Chapter Forty-Two: Old Master Song

“Master Song has arrived.”

With a rustle, everyone in the room except for Song Ci stood up and turned to the doorway. When they saw Master Song enter, dressed in a deep red robe, they all saluted in unison.

Master Song surveyed the crowd, then raised his hand. “No need for formalities. Sit down, all of you.”

The group straightened and resumed their seats.

Song Zhiyuan approached, supporting Master Song’s arm as they walked to Song Ci’s side. He smiled and said, “Father always arrives just on time.”

Song Ci glanced sidelong at Master Song. “I almost thought someone had become so enamored elsewhere that he lost track of time. My apologies—we didn’t wait for you.”

Master Song’s plump, pale face darkened. He took in the scene within the room—clearly, they truly hadn’t waited and were about to start eating. Outrageous! Since when does a family feast begin without the head of the family?

He looked to Song Ci, about to scold her, but when he saw Song Ci’s half-smiling expression, he suddenly felt a pang of guilt and averted his gaze. Clearing his throat, he said, “I was just delayed on the road. It’s fine—I made it. Everyone, be seated.”

He took his seat and noticed two children standing at the end of the line. He paused.

“Are those the two children from the third branch?”

Madam Lu quickly brought the children forward to pay their respects once more. The younger two, Song Ruwei and her sibling, knelt and bowed deeply according to custom.

Master Song called them to rise and beckoned Song Lingzhou to come closer. He then unfastened the jade pendant from his own waist and gave it to him, gifting another to Song Ruwei, before taking a closer look at his grandson.

Song Lingzhou, chubby and fair, round-eyed and lips pressed together, looked up at his grandfather without fear or timidity.

Song Ci gave him a quick glance—indeed, both were plump and fair. They were undoubtedly kin.

Master Song’s gaze lingered on the boy, a strange glint flickering in his eyes. He grinned and asked, “And what is your name?”

The boy replied in a clear voice, “In answer to Grandfather, I am the fourth child. My father granted me the name Lingzhou, from the character 'zhou' as in the riverbank.”

“This child is clever and spirited, very well raised. Madam Lu, you have done well,” said Master Song, offering her praise.

Madam Lu, a bit flustered, bent her knee in a curtsy and replied gently, “I dare not take credit, Father-in-law. It is simply my duty.”

“Go and be seated,” Master Song said, withdrawing his gaze.

Madam Lu’s eyes flickered, puzzled by his demeanor.

Song Ci paid no heed, instead turning to Mama Gong. “Serve the meal.”

“Yes, madam.”

The maids and servants filed in, each bearing an array of exquisite dishes that quickly filled the table. Every person had a maid beside them, ready with handkerchiefs and chopsticks to serve. The meal proceeded in silence, only the faint clink of chopsticks against porcelain breaking the quiet—except for Master Song, who noisily sipped his soup and clinked his spoon against his bowl.

Having been here for several days, Song Ci had grown used to eating slowly and quietly. Seeing Master Song’s boorish manners, she couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her mouth.

Suddenly, a loud slap resounded.

Everyone started, glancing up in alarm.

Song Ci’s soup spoon trembled in her hand. Turning, she saw Master Song had struck the table with his chopsticks and couldn’t help but remark, “We were all eating peacefully—who are you trying to startle?”

Her soup had nearly spilled from the shock.

Master Song dabbed his mouth with a handkerchief and laughed. “While everyone is gathered, I have joyous news to share.”

Joyous news?

Lady Song’s brow creased as she exchanged a glance with Song Zhiyuan. Surely it couldn’t be what she suspected?

She instinctively looked to her mother-in-law, silently set down her chopsticks, and braced herself.

Song Zhiyu, never one to hold her tongue, blurted out, “Father, this joyous news of yours isn’t that you’ve had another child outside and now wish to bring them into the family, is it?”