Chapter Six: Of All Things Under Heaven, the Mother-in-Law Reigns Supreme

Lady Song was soothed both in body and spirit, standing beneath the corridor to watch Song Zhiyuan depart, her face radiant as she leaned on the hand of her trusted nurse to re-enter the house.

Nurse Fang glanced at her, smiling as she teased, “Now that the Grand Matron has awakened, you can finally rest easy, madam. That smile has returned to your face.”

Lady Song sat down, touched her cheek, and said, “Indeed, the heavy stone in my heart has been lifted. Nurse Fang, later, weigh out two taels of imperial swallow’s nest from my store and have it stewed in the small kitchen. Tonight, I will take it to mother.”

“Two taels?”

Lady Song nodded, cradling her tea. “Not just two taels—if imperial swallow’s nest could keep her healthy for a lifetime, I’d bring her two hundred pounds. You know these past few days, I hardly dared to close my eyes and sleep.”

Nurse Fang had been her dowry maid, following her since childhood, so she understood the meaning. “Madam, you can rest assured now. You have weathered the storm and seen the clouds part.”

The Prime Minister’s wife, granted the highest rank by imperial decree—her status rose with her husband’s; now, others would have to heed her wishes.

Lady Song was moved, grasping Fang’s hand, her eyes growing moist. “Nurse, I know everyone outside was waiting to see me stumble, saying I, Gu Xiangyi, had neither luck nor fortune. All those who gloated are now gritting their teeth, tearing up handkerchiefs in frustration.”

Nurse Fang patted her hand in comfort.

“That’s why, Nurse, even if I find her hard to bear, I must cherish her, wish for her long life. As long as she lives, the Prime Minister remains the Prime Minister, and I, Gu Xiangyi, will always be the Prime Minister’s wife.” Lady Song straightened her back.

Nurse Fang considered this, then said, “The Grand Matron may be coarse, but she was a child bride, steeped in hardship. Had she not been strong, how would the Song family have what it has today? Madam, forgive my boldness, but compared to those noble matriarchs, the Grand Matron is far kinder—at least she never placed women in your chambers, not even after you bore two daughters. She may be muddled in small matters, but have you ever seen her falter in anything important? Now, after this illness, to speak frankly, her health may not last, and her days of standing against you are numbered. Why bother to resent?”

“Good nurse, I know, I was young then. I wouldn’t dare now.” Lady Song blushed. “The Prime Minister has been devoted to me all these years—who among the sisters isn’t jealous? My only failing is my womb, giving him only Su’er as a son. If Qian’er and Qi’er were boys, what worries would I have?”

Nurse Fang sighed; this was indeed the one flaw in the lady’s otherwise perfect life.

“The Prime Minister said that Doctor Lu believes Mother’s stroke will leave some aftereffects, perhaps affecting her temperament. Nurse Fang, keep a careful eye out for me—if anyone below fails to serve her well, no matter whose person they are, replace them with clever, capable ones. And yes, add two more maids and matrons to Mother’s quarters.”

The world may be vast, but nothing was greater than a mother-in-law, especially now. Lady Song must see that the Grand Matron was cared for, kept comfortable, so she might live a long life.

“Instead of more maids, why not find a female physician? First, she could help tend the Grand Matron’s health, and second, with such a woman in the house, it would be convenient for the ladies should they feel unwell,” Nurse Fang suggested.

Lady Song’s eyes lit up. “Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll go back to my family and ask Father to look for one.”

Nurse Fang smiled, “Madam, before asking the Old Marquis, why not discuss it with the Prime Minister? He may know someone suitable. Husband and wife should consult each other—it strengthens the bond.”

Lady Song nodded, cheeks flushed, replying softly, “He said my birthday celebration should be lively this year. Nurse, I am truly happy.”

Nurse Fang tucked a strand of hair behind Lady Song’s ear, smiling gently. Who wouldn’t be happy?