Chapter Ninety: The Old Matriarch Who Loved Nothing More Than Scheming Her Granddaughter's Fate

Song Ci was the sort of person who acted the moment an idea struck her. She summoned her four senior maids and asked each of them about her marriage prospects.

Caught off guard by such talk, Hongyou and the others blushed scarlet and hardly dared speak. Only after Song Ci said that when a girl was grown, marriage was only natural and there was nothing to be shy about, did they begin to answer in hesitant, stammering voices.

Hongyou was an orphan. She had been sold into the manor and had served at Song Ci’s side ever since. She was Song Ci’s first truly trusted maid, so her marriage would be decided by Song Ci herself.

As for Hongtao, both her parents were servants of the household. It was said that her mother had already arranged a match for her with a maternal cousin. The man was an assistant manager in a shop, and all they awaited was Song Ci’s permission to release her.

Hongju and Hongzao had not yet found matches. Still, there were rumors that a guard from the outer court had taken a liking to Hongzao and was asking a matron in the inner quarters, one he knew well, to make discreet inquiries on his behalf.

Once Song Ci had a clear picture, she said, “There is no need to speak further of Hongtao. As for the three of you—Hongyou, Hongju, and Hongzao—if you have someone in mind, tell me as early as possible, or have him send someone to formally propose. If not, I shall ask Nanny Gong to see whether there is anyone in her family suitably matched to you.”

All of them immediately declared their loyalty, saying they would never marry and wished only to serve the Old Madam for the rest of their lives.

“Do not say such things. They sound false even to my ears. Finding a husband after your own heart, bearing a few children, and living a lifetime in harmony and happiness—that is what your Old Madam truly wishes to see.” Song Ci added mischievously, “If you keep saying you will not marry, then I really shall have someone bring in an old woman to dress your hair in the style of a self-combed spinster, and you can remain old maids for life.”

Hongyou and the others were speechless.

No—under ordinary circumstances, was she not supposed to be deeply moved? Why was this nothing like what they had imagined?

Seeing their bewildered, helpless expressions, Nanny Gong laughed. “Old Madam, do stop teasing them. If you frighten them into tears, you will only have yourself to worry about.”

“I only wanted to scare them a little.” Song Ci grinned. “Off with you now. Remember what I said.”

Hongyou and the others did not dare repeat any nonsense about refusing marriage. Otherwise they would only embarrass themselves beyond retreat. So they curtseyed and withdrew.

“Nanny Gong, go to Madam Gu and get a copied roster of all the household servants. We can look through it when we have time.”

Song Ci did not really know how to arrange marriages, so she thought she would first examine the register and then ask about people’s character before deciding anything.

Nanny Gong smilingly agreed.

“Has there been any word from Old Madam Wei’s side?”

“A message has come back from the Wei residence. They say the old lady will come tomorrow to sit and talk with you.”

Song Ci gave a soft sound of acknowledgment, then turned to ask about her little granddaughter’s housewarming banquet. She heard it had been exceedingly lively; the younger children in the family had played about to their hearts’ content, and the pair of twins from the second branch had even drunk a little too much and nearly torn the roof off the place.

“Today is the birthday of the young lady from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence. The Second Young Lady took the Third Young Lady along to offer their congratulations.”

At that, Song Ci said, “Only the two girls went? Madam Gu did not?”

“It is merely a young lady’s birthday. How could the First Madam, busy as she is, go in person?” Nanny Gong said with a smile, replacing her tea.

Song Ci pondered for a moment, then said, “Though it is her own maternal family, Qier will come of age this winter and is at the age to speak of marriage. Go remind Madam Gu to send a capable, steady matron along, one who will attend our two young ladies carefully.”

Nanny Gong lifted a brow. “Old Madam means...?”

“You came from the palace, Nanny Gong. What dark intrigues have you not seen? The prime minister’s residence is in the full bloom of its glory now. I only fear someone may seize the chance to worm their way in and attach themselves to us. By then reputation would be the lesser concern; what I fear is that a child’s whole life might be ruined.” Song Ci clicked her tongue. “You know what Qier is like—proud, ambitious, and a little foolish. I am afraid she may blunder straight into someone else’s trap.”

Nanny Gong fell silent.

The latter part truly did not need saying. Was there ever a family matriarch who spoke of her own granddaughter in such a way?