Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 59 - 11: Tender Moments Along the Journey (Bonus - 1)

Nowadays, the Song Family holds the title of Earl at least, and aside from having the Yangwei Escort Agency as a strong backing, there is also the River Transport Navy keeping a constant watch. The navy of Great Chu is no pushover. There are no opportunities for clichéd plots of pirates hijacking ships or heroes saving beauties to occur, so it’s been smooth sailing all along the way.

Even the best scenery becomes tiresome after a few days, so the young ladies would pester the Old Madam to tell them stories of the past, and sometimes they would call upon the Fifth Young Master and Sixth Young Master to join as well.

"A family of close kin, if it weren’t for the fear of disturbing your studies, you ought to be playing together more often. It’s rare to be on a journey like this, so taking it easy for a few days does no harm. Once you enter the Capital, you’ll have to attend the official school, and the sisters will have to learn rules and etiquette; you won’t have such leisurely days anymore."

Hearing this from the Old Madam, the Fifth Young Master, not being stiff or old-fashioned, would bring his brother and the sisters to accompany their grandmother in recalling the past and imagining the future. It pleased the Sixth Young Master so much that he regarded the Fifth Young Master as the best brother in the world, forgetting how the "good brother" had once exploited him, a typical case of forgetting the pain once the wound healed.

That day, after waking up from a nap, the four young ladies and the two young masters gathered again at the Old Madam’s place. The Sixth Young Master, taking advantage of his young age, ran to the Old Madam’s side after paying respects, and playfully asked to have an ice bowl.

The June weather made it difficult to keep ice on the boat, and the ice used for consumption was bought by the Old Madam whenever the boat stopped at a port for supplies. Considering the wealth of the Song Family, and the Old Madam’s kind nature, even the boatmen, guards, and servants received a bowl of ice with fruit syrup each day, let alone the young masters and ladies.

However, since the ice bowl is a cold dish, it’s not good to have too much, so the Old Madam allowed only one bowl per day. The Sixth Young Master had already eaten his portion before lunch, yet now he came to beg the Old Madam again.

In the Song Family, when the boys turned three or four and were ready to understand things, they were moved to the outer courtyard for education. Typically, except for paying respects and family meals during festivals, they seldom came to the inner courtyard. The young masters were all respectful toward the Old Madam, but not particularly close.

The Sixth Young Master was in a better position. By the time he was born, the sisters were already being raised under the Old Madam’s care, and the Third Madam often brought him to play at Sui’an Hall. Coupled with his young age, he had no qualms about acting coquettish or unreasonable, becoming the Old Madam’s most cherished grandson.

But when the Fifth Young Master was young, the Old Madam had long been wounded by her daughters-in-law and grandchildren, so even if she liked them, she wouldn’t be close to any of her grandchildren. By the time she recovered, the Fifth Young Master was older and had moved to the outer courtyard. However, during their time on the boat, the Fifth Young Master discovered that his grandmother was truly a magnanimous and wise person.

She didn’t avoid talking about her experiences as a maid and could openly share about her first encounter and understanding with their grandfather. She could also discuss the current situation of the Song Family and the various situations they would face upon entering the Capital.

The grandmother told them: "In life, whether experiencing ups and downs or living ordinary days, one must have a serene heart. One must endure poverty, sustain wealth, and tolerate loneliness. A broad heart leads to broad paths."

Because of all this, the Fifth Young Master gained a deeper understanding and a much closer bond with his grandmother. Now, seeing his brother acting cute and foolish to make their grandmother laugh, he felt a mischievous impulse and said to his maid, "Bring up my bowl, I haven’t eaten it yet."

Upon hearing this, the Sixth Young Master thought his brother finally grew a conscience and was about to activate the "good brother" mode, staring eagerly at his Fifth Brother.

Little did he know, while the ice bowl was indeed brought up, the Fifth Young Master didn’t even glance his way, methodically scooping spoonful by spoonful into his mouth, exclaiming about it as if he were tasting a delicacy, saying things like "The cherries are nice today," "This pear flavor is unparalleled," "Oh my, the osmanthus syrup today is amazing," with a series of exaggerated remarks and gestures.

The Sixth Young Master watched in utter dismay, wishing to snatch that silver spoon and pop it in his mouth. Alas, the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak, while the group of women was entertained beyond measure by the antics of the two brothers.

The Old Madam had not anticipated that the usually most serious (modern terms: poker-faced) grandson would become mischievous and witty, amusing her thoroughly. Susu, aware that it’s best to stay humble about her appearance, couldn’t help but burst into a bright laugh, her small face blooming with beauty that could captivate even a fellow woman, not to mention the young Fifth Young Master.