Chapter 51: The Dowager of the Prime Minister's Residence Yields the Way

“So tall,” Song Ci and Song Lingzhou exclaimed in awe as they gazed up at the signboard of Shangzhen Pavilion. Their wide-eyed, unsophisticated demeanor made Song Ruqi, who stood not far behind them, flush with embarrassment, especially when she noticed the curious glances from passersby nearby.

It was one thing for her young brother, but for her grandmother—someone of such advanced age and status—to display such naïveté, it hardly befitted the dignity of the Dowager Lady of the Prime Minister’s Mansion. How mortifying! If only she had known, she would never have come out today.

Just then, an attendant happened to be escorting a guest out the door. Leading the way was a maid with twin buns and a pink outfit, while another, dressed in blue, supported a young married woman with her hair styled in the fashion of a matron.

“Hey, why are you blocking the doorway? Move aside, quickly! What if you bump into our lady?” the maid snapped. She turned to the attendant, scolding, “What kind of establishment is this, letting people cluster at the entrance and block the way? Is this how you receive guests?”

Shangzhen Pavilion rose five stories high, famed for its antiques and treasures. Here, one could find exquisite writing tools, rare books and paintings, and fine jewelry—each at a steep price but with a sterling reputation that drew the nobility from all around.

It was for these treasures that Song Ci and her companions had come, never expecting to be mocked simply for pausing a moment to admire the signboard.

Song Ruqi was the first to bristle, ready to rebuke the insolent maid, but when her gaze fell on Song Ci, she pressed her lips together. This was not her place to speak.

Song Ci looked over. Seeing the maid’s sneering expression, she let her eyes pass over her and settle on the young married woman being supported behind. The woman was dressed in fine silks, her hair adorned with a ruby hairpin, her cheeks softly rounded, and her abdomen gently swollen—a mother-to-be.

“Xiao Zi, mind your manners,” the woman said softly, her tone gentle as she admonished the maid. Then, turning to Song Ci, she offered a slight, apologetic smile. “My maid was out of line. I hope the Madam will not take offense.”

Song Ci, reassured by her gracious smile, answered in kind. “The fault is ours for blocking your way.”

With that, she stepped aside, making room for the young woman to pass first.

Her gesture gave the young woman pause. It was evident that this elderly lady, surrounded by maids, attendants, and guards, must be a person of great standing in the capital, yet she was yielding the way to someone younger.

Not only was the young woman surprised, but Song Ruqi and the others were taken aback as well. With the prestige and power of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, when had they ever needed to yield to anyone? And yet, Grandmother was the first to step aside.

Luo Wan’fang, a little flustered, released her maid’s arm and curtsied to Song Ci. “Madam, please, there’s no need. You are my elder; we can wait.”

Song Ci shook her head with a gentle smile. “I may be your elder, but it’s true that we were in the way. Besides, with you expecting, it is only right I let you pass. You must take care.”

Luo Wan’fang was momentarily speechless, a strange warmth welling in her heart. No one had ever spoken to her so kindly before—a simple “you must take care” left her unexpectedly moved.

At that moment, a portly manager, hat askew and sweating profusely, hurried over. “Madam Song, what an honor! Please forgive us for not welcoming you sooner. This way, please!” He bowed and nodded obsequiously to Song Ci, shooting a glare at his staff for allowing the Dowager Lady to wait.

Song Ci nodded to Luo Wan’fang, took Song Lingzhou’s hand, and ascended the steps into Shangzhen Pavilion.

Song Ruqi followed, casting a cool, haughty glance at the maid named Xiao Zi, her silent, noble demeanor leaving the maid pale with dread.

Once the whole party had entered, Luo Wan’fang quietly asked the attendant which family these people belonged to.

The attendant replied with a pained expression, “That was the Dowager Lady of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.”

Judging by her age and the manager’s words, there could be no mistake.

Luo Wan’fang was amazed. “The Dowager Lady of the Prime Minister’s Mansion—no wonder she carries herself with such grace.”

Beside her, Xiao Zi’s face had turned ashen. She had offended the Dowager Lady of the Prime Minister’s Mansion—there would surely be consequences.