Chapter Twenty-Six: The Matriarch Urges for an Heir

Spring Radiance Hall.

When Song Zhiyuan and his wife arrived together, Song Ci was in the backyard beneath the grape trellis, setting a table with several maids and servants. A pure white tablecloth embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns was spread across the table, upon which rested a few delicate pastries, a rainwashed celadon tea set, and a fair-skinned, beautiful maid seated at the table, brewing tea.

Meanwhile, the mistress herself, Song Ci, held a small silver pair of scissors in one hand, squatting unceremoniously before a flowerbed as she snipped several longevity flowers. She arranged them in a wide-bellied porcelain vase, adjusting them artfully, then placed the vase on the table.

“Madam, the Lord Minister and Madam are here,” Granny Gong reminded Song Ci.

Song Ci looked up and indeed saw the couple approaching, their passage marked by the respectful bows of the maids and servants. She straightened.

“Mother, may you be blessed with peace and prosperity,” Lady Song greeted Song Ci with a formal bow.

“Mother,” Song Zhiyuan carefully observed Song Ci’s complexion, feeling relieved in his heart. Her cheeks were rosy, her spirit bright; she had clearly improved. His worries eased.

Song Ci looked at the pair: the gentleman refined and charming, the lady dignified and graceful, both of high status, blessed with children—a picture of life’s success.

She felt a pang of envy and admiration.

Song Ci burst the bubbling envy in her heart, handed the silver scissors to a nearby maid, took a handkerchief to wipe her hands, and smiled, “What brings you two at this hour?”

“We just wanted to pay our respects to Mother. What are you busy with?” Song Zhiyuan stepped forward, supporting Song Ci’s arm.

Being accompanied by such a handsome gentleman made Song Ci feel slightly awkward, but she forced herself to suppress the discomfort and, with their help, sat down.

“The spring sunlight is lovely today. I was feeling stifled indoors, so I came out for some air,” Song Ci said. “You two sit as well, have some tea.”

Lady Song glanced at the small table arrangement. She had to admit, it was quite elegant and unique. Who knew a tablecloth could be used this way?

With a smile, she complimented, “I never expected Mother to have such taste. It looks beautiful—so fresh and new.”

Song Ci replied, “It’s nothing special. Arranging flowers in a vase is something you all do regularly; I’ve simply changed the location.”

“It takes Mother’s creativity to come up with such an idea,” Lady Song said. “Usually, we admire the scenery in the garden, at most having some tea and pastries, perhaps lighting incense.”

Song Ci felt a bit embarrassed by the praise. Should she tell them this was actually Western-style afternoon tea?

Turning to Song Zhiyuan, she said, “Eldest son, you are busy with official duties; there’s no need to visit me. And you, Lady Gu, the household matters keep you occupied as well. Don’t trouble yourselves over me—I'm just an idle person, I won’t be any bother.”

Song Zhiyuan responded, “You allowed us to skip our morning greetings these past few days out of consideration for us, but we can’t simply never visit. Today, both of us had some leisure, and Lady Gu was eager to show her filial piety—seeing you well is the only way to ease our minds.”

Song Ci blurted, “If you have free time, you should go home and have more children. You’re the eldest branch and eldest son, and with only one child, it’s not enough. Another would be a help to Su.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she covered her lips, flustered, staring at the couple opposite her.

Heavens, hallelujah, this wasn’t her intention; she wasn’t usually so meddlesome.

Not me.

It must be the lingering will of the original mistress.

Song Zhiyuan and Lady Song were momentarily stunned. They didn’t quite understand the phrase “have more children,” but based on what followed, they guessed her meaning.

Their mother-in-law was urging them to have another child!