Free Web NovelChapter 195: Chapter 86: I Will Be My Daughter’s Support
"Greetings, Madam Song." Nanny Zhao came forward to pay her respects, but she made no move to introduce the person with her.
However, the housekeeper beside her barely glanced up at Madam Song before stepping forward and offering a curtsy. "Ah, so it is Madam Song. My apologies, my old eyes didn’t recognize you. I hope you’ll forgive me."
Madam Song gave a slight nod. "I don’t believe we’ve met. Which household do you serve?"
"I am from the Marquis Wuxin Mansion. If you have no further instructions, Madam Song, I must return to the mansion to attend to my duties. I’ll take my leave now."
Madam Song scoffed inwardly. ’Such airs for a mere servant.’ She gave the woman one last look, then turned and left without another word.
The more Madam Song thought about it, the more she felt something was amiss. Her family had never had any dealings with the Marquis Wuxin Mansion. Why would someone from there suddenly visit?
Once back in her own courtyard, Madam Song sent Nanny Zhao to find out what was going on.
Then she turned to Nanny Qian and said, "Go to the front courtyard and keep watch. When the Third Young Master returns, tell him I need to speak with him."
The two nannies left one after the other. After changing her clothes, Madam Song came out to find her younger daughter waiting for her. She beckoned the girl over. "Why are you here? Is something the matter?"
Song Yexi nodded. "Jinxuan came over earlier and told me something. She said Third Aunt has found a match for Song Qinghan, with Madam Ding Nanbo acting as the matchmaker."
Madam Song’s heart skipped a beat as she recalled the housekeeper from the Marquis Wuxin Mansion.
’Even though they are the family of a Marquis, the Marquis Wuxin himself only holds a sinecure, and his sons haven’t amounted to much. You never see them studying, only lazing about and causing trouble. Our Song Family may have declined, but we are still a family of scholars. And with Song Qinghan’s current reputation... even if the Marquis Wuxin Mansion is a disappointment, why on earth would they be willing to have her marry into their family?’
"Is this information reliable?"
"Aunt Che was the one who found out, so it should be."
Madam Song knew what Aunt Che was capable of, but she couldn’t say much in front of her daughter. She simply said, "As for Song Qinghan’s marriage, neither you nor Jinxuan should get involved. In fact, I think it would be best for you girls to spend your free time practicing your embroidery. I’m starting to consider your marriage prospects as well, and there will be a great deal to prepare. You might as well get a head start."
Madam Song was worried the other girls in the family would be led astray. She decided it was best to keep them occupied with tasks, lest they follow the example of flighty people and get foolish ideas themselves.
Song Yexi’s lips twitched. "Mother, is that really necessary?"
Madam Song glared. "Why wouldn’t it be? Your Second Sister’s marriage has been arranged. She needs to embroider her trousseau, so you can just keep her company."
Song Yexi thought about how Song Lirong had been cooped up in her courtyard embroidering lately and couldn’t help but mutter, "Mother, what could Aunt Qing be thinking? Is she really willing to let Second Sister marry the illegitimate son of the Yu Cheng County Magistrate?"
At this, Madam Song looked at her daughter. "What? You think it’s a bad match?"
Song Yexi shook her head. "It’s not that it’s a bad match... I just thought she might find a better family if she stayed in the Capital City."
Madam Song scoffed. "Aunt Qing is a clever woman. Think about it. Although our family has a daughter who is a Concubine, she currently has no son to secure her standing. Her position is very precarious. Who knows how many years it would take for her to be promoted again? But your Second Sister can’t wait that long."
Here, Madam Song paused and looked at her daughter, her expression turning serious as she began to instruct her. "Aunt Qing was my dowry maid. She was by my side for many years, so she has seen a thing or two. Why do you think I sent her to Yucheng to serve your father?"
Song Yexi pressed her lips together, saying nothing. She already had an inkling.
