Chapter 106: Between Sisters-in-Law

The next day, Madam Song sat in the flower hall where she oversaw the household affairs, holding a cup of tea with a refreshed and rosy complexion, waiting for the stewardesses to report and collect their tokens.

Madam Song’s second and third wives arrived together and exchanged glances upon seeing her radiant, rosy face seated on the high chair.

“Sister-in-law, you truly look invigorated by joyous news. Your complexion is even more flushed than that of an eighteen-year-old maiden,” Lady Jiang teased with a smile.

Madam Song’s face flushed even deeper as she playfully retorted, “No one can outtalk you. In a few days, I imagine you’ll look just as radiant as I do now, with a rosy glow every day.”

Lady Jiang pursed her lips with a hopeful smile. Indeed, the child’s father was already on his way home. His return would surely ease the ache of longing.

Thinking of the medicines she had taken and the acupuncture treatments she endured, Lady Jiang touched her belly with anticipation, silently praying that Heaven would be kind and return to her the child she had lost.

Lady Lu smiled quietly as she sat nearby, but her eyes dimmed with melancholy, and her heart ached deeply.

Her husband was away, and the loneliness of guarding an empty chamber was truly hard to bear. She wondered how he fared in Shanxi.

Madam Song noticed Lady Lu’s somber mood and felt a twinge of guilt, momentarily forgetting that Lady Lu was the one truly enduring the solitude.

Clearing her throat, Madam Song said, “Second sister-in-law, third sister-in-law, the Dragon Boat Festival is just a few days away. After that comes the eighth day of the fifth lunar month—my birthday. I’ve already set the guest list, and the Marquis has his own as well. When the time comes, I’ll need both of you to help manage the preparations.”

Both ladies stood promptly. “We usually have plenty of free time. Sister-in-law, just say the word, and we’ll assist however you wish.”

Madam Song continued, “The festival gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival have been sent out gradually. But my birthday banquet will be crowded and bustling. I’d like you both to help manage it. Second sister-in-law, please oversee the kitchen, and third sister-in-law, you can help receive the guests.”

Lady Lu replied, “Sister-in-law, thank you for your kindness. However, I have just returned from Shanxi and am not yet familiar with many of the people in the capital’s households. Perhaps it would be better if second sister-in-law handled the reception while I oversee the kitchen.”

“Um…”

“Actually, there’s not much to oversee in the kitchen—just coordinating the meals on schedule. How about third sister-in-law accompanies me at the reception at first to help learn who’s who, and then when the banquet starts, she can head to the kitchen?” Lady Jiang suggested.

In truth, Lady Lu was reluctant to give up the chance to familiarize herself with the guests, since her main purpose in returning to the capital was to build connections to support her husband’s household. Her earlier hesitation was partly because she genuinely did not know many people yet, and partly to be courteous to her senior sisters-in-law.

Now that Lady Jiang had offered a graceful way out, Lady Lu readily agreed. “In that case, I will follow second sister-in-law’s plan.”

Madam Song smiled warmly. “It’s settled then. Also, two young maidens will assist in welcoming the other ladies. By then, Qian’er will be back to help me receive guests as well.”

“Qian’er will be back? Is her pregnancy secure now?” Lady Jiang, eager for a daughter, was fond of her eldest niece.

Madam Song replied, “Her pregnancy has passed the three-month mark, so it’s considered stable. We’ve already sent word that she and her mother-in-law will come to celebrate.”

“Amitabha, that’s wonderful!” Lady Jiang clasped her hands together and murmured a prayer.

“Congratulations, sister-in-law. You’re soon to be a grandmother,” Lady Lu smiled and offered her felicitations.

Madam Song’s face lit up with joy. She had been elevated to the rank of First Lady, her daughter was expecting, and her husband was attentive. Lady Lu’s congratulations were well deserved. If only she could bear a son as well, then everything would be perfect.