Lu Shi stumbled as she left Chunhui Hall, her heart full of dread.
She always felt that Song Ci’s words were ant for her, were a warning directed at her.
If Song Ci knew what this daughter-in-law was thinking, he would probably slam the table in exasperation—so people just love to overthink and dramatize for themselves.
Unable to understand the current Song Ci, Lu Shi had no choice but to consult soone who knew her, leading to another eting with Madam Song.
Madam Song hesitated for a mont, then said, "Lu Courtyard has ntioned that since Mother’s stroke, her temperant has changed sowhat. We can only follow along with her wishes."
Lu Shi frowned.
Madam Song sipped her tea calmly, cast a sideways glance at her sister-in-law, and said, "Mother’s mory isn’t what it used to be; she doesn’t bring up past unpleasantness anymore."
Lu Shi felt a lump in her throat and forced a smile, raising her tea to hide her embarrassnt.
Madam Song said no more, changing the subject with a smile: "Mother is considerate; you should take so rest too. Li Changsheng has gone to the wharf to et the Fourth Master and the others. They should arrive by the hour of Shen, and tonight’s family banquet will be held at Chunhui Hall. Just bring the children along then."
Lu Shi nodded with a smile.
...
Tongtian Wharf.
A governnt boat slowly ca to a stop as it docked, with people disembarking one after another, all dressed in fine silk.
"Fourth Master, Young Master."
A man dressed in a steward’s attire, upon seeing the two young lords appear, couldn’t help but stand on tiptoe and wave vigorously.
The two young lords hurried over. One was about fifteen or sixteen years old, while the younger one was around thirteen or fourteen. They were Song Zhiyu, the highly favored fourth son of the Song Family, and Song Lingsu, the eldest legitimate son of the current Right Minister.
Sharp-eyed people quickly ca forward to pay respects or stood aside to flatter or avoid them.
Song Zhiyu dropped his usual carefree and playful deanor, anxiously questioned the steward who had co to receive them, "Li Changsheng, how is my mother now?"
Song Lingsu also looked alard; both of their faces appeared wary, obviously having been worried since receiving the news.
Li Changsheng said, "Rest assured, Fourth Master, the old Madam has long since awakened. She is eating well, sleeping soundly, and is in good spirits."
Upon hearing this, Song Zhiyu felt his hanging heart finally settle. Eyeing him threateningly, he added, "Are you telling the truth? Don’t let find out you’re just trying to console with good words; if you dare deceive , I’ll have you lted down."
Li Changsheng exclaid, "Oh my dear Fourth Master, even if you gave this servant a thousand guts, I wouldn’t dare deceive you."
Song Lingsu also said, "Fourth Uncle, Grandmother should be fine now. They wouldn’t dare fool us on such matters."
Song Zhiyu was lightly reproached by his nephew and grunted, "Whose side are you on? I am your Fourth Uncle."
Song Lingsu: "..."
You are indeed, you are certainly that unreasonable Fourth Uncle.
"Of course, I know they wouldn’t dare deceive us. I was just reminding him that in the future he shouldn’t even think of deceiving us." Song Zhiyu smacked his lips and continued, "Even though Mother is fine, I’m still uneasy. She must have fallen ill worrying about her precious youngest. Li Changsheng, bring out a horse. I’ll ride back so I can see for myself that she’s well."
Li Changsheng hurried to bring out a horse.
Song Zhiyu deftly mounted the horse and said, "A Su, you take the carriage back; Fourth Uncle will go ahead," then spurred his horse and dashed away, followed promptly by the young attendants and guards.
Having eaten a mouthful of dust, Song Lingsu’s face turned dark; he knew this Fourth Uncle was unreliable. Once again, he was the one left behind.
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