Chapter 279: Chapter 279: Neither Deaf nor Mute, Not Playing the Family Head
It’s not that Song Ci looks down on Madam Lu, but in this era, the powerful taking concubines is as common as flowers blooming in spring; hardly anyone stays loyal to just one person till the end.
So speaking of the Song Family, they’re quite an oddity in this regard among the nobility, apart from the old master who lacks respect for his age, the men of this Song second generation have been married for years, and which of them hasn’t remained loyal to their official wives?
But now, this family’s also following the trend, with another addition to the flower pot.
Hmm, that never-before-seen third son truly resembles his father Song Bai Mianbao, thoroughly inheriting his philandering ways.
Ahem, I digress.
Madam Lu, years ago, had gone through countless twists and turns with Song Zhiqing before their marriage, and all these years, the couple has been deeply in love, with a pair of children, and she became an Imperial Decree Madam. It’s been smooth sailing.
She has affection for Song Zhiqing, and life has grown increasingly pleasant. As Song Zhiyuan rises in status, the standing of the Song Family soars as well. When she goes outside, who doesn’t give her a respectful glance?
Would she easily give up the comfort she has tirelessly attained over the years?
Impossible.
Madam Lu wouldn’t hand over her hard-earned enjoyable life, and most importantly, she doesn’t have her maiden family; leaving Song Zhiqing, where in this vast world could she find refuge?
"Back then, he was so desperate to marry her, and now, within just a few years, you only hear the laughter of new people, not the weeping of the old," Song Ci scoffed cynically.
Nanny Gong said, "Is the Old Madam considering inviting the Third Madam to discuss this matter?"
"What is there to discuss? As the saying goes, ’Not deaf, not dumb, one cannot become a family elder.’ I’m not idle enough to meddle in others’ rooms."
Song Ci wouldn’t involve herself in such troublesome matters. Even if she were to manage it, how would she go about it?
A man’s lower half is his own responsibility, no one else can manage it.
Furthermore, that third son, isn’t he an illegitimate child? He’s not even her biological child. If she were to interfere, people might even resent her for being an interfering old crone!
Nope, not getting involved.
"But what if the Third Madam asks for your help?" Nanny Gong added.
Song Ci paused and said, "Nanny Gong, even if I stand up and prevent someone from entering the household, it’s far away despite the obstacles. Can the third son even care? If he keeps her outside, how can you chide him? If a heart can’t be managed, the person naturally can’t either."
"But last time with Madam Wu, you did... stop her."
"How is that the same? My sons are so grown already; do you expect them to call a concubine younger than them ’Second Mother’? That’s impossible!" Song Ci said. "I stopped Madam Wu from entering the household, but do you see me stopping that old ghost from having his fun outside? As long as he doesn’t bring trouble home, I don’t care if he’s indulging night after night."
He’s not even truly her man!
She just has to maintain the peace in the house; for any concubine of Song Old Three who enters, if they stay well-behaved, they’ll have food. But if they dare cause trouble, we’ll see if they don’t get torn apart!
Nanny Gong smiled gently.
Seeing Song Ci’s indifferent demeanor, she reminded, "Old Madam, in a few more days, it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Old Master should also return home for the festival."
Song Ci was nibbling on a piece of candied fruit when she heard this and almost choked herself to death.
"Cough cough." She pounded her chest and with her other hand shakily reached for the teacup.
Nanny Gong was shocked and quickly served her tea and helped her catch her breath.
Song Ci washed the candied fruit down with some tea, her eyes widening as she asked, "Are you serious? Is that old ghost really coming back to celebrate the festival?"
Oh no, with that eyesore of an old thing returning, her smoothly sailing life of wind and rain at her beck and call is coming to an end.