Chapter Forty-Nine: Leaving the Manor for a Stroll

Early the next morning, Song Ci learned that Old Master Song had left for the hot spring estate, accompanied by two favored concubines. Ostensibly, he claimed it was for recuperation, but in truth, it was simply to escape shame and avoid staying in the manor. Song Ci was unconcerned; after all, she held no affection for the old man, and he had often been absent from the manor in the past.

“Go make arrangements. I wish to leave the manor,” Song Ci said suddenly, gazing at the clear sky outside as she addressed Hongyu, her attendant.

Hongyu was startled. “Madam, you want to go out?”

“Yes, we’re going for a stroll along the main road.”

“The main road?” Hongyu looked bewildered. What did that mean?

Song Ci laughed and explained, “Oh, it simply means we’re going shopping.”

She had been here for so many days; it was time to see the world beyond the manor, not just live as an ancestor of the Prime Minister’s household. She wanted to explore the ancient world.

Hongyu hurried off to report; the Madam actually wished to venture outside, which was quite unexpected.

An hour later, Song Ci was seated in the carriage ready to leave the manor. She brought along two young ladies of the household and Song Lingzhou, who had not yet started at the clan academy.

When Song Ci left the manor, Lady Song was meticulous in her preparations. Guards on tall horses led the way, with others flanking the carriage on both sides and behind, ready to respond to any assassins or emergencies.

In addition, there were servants, maidservants, and attendants—a grand procession that drew the eyes of all.

This was already Song Ci’s request for discretion; if she had chosen to use the full ceremonial escort befitting her rank, there would have been even more people and greater spectacle.

Song Ci rode with Song Lingzhou in one carriage, accompanied by Madam Gong and the two chief attendants, Hongyu and Hongtao. Song Ruqi and Song Ruwei, the two sisters, each brought a personal maid and rode in the following carriage.

“Second Sister, why has Grandmother suddenly decided to take us out shopping?” Song Ruwei asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

Song Ruqi, examining her freshly dyed fingernails, glanced at her younger sister and replied indifferently, “Who knows? Grandmother is always unpredictable.”

Song Ruwei said, “Second Sister, tell me about Grandmother’s preferences, will you? You know I haven’t been back for years and don’t see her as often as you do. If I accidentally offend her, it would be my fault.”

“You’re still young—what does it matter if you make a mistake? Grandmother wouldn’t punish you severely, would she?” Song Ruqi scoffed, then added, “As for Grandmother, she doesn’t care much for strict rules or have any great wisdom. Just go along with her and don’t contradict her.”

Their grandmother, Song Ruqi thought, had little talent and was mostly fond of preaching about virtue, especially recounting the hardships of the past. It was tiresome, as if she feared others might not know that the Song family, despite being the Prime Minister’s household, was—at least in others’ eyes—a family that had simply stumbled into fortune.

Besides, those days were long past; what was the point of repeating them over and over? The Song family was no longer so poor that they couldn’t afford a meal.

Song Ruwei frowned slightly.

Sensing Song Ruqi’s impatience with their grandmother, she wisely changed the subject, speaking of the bustling capital and her circle of close friends.

“At the end of the month, my cousin is celebrating her birthday. I’ll take you to the Marquis of Loyal Valor’s estate, so you can broaden your horizons and meet some young ladies. But you must carry yourself with poise—don’t do anything that might embarrass me.”

Song Ruwei was delighted, smiling as she replied, “Thank you, Second Sister. You’re always so good to me.”

Song Ruqi, pleased with her sister’s gentle demeanor, reached out and stroked her cheek. “We’re sisters—no need for thanks. There aren’t many girls in the family; it’s only right to be good to you.”

Song Ruwei responded with a few more flattering words, coaxing Song Ruqi into smiling broadly.