Chapter 490: Thoughts
When the daughter was mentioned, Madam Lu’s expression relaxed, becoming somewhat lighthearted.
Their third branch of the family was originally from a secondary line, and although Wei’er and the others were legitimate children, they were still labeled as children from a secondary line, making them a step lower in status compared to her two elder sisters.
Fortunately, there were few girls in the Song Family, and with fewer people, they became more valued. Even with Wei’er’s status, she was considered rare.
Especially since her two elder sisters were already married or about to be married, in the entire Prime Minister’s Mansion, she was the only young girl who could accompany the elders out as guests or help entertain guests at home.
Moreover, Song Ci was willing to uplift and support her, which was a tremendous advantage for Wei’er.
After all, Song Ci was the most esteemed person in the Prime Minister’s Mansion and was on good terms with the Empress Dowager. Her willingness to elevate Wei’er and take her to meet guests was a subtle signal to the outside world that she valued her granddaughter.
The prospects of her daughter provided considerable comfort to Madam Lu.
"Go call Wei’er over; I haven’t yet asked her about today’s visit."
Mama Zhou saw her change the subject and was naturally happy to comply, calling a young maid to fetch Song Ruwei.
Song Ruwei came quickly and gracefully saluted Madam Lu.
Madam Lu smiled, pulled her over to sit down, and asked, "Have you eaten? Your second aunt just gave birth to a little sister today. It’s been a busy day, and I haven’t had the chance to ask how your visit to the Bai Mansion was?"
Song Ruwei replied obediently, "Daughter has already eaten; please have your meal, Mother."
"Very well, then tell me about your visit?" Madam Lu picked up her bowl and chopsticks.
Song Ruwei didn’t feel the need to hide anything and recounted everything from following Song Ci as a guest to leaving.
Clang.
Madam Lu’s hand shook, and the bowl fell on the table, her expression somewhat startled as she asked, "Did Prince Zhou give you a jade pendant?"
Song Ruwei nodded, "I didn’t dare accept it, but Grandmother did."
Madam Lu furrowed her brows and gazed at her daughter’s pretty and gentle face, momentarily dazed.
With the turn of the year, her daughter had grown a year older, and her face had matured a bit, already acquiring the look of a young girl. In a few years, even if not a stunning beauty, she would still be charmingly attractive and naturally able to catch men’s attention.
Could it be that Prince Zhou had taken a liking to Wei’er?
Madam Lu, being an Imperial Decree wife, was not foolish, nor was she arrogant enough to believe that her nine-year-old daughter’s beauty had attracted Prince Zhou, assuming it was more likely her status.
Wei’er, as a daughter from a secondary line, couldn’t become the Official Wife. A position like Concubine or secondary wife would be just right, given that she’s a Song Family girl and her father is a Fifth Rank official; her status is respectable.
Prince Zhou, if truly interested, was probably because she was a Song Family girl.
Madam Lu felt a complex mix of pride and delight, tentatively asking, "What does Wei’er think of Consort Bai, is she admirable and dignified?"
Song Ruwei was taken aback, recalling the haughty woman, her expression momentarily fearful, and said, "Mother, I don’t like Consort Bai. The way she looks at me is terrifying, like she wants to devour me."
Madam Lu was startled, seeing her daughter’s frowning and fearful look, her brief moment of pride instantly vanished.
Indeed, no matter how dignified, she’s still a concubine. With her daughter’s disposition, could she compete with those women?
But he is a Prince; to go further means unparalleled prestige.
Madam Lu gazed at Song Ruwei’s innocent expression, suppressing her inner excitement, and said, "In the future, take more people with you when you go out. I’ll ask your eldest aunt to assign you some more attendants later."
After all, the girl is still young; let’s see what happens later. For now, it’s best to raise her well!