she is thirteen years old this year. That child is exceptionally beautiful and is skilled in managing household affairs.”