Chapter 131: Fourth Young Master Song Dons Colorful Garments to Amuse His Parents

As the matriarch, Madam Song was not unaware of what went on in the residence. After hearing Nanny Fang’s report, she gave an almost imperceptible scoff. Glancing toward the ladies from the two households who were watching the spectacle, she raised her teacup and took a sip, concealing the mockery in her eyes.

The Li family had always prided itself on putting propriety first and valued rules and etiquette above all else. Did they know that one of their young ladies intended to barge into a gathering meant for male guests?

And this was the family of the Minister of Rites, no less.

Then there was the Earl of Pingchang’s household. Years ago, their Grand Madam had declared in front of a crowd that the Song family were uncouth peasants who knew nothing of rules or etiquette. And now? What sort of manners did the young ladies of the Earl of Pingchang’s residence possess?

Madam Song said softly, “Have someone keep a close eye on things. Don’t let those young ladies wander about recklessly. As for those two girls, when you see their families out later, apologize to Madam Li and the Countess of Pingchang on their behalf.”

A flicker passed through Nanny Fang’s eyes. She replied respectfully, “Please rest assured, Madam. This old servant will offer them a proper apology.”

Madam Song smiled and turned her gaze back to the stage. Nanny Fang understood her intentions better than anyone. She would certainly reclaim the Song family’s dignity.

Onstage, a performance of The Romance of the Western Chamber came to an end. Many of the ladies below sniffled and choked back tears, deeply moved.

Song Ci yawned, feeling rather bored.

“Grand Madam, don’t you find it touching?” Madam Bai, who had earlier remarked that Song Ci seemed like a completely different person, dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief and looked at her.

Song Ci let out an “Ah” and said, “It was quite touching.”

But inwardly she thought, What is there to be touched by? How many melodramatic romances had she not seen in her previous life? It was nothing more than lovers enduring twists and turns before finally ending up together.

She was immune to it all.

Madam Bai was briefly rendered speechless. Was it really appropriate to brush her off so perfunctorily?

“Oh, look at the stage!”

Song Ci turned her head, and nearly spat out her tea.

Wait—why was her precious Bao Yu standing onstage? And why was he dressed in such an endearing outfit, with theatrical makeup painted across his face?

“Dear elder sister, that is your Fourth Son, isn’t it?” Grand Madam Wei sat beside Song Ci and tugged lightly at her sleeve with a beaming smile.

Everyone turned to look. What sort of performance was this supposed to be?

Song Ci was equally bewildered. She gave a dry laugh. “That mischievous boy, yes.”

As for what he was up to, she had no idea.

Onstage, Song Zhiyu had already begun to speak. With an ingratiating smile, he cupped his hands and bowed to the assembled ladies and young ladies, explaining why he was standing there.

Oh. He was entertaining his mother in a colorful costume, performing magic to celebrate his elder sister-in-law’s birthday.

Song Ci immediately remembered the error-riddled “magic trick” he had performed at the Dragon Boat Festival family banquet. She could not help pressing a hand to her forehead.

What a show-off. He only needed to catch a glimpse of that Miss Wang, yet he had arranged such an elaborate production for her.

Song Zhiyu paid no attention to his mother’s expression. Since he was here to meet someone, he intended to make it memorable.

For the ladies present, everyday entertainment consisted mostly of watching plays and listening to music. At most, they read a few popular tales or unofficial histories. A magic performance, however, was something they rarely saw.

Song Zhiyu took a strip of red satin in his hands and deftly folded it this way and that until it became a flower. He held it up for everyone to see: a satin blossom.

Then he stepped off the stage and circled Madam Song once with the satin flower in hand. Suddenly, his hand moved behind her back, and a real rose appeared out of thin air. He presented it to Madam Song.

The ladies erupted in astonishment, repeatedly asking where the satin had gone.

“Happy birthday, Eldest Sister-in-Law. May you be as lovely as a flower year after year, and may all your wishes come true.”

Madam Song was delighted. She gave the rose a sniff and said, “It’s a real flower. Thank you, Fourth Son.”

Song Zhiyu looked immensely pleased with himself.

Song Ci’s lips twitched faintly. If you do not stuff that trailing end of satin into your sleeve at once, you are going to give the whole trick away.

The Old Ancestress Is Truly Wild