Jiang Fula first reported to Song Zhiyuan about external affairs of the mansion, then turned to matters inside the inner court, especially those concerning the main courtyard and Chunhui Hall.
When ntioning that the sixth young master had moved into Chunhui Hall for recuperation, Song Zhiyuan’s expression noticeably changed, his brow furrowing.
"Why hasn’t this been reported to the Palace?"
Jiang Fula hurriedly and respectfully responded, "It was Madam herself who forbade reporting, saying that such trivial matters need not be reported to you."
Though Song Zhiyuan was the head of the family, his focus and energy were primarily devoted to national affairs, which were truly taxing, while the household affairs, although important, were not such that every insignificant detail needed to be reported to him, otherwise he’d be overwheld.
Moreover, Song Ci had instructed in advance, so it wasn’t reported.
Song Zhiyuan’s eyebrow relaxed slightly, yet Jiang Fula added, "There’s another matter."
He hesitated, cautiously glancing at Song Zhiyuan who had his eyes half-closed.
Song Zhiyuan sensed sothing amiss and glanced sideways, "Speak."
"Madam had Housekeeper Fang take her own and the sixth young master’s Birthdates, entrusted to Housekeeper Fang’s nephew’s wife, through several contacts, to Jingyun Temple on the outskirts of the capital to request Master Chongli’s calculations."
Song Zhiyuan suddenly opened his eyes wide, his cold and sharp gaze directed at Jiang Fula.
Jiang Fula trembled, prostrating himself inside the carriage.
Song Zhiyuan’s sharp gaze swept over him, then said, "Why did Madam suddenly have this idea? Has anyone recently co to the mansion to et?"
Jiang Fula shook his head, "The only recent visitor was the Madam from Duke Zhongyong Mansion who ca with their niece. Madam had this notion probably because the elderly Madam went to Songshan Temple to fulfill a vow and offer alms; when the sixth young master returned to the main courtyard for a day, he was startled and caught a cold."
Song Zhiyuan rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes, changing the subject, "Has there been any movent from the third young master’s concubine?"
"Quite settled. At the full-month banquet for the sixth young master, the elderly Madam didn’t invite her to join the feast." Jiang Fula also ntioned the full-month banquet.
Upon hearing this, Song Zhiyuan asked no more, simply closed his eyes to rest.
Jiang Fula, seeing this, continued to report so matters, with sporadic instructions from inside the carriage, and nothing further until they returned to the mansion.
"Arrange the conclusion of the Birthdate calculation matter, ensure no origin of the Birthdates can be traced, and the sa for Jingyun Temple." Song Zhiyuan instructed.
Jiang Fula busily agreed, watching Song Zhiyuan get onto the sedan chair heading towards the second gate, only then did he retreat several steps, returning first to his own house on the back street, then passed orders to his eldest son, seeing him stride off to handle matters, he sighed deeply.
The Pri Minister clearly flew into a rage upon hearing of the Birthdate calculation, but suppressed it.
Song Zhiyuan returned to the main courtyard with his hands behind his back, where Madam Song was already waiting under the corridor, craning her neck in anticipation, her eyes brightening upon seeing him.
Song Zhiyuan, at the pri of his life, saw Madam Song, clearly having carefully dressed, her eyes shining at his arrival, and his heart softened.
Spending twenty years together since youth, she risked her life to give him another son, what could stand in the way?
Song Zhiyuan smiled, walked over, and said, "It’s already autumn, why are you out here? Didn’t we agree, you’d rest for two months?"
As he spoke, he took her hand.
The gentle words ward Madam Song’s heart, making her feel as if she’d drunk honey, a slight blush adorning her happy face.
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