“This old servant greets First Madam.”
Zhao Momo stepped forward to pay her respects, but made no effort to introduce her companion.
The other steward, however, lifted her eyelids slightly, glanced at Madam Song, and stepped forward to bow.
“Ah, so it is First Madam. I have poor eyesight and failed to recognize you—please forgive me.”
First Madam nodded slightly, then said,
“You look unfamiliar. Which household do you serve?”
“I am from the Marquis of Wuxin’s residence. If Madam has no further instructions, I shall return to my duties.”
First Madam’s mind filled with cold amusement—a mere servant dared to act with such airs.
She gave the woman another glance, said nothing, and simply turned away.
But the more she thought about it, the more something felt wrong.
Their family had no ties with the Marquis of Wuxin’s residence—so why had someone come?
Returning to her quarters, First Madam ordered one of her servants to investigate the matter.
She then turned to Qian Momo and instructed,
“Go to the front gate and wait—when Third Master returns, tell him I need to speak with him.”
Two momos left one after the other.
First Madam changed into a fresh outfit, then noticed her youngest daughter waiting outside.
She beckoned her over.
“Why have you come? Is something the matter?”
Song Yexi nodded.
“Jinxuan came to tell me some news. She said Third Aunt has arranged a marriage for Song Qinghan—The Countess of the Dingnan Mansion was the one who made the connection.”
First Madam’s heart skipped a beat—she immediately thought of the momo from the Marquis of Wuxin’s residence.
Although Wuxin Marquis held a noble title, he only occupied an idle post, and his household’s younger generation had never amounted to much.
There was no sign of ambition or desire to learn, only frivolous distractions.
Even though the Song family had declined, they still came from a scholarly lineage.
Not to mention Song Qinghan’s tarnished reputation—even if Wuxin Marquis’s household was unremarkable, why would they agree to marry her?
“Is this information accurate?”
“Concubine Che investigated—it should be correct.”
First Madam trusted Concubine Che’s abilities, but she chose not to comment, instead turning to her daughter.
“Leave Song Qinghan’s marriage alone—whether it’s you or Jinxuan, don’t interfere. Since you ladies have time, spend it embroidering together and refine your needlework skills. I will also begin looking into prospective matches for you. When the time comes, you’ll have many things to prepare—it’s better start now.”
First Madam feared the younger girls would be influenced by the wrong crowd, so she kept them occupied with useful tasks—ensuring they wouldn’t drift toward frivolity.
Song Yexi sighed internally.
“Mother, is this really necessary?”
First Madam’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Of course it is. Your second sister’s marriage has been settled, and she too must embroider her dowry—you can keep her company.”
Song Yexi thought of Song Lirong, who had been confined to her courtyard for days, embroidering nonstop.
She muttered under her breath,
“Mother, what was Concubine Qing[mfn]A concubine of First Madam’s husband [/mfn] thinking—she actually agreed to let Second Sister marry the county magistrate’s illegitimate son?”
Madam Song studied her daughter.
“What? Do you think the match is inappropriate?”
Song Yexi shook her head.
“Not bad exactly. But if Second Sister stayed in the capital, she might have found a better match.”
First Madam scoffed.
“Concubine Qing is a clever woman—you should consider this carefully. Though our family now has a favored concubine, Jieyu has no children, which leaves her foundation unstable. Relying on her to rise further? Who knows how long that will take? Meanwhile, your Second Sister cannot afford to wait.”
First Madam paused slightly, then studied her daughter, her tone serious and instructive.
“Concubine Qing was my personal maid and has served by my side for years. She is insightful—and do you know why I sent her to serve your father in Yucheng?”
Song Yexi pressed her lips together, remaining silent—but in her heart, she had already guessed.
“Your Second Sister’s groom may be an illegitimate son, but he is a scholar, who has already passed the county exam. If he is lucky, he may next secure a post. And when that happens—do you think this match will still be available for your Second Sister?”
Song Yexi whispered,
“But our family is better than his—why wouldn’t the match remain ours?”
“You don’t understand. Marriage isn’t solely about family status—what matters is whether the man has ambition and good character. Your father wrote to me, saying this young man, though born of a concubine, is well-educated and well-mannered. Your Second Sister won’t be making a bad match. Mark my words—in ten years, you will see her life improving steadily.”
First Madam patted her daughter’s hand, continuing.
“Furthermore, your father cannot remain alone in Yucheng. He needs support—and marriage is the best tool for securing alliances. Concubine Qing served me, then eased my burdens by serving your father, eventually bearing your Second Sister. She has always been loyal to me, so I will ensure her daughter finds a good marriage.”
First Madam had not originally intended to reveal these matters—but her daughter’s age was approaching marriageable years.
Soon, she would enter another household.
It was time she learned how to navigate the complexities of a family.
This was a good opportunity, so First Madam took the chance to teach her.
Song Yexi fell into contemplation.
First Madam sighed.
“The match in Yucheng is a wise decision. Even if your Second Sister remained in the capital, she might have married into a higher-ranking family, but it would only be for superficial prestige. She was born of a concubine, meaning she could only ever marry an illegitimate son. And tell me—how many bastard sons of noble families in the capital are as promising as the magistrate’s son in Yucheng? If a remarkable young man had been available, do you think our family would have had the chance to select him?”
Song Yexi finally understood, realizing that her Second Sister’s match was indeed a good one.
She murmured, “But after this—seeing her will be much harder.”
First Madam lifted her gaze, watching her daughter closely.
“Your eldest sister married years ago—I have only seen her once since then.”
She was, after all, her eldest daughter, the one she had raised with the utmost care.
At the mention of her elder sister, Song Yexi fell silent.
First Madam, however, found herself lost in thought.
Song Yunzhao had received no guidance while she was at home—yet she was now navigating palace life alone, struggling through its complexities.
Thinking of this, First Madam felt an even greater dislike for Third Madam Song.
“Go find your sisters and play,” she said. “I have things to attend to.”
Just as she finished speaking, Qian Momo arrived.
“Madam, Third Master has returned—he asks you to meet him in the study.”
Since Third Master couldn’t visit the main house, he had to invite her to the front courtyard.
First Madam nodded, then headed straight to the study.
Upon arriving, she spoke directly, wasting no time.
“Jieyu has summoned me to the palace tomorrow. I assume it’s related to your disaster relief mission. Is there any message you’d like me to pass along?”
Third Master paused, surprised. “Didn’t we just meet with her a few days ago? Going to see her so soon again—won’t this cause suspicion?”
Hearing his concern for Jieyu, First Madam’s expression softened slightly.
“If I was granted permission to enter the palace, then surely Jieyu has secured His Majesty’s approval. Besides, I cannot assist you in court matters. I visited my family today—my father has no way to intervene.” Third Master was briefly stunned, then quickly spoke.
“I hadn’t realized you had taken such efforts—but rest assured, I am willing to go.”
“Third Brother?”
“Madam, Yunzhao struggles daily in the palace—how could I, as her father, remain idle in the Ministry of War? Now that I have this opportunity, I must grasp it.”
His tone was firm—his future should not be built on his daughter’s suffering.
He needed to become someone she could rely on.
