The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

In March, joyous events kept happening, and Song Ci only attended the coming-of-age ceremony of her future granddaughter-in-law, Guan Shuyan. As April came and her birthday quietly passed, the maidens gradually traveled to the capital to participate in the selection process.

The Song Mansion also welcomed a special guest, sharing the surname Song. Her maiden name is Song Xin, hailing from the Song Family Village in Yu Hang, with her father serving as a Deputy Magistrate in Chongzhou.

Song Xin just turned fifteen this year and was initially involved in marriage talks. However, her maternal grandfather passed away, after which she observed a year of mourning, causing the marriage discussions to pause. Coinciding with this year’s palace selection, her name was submitted.

But Song Ci discovered a secret: a family originally interested in marrying Song Xin, ended up favoring her younger sister Song Qing instead because Song Qing is considered more beautiful. Thus, the fiancé became the brother-in-law.

Song Ci observed Song Xin. She wasn’t exceptionally beautiful, with a round face, apricot-shaped eyes, fair skin, and a slightly plump figure. Overall, she appeared composed and serene, with a rounded and affluent demeanor, not particularly striking.

Such appearance and demeanor, truth be told, even if selected, she wouldn’t be one of those favored concubines, as her looks wouldn’t threaten those concubines renowned for their beauty.

The one advantage is that if she does enter the palace, she wouldn’t face threats. Not being striking also means more safety.

Song Ci felt slightly relieved. This type of person seemed not likely to cause trouble; entering the palace would not be a concern.

”What do you usually do at home?” Song Ci asked with a smile.

Song Xin stood up, curtsied, and replied with a gentle smile, ”In response to the ancestor, I mostly do needlework indoors, occasionally helping my mother manage household affairs, or playing with my younger siblings.”

Song Ci smiled again, ”Do you study?”

”Our family hired a tutor, so I recognize a few words and know arithmetic, but I’m not especially talented, please forgive me,” Song Xin said gently.

Song Ci: ”Although our Song Family does not adhere to the saying that a woman’s lack of talent is virtuous, studying isn’t necessarily for great achievements. It’s merely to learn and understand principles. Recognizing words and calculating is already good, considering we don’t strive for scholarly titles through examinations like men do. Yet knowing arithmetic and being literate prepares you to manage household affairs or dowry without being fooled by the servants.”

”You are exactly right.”

Song Ci said with a smile, ”There are still a few days before the selection process. Since you’re here, feel at ease and stay. We don’t have many young women in the family now; your sisters have already married. Among the remaining sisters, only Ruwei can converse with you, while Zhen and the others are too young to accompany you.”

Song Xin quickly responded, ”I trouble the ancestor and aunties with my presence, which is already my fault. How dare I ask for companionship from my sisters? Usually, I can stay in my room for a whole day alone, and I’m quite content with that, rest assured.”

”That’s good to hear. You’ve traveled such a long way and must be tired. Go down and rest,” Song Ci waved her hand and asked the nearby Madam Song, ”Assign more people to attend her, don’t let her be neglected or disturbed. After all, she’s a young lady from our old home.”

”Yes, Mother.” Madam Song smiled kindly at Song Xin and said, ”Come with me.”

Song Xin deftly curtsied to her, ”Thank you, Aunt.”

Madam Song noticed her measured manners and nodded approvingly, leading her out.

Once she left, Song Ci asked the Nanny, ”Based on your years of experience in the palace, what do you think of this girl? If she enters the palace, could she receive favor?”