After resting for half an hour, Niu Pan’er took her leave first. In fact, she was also headed to Songshan Temple, but she preferred to travel by horseback rather than by carriage, so she didn’t accompany Song Ci and the others at a leisurely pace.
"I had such a delightful conversation with the Old Madam today. If there’s a chance after returning to the city, I’ll definitely visit your residence to pay my respects to the Old Madam," Niu Pan’er said with a smile to Song Ci.
During the ti spent having tea with Song Ci, they got along very well. Song Ci gave her the impression not of an elderly person but of soone of the sa age. Her words were interesting; though so seed coarse, they conveyed deep wisdom.
The Old Madam of the Song Family was very charming and not at all like the stereotype of being rigid and unsophisticated. Niu Pan’er liked her very much.
The people in the Song Family were also very kind. The atmosphere among them felt more genuine and warm compared to other families. At least, there was no scheming among the children.
Song Ci laughed and said, "You should go. Co visit us when you have the ti, and we will certainly welco you warmly."
Niu Pan’er nodded with a smile, bowed to her, mounted her horse, and was about to leave when Song Ci called her back: "Wait a mont, my girl."
Niu Pan’er was a bit surprised, but she saw Song Ci take a bamboo hat from the carriage and hand it to her, saying, "Even though you’re used to braving the elents, you’re still a young lady. The sun is quite strong now, and while it’s fine to get tanned, sunburns can be painful. Wear this hat to shade your face from the sun; it’ll make you more comfortable."
The bamboo hat appeared to be newly made, with smoothly polished bamboo strips. It was simple and unadorned, just a bamboo hat with two royal blue ribbons for tying and securing it.
Niu Pan’er’s heart felt warm.
She took the hat, dismounted her horse, and looking at the elderly woman with a face full of wrinkles from smiling, she seriously curtsied in a lady’s manner: "Pan’er thanks the Old Madam for her kindness."
Her belongings were always prepared by others, especially during a march, so she never needed to concern herself with such matters.
As she traveled now, the sunlight was just right, and she was long accustod to such journeys. So were those with her, but she hadn’t expected anyone to worry about her getting sunburned and gift her a hat. Especially unexpected was that this concern ca from an elderly woman.
Niu Pan’er put on the bamboo hat, shading her eyes as the sunlight was blocked beneath her neck. She smiled at Song Ci, her heart ward.
Mounting the horse again, Niu Pan’er glanced at Song Ci once more, waved with a smile, and with a swift motion of her whip, rode off.
Back in her carriage, Song Zhiyu squeezed in without ceremony and said, "Mother, why are you so polite to that old shrew, and you even badmouth in front of her? Am I your son, or is she?"
Song Ci sneered, "If she were my son, I’d wake up laughing from my dreams."
Such a wonderful girl, so generous, well-mannered, and capable. In three words, she’s exceptionally outstanding!
"And what did you just call her, old shrew? If you have the guts, say it again, and see if I don’t give you a couple of slaps. She’s a young general who defends the country, and you have the nerve to disdain her? Whose audacity is that?" Song Ci pinched his ear, "Rember this, next ti you see Commandery Princess Dongyang, be respectful. I forbid you to speak ill of her. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?"
Song Ci snorted, "Otherwise, I’ll really find you an old shrew as a wife, with a big nose, big mouth, plump breasts, fat hips, and fierce personality."
Song Zhiyu: "..."
Why did he co up here? He only made trouble for himself.
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