Chapter Eighteen: Retreat and Cowardice

Song Ci claimed to be weak, and it wasn’t entirely an act; her soul and body were still adjusting to each other, leaving her genuinely frail at the moment. She truly appeared to be in poor health.

Grandfather Song grew somewhat anxious at the sight, saying, “Don’t pretend with me now; you were full of energy just a moment ago.”

“Isn’t it the case with all old folks that their health can suddenly fail? Who told me, in the past, to do fieldwork, manage the household, raise children, and earn money to support the family? My body was worn out long ago,” Song Ci replied weakly. “Once I’m gone, whoever you choose to protect is your business; I’ll have no say.”

Grandfather Song hesitated, glancing at her frail, thin frame with a complicated expression. “If you’re unwell, then don’t speak so much. Nanny Gong, why aren’t you helping your mistress back?”

“Yes, sir.”

But Song Ci’s gaze lingered on the Erqiao peony. “But what about this peony? And this lady here?”

Grandfather Song turned to Wu Dan. “Aren’t you going to apologize to the Grand Madam? It’s only a peony—was it worth offending her over?”

Wu Dan was speechless.

But you said yourself that you love peonies as much as your life!

Seeing her unmoving, Grandfather Song frowned.

Wu Dan hurriedly knelt and bowed to Song Ci. “I was disrespectful to the Grand Madam. I was wrong. Please, Grand Madam, forgive my youthful ignorance just this once.”

Song Ci straightened, her tone calm and cold. “Miss Peony, in the Prime Minister’s manor, even the most inexperienced youth knows their place. I hope you understand yours as well.”

She turned, taking Nanny Gong’s hand as she walked away.

The group quickly disappeared from Grandfather Song’s sight.

Wu Dan, chastened by Song Ci’s indifferent words, flushed with embarrassment. She cast a resentful look at Grandfather Song. “Grandfather, do you truly love peonies?”

“Of course I do.” Grandfather Song looked pained as he gazed at the Erqiao—one thousand taels gone just like that.

“But the Grand Madam…”

He rubbed his nose. “She’s been ill. I was only yielding to her this time. Trust me, I’ll settle this account with her one day.”

Wu Dan thought, as if I’d believe that.

Clearly, you just lost your nerve.

……

Song Ci, taking Nanny Gong’s arm, made her way to another rose garden.

Nanny Gong asked, “Grand Madam, are you sure you’re all right? Perhaps we should stop for today.”

“It’s nothing. I was just putting on a show for that old man,” Song Ci replied, sitting down on a wooden bench in the hexagonal pavilion adorned with wind chimes. “If I didn’t feign weakness, he’d keep quarreling with me, and I can’t be bothered with him.”

Nanny Gong was amused, the corners of her lips curving. “Grand Madam, should we look into that Miss Peony?”

Song Ci looked at her, suspicious.

Nanny Gong explained, “A true flower lover doesn’t have such an ambitious look in their eyes. From what I see, her purpose isn’t as simple as tending flowers for the old master.”

Song Ci immediately understood. “You mean, she might become the old man’s woman? His concubine?”

“If that’s what he wishes, it’s more than likely.”

Song Ci’s expression soured with distaste. “What rabbit doesn’t eat the grass around its own burrow? Whether they end up in bed together is only a matter of time. It’s just that this woman is a bit foolish.”

Nanny Gong raised her brows.

“She thinks herself clever, acting all bold and righteous, yet doesn’t realize how ridiculous her words and deeds are. She’s lucky, really—in another place, a commoner girl offending someone of my status wouldn’t live to see the afternoon sun,” Song Ci said, idly twirling the Erqiao peony in her hand. “People this full of themselves are destined to be cannon fodder. Leave her be. But her appearance before me—is it coincidence or design? Have someone look into it.”