Chapter Fourteen: Shared Glory, Shared Loss
For nearly thirty years, Song Ci had never found breakfast to be such a drawn-out and tedious affair. Back on the film set, everything was rushed—there was hardly any time to chew slowly, let alone savor each bite; she was grateful just to eat at all. As a result, she’d developed the habit of eating quickly.
When she first sat down at the table, out of habit, she began to eat at her usual pace. But seeing everyone else eat unhurriedly, chewing each mouthful with deliberate care, keeping silent, their manners refined, not even the clink of a spoon against a bowl to be heard—she had no choice but to slow down, adjusting herself to match their rhythm.
This effort to fit in and adapt left Song Ci a little weary, so as soon as the meal was done, she sent everyone away.
Madam Gong brought her a cup of tea, and asked gently, “Would the Dowager like to visit the small Buddha hall to pay her respects and listen to the scriptures?”
Song Ci shook her head. “I’ve just finished breakfast—I’ll take a walk in the garden to help digestion.”
She was hardly the real Lady Song; why bother with prayers? Besides, her body was terribly weak and needed regular exercise, and since she had just arrived, she ought to walk around and see everything—she couldn’t let this journey to the past be for nothing.
Madam Gong, hearing this, immediately ordered someone to prepare a rattan chair and other items.
…
Madam Jiang, the Second Lady of the Song family, walked alongside the First Lady, with a group of maids and old servants trailing behind them.
“Elder Sister-in-law, have you noticed Mother seems a little different?” Jiang asked, turning her head as they walked.
The First Lady glanced back at her. “So you’ve noticed as well?”
Jiang raised her brows. “Although Mother never used to insist on strict rules, she wasn’t as easy to talk to as she is now. And she’s always been protective of the things in her storeroom, but today she was quite generous with them.”
The First Lady replied, “Physician Lu said that after this illness, Mother’s temperament would inevitably change somewhat—he said it’s a matter of the mind.” She tapped her forehead for emphasis.
Jiang frowned. “Does that mean she’ll stay like this?”
The First Lady’s expression turned grave and she nodded. “So, dear sister-in-law, no matter how unreasonable Mother may become, we must only comply with her wishes. You know well how crucial the prime minister’s position is—if he goes into mourning, our Song family will be in danger.”
She stopped, taking Jiang’s hand. “Sister-in-law, not only are we proper sisters-in-law, but our husbands share the same blood—no one could be closer than us. Even the third branch should understand that every member of our Song family stands and falls together, don’t you think?”
Jiang replied, “Though I was born into a merchant family, I’ve been married into the Song family for many years now; the company you keep shapes who you are. How could I not understand what you’re saying, Sister-in-law? My husband has no interest in officialdom—he prefers managing household affairs—so our whole branch relies on the Song family. Should you need anything, just ask.”
The First Lady squeezed her hand gratefully. “I knew you were someone who understands the situation. Over the years, Uncle’s management of the household and your help have been invaluable—I and the prime minister both remember it well. Rest assured, Zhao and Jie are our dear nephews; the prime minister is determined to cultivate them. In time, the two brothers will surely earn you an imperial title in return.”
Jiang smiled. “I’ll look forward to that day.”
The two continued on their way and soon arrived at Meijun Court. Seeing servants and maids coming and going, they stopped again.
Jiang gazed up at the plaque above Meijun Court, idly fingering her bracelet. “Now that Third Sister-in-law is back, the house will be lively again. Sister-in-law, I can’t help but wonder—will it be better to have things quiet, or bustling?”
Her words held a subtle meaning. The First Lady’s eyes narrowed slightly as she replied, “Quiet or lively, the wise always know what should and should not be done.”
Jiang’s lips curled—sometimes, cleverness could be one’s undoing.