The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant-Chapter 867: The Grand Madam’s Reward

Song Ci sat in Chunhui Hall, letting out a breath. The naming ceremony for Xiao Liu wasn’t large, but there were enough guests, and it was quite tiring. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Madam Dowager, Second Madam and Third Madam have arrived."

"Quick, let them in."

Jiang and the others walked in and saw their mother-in-law’s gentle smile, and couldn’t help but smile as well.

"You’ve been busy for most of the day, sit down and catch your breath. Xiao Man, bring some refreshing chilled tea for Second Madam and the others, and also bring two bowls of ice dessert to cool their throats," Song Ci instructed the maid.

Jiang and her companions quickly curtsied in thanks.

The maids bustled around, quickly bringing in the tea and ice desserts. Jiang and Lu were quite hot; they had been busy all day and could finally take a break now. With the refreshments brought in, they didn’t stand on ceremony and started eating right away.

After eating a bowl of ice dessert, the two ladies finally put down their bowls, washed their hands and rinsed their mouths with the help of maids, gently wiping the corners of their mouths with handkerchiefs.

Song Ci smiled gently, "Gu gave birth, and you have both worked hard to manage the household. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the Emperor gifted two boxes of Southern Pearls, they are of no use to me, so I will have Nanny Palace send them over to you as a token of appreciation from me as your mother-in-law."

Jiang and Lu were taken aback, quickly standing up to refuse, sincerely saying, "Mother, this is what we should do, there’s no mention of hard work, how can we accept such a personal reward from you?"

"What should be done was done well, and there is merit in it. Those who have merit should be rewarded, it’s only right. The two of you, as sisters-in-law, work harmoniously and efficiently together, managing the household inside and out smoothly. This makes me, as a mother-in-law, feel at ease and happy, so there’s no need to refuse. Take it back and string it for your amusement, or keep it for your daughters’ jewelry, it’s up to you," Song Ci said generously, "Besides, these things will eventually be divided among you."

Jiang and Lu heard the underlying meaning, their hearts jumped, but they didn’t mention it, instead smiling and saying, "Since it’s a gift from Mother, it would be rude to refuse. I will soon string it and wear it, so everyone can see how Mother loves us daughters-in-law."

Lu also expressed her gratitude.

Compared to Jiang, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Lu’s dowry was quite modest. Although she had added to it over the years, she couldn’t compare to the two sisters-in-law before her.

So, she was happy with Song Ci’s gift. After all, the Emperor’s gift was no ordinary item.

Song Ci continued, "Gu suffered during childbirth, and her body will need more than half a year to recover. You will have to continue managing the household’s affairs, especially with the Ghost Festival approaching. Following that, we’ll need to prepare the Mid-Autumn Festival gifts to send out. You’ll have to work harder."

Jiang and Lu were already prepared, so they both responded in unison, "Mother, we understand and will arrange everything properly, so that sister-in-law can rest assured during her confinement."

"Good, if manpower is insufficient, have the brokers bring in people, and select a few extra servants to use. Do not let a lack of personnel lead to chaos and a loss of decorum and order."

"Yes."

Song Ci then looked at Lu and asked, "Why wasn’t Zhou’er seen all day? I heard he’s feeling a bit unwell?"

"Perhaps he indulged in too much watermelon last night and has an upset stomach, not very comfortable. I’ll have to check on him when I return," Lu replied respectfully.

Song Ci hurriedly said, "Then go check on him now. There’s nothing else here, and have the household doctor check his pulse."

Lu agreed with a smile.