Chapter 557: Be a Good Person for Once
Madam Wei reminded Song Ci that the more she stayed hidden and refused to see guests, the more curious people would become. It would be better to straightforwardly meet them and share what she knew. As for whether the desired outcome would be achieved, that would be another matter.
With this thought, before the autumn passed, while the osmanthus were still in bloom and the chrysanthemum wine was yet to be fully consumed, Song Ci arranged for Madam Song to host a chrysanthemum appreciation and crab feast. She invited those who had sent their visiting cards.
Heavens, at long last, Madame Song, who was notoriously stubborn, had shown some mercy.
Those who received invitations were overjoyed, as though simply visiting the Song Family would immediately help them conceive.
Those without invitations shamelessly sought a way to attend. Even families without anyone preparing for pregnancy wanted to come for a drink. Why?
For no other reason than that the Song Family still had a third young miss who was unmarried!
In September, with the crisp autumn air, the Song Mansion hosted a chrysanthemum appreciation and crab feast. Oh my, the carriages lined up in front of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, the fragrance of clothes and the jingle of accessories — the small gathering attracted nearly as many people as a major banquet.
Song Ci realized she had underestimated the ancient people’s enthusiasm for conceiving children.
She didn’t expect such a turnout, but fortunately, she had already informed Madam Song to not host the banquet in the usual manner and to instead switch to a buffet style.
Indeed, it was like a self-service cocktail party, using a garden suitable for banquets. They set up long tables adorned with various exquisite pastries, snacks, fruits, and drinks, with small tables scattered around.
When the banquet began, plates of plump and delicious crabs were served on the tables. Guests could take whatever they wanted.
This refreshing small banquet felt novel to these aristocratic ladies of the Beijing Circle.
There were no assigned seats; you could sit wherever you wanted and chat with whomever you liked at your leisure.
This small banquet was exclusively for female guests. The Song Mansion was already simple in population, and with a single notice, all the men were kept out of the back garden, thus avoiding any potential trouble.
Though it was self-service, young maids dressed in matching uniforms carried trays, ready to serve tea and drinks at the guests’ behest.
If anyone found it bothersome to handle the crabs, they could request help from the maids nearby.
The guests found this kind of banquet relaxing and casual, reminiscent of their maiden days, and soon forgot their original intentions for attending.
However, while some forgot, others remained attentive — first congratulating Song Ci on soon having another great-grandchild, jokingly praising her good fortune and hoping they would share in it.
There was no need for pretense; everyone knew the real reason for gathering here.
Song Ci didn’t shy away, initially laughing as she said she was no Fertility Goddess; otherwise, Madam Song herself wouldn’t have only one child!
Madam Song: "..."
These words really struck a chord.
Song Ci then calmly explained that the connection between mothers and children was fated, before slowly discussing the regularities of a woman’s menstrual cycle, suggesting that timing attempts accordingly could help. She also casually mentioned some foods that might aid in conception.
As for the secrets to conceiving a boy or girl, she deliberately avoided the issue, lest everyone only strive for sons, leading to an imbalance.
She simply stated the general view that whether a child was a son or daughter depended on luck.
Whether anyone would find a pattern from her words in the future was beyond her control.
Finally, Song Ci advised Madam Tong, emphasizing that as women, they should not make life difficult for each other. Having come from daughter-in-laws themselves, they shouldn’t be too harsh; excessive pressure would only be counterproductive.
When the banquet ended, Song Ci gifted each guest a booklet on gynecological health, considering it a small contribution to the Great Qing’s population and a slight boon for women, prompting them to shower her with gifts in gratitude.
Song Ci: No need for thanks, just call me a good person!