Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 57 - 9: A Parent’s Love for Their Child

Susu saw that only Third Madam’s trusted aides were in the room, and said, "Old Madam mentioned that her possessions would naturally be equally divided among her three sons in the future. However, Yangzhou cannot compare to the Capital, and both Third Master and Third Madam feel slighted. She can only privately provide you with some support, for in the Capital, with so many people and voices, it would not be advisable to give anything more. Knowing that you lack nothing in silver, Old Madam asked me to open her private vault and select two chests of items that even money cannot easily buy."

Upon hearing these words, Third Madam’s eyes reddened, and she quickly used a handkerchief to wipe her tears. Taking the list from Susu with some embarrassment, she forced a strong facade, saying, "I want to see what you’ve selected, as Aunt has always been generous. But you little crafty one, if you’re stingy, I won’t agree."

Susu pretended to be heartbroken and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, "If you say that, you truly hurt my feelings." Third Madam laughed through her tears, tapping Susu’s forehead, "You really are a treasure!"

Even though Third Madam knew that Aunt would not be stingy, and Susu was sensible and understanding, she was still shocked by the items on the list. Just by casually flipping through a page, despite having seen many fine things, she exclaimed in surprise, "This is too valuable!"

A set of purple sand tea ware with blue sprinkled glaze and four handles, a pair of Chenghua doucai mandarin duck cups, Tang Sancai figurine candle holders, a Han Dynasty bronze cauldron, and a box of antiques like a secret-colored celadon lotus petal bowl; also, a scroll of Wu Daozi’s "Southern Peak Map," two scrolls of "Quiet Dwelling in Snow House," eight scrolls of Yan Liben’s "Yingzhou Scholar Map," a scroll of "Spring Scenery of Fish and Wild Geese," among a box of calligraphy and paintings. Any single item from these two boxes is a rare treasure that money can’t buy.

The Song family lacks money, but it lacks these emblematic items. In the future, whether marrying daughters or marrying off sons, adding any of these would be extremely prestigious. The Third House is not like the other two; the First House has a title, the Second House holds an official position. If the two sons do not do well, after the family division, they would remain just merchants.

It must be said, parents who love their children plan deeply for them. Old Madam as the legitimate mother has acted to such an extent, and even if Third Master’s biological mother were still alive, it would probably be similar.

Susu saw Third Madam holding back tears, half comforting, half jesting, "Seeing these fine items, does Madam believe me now? Gold beads aside, gold ingots are quite welcome."

Third Madam, hearing Susu’s words, wasn’t coy and told them to carefully pack the items. After freshening up, she playfully chided Susu, "Look at this, being Aunt’s right hand, you’ve seen all sorts of good things. Yet, you’re still thinking about silly gold ingots, how unsophisticated! Someone might think we’re treating you harshly." Seeing Susu purposefully acting greedy, she laughed, "Alright then, alright, it just so happens I’m tidying up the small storeroom to lay out things for Sixth Miss, Shanhu, fetch two sandalwood boxes and a pack of gold ingots and give them to this simpleton."

Susu chuckled, "Dear Madam, any common items in the future, please save them for me." Third Madam couldn’t help but pinch her soft, tender cheeks, "Such a waste of good looks."

After joking around, Third Madam solemnly said, "I don’t know when your Third Master and I will go to the Capital. Zhen’er and Che’er (Fifth Young Master and Sixth Young Master) are cared for by their uncles and elder brothers in the outer courtyard, so I’m not worried. In the inner courtyard, Aunt is after all advanced in age and shouldn’t be bothered with too much effort. I’d like to entrust Fifth Girl and Sixth Miss to your care. Sixth Miss is closest to you, and she’s most likely to heed your guidance."

Susu couldn’t help but pat Third Madam’s hand, saying, "Madam, rest assured, as long as Old Madam is around, going to the Capital will be no different from being in Yangzhou. Although the Capital has greater rules, the girls have studied the rules for many years and will surely not bring disgrace to the name of our Shun’an Earl Mansion."

Noticing Third Madam was still a bit worried, partly to console her and partly to reiterate what she had long understood, "The Shizi’s wife who is about to enter the mansion is the legitimate daughter of the Founding Marquis Mansion. Even without mentioning other relatives, just having the Eldest Princess Wu Yue as a sister-in-law is significant enough. Once the Shizi’s wife enters the doorstep, she is naturally expected to honor elders and love siblings. Our Sixth Miss is the most perceptive, loved by all. Once she catches the eye of the nobility, her future prospects will be much grander than staying in Yangzhou. Besides, we also have Consort Xi in the palace."

After such words, Third Madam felt much more at ease, and with a smile, said, "No wonder Aunt holds you dear. If Aunt were reluctant, I would also be reluctant to let you go." Susu promptly waved her hands, "I merely learned a little under Old Madam’s tutelage, even Sister Bisi is better than me. Madam understands these principles, it’s just a matter of reluctance."

Third Madam smiled, "Bisi is good, and so are you. It’s fate that you both are able to be with Aunt."

Susu had another conversation with Third Madam. When it was nearing dinner time, she took the items that Third Madam had given and returned to Sui’an Hall. The two sandalwood boxes were filled, one with exquisite jewelry and the other with upper-grade cosmetics. A pack of gold ingots contained about twenty or thirty, each small gold fish weighing six qian.

This was the most generous reward Susu had received from Third Madam in her five years of service, just to have her look after Sixth Miss a bit more. Truly, a child traveling a thousand miles away brings a mother’s worry.

After dinner, Third Madam also sent someone to deliver a box of fur and a box of silk to Susu, Yang Liu, and Ning Cui, items sent by Shanhu, Third Madam’s trusted maid.

Shanhu first paid respects to Old Madam, and said, "These are thick materials from overseas. We are not accustomed to wearing these in the South. Madam says that they are to be divided among the three of you, as it’s very cold during winters in the North." She also pointed to the two large boxes, "These are from Third Master, thin materials woven in Suzhou, perfect for making shirts and skirts for the upcoming summer."

Shanhu, worried that Bisi might overthink, held her hand and said, "Dear sister, Madam mentioned that when you get married, she will add a lavish dowry for you, to make them envious." This made Bisi blush with embarrassment, and Old Madam and the three of them laughed along.

Once Shanhu received a generous reward from Old Madam and returned to report, Susu and the three began to open the boxes and divide the items. Despite Susu having been prepared, Yang Liu and Ning Cui were astonished by the magnitude from Third Master and Third Madam.

Not to mention the box of otter skins, silver fox skins, grey fox skins, and fox furs given by Third Madam, and another box of velvet, doronn, feather silk, and Japanese silk. The velvet here isn’t the Zhang Rong of later generations but genuine royal supplies from Europe.

What Third Master gave in the two boxes was even more unimaginable: two bolts of Yellow Grass Heart Cloth, sweet and thin, very fine, formal tribute items. There were also lightweight silk, cicada wing silk, plain ground silk, sesame silk, and others. Although Susu and the others did not lack these things, the sentiment from Third Master and Third Madam was wholeheartedly felt.