Chapter 127: Grandmother Has Changed

Song Ci was just listening to the little chubby boy recite poetry when she heard the sound of voices outside calling for the eldest granddaughter, which prompted her to look toward the doorway.

"Grand Matriarch, the eldest miss has returned," Hong Tao said, lifting the curtain with a beaming smile as she announced the arrival.

"Grandmother, Qian'er has come to pay her respects."

Following the crisp, clear voice, Song Ci saw a young woman in a loose, violet-pink silk dress entering carefully, supported by her maid. The young woman had a round, pleasant face, and her hair was adorned with only a few festive hairpins and dangles.

"Grandmother, your granddaughter is late," Song Ruqian said, bowing gracefully, her voice tinged with a hint of stifled emotion.

Song Ci quickly called out, "Oh, oh, no need for bows, get up quickly! Someone, help your mistress up; be careful not to harm the baby."

She had not forgotten that this eldest granddaughter was carrying a precious treasure in her womb.

Supported steadily, Song Ruqian looked at Song Ci, who was seated, and felt a touch of surprise in her heart. After her illness, Grandmother had become quite fond of dressing up; she looked truly elegant today.

"Little Chubby, you haven't met your eldest sister yet, go and pay your respects," Song Ci said, patting Song Lingzhou on the shoulder.

Song Lingzhou obediently stepped forward to greet Song Ruqian and received a gift in return. Meanwhile, Song Ci observed her eldest granddaughter closely. Although the original grandmother had favored the grandsons, Song Ruqian was her very first granddaughter; while she rarely voiced it, she held a genuine fondness for her in her heart. Thus, the relationship between Song Ruqian and the original grandmother was quite close.

As the eldest daughter of the main branch, her upbringing had been top-tier. Song Ruqian possessed a broad knowledge of the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, though she was not exceptionally masterful in them. She excelled in household management and needlework. Her temperament was tactful and smooth; she met everyone with a smile and avoided offending others easily, which made her very well-liked.

It could be said that Song Ruqian was raised according to the template of a noble matriarch. Otherwise, the prestigious Gu family would not have chosen her to be their eldest daughter-in-law. In fact, her performance since marriage had been commendable, with very little room for criticism—though, of course, there were always those who disliked her, such as that County Princess Zhao Mingyao.

"Grandmother?"

Song Ci returned to her senses. Seeing her eldest granddaughter look at her with a probing gaze, she smiled. "You are with child, sit down quickly to talk. Hong Tao, bring a chair for the eldest miss—one of those armchairs with a backrest—and bring a soft cushion. Hong Zao, go brew a cup of red date and longan tea."

Song Ruqian felt a warmth spread through her heart. Looking at the wrinkles on Song Ci's face, she said, "Grandmother, I am truly sorry. When I heard you were ill, I was unable to come back to visit you."

"There are plenty of people in the manor to take care of me; there was no need for you to rush back. In fact, your mother told me you were so worried that it affected your pregnancy. How are you now? This is your first child; don't push yourself. I am doing well, and the manor is fine, so don't fret. Just focus on taking care of your health," Song Ci said with genuine concern.

In ancient times, people married early, and women had children young, which carried certain risks. This was especially true for women accustomed to a life of luxury; if the baby in the womb was too active and caused the umbilical cord to wrap around its neck, it could lead to a major crisis. A young, inexperienced expectant mother would certainly suffer for it.

Song Ci was quite worried for Song Ruqian—she was only seventeen, wasn't she?

Sighing, she thought, she's only the age of a high school student and already becoming a mother.

"Do not worry, Grandmother. The imperial physician examined me before I came, and the pregnancy is stable," Song Ruqian said, touching her belly with a smile. "After the baby is born, I hope Grandmother will give it a milk name."

"That wouldn't be right. Your father-in-law and the others will surely choose the formal name, and for the milk name, you and your husband should discuss it. It is your first child, after all."

Song Ruqian gave a light laugh. Grandmother was indeed as her mother had described—she had changed quite a bit.