The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

When Song Ruqi left, Nanny Gong accompanied Song Ci for a walk in the small garden of Chunhui Hall, chatting idly.

”You certainly are generous, giving the Empress Dowager’s Ruyi hairpin to the Second Miss, even though you’ve always favored the First Miss, yet she hasn’t been rewarded.”

Song Ci stood before a few pots of exquisite chrysanthemums, appreciating them, and said, ”When have you seen me as a hoarder? Whether it’s today going south to Jiangnan or somewhere else, whether it’s Qian’er or another granddaughter, I would reward them. The things around me are dead objects; I can’t take them with me in the future, but their value exists, so it’s better to reward them now, letting them truly exert their value, which is better than letting them gather dust on the shelves.”

”Old servant understands, memories are secondary, you are giving the Second Miss some backing.”

In Jiangnan, whether it’s clothing or dining, everything is famously exquisite. The Empress Dowager’s gifted Ruyi hairpin worn by Song Ruqi makes her presence known among the circles of nobility, where no one dares to underestimate her. Seeing the Ruyi hairpin naturally makes them think of her identity, the original owner of the hairpin, and the current Empress Dowager’s affections.

Thus, the backing you mentioned is achieved.

Song Ci said, ”As long as you understand. Alas, it’s truly given to her ahead of time, since once she leaves, our grandchildren and I won’t be able to meet again.”

Nanny Gong’s breath hitched, her grip tightened as she supported his hand, scolding, ”You are talking nonsense again.”

Song Ci grinned, ”I understand my own body.”

Nanny Gong dared not continue this conversation and instead changed the subject, saying, ”Young Master and the others don’t know when they’ll return. When they do, it’ll be lively around you again.”

”Indeed.”

...

In the main courtyard, Madam Song also glanced at the Ruyi hairpin on Song Ruqi’s head with some emotion, sighing, ”Your grandmother is rarely generous, you must take good care of this hairpin, as it’s bestowed by the Empress Dowager. If it gets damaged, it would be disrespectful. Similarly, it is also a powerful tool to support you.”

Song Ruqi nodded, choking up, ”Mother, I’m leaving this time, I don’t know when I’ll be back. I won’t be able to serve you and father, you must take care of your health. Also, for grandmother, you must often fulfill your filial duties.”

Madam Song choked a bit, jokingly reproaching, ”Why, has your grandmother bought you over with just one Ruyi hairpin?”

”Mother!” Song Ruqi felt a bit displeased, saying, ”I was born into wealth, what good things haven’t I seen? This Ruyi hairpin is precious, but to say I’ve been bought over is a bit too materialistic. I feel grandmother has aged quite a bit, fearing that once I leave, there won’t be another chance to...”

As she spoke, tears started to fall.

Madam Song was stunned for a moment, saying, ”Alright, we certainly won’t lack fulfilling our filial duties and taking care of your grandmother, you can rest assured. Yet, as you go to Jiangnan, even if something happens, we from your maternal home can’t help much. Your temper truly needs to change; don’t be too impulsive when encountering matters, think twice before acting.”

”Hmm.”

Madam Song bit her lip, continuing, ”Jiangnan is full of beauties, men’s hearts are easily swayed. You must handle your husband’s side well, if he truly wants to take a concubine, you might as well find a reliable maid by your side to elevate, that would be better than someone from outside.”

Song Ruqi felt uncomfortable inside, gloomily nodding.

Such matters were also whispered at grandma’s place, yet even though it’s the same topic, the reasoning from grandmother was much easier to accept than mother’s words—perhaps it was a matter of first impressions?