Song Ci condescended to et with an ordinary woman like herself, which made Mrs. Li feel grateful, yet she knew not to overstep her boundaries. After chatting for a while, she took her leave.
"The kindness of the Empress Dowager towards our Yan Family, I will always rember in my heart. When my son Sheng’er gets married in the future, if the Empress Dowager doesn’t find it beneath her, please do co and have a couple of drinks with us," Mrs. Li said.
Song Ci smiled and replied, "If this old body of mine can still manage by then, I’ll certainly want to share in the joy of the newlyweds."
Mrs. Li, pleased, earnestly bowed again.
Hong You saw her out, and Nanny Gong then had the festival gifts sent by Mrs. Li and her family brought for Song Ci to view.
The gifts were not particularly expensive, mostly local specialties, but what stood out was an embroidery screen sewn personally by the mother and daughter for Song Ci.
The screen featured an embroidered crane and auspicious clouds, symbolizing longevity, with exquisite craftsmanship that seed almost lifelike.
"I heard it was rushed to completion both day and night, likely upon learning that you secured a marriage proposal for Scholar Yan, and they hurried to the capital to present it to you," Nanny Gong said with a smile.
Song Ci caressed the crane, clicking her tongue in praise, thinking to herself that the ancient embroidery skills were indeed very delicate and intricate. Rembering that Mrs. Li’s eyesight was sowhat poor, and the calluses on Yan Ziyu’s hands, she said, "They were very thoughtful. Mrs. Li’s eyesight is strained, a bit poor; send them so chrysanthemums and goji berries for tea, prepare so seasonal pastries, and send so of our manor’s mooncakes, so they can also have a taste."
"This old servant rembers." Nanny Gong replied.
"Oh, weren’t there two boxes of Jade Skin Cream bestowed by the palace last month? Send a box to Miss Yan; the young lady has calluses on her hands," Song Ci added.
Nanny Gong teased, "There are only two boxes of that Jade Skin Cream, and you’re willing to give her one? Can you part with it?"
Song Ci always complained about her many wrinkles, and how she would slather the cream on her face like it was free of charge.
"Isn’t there a palace banquet during the Autumn Festival? I’ll ask the Empress Dowager for more then," Song Ci said.
Nanny Gong chuckled, "You’re not so formal with the Empress Dowager now."
Song Ci replied, "After all, I take care of her great-nephew and -niece for a couple of days every month, so what’s asking for two boxes of Jade Skin Cream?"
Nanny Gong: "..."
Allow this old servant to remind you, you’re not taking care, you’re playing!
...
At Yunsheng Inn.
Mrs. Li and Yan Ziyu had just seen off the steward from the Song Family and turned around to look at the pile of items on the table, feeling a bit at a loss.
"Mother, we went to deliver gifts, how did it feel like we got a windfall instead? Will this not be good for elder brother?" Yan Ziyu couldn’t help asking.
What they had sent over wasn’t anything valuable, but every gift they received in return was of high quality.
And there was the special Jade Skin Cream from the Empress Dowager, reputed to be so rare from the palace.
"Your elder brother said that the Song Family of the Pri Minister is benevolent, and the Empress Dowager is warm-hearted despite a stern face, indeed it’s true," Mrs. Li sighed, "So people look down on the poor once they’re prosperous, but not the Song Family. Yu’er, we must rember this kindness."
"Yes." Yan Ziyu took out a butterfly hairpin and handed it over, "Mother, wear this hairpin when you go to the Wei Family."
Mrs. Li took the hairpin, looked it over multiple tis, and tucked it into her braid, saying, "This is a young lady’s thing. How would it look on ? You should wear it with your hair up soday, or save it as part of your dowry. Yu’er, you’ve suffered for this family. Rest assured, when you get married, your brother and I will ensure you have a complete dowry and won’t be wronged."
Yan Ziyu shook her head, saying, "Mother, we are family, there’s no hardship for . Elder brother’s success is my support as well."
"Silly child." Mrs. Li embraced her, sighing contentedly.
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