The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Early on New Year’s Day, Chunhui Hall where Song Ci resided was already filled with a crowd of people. First, the maids and servants from her courtyard came to pay their respects early, each receiving a New Year’s tip, smiling so broadly their eyes nearly disappeared.

Following this, Song Zhiyuan and a few of his dutiful sons and daughters-in-law came with their children to pay their respects, exchanging New Year greetings with each other, making Chunhui Hall a picture of festivity.

Only Old Master Song felt a bit displeased. On New Year’s Eve, he stubbornly insisted on spending the night at Chunhui Hall, but wasn’t able to sleep in Song Ci’s room, ending up in the west wing instead.

The dignified male head of the household, unable to sleep in the main room’s bed, this was quite ridiculous.

But, no one cared about him.

Feeling stifled, Old Master Song dared not grumble on such an auspicious day, fearing Song Ci might truly do as she threatened on New Year’s Eve; if he dared cause trouble, she’d have someone sweep him out the door.

On such an auspicious New Year, he dared not tempt bad luck, knowing that Song Ci would indeed follow through now.

After receiving New Year’s greetings from the servants, Old Master Song left the mansion without delay to exchange greetings with old friends.

Song Ci didn’t restrict the younger ones, letting them visit whomever they wished for their New Year greetings, and even Song Madam and a few daughters-in-law had the same freedom.

However, Song Madam dared not go, guarding against others coming to the mansion to pay their respects, she had to entertain and host. Since she stayed, Jiang and the others didn’t have many engagements either, deciding to stay home, accompanying Song Ci in playing Majiang, and they even invited their own troupe to perform Kunqu opera for entertainment, chatting about neighborhood gossip and enjoying the leisure.

”Madam, Princess Anping has come to pay her respects, the Madam has already gone to the second gate to welcome her.”

After noon, Song Ci received the message from the maid, exclaimed in surprise, and asked Nanny Gong, ”Coming to pay respects at this time, could there be good news? Quick, have the maids prepare hot tea, brew the Imperial tribute red robe, she favors this tea. Also, prepare red envelopes for me.”

Nanny Gong chuckled, ”This old servant must personally offer the tea to the Princess, also to earn some New Year’s luck.”

”Certainly, certainly, just beware these maids will be eager,” Song Ci remarked, pointing to the various maids serving in the room.

Everyone joked with a laugh, ”Indeed, unless Nanny wishes to treat us to drinks, then we’ll compete with her for it.”

Nanny Gong retorted: ”Oh, you cheeky ones! All of you are exploiting me, an old woman, just to please Madam, aren’t you?”

Laughter burst out among everyone.

Princess Anping entered Chunhui Hall amidst the laughter, walking in with Song Madam as the maids lifted the curtain, smiling, ”From quite a distance, I could hear the laughter coming from Old Madam’s place here, it truly cheers me as well.”

”I truly feel nothing could be more joyous than your visit, Princess.” Song Ci stood up, held Anping’s hand, and wished her prosperity and joy for the New Year.

Princess Anping solemnly paid her respects to this elder, receiving a thick red envelope from Song Ci, and only then sat down with a smile to chat.

”Before dawn, I went with the Prince Consort and the children to the palace to pay respects to Mother Empress and Brother Emperor. After leaving the palace, we went home briefly, then headed straight to Duke Dingguo Mansion to pay respects. Once I got good news, I quickly came here, hoping for a good omen for the new year.”

Song Ci raised an eyebrow, ”Good news, has Duke Mansion given their approval?”

Princess Anping nodded with a smile, ”They finally didn’t disappoint you, Duke Dingguo and Madam have agreed to the marriage proposal.”