"Your Second Sister may be marrying the illegitimate son of the Yu Cheng County Magistrate, but he is a devoted scholar. He has already passed the examinations to become a Scholar. With any luck, he’ll pass the next one and become an Advanced Scholar. When that happens, do you think a match like this would still be within your Second Sister’s reach?"
Song Yexi said in a low voice, "But our family’s status is still higher than a mere county magistrate’s. Why wouldn’t Second Sister be considered a good enough match?"
"What do you know? When considering a marriage, you can’t just look at family status. What’s most important is the young man’s drive and character. Your father wrote to tell me that although he is an illegitimate son, his upbringing and education are excellent. It’s no loss for your Second Sister to marry him. Just wait and see. In another ten years, her life is guaranteed to be better and better."
At this, Madam Song patted her daughter’s hand. "Besides, your father can’t manage on his own in Yucheng. He needs allies, and a marriage alliance is the best way to secure them. Aunt Qing was in my service. Later, she eased my burdens by serving your father and giving birth to your Second Sister. She has always been loyal to me, so of course I must find a good match for her daughter."
Madam Song hadn’t intended to discuss these things with her daughter, but the girl was now of marriageable age. Soon, her own marriage would be arranged, and after she wed, she would need to know how to handle the affairs of the women’s quarters. Since the opportunity presented itself, Madam Song naturally seized it to impart some wisdom.
Song Yexi looked thoughtful.
Madam Song sighed. "This match in Yucheng is truly a good one. Even if your Second Sister stayed in the Capital City and married into a family of higher status, it would only be for show. She was born to a concubine, so she can only marry an illegitimate son. How many illegitimate sons from the wealthy families in the Capital are as promising as the son of the Yu Cheng County Magistrate? And even if there were one, would we be the ones to get our pick?"
Hearing her mother’s explanation, Song Yexi realized what a good match this was for her second sister. "It’s just... it won’t be easy to see her in the future."
Madam Song looked up at her daughter. "Your Eldest Sister has been married for many years, and I have only seen her once."
’That was her firstborn, legitimate daughter, the one she had doted on and raised with such care.’
At the mention of her eldest sister, Song Yexi fell silent.
But then Madam Song’s thoughts drifted. ’When Song Yunzhao was at home, no one ever taught her these things. She’s fending for herself all alone in the palace... I wonder how she’s managing to get by.’
The thought made Madam Song feel a fresh wave of resentment toward Mrs. Cai. "Go and find your sisters to play with. I still have matters to attend to."
She had barely finished speaking when Nanny Qian arrived. "Madam, the Third Young Master has returned. He requests your presence in the study."
It was improper for the Third Young Master to enter the rear courtyards of the main residence, so he could only ask Madam Song to meet him in the front courtyard.
Madam Song nodded, rose, and went straight to the front courtyard. Upon reaching the study and seeing the Third Young Master, she got right to the point. "The Concubine has summoned me to the palace tomorrow. I suspect it has something to do with you, Third Brother, being sent for disaster relief. Do you have any message for me to relay to her?"
The Third Young Master was taken aback. "But didn’t she just meet with you a few days ago? Won’t seeing you again so soon cause talk?"
Hearing the Third Young Master’s concern for the Concubine, Madam Song’s expression softened. "If she’s summoning me, the Concubine must have already received His Majesty’s permission. As for this disaster relief mission... I’m afraid I can’t help you. I asked at my family’s home today, and even my father has no way to intervene."
Third Master Song was taken aback for a moment, then quickly said, "I hadn’t realized you’d gone to such trouble for me. Please, don’t worry. I’m willing to go."
"Third Brother?"
"Sister-in-law, Yun Zhao’s life in the palace is a constant struggle. As her father, how can I continue to take it easy in a cushy post at the Ministry of Imperial Stables? Now that I have this opportunity, I must seize it," Third Master Song said, his voice heavy. ’My career cannot be built on my daughter’s suffering. I have to become someone she can rely on.’
