Chapter 126: Ruqian, the Eldest Legitimate Daughter of the Song Family

Song Ruqian was being fussed over by First Madam Song, who questioned her so thoroughly that she seemed ready to inspect every strand of her hair.

“Mother, I’ve already spoken with my mother-in-law. I’ll be staying at the Chancellor’s residence for two or three days, so there will be plenty of time for us to talk afterward. You, on the other hand, have guests arriving soon.”

She had already seen carriages gradually making their way toward the residence from outside.

First Madam Song immediately beamed. “Really? Your mother-in-law agreed?”

Song Ruqian smiled and nodded. “She did.”

“And your husband?”

“What reason would he have to object? He even said he would stay at the Chancellor’s residence with me today.” Song Ruqian rested a hand over her slightly rounded belly, happiness shining on her face.

“Good, good. We’ll talk properly later. For now, go pay your respects to your grandmother. Oh, and Ruqian, your grandmother’s temperament changed somewhat after her illness, and there are things she no longer remembers. Keep that in mind.”

Song Ruqian’s expression grew solemn. She asked in a lowered voice, “How did that happen? Is Grandmother all right?”

“She’s perfectly well. You’ll see for yourself in a moment—she’s even better than before.” First Madam Song smiled broadly.

Her mother-in-law was far easier to deal with now than she had been in the past. She had once been rather difficult, but after spending time together lately, she had become much less troublesome.

Seeing that her mother’s smile did not seem forced, Song Ruqian felt both surprised and curious.

“Eldest Sister! Eldest Sister!”

Song Ruqian looked over and saw her younger sister hurrying toward them. She could not help smiling.

“What brings you here? It’s Mother’s special day, so why are you rushing about like that?”

Song Ruqi came forward and affectionately linked arms with her, saying coquettishly, “I haven’t seen you in ages, so of course I was eager to come. I wanted to see my little nephew too.”

Her eyes remained fixed on her elder sister’s belly, and her little hand itched to touch it.

“You’re still as excitable as ever.” Song Ruqian lightly pinched the tip of her nose.

Song Ruwei watched them with a trace of envy, then curtsied to Song Ruqian with a bright smile. “Eldest Sister, it has been many years since we last met. I have missed you dearly.”

Song Ruqian turned toward her young cousin and beckoned her closer. Smiling, she said, “I heard long ago that you had returned, but I wasn’t in good health and couldn’t come to see you. Still, I’ve always kept you in my thoughts. Chunyi.”

The senior maid called Chunyi stepped forward with a beaming smile and presented, with both hands, a plum-blossom-carved box she had been holding.

Song Ruqian accepted it and handed it to Song Ruwei. “This is a gift for you.”

Song Ruwei took it with both hands and curtsied again. “Thank you, Eldest Sister.”

“Quick, see what Eldest Sister gave you,” Song Ruqi urged curiously.

Song Ruwei glanced at Song Ruqian. Seeing her silent permission, she opened the box. Resting inside was a delicate gold-and-jade bracelet adorned with eight auspicious treasures. It was small, exquisite, and exceptionally beautiful.

Song Ruwei fell in love with it at once and said, somewhat overwhelmed, “Eldest Sister, this is far too precious.”

“Whether jewelry is expensive or not, it is meant to be worn. Even the most costly piece is useless if it cannot be put to use. Keep it.”

Song Ruqi was visibly envious, but when she saw how small the bracelet was—clearly sized only for her young cousin—she said, “Eldest Sister gave it to you, so put it on and see how it looks. I’ll help you.”

Without waiting for Song Ruwei to say anything, she took the bracelet from the box and fastened it around her wrist.

The petite bracelet complemented her porcelain-white wrist beautifully. Even Song Ruwei adored it. Excited, she exclaimed, “It’s so pretty! Eldest Sister, I love it.”

“I’m glad you do.” Song Ruqian smiled.

Once First Madam Song had watched enough, she said, “All right, you girls hurry over to your grandmother’s residence. The guests will be arriving soon.”

She still had to go and receive some of the more distinguished female guests.

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