Chapter 496: Song Ruqi Gets Married
May 7th, auspicious, suitable for marriage.
Song Ruqi is getting married, and the entire Prime Minister’s Mansion lit up with lanterns before dawn; every room and courtyard buzzed with activity, even Niu Pan’er especially took leave and returned to the mansion ahead of time to help.
Niu Pan’er is not adept at handling household matters, but she can assist with what she can manage.
She first went to attend to Song Ci’s Courtyard.
"I have plenty of maids here to attend to things; there’s no need for you to come over. Go have some fun," Song Ci said, patting her hand.
Niu Pan’er smiled and said, "The sisters-in-law are all busy, and even if I can’t help much, I can’t just idle around. I can help serve over here."
She was born on the battlefield and doesn’t understand backyard affairs. Even after getting married, she hasn’t managed household matters. Song Zhiyu takes care of them when he’s free; of course, he’s only the one making decisions and plans - the tasks are carried out by the people at the Prince Mansion.
Song Ci, being aware of the situation in Prince Dingbei’s Mansion, didn’t mind and said, "If that’s the case, then you can help me greet the guests when the time comes."
"I’ll listen to you, Mother."
"With my fourth sister-in-law saying this, I’m relieved to go about my tasks." Madam came in from outside, smiling and paid a courtesy to Song Ci, then exchanged bows with Niu Pan’er and said, "I was worried about handling Mother’s instructions, afraid I couldn’t manage them. With my sister-in-law willing to assist me, I’m truly grateful."
Niu Pan’er said, "As long as Sister-in-law doesn’t mind me not being much help."
"Taking care of Mother is already a big help." Madam said with a smile.
Song Ci: "You two stop bickering here. Is Qi’er bathing and grooming for the wedding yet? Aren’t you going over to check, still dawdling here?"
Madam nodded, feeling very grateful to Song Ci for persuading her daughter a few days ago, and said, "I thought to check on Mother first? With my sister-in-law here, should I head over to Qi’er now?"
Song Ci waved her hand: "Go quickly, go."
Madam chuckled and said to Niu Pan’er, "Fourth sister-in-law, I’ll leave Mother to you, then."
Niu Pan’er smiled and bowed.
Only then did Madam leave with her entourage, and Song Ci said, "Your sister-in-law sure is long-winded."
"Sister-in-law is being filial to you as well."
Song Ci pursed her lips; that kind of filial piety was a bit much for her to bear.
"Quick, do my hair; let’s go see if Qi’er is getting groomed, see if she’s ended up with makeup like a monkey’s butt."
As for heavy bridal makeup, Song Ci wasn’t fond of it. Even a beauty could turn into a fright, possibly frightening the groom away.
...
The Floating Melody Pavilion was already crowded with people, in addition to serving maids, there were Song Ruqi’s close friends, all here to see her off to her wedding, chirping and chattering, what a lively scene.
When Song Ci arrived, she almost felt dizzy from the fragrance inside the room.
Niu Pan’er, supporting her, felt her stomach churn, almost to the point of nausea. How much ointment and fragrance have they applied, performing some ritual to ascend to immortality!
"I dare say, they have scented themselves from head to toe," Song Ci whispered secretly to her daughter-in-law, "Smelling like this, do you think they want to be charming flowers attracting butterflies or just walking fragrance dispensers?"
Niu Pan’er: "A woman dresses up to please her beloved, it’s not how you say. Not everyone can be as unpretentious as I am, like a tomboy."
Song Ci glared at her: "Nonsense, you’re just fine the way you are. But you don’t look well, are you feeling uncomfortable?"
Niu Pan’er awkwardly pulled her mouth: "This fragrance is too strong for me, I can’t handle it!"
Song Ci: "..."
Ha, dressing up to please one’s beloved!