The joyous news of an addition to the Song Minister’s Mansion was spread to all the relatives the next day, with invitations to attend the baby’s first bath ceremony.
As Song Ci put it, Madam Song’s childbirth was a great ordeal, not only did she suffer, but the child did too, so the first bath ceremony would not be grandly organized, to prevent disturbing the rest of the mother and child. A hundred-day banquet would be held instead.
By the ti of the hundred-day banquet, Madam Song would have recovered considerably and could entertain a few guests, the child would have grown a bit, making it more festive.
Song Ci is the matriarch of the family, the stabilizing force. No one dared to oppose her, and she was considerate of her daughter-in-law, so how could Madam Song not be happy?
Thus, only her maternal family, the in-laws of her two daughters, and Song Zi, the grandaunt, were notified to attend the ceremony. With only family present, there was no need to exert energy in entertaining, and minor discourtesies would be of no concern.
However, no one expected so many young daughters-in-law to show up uninvited. Sensibly, they did not disturb Madam Song and simply waited in the main hall where the ceremony was held.
They ca to soak in the good fortune and to make themselves known.
In Madam Song’s inner room, she was being accompanied by her two daughters in conversation.
But, who exactly was the one in need of comfort?
"Aren’t you two supposed to be comforting your mother? Why am I the one comforting you both instead?" Madam Song leaned back on the bed, looking at her daughters, amused and exasperated, "Stop crying now. If you keep crying, I might just join you."
"Mother."
Song Ruqian gave her a reproachful look, her gaze filled with heartache as she looked at her mother’s pale and wan face.
Experiencing a difficult childbirth at this age was evidently dangerous. The re fact that Madam Song had to catch her breath after speaking a little showed her weakened state.
Song Ruqi choked up, "Mother, you really scared us."
If things had gone slightly differently, she might have lost her mother.
Madam Song smiled, "There was danger but no harm, don’t worry, it’s all over now. They say whoever escapes great calamity must have good fortune ahead. My fortune is yet to co, so let’s not dwell on the hardships."
The sisters exchanged a glance and nodded.
"Then, Mother, you must promise us, you need to rest and recuperate properly. Don’t rush to manage the household affairs, let Second Aunt and Third Aunt handle them," Song Ruqi said.
Madam Song nodded, "Even if I wanted to manage them, I’m too weak to do so anyway."
She knew her own body well. This recovery would likely take more than six months.
Song Ruqian said, "I heard that Grandmother provided trendous help this ti. Mother, if it weren’t for Grandmother, then..."
"Yes, to put it bluntly, it was your grandmother who saved our lives. At that ti, your father hadn’t returned to the mansion, and it was your grandmother who was there. Without her, your mother might have already given up," Madam Song said with gratitude, "Having walked the edge of the ghost gate, I now see people’s hearts clearly. Your grandmother is a good mother-in-law, and I am truly blessed."
What ward her heart the most was the way Song Ci reprimanded Song Zhiyuan. Even if Song Zhiyuan did it purposefully for her to hear, and regardless of any exaggeration, it was Song Zhiyuan’s own intention, which was also an assurance to her.
Song Ruqian smiled gently, "If we empathize with one another, in the future, Mother should also treat Grandmother like your own mother and be filial to her in every way. If you emulate Grandmother, then Su’er and Xiao Liu’s wives will be just as fortunate."
Madam Song’s lips curled into a faint smile. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure if she could be as magnanimous as Song Ci in the future, nor could she promise it, but she would try to change and cherish the blessings.
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