Chapter 1376: The Matriarch’s Guidance
Chapter 1376: Chapter 1376: The Matriarch’s Guidance
Song Xin took temporary residence at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, just as Song Ci had observed, she had a quiet temperament, and besides coming to pay respects to Song Ci, she stayed inside without stepping out.
Song Ci was worried that she might get bumped into while coming and going for salutations, so she simply exempted her from this duty, letting her settle peacefully in the courtyard. After all, she was to be selected as a palace maid, and it wouldn’t look good if she got bumped by someone reckless.
Song Xin was sensible herself, and truly stayed calmly in the Xiufang Courtyard, either doing needlework or reading miscellaneous books, not stepping outside, but she kept herself occupied.
In the blink of an eye, the day arrived for palace selection, and Song Xin came to Chunhui Hall to bid farewell to Song Ci.
She knelt on the ground and knocked her head three times, expressing gratitude for the care she received from Song Ci in recent days, and presented a pair of newly made soft shoes, perfect for wearing in early summer.
Song Xin during her temporary stay at the Prime Minister’s Mansion truly did not suffer any hardships, her daily meals were meticulously prepared, including nourishing soups and birds’ nests, and within a short time, her complexion became rosier and she appeared remarkably healthy.
She was a lady of the Song family, representing the Song family.
Song Ci gently said: "This journey, who knows what lies ahead, are you afraid?"
Song Xin was taken aback, feeling a touch of warmth, she replied softly: "To say I’m not afraid would be false, but with the blessings of our ancestors, I wouldn’t be extremely frightened."
Song Ci smiled slightly and asked: "Do you wish to enter the palace?"
Song Xin was stunned, remained silent, and after a long while said: "Ancestor, this isn’t something I can decide."
Song Ci thought, why can’t it be? Many girls tried everything to avoid being selected.
But then again, this is truly the ancient way, obeying father at home, husband when married, not everyone could control their own destiny.
A young girl like her, to say that even prospective suitors could be easily snatched away by her sister, and her parents agreed, represents her powerlessness; her family sees great potential in her entering the palace.
Song Ci didn’t say anything further, just said: "The harem is full of intrigues and betrayal, I don’t have much to teach you. You’re of the same age as my granddaughter, as an elder I have a few pieces of advice."
"In the harem, it’s a survival of the fittest, the more you speak, the more mistakes; speak less, do less, don’t stand out, don’t be afraid to suffer losses. Trust people less than fully, always keep some vigilance for yourself, no matter who the other party is, understand?"
"Moreover, as the saying goes, it’s better to offend a gentleman than a petty person, there are many eunuchs and palace maids in the palace, don’t look down upon them. These people understand survival in the palace better than young girls like you, they are familiar with everything in the palace. If you offend them, one day they might trip you up, that would be the end. Hence, maintaining goodwill is always right."
Song Xin’s eyes reddened, tears welled up, she knelt once more before Song Ci: "Ancestor..."
Song Ci reached out, touching her head: "Don’t be afraid, if you are selected, always remember what I’ve just said in your heart. If not, it doesn’t matter, when you leave the palace, someone from the mansion will go to fetch you back, a good marriage will be waiting for you."
Song Xin choked up and nodded.
"Go ahead, it’s a long road, take care of yourself." Song Ci said with a smile.
Song Xin knocked her head three more times before a maid helped her up, and she walked away, turning back every three steps.
Song Ci watched her walk out the door and suddenly said: "I have a feeling, this child will not return."
The palace nanny was shocked, wasn’t it said that Song family girls don’t enter the palace, wouldn’t the Prime Minister do anything?