Chapter Forty-Five: Quick to Take a Bite

Wu Dan was somewhat anxious, casting furtive glances toward the main house from time to time, uncertain whether her wishes would be fulfilled.

While she fretted, several maids approached. When she recognized the leading woman, whose hair was immaculately styled, Wu Dan’s heart pounded wildly.

“Lady Mudan?” the woman addressed her in a soft, clear voice. “The Lady Dowager requests your presence.”

Wu Dan swallowed hard. “I…”

“Escort Lady Mudan to the flower hall,” the woman instructed, stepping back and tilting her head slightly at two robust maids.

Wu Dan’s pupils contracted. Flanked on both sides, she was ‘escorted’ toward the hall.

…

The Old Master Song felt humiliated.

He had not expected Song Ci to contradict him so bluntly in front of their son and daughter-in-law. This old woman cared nothing for his dignity.

“So much fuss over taking a concubine! It’s not like I haven’t done it before,” he muttered darkly.

Song Ci laughed lightly. “Indeed, you’ve certainly had your share of concubines. There are still two beauties in the household, and before that, wasn’t there one who bore you a pair of children? By that logic, I can hardly be accused of jealousy.”

The Old Master was momentarily stunned; his smile faded and he pressed his lips together.

Madam Lu’s heart skipped a beat, and she glanced instinctively at Song Ci.

Yet Song Ci’s gaze upon her father-in-law was placid, as if she were discussing someone else’s affairs—calm and detached.

Song Zhiyuan’s eyes darkened slightly. He raised his teacup, sipping quietly, his fingers tapping silently against the porcelain.

Song Ci was a bit puzzled. What was with that look from the old man? As if she’d struck a nerve.

At this moment, the head maid entered quietly. “Madam, the young lady has arrived.”

Song Ci straightened, looking first at the newcomer, then at the Old Master.

Upon seeing the people in the room, Wu Dan grew even more nervous. When Song the Chancellor’s gaze swept over her, her face went deathly pale and she shivered.

So frightening. She had underestimated them.

“T-to pay my respects to you, Lady Dowager, Old Master,” Wu Dan stammered, prostrating herself on the floor.

“Rise,” the Old Master said, his heart softening at her trembling, frightened figure—especially when he recalled her delicate fragrance. He almost rose to help her.

Ahem!

He paused, glancing at his wife, and sat back down.

Song Ci looked at Wu Dan kneeling on the floor. She did not fault the young woman for trying to entice an old man—she merely sought wealth and status. Wasn’t this common in the modern world, especially in that cesspool known as the entertainment industry?

Unfortunately, not here.

The Song family could easily support a hundred Wu Dans—provided they knew their place and kept their ambitions in check.

“You all may go,” Song Ci said coolly.

Song Zhiyuan and the others hesitated but soon understood her intent: to give the old man a bit of dignity. They bowed and withdrew.

Wu Dan, still kneeling, grew even more flustered. Instinctively, she looked up at the Old Master, her gaze filled with silent reproach.

“No need to look at him,” Song Ci said. “In this household, he does not hold the reins. For a concubine to be accepted, it is I, the first wife, who must give my consent. Without it, he cannot bring another woman in. Even if he does, if I refuse the tea you offer in greeting, you are not truly recognized as a concubine. A concubine without the mistress’s approval can never hold her head high, anywhere.”

Wu Dan’s heart tightened. “Madam, I—I belong to the Old Master now…”

Song Ci almost sprayed her tea, casting a cold, sharp glance at the plump old man beside her.

Well, he certainly wasted no time.

No wonder he had marched in so confidently to propose a secondary wife—clearly, he’d been sweet-talked in bed.

The Old Master looked away guiltily. The old woman seemed to see straight through him!