Chapter Seven: In This Day and Age, One Must Be a Wicked Mother-in-Law
Page 1
At sunset, in the Spring Radiance Hall.
Song Ci lounged lazily on the arhat bed by the window, staring blankly at the flowering trees outside.
“Madam, Lady Song has come to pay her respects,” Aunt Gong called softly.
Song Ci turned her head and saw her eldest daughter-in-law enter, her face radiant with spring’s warmth, followed by a maid carrying a tray.
“Mother, I asked them to prepare some imperial bird’s nest. It’s just the right temperature—will you try it?” Lady Song greeted her with a bow, smiling as she took the tray from the maid and placed it on the table.
She scooped the bird’s nest from the porcelain pot, then looked to Aunt Gong and said, “Later I’ll ask Madam Fang to send over half a pound. Aunt, see that the small kitchen stews it daily for Mother, so she can properly nourish herself.”
Aunt Gong nodded with a smile. “I’ll follow Lady Song’s instructions.”
Imperial bird’s nest—such a fine tonic.
Song Ci looked at her eldest daughter-in-law with satisfaction. “You’re thoughtful,” she said, noticing the woman’s intention to feed her personally and added, “No need for you to feed me; let the servants handle such things.”
Hong You, who was attending nearby, stepped forward to take over, but Lady Song sidestepped her, smiling, “It’s only right for a daughter-in-law to care for her mother-in-law. Feeding you a bowl of bird’s nest is hardly a hardship.”
Page 2
Yet Song Ci felt somewhat uneasy and shook her head. “Let the maid do it. You’ve surely been worried these past two days while I’ve been ill, and you still manage the household. You’ve worked hard—go rest now, I have enough attendants here.”
Lady Song was taken aback, glancing repeatedly at Song Ci, questions rising in her mind.
Could it be that after fainting, the old lady had changed her nature—or was something amiss?
Song Ci was, after all, not the original mistress. Under Lady Song’s scrutiny, she felt a twinge of guilt. Had she let something slip?
Recalling the original mistress’s manner, she frowned, “What is it? Just go as I said. Take good care of your husband and children—that’s enough. I’m not about to die anytime soon.”
She deliberately adopted a harsh tone, keeping an eye on Lady Song’s expression. As expected, she saw her daughter-in-law exhale in relief and couldn’t help but twitch her lips.
So even a little kindness unsettled them.
With this thought, Song Ci felt reassured, saying, “Go on, and don’t wear yourself out. Otherwise, who will manage the family? The eldest is newly promoted and busy, so as his wife, keep the rear courtyard in order and let him focus on his duties. That’s your greatest contribution.”
Lady Song assented repeatedly. Seeing Song Ci’s persistence, she stood up.
Song Ci added, “Have someone inform each courtyard—not to come here. Once I finish this bowl of bird’s nest, I’ll be going to sleep.”
Page 3
She had no desire to play the part of the harsh mother-in-law or the severe matriarch, negotiating with everyone. Acting was exhausting, especially given her frail health.
“Yes,” came the reply.
Song Ci waved her hand, signaling she wished to say no more. Seeing this, Lady Song bowed and withdrew.
Leaving the Spring Radiance Hall, Lady Song took Madam Fang’s arm and walked slowly toward her own courtyard. “Madam Fang, do you feel the Matriarch has changed?”
Madam Fang supported her carefully and asked, “Why do you say so, Madam?”
Lady Song replied, “She seems more gentle now.” And more considerate.
Madam Fang smiled. “Perhaps after her illness, the Matriarch has come to understand many things. After all, age brings reflection. She’s always been a bit impatient, but never malicious. Compared to many matriarchs who torment their daughters-in-law, she’s far better. You should be glad.”
“You’re right,” Lady Song said, her lips curving slightly. “I’ve been so intimidated, I suspect everything.”
Page 3