Chapter 571: Training the Concubine
In the main hall of the house, Lady was seated in a Taishi Chair dressed in a deep red garment. She sat upright, holding a cup of tea in both hands, slowly using the lid to stir the tea.
When Bai Shuilian stepped in with small footsteps, she saw this striking red presence, so glaring, yet she gently smiled and slowly bowed down.
"Concubine Bai Shuilian, pays respects to Madam, wishing Madam peace and happiness."
How could the redness not be glaring? As described by Mama Zhou, she had already imagined Bai Shuilian’s appearance, knowing she was extremely beautiful and pure. Yet, upon seeing her now, her eyelid twitched violently.
She still underestimated her.
The woman before her was only eighteen or nineteen, wearing light makeup with her hair simply styled. Her features were exquisite and bright. Despite having birthed two children, her skin was fair and rosy, as flawless as if polished with jade. Lady couldn’t help but recall her morning reflection, noticing two fine lines by her eyes.
Both were mothers of children, yet time had added wrinkles to herself, while it only added a touch of grace and charm to her.
With such a face and a whole demeanor emanating a scholarly fragility, no wonder she captivated Song Zhiqing, who constantly thought of and protected her.
"Madam." Mama Zhou softly called.
Lady snapped back to reality, placed the tea on the table, pressed the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, and said, "Raise your head."
Bai Shuilian lifted her head, meeting her gaze.
"Truly a beauty, no wonder Master is willing to bear the brunt of gossip and still bring you back to the house," Lady said coolly.
Bai Shuilian detected the sarcasm, slightly lowered her eyes, and said, "Madam overpraises. Concubine, with my plain appearance, was fortunate to gain Master’s favor for a humble place to stay."
Lady chuckled softly, looking at Mama Zhou.
Mama Zhou signaled to the servant holding a tray to step forward and said, "The newly accepted Concubine of the Song Family, Madam bestows tea. Henceforth, you must observe the Song Family rules, respect the Family Head and Lady as superior, not causing trouble or disputes. Any insubordination will be dealt with according to family rules. Bai Shuilian, do you agree?"
Bai Shuilian bowed, "Concubine shall comply."
"Please, Auntie, offer tea to Madam."
Bai Shuilian took a teacup from the tray, walked forward on her knees, came up to Lady, and raised it above her head, "Concubine Bai Shuilian offers tea to Madam."
Lady looked at this gentle face, a trace of anger rising in her chest, wishing she could splash the hot tea on it, but reason prevailed over anger.
The rumored difficulties and deliberate troubles did not appear. Bai Shuilian only felt the burden in her hands lighten unexpectedly as Lady smoothly accepted the tea.
Lady just sipped the rim of the teacup with her lips and put it down, saying, "Entering the Song Family, you must abide by the Song Family rules. Bai Shuilian, no matter what life you led before, you’d better forget it as far as I am concerned. From now on, you belong to the Song Family, and you must not do anything that harms the interests of the Song Family. If violated, family rules will apply."
"Concubine will strictly follow Madam’s guidance."
"Stand up," Lady said, picking up the tea, "bring the children over for me to see."
Mama Zhou nodded to the maid at the door, and a nanny and a maid entered carrying two infants in swaddling clothes.
Bai Shuilian took the swaddling clothes of her son from Jing Shui’s hands, knelt down again, "Son Yi Rushuang pays respects to the legitimate mother."
The nanny beside her also knelt down shakily, lowering her head fearfully.
Mama Zhou took the swaddling clothes, while Bai Shuilian looked over with some anxiety.