Chapter 76 Narrowly Exposed, Feigning Ignorance

Before the early summer had arrived, the main hall of the Hall of Spring Radiance felt as hot as midsummer. Everyone’s faces were flushed, their ears burning, and it seemed as if their cheeks were being roasted on a steaming rack.

Lin Qing, being a physician, asked after her initial embarrassment, “Madam, is there any basis for what you’ve said? Which medical text records this?”

“That’s right, Mother. You’ve never mentioned these secret techniques to us before—why the sudden revelation?” Lady Song and the others were puzzled. The old lady spoke with such certainty, yet she’d never brought it up before.

Under the suspicious gazes of the women, Song Ci’s heart gave a jolt.

It was over—she’d gotten carried away and oversold her act.

In an instant, Song Ci changed her expression, feigning confusion and panic as if truly at a loss. She murmured to herself, “That’s right, how did I suddenly know this? It’s as if someone once told me, but I can’t remember who it was…”

She looked blankly at Lady Song and the others. “I’ve forgotten.”

Her performance was so convincing it sent a chill down Lady Song’s spine. She quickly glanced at her two sisters-in-law, both of whom looked uneasy.

Could it be the old lady was starting to lose her memory early?

“Come now, Mother, you’ve tasted more salt than we’ve walked roads. To speak so knowledgeably, you must have studied it thoroughly. You wouldn’t talk nonsense—after all, you’ve given birth to three sons,” Jiang said, putting on a hearty demeanor.

Lady Song agreed, “Indeed. The Prime Minister once told me that when our great ancestor founded this house, men of talent and wisdom were everywhere. I imagine you must have encountered some divine physician and simply forgotten.”

Song Ci rejoiced inwardly. These two daughters-in-law were truly astute, quickly rescuing her from exposure. Outwardly, however, she kept her look of confusion and self-doubt. “Is that so?”

“It certainly is,” Lady Song replied with a laugh. “Mother, you must let us copy down the recipes you mentioned. If they’re truly beneficial, they’ll become a secret of our family for generations.”

“By all means,” Song Ci replied, her pride returning. After a moment’s thought, she said, “What I’ve told you here must not be spread outside these walls. At most, you may teach your own daughters and daughters-in-law. I don’t want outsiders thinking I’m babbling nonsense and damaging the Prime Minister’s household’s reputation.”

It wasn’t the accusation of madness she feared, but rather that if word spread, everyone would only want sons. That would upset the balance of the nation, and she had no wish to be the cause.

Lady Song quickly assured her, “Of course.” Then she shot a stern glance at the maids and servants in the room. “All of you, keep your mouths shut. Anyone who gossips about what’s said in Madam’s chamber will be sold without mercy.”

Everyone immediately knelt down to pledge their loyalty.

“You’re all too fussy—be off now. I wish to stroll in the gardens. Lin Qing, you’re new here, would you care to join me and familiarize yourself with the household?”

Lin Qing smiled. “Since you’ve invited me, it would be my pleasure.”

Song Ci was delighted. Lin Qing was just her age in her previous life, and since she wasn’t familiar with the original matron, there was no fear of being exposed. She could converse freely.

Lady Song and the others took their leave with proper courtesies.

“I didn’t expect Mother and Doctor Lin to get along so well, calling each other by name already,” Jiang remarked, surprised at Song Ci’s attitude.

Lady Song replied, “Fate between people is always mysterious. Perhaps it’s Doctor Lin’s exceptional skill that inspires Mother’s trust.”

Jiang hesitated. “Elder Sister, do you think Mother’s words are reliable?”

Lu also looked over inquiringly.

“Do you believe them, Sister?” Lady Song asked in return.