Chapter 307: Yan Family Mother and Daughter
"Commoner Yan Li and daughter pay respects to the Grand Madam. Wishing Grand Madam peace and well-being."
In the main hall, Yan the Scholar’s mother, Li, knelt on the ground with her daughter, Yan Ziyu, respectfully bowing to Song Ci.
"Madam Yan, no need for such formalities. Hong You, help them up and serve tea, give them seats," Song Ci said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you, Grand Madam."
There was no need for Hong You to assist, as Yan Ziyu helped her mother stand up from the ground, not daring to look around casually, only slightly lowering her head, staying close to Li.
Song Ci looked at the mother and daughter duo, both not tall. Li wore a slightly old dark red mamian skirt, her hair styled in a low bun secured with a single peach wood hairpin, and silver earrings adorned her ears.
As for her daughter, fifteen or sixteen years old, her face was delicate and pretty, her eyebrows arched gracefully. She wore a qiu xiang-colored pleated skirt, evidently newly made, with her hair braided and tied with a colored ribbon, her ears also wore a pair of lilac earrings, with no extra jewelry.
This was typical attire for a commoner girl, quite plain. To put it bluntly, even the servant women in Song Ci’s Courtyard were dressed more opulently than them.
Hong You and others brought two round stools for them to sit, served tea, and then stood to the side.
"I’ve long heard that Yan the Scholar’s family has a noble mother and sister. I’ve always wanted to see what kind of mother could raise such an outstanding young man as Yan the Scholar. Today, seeing it, it’s truly a testament to the proper family upbringing. Madam Yan, you have truly taught well."
Li, somewhat restrained, stood up and offered a salute, saying, "Grand Madam, you flatter us. I’m merely a humble farm woman with no insight, and my son Sheng has achieved what he has today all due to the Prime Minister’s support."
"You need not be modest. If that child hadn’t passed the scholar’s exam, he wouldn’t have come to the capital, nor would he have been able to become a guest at the Prime Minister’s Mansion." Song Ci smiled, looking at Yan Ziyu, and beckoned, "Is this Sheng’s sister? Come here, let me have a look."