Chapter 567: No Comparison, No Harm
Song Zhiqing received assurance from the Lu family and found an excuse to visit the guest courtyard to console his beloved concubine and child.
Lu watched him leave in high spirits, and her heart felt as though it had been stabbed with a sharp knife repeatedly, tears streaming down her face.
Nanny Zhou sighed and advised, "Madam, why push so hard to discuss family matters with the master? Wouldn’t it drive him towards that woman?"
Lu wiped her eyes and said, "If I don’t mention it, should I wait until he squanders the family fortune? You’ve seen it; his heart is entirely with that woman. Tell me, in the future, how much attention do you think Wei’er and her siblings will receive?"
The human heart is always biased, and now Song Zhiqing is clearly leaning in their favor. If she doesn’t plan for her children, how will they marry in the future?
Nanny Zhou had no argument.
Having witnessed it, she too felt a deep sorrow.
"This person can no longer be trusted. Nanny, I don’t believe him," Lu said, shaking her head in tears. "If he can’t be trusted, then I can only trust tangible benefits. Whether he resents or gets angry, I no longer care. What matters most is that Wei’er and the others are well on their way."
Not only does she want to mention it now, but she also needs to mention it before the elders, gradually accumulating the assets one at a time to secure them.
To be a mother is to be strong; this is the only thing she can plan for her children.
Nanny Zhou had nothing to say, simply accompanying her with silent tears.
...
As Song Zhiqing arrived at the guest courtyard, he heard children crying one after another, and his heart immediately tensed. He walked quickly inside.
"What’s going on? Why are the children crying so hard?"
Bai Shuilian and the wet nurse were each holding a child, pacing in the hall. Seeing him arrive, their eyes were red.
"Perhaps they’re not used to the new place. They woke up and cried fiercely, refusing to drink milk."
Frost, who was worrying nearby, quickly said, "It’s clear the brother and sister were frightened."
"Frost, shut your mouth." Bai Shuilian reprimanded.
Song Zhiqing frowned and said, "Let her speak. How were they frightened?"
Frost bit her lip and said, "Master, you see, this place is near the back quarters where servants live. There are many people walking around, making noise. The courtyard is small, and there’s no decoration; some corners are even covered in dust. It’s deliberately making the young master, young mistress, and the concubine suffer!"
Bai Shuilian said sternly, "You loquacious servant, it’s not your place to speak. Get out." She seemed exceedingly angry, yet looked at Song Zhiqing and forced a smile, saying, "Sanlang, don’t listen to this girl’s nonsense. The Prime Minister’s Mansion is fine everywhere. Although this courtyard is a bit secluded, it also means it’s quiet. With some tidying and decoration, it’ll be fine. Please don’t blame Madam."
"It’s clearly deliberate mockery," muttered Frost with red eyes.
Bai Shuilian gave her a fierce glance, looked at Jing Shui, who pushed her out, indicating that it was enough.
Song Zhiqing awkwardly said, "Lian’er, don’t think Madam did this deliberately. This is the guest courtyard, meant for your temporary settlement. Once you’ve paid respects with tea tomorrow, you’ll move to another courtyard."
Bai Shuilian was taken aback, then revealed a look of joy, "I knew Madam is a good person."
Song Zhiqing thought, what a good person; she took ninety percent of the family fortune. You silly girl. But there’s no need to mention that.
"For today, just bear with this place. After the tea ceremony tomorrow, once everything is settled, I’ll take you and the children to see the matriarch."
Bai Shuilian gently nodded and said, "I’ll do as Sanlang says." Then she paused and added, "Sanlang, there’s no need to come here since you’ve just returned. Accompany the Third Miss, Fourth Young Master, and Madam. I’m fine here."
Song Zhiqing was deeply moved by how understanding she was. Truly, without comparison, there’s no harm. The suppression felt at Lu’s side was wholly healed here.