Chapter Thirty-Four: The Lu Family's Way of Teaching Daughters

Madam Lu escorted Lady Song out of the Plum Blossom Pavilion, watching until she disappeared from sight before turning back toward the main rooms.

“Madam, the inner chambers have already been prepared for you. Would you and the young master and miss like to rest for a while?” Madam Zhou, her trusted confidante, approached with a smile.

Though the servants had tidied up a great deal while Madam Lu took the children to pay their respects to Song Ci, the place was still rather chaotic. Fatigued from the journey, she nodded and led her two children into the inner chambers.

As Lady Song had said, her main residence was left for her own arrangement; only the furniture had been set up, all made of the finest pearwood—even the screens were crafted from it. It was not extravagant, but certainly far from ordinary.

Madam Lu gave a cursory glance, then said to Madam Zhou, “See to the young master’s and miss’s rooms first. As for my daughter’s trunks, don’t unpack too many of them. In a few days, she’ll choose a courtyard for herself and move there, saving us the trouble of repacking. Just take out some clothes for now.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“That’s light work. Let Ruyi and the others handle it. You see to the gifts prepared for the family, so they can be sent to my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law tomorrow,” Madam Lu instructed.

Madam Zhou nodded. “I have taken note of all your instructions, Madam.”

After a few more words, Madam Lu dismissed her. She then brought her two children to a luohan couch by the window, reclining against a soft pillow and letting out a long sigh.

A maid brought in tea and withdrew silently.

Song Ruwei personally offered her a cup, poured another for her younger brother, and then sat quietly at the edge of the couch.

“You don’t need to be busy, either,” Madam Lu said. “Rest for a while—we’ve all had a tiring journey.”

Song Ruwei smiled gently. “I’m not tired.”

Song Lingzhou took a sip of tea and said, “I’m not tired either, Mother. I want to go out and explore the courtyard.”

“You little rascal, always restless. Where’s the gift your grandmother gave you? Let me keep it safe so you don’t break it,” Madam Lu chided affectionately.

Song Lingzhou took the jade-inlaid longevity locket from around his neck and handed it over, adding, “Mother, Grandmother is very nice. She’s not fierce at all.”

A strange look flickered in Madam Lu’s eyes, but she smiled and said, “Then you must be especially filial to her in the future.”

“I know. Mother, I’m off to play!” With that, Song Lingzhou dashed out.

Madam Lu quickly called for Jixiang to take some people and follow him so he wouldn’t get lost—after all, they had just returned and the Prime Minister’s residence was vast.

After her son had left, Madam Lu turned to her daughter. “Since your eldest aunt has allowed you to choose your own courtyard, what are your thoughts? When do you plan on making your choice?”

“There’s no rush. I’ll wait until you’ve settled in here, then I’ll choose,” Song Ruwei replied.

Madam Lu wished to teach her, “And how will you choose?”

Song Ruwei, still young and not fully understanding, simply looked at her mother.

Drawing her daughter close, Madam Lu said, “Ruwei, who do you think is the most respected person in the Prime Minister’s residence? Naturally, it’s your grandfather and grandmother. But when it comes to authority, your eldest uncle and aunt hold the reins. You must show them deference, as well as the direct line of the main branch.”

Song Ruwei pressed her lips together.

Madam Lu caressed her face. “The direct line of the main branch is more distinguished than anyone. Even though there are only three young ladies of your generation, Ruwei, you cannot compare to your two cousins.”

“Mother…” Song Ruwei’s voice held a hint of grievance. She understood what her mother meant; though she was a legitimate daughter, she was the legitimate child of a secondary son—not quite the same as her cousins.

“Your eldest cousin is already married, and your second cousin’s marriage is under discussion. There are no other girls in the household. Draw close to them, foster good relations, and things will be smoother for you in the future,” Madam Lu advised. “If you wish to choose a courtyard, why not rely on your second cousin and ask her to help you decide? Ruwei, true bonds are forged through time spent together.”