Chapter Thirty-One: Just Keep Up Appearances

Nanny Gong gave Song Ci a timely reminder: after all, her status was that of the Grand Lady—a rank of the highest order, a first-class title—an existence that could stride unchallenged through the mansion. In truth, even if Song Ci were without rank or title, as long as she was the mother-in-law, the daughters-in-law would not dare overstep her, unless one of them were a princess or a lady of noble birth. Otherwise, the single word “filial” would weigh heavily enough to keep them in check.

Song Ci’s heart settled. It didn’t matter; all she needed was to maintain the dignity of a mother-in-law.

Having made up her mind, Song Ci sat with an air of maturity in the grand armchair, waiting for her daughters-in-law and grandchildren to pay their respects.

Soon, a maid came to announce that the Lady Song and her party had arrived. At Song Ci’s command, the curtain was drawn and the visitors entered.

Madam Lu took a deep breath, following behind her two sisters-in-law. After Lady Song finished speaking with a smile, Madam Lu knelt on the floor, bowing deeply before Song Ci, her voice trembling with emotion. “Your unworthy daughter-in-law, Lu, has returned to beg forgiveness and greet Mother. May you enjoy blessings and health.”

As Madam Lu knelt, her two children followed suit, unable to remain standing, their faces anxious and ill at ease.

Song Ci widened her eyes. She had been here for several days and was accustomed to servants greeting her respectfully, but never had she witnessed such a grand gesture as Madam Lu’s, prostrating herself completely.

Looking at the figure on the floor, dressed in a silver-red skirt with a plain violet half-sleeve cloak, her hair elegantly piled high adorned with two gold hairpins and a ruby hair ornament that swayed gently, she was the picture of dignified beauty. Indeed, women of old knew how to dress; whether Madam Lu or the other two daughters-in-law, they wore attire befitting their status and temperament.

Song Ci, absorbed in thoughts of their attire, forgot to bid them rise, leaving them in nervous suspense, especially Madam Lu, whose face nearly touched the floor.

Lady Song and Second Lady Song exchanged glances, communicating silently.

Lady Song thought, “See, Mother is still Mother. After all these years, she still has her opinions about Third Sister-in-law, and she’s showing it as soon as she returns.”

Second Lady Song replied, “What a stern mother-in-law, hard as stone.”

Lady Song fell silent.

Nanny Gong gently nudged Song Ci—“That’s enough, madam.”

Song Ci came back to herself and, imitating the tone of an elder, said, “All of you, rise. Aren’t your knees sore from kneeling?”

Madam Lu replied, “Your daughter-in-law feels no pain. Mother is generous and considerate, yet your daughter-in-law dares not become complacent. If it eases Mother’s displeasure, your daughter-in-law would kneel until her legs broke, and not utter a word of complaint.”

Nanny Gong and the others were speechless.

What sort of words were these? Was Madam Lu laying a trap for the Grand Lady, looking to spread rumors of her harshness toward her daughter-in-law?

Lady Song felt a flash of discomfort. Everyone in the mansion tried their best to appease Song Ci, fearing her displeasure, her aches and ailments. Was Madam Lu deliberately causing trouble for the elder?

Just as she was about to speak, Song Ci interjected, “You are far too young; your bones are strong. It’s impossible for you to break your legs by kneeling.”

Madam Lu stared at her in astonishment.

Song Ci, seeing her expression, replied innocently, “What, have I said something wrong? Only old women like myself are at risk of broken legs. The older we get, the more brittle our bones become, and we’re prone to bone spurs. Forget kneeling—even climbing stairs can produce a crack, a snap, and there goes a bone.”

No, you are entirely correct; we believe you, especially with your earnest demeanor. But what in the world are bone spurs?