Song Ci, having lived for almost thirty years, was experiencing such a drawn-out and complicated breakfast for the first time.
Back when she was on set, they were always rushing through filming. Who had the time to savor their food slowly? Just being able to eat was good enough, so she developed the habit of eating very quickly.
Seated at the dining table, she initially ate at her usual pace due to habit. However, upon noticing everyone else eating slowly, savoring their food, making no sound even as their spoons touched their bowls, and maintaining elegant postures, she could only slow down and match their rhythm.
This effort to adapt and adjust left Song Ci a bit exhausted, and as soon as the meal was over, she dismissed everyone.
Nanny Gong presented a cup of tea and gently asked, "Is the Madam going to the small Buddha hall to pay respects and listen to scriptures?"
Song Ci shook her head, "I just finished breakfast, so I'll take a walk in the garden to avoid indigestion."
Just kidding, she wasn't really Madam Song. Why pay respects to Buddha?
Moreover, her health was really poor, so she needed regular exercise. Besides, being new here, she had to explore around; she couldn't miss experiencing ancient times.
Nanny Gong, hearing this, ordered someone to prepare a rattan chair and other items.
...
Second Madam Jiang of the Song family walked alongside First Madam, followed by a group of maids and elderly female servants.
"Sister-in-law, do you feel that mother has changed a bit?" Jiang asked as they walked, turning her head to the side.
First Madam turned to look at her, "You noticed it too?"
Jiang raised an eyebrow, "In the past, although she didn't always enforce the rules, she wasn't as easygoing as she is now. And she used to be very protective of her belongings in the storeroom, yet today she was generous."
First Madam: "Lu Courtyard mentioned that after mother's illness, her temperament has changed somewhat. They say it's because of this area."
She gestured towards her own head.
Jiang furrowed her brow, "Will it stay like this?"
First Madam nodded solemnly, "So dear sister-in-law, don't speak out of line before mother. We can only acquiesce to her wishes. You understand how important the position of the Prime Minister is. If there were to be mourning, our Song family would be in peril."
She stopped, holding Jiang's hand, "Sister-in-law, we're genuine sisters-in-law, and our husbands are as close as brothers born from the same womb. There's no one closer than us. Even the third household should know that everyone in our Song family rises and falls together. Don't you think?"
Jiang said, "Even though I'm from a merchant family, I've been married into the Song family for many years. Close proximity influences a person; how could I not understand what you're saying, sister-in-law? My husband has no ambition in political circles, he just enjoys managing household affairs. Our household relies entirely on the Song family. If sister-in-law has any instructions, just say the word."
First Madam squeezed her hand gratefully, "I knew you were a sensible person all along. These years, it's been thanks to the second uncle managing household affairs, and you've helped me a lot too. Both Prime Minister and I remember it in our hearts. Rest assured, Zhao'er and Jie'er are our dear nephews. The Prime Minister said he would spare no effort in cultivating them. In the future, the two brothers will certainly earn an Imperial Decree for you as well."
Jiang smiled, "I'm waiting for that."
The two continued forward to Meijun Garden, where they saw servants coming and going, and stopped again.
Jiang looked at the plaque of Meijun Garden, caressing the bracelet on her wrist, and said, "With the return of the third sister-in-law, this house should become lively. Sister-in-law, I wonder if it's better to have quiet or excitement at that time."
Her words were laden with meaning. First Madam listened, her eyes narrowing slightly, and said lightly, "Whether quiet or lively, wise people always know what to do and what not to do."
Jiang smiled, fearing that wisdom might be confounded by its own cleverness.