Miss Wen does not like Song Ruwei and that Miss from the Zhang Family. She doesn’t need to ask why; just looking at the backgrounds of Song Ruwei and that Miss from the Zhang Family, she’ll know.
Although the two are also legitimate daughters, they are from collateral branches. For Miss Wen, who prides herself on her noble birth and values family rules, their backgrounds are a notch lower.
Song Ci saw that there wasn’t much gloominess on Song Ruwei’s face and couldn’t help but smile, saying, "Miss Wen is not warm to you two. Don’t you feel unhappy?"
Song Ruwei was taken aback, shook her head, and said, "I feel a little disappointed, but not unhappy. After all, people are all about fate. I can’t make everyone like . Besides, is there anyone in this world who is liked by everyone?"
"That’s right. It’s good that you think this way. The most important thing is to live freely. There’s no need to cater to others’ preferences, which you don’t even like, only to end up losing your true self. Ruwei, rember, you are not gold or silver. Not everyone will like you, and not everyone will dislike you. There will always be people you get along with and can beco close friends with."
Song Ruwei stood up and bowed: "Granddaughter is taught."
"Today you perford a piece with the flute. Grandmother knows you are more skilled at playing the zither. Why did you choose the flute?"
Song Ruwei blushed and softly said, "The guests have co, and as the host, it would be a bit improper for to compete with the guests for attention. Besides, they are older than , and Grandmother, don’t you and others want to see if there are suitable sisters-in-law for my brothers? So, I shouldn’t try to stand out too much; I’m still young."
Song Ci showed a hint of satisfaction in her eyes, smiled, and said, "You really have grown, my girl."
Song Ruwei was pleased with the praise, but she tried hard not to show it.
Song Ci casually removed a beautifully crafted jade bracelet from her wrist and placed it on Song Ruwei’s hand, saying, "Good child, you perford well today. This is Grandmother’s reward for you."
"Grandmother, this is too precious."
"When an elder bestows, you should not refuse. As you grow, the gifts from elders should be kept. When the ti cos, your dowry will be complete, and it will be dignified when taken to your husband’s house."
Song Ruwei’s face turned red, showing a bit of youthful bashfulness. She stamped her foot and said, "Grandmother, you are teasing your granddaughter."
Song Ci laughed heartily.
At this mont, Madam Song walked in, smiling and saying, "I heard Mother’s laughter from afar. What’s the good news? Let your daughter-in-law hear it?"
Song Ruwei quickly bowed to her: "Hello, Aunt."
"Ruwei is here too, rise." Madam Song saw the jade bracelet on her wrist, recognized it as Song Ci’s, and realized it must have been given to the girl as a reward.
With the two elder sisters already married off, the only one of appropriate age in the family was Song Ruwei. She likely received praise for her hospitality today, hence the reward.
Even though it was just a jade bracelet, no matter how exquisite, Madam Song was not envious and also praised her a few tis.
Song Ci let Song Ruwei return to her quarters. The latter, before leaving, first went to the Plum Garden to show Mrs. Lu what she had received. Mrs. Lu was so happy that she hugged her and showered her with sweet praises, discussing how she brought honor to her mother.
anwhile, Song Ci took a sip of tea and then asked Madam Song, "Have Madam Wen and the others all left?"
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