Every ti Madam Lu thought about Song Zhiqing and that woman surnad Bai, she felt a stabbing pain in her heart, and thinking about her own son and daughter made her feel even more bitter.
Nanny Zhou comforted her, saying, "It’s often said, the eldest son is always valued more than the other children. The master is also well-read in the Saintly Books, so how could he not understand this principle?"
Madam Lu mocked, "You are wrong. So people understand, but others have their eyes covered by filth, seeing only the rotten and not the good. Are there not people who favor concubines over legitimate wives, or who value illegitimate children over legitimate ones?"
"You’re overthinking it. The master wouldn’t behave that way. Even if he’s blinded by that woman, the household won’t allow such absurdity!" Nanny Zhou reassured her, "Don’t forget, the Pri Minister’s Mansion is run by the main house, and there’s still the imposing presence of the Old Madam! If the master wants success in his official career, he wouldn’t dare go too far."
Madam Lu remained silent; she knew her husband was a man of many successes, but what if?
"The eldest son is the eldest son—no one can change that fact. Besides, our Young Master is both the eldest and born of the primary wife, incomparable to those low-born concubines’ children. You can see with your own eyes—they get along like true brothers with the other young masters. Why is that? It’s naturally because of their legitimate status."
No one claims that coming from a humble background in the Song Minister’s Mansion ans there’s no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring. The legitimate play with legitimate; it is an inevitability.
"It’s been just over a year since Young Master and Miss returned, and all the other young masters and misses in the house treat them like their own siblings. Even the haughty Second Miss, after being married for such a short ti, still rembers to send gifts to our Young Master and Miss. Just watch—will she send anything to that woman’s children?"
Madam Lu felt comforted by these words, indeed it was so.
Nanny Zhou took up a fan and gently shook it, continuing, "Madam, such feelings aren’t built overnight. Even if that woman manages to captivate the master, so what? Could she win over the Madam and others, or the rightful young masters and misses of this mansion? Her children, how could they receive the sa treatnt as the young misses? She can only depend on the master, and without his support, see how she could possibly stir any trouble?"
"Parents will eventually grow old, and children will grow up. In the future, they will rely on the support of their siblings!"
Madam Lu, hearing Nanny Zhou’s well-reasoned argunt, couldn’t help but smile, "You old thing, when did you beco such a smooth talker? You’ve left speechless."
Nanny Zhou flattered her, "It’s all thanks to Madam’s teaching."
"Go on."
"Actually, the masters in this mansion are all sharp. This old servant only learns from the side, just hoping Madam won’t be blinded by short-term gains, unable to see the broader picture." Nanny Zhou gave her pointed advice.
This nanny has very proper views!
"I understand."
"Sister-in-law, are you in?"
Outside, the voice of the Pri Minister’s Wife rang.
Madam Lu quickly stood up and went to greet her, "Is it Sister-in-law? I am here."
Pri Minister’s Wife entered, exchanged greetings with her, and said, "I suppose you’ve heard, the third brother has received a post from the Ministry of Revenue and is to be transferred back to the capital."
Madam Lu bowed to her, expressing gratitude, "It’s all thanks to Brother and Sister-in-law’s blessing. Otherwise, who knows when our family could be reunited?"
Pri Minister’s Wife enjoyed her flattery and humility, and after a few self-deprecating remarks, served tea, "The Pri Minister said that the appointnt letter has been sent, and the transition is being handled. Calculating it, at the earliest in September, the third brother will return ho. I’ve co to ask you, what are your thoughts on arranging for the third brother’s concubine?"
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