Chapter 1078: Chapter 1078: Ji Family’s Good Fortune
The courtyard prepared by the Fan Mansion for mourners to rest in was quite serene, with refreshments and snacks fully arranged. As for the main seat, there was also an option for a buffet, but most of the guests wouldn’t eat; they would only sit for a short while to rest before returning to their residences.
Song Ci and her companions had the same intention, sitting in the hall and listening to the women of the Fan family talk about the condition of the late old Madam Fan during her final moments. It was said she passed peacefully, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, all personally attending her until she closed her eyes.
Song Ci held a cup of tea, noticing something off about the atmosphere outside, almost as if under martial law, so she glanced at Nan Shan.
Nan Shan went to the doorway, stood there for a while, then returned to Song Ci’s side and reported in a low voice, "It seems the Emperor has come to pay respects."
Some people were already eavesdropping on Song Ci’s side, and upon hearing this, they couldn’t help but be surprised, enviously looking towards the Fan family.
After all, it was the Prime Minister’s Mansion; with the passing of the old Madam, even the Emperor personally came to pay his respects. Such honor is rare among officials.
The Fan family members held their heads high, showing joy and pride on their faces.
Song Ci glanced over, a faint smile touched the corner of her eyes. Just a moment ago, it was quite somber, but now they’re spirited again. Perhaps they were worried that following Prime Minister Fan’s mourning, the Fan family would temporarily step off the stage of high-ranking nobility in the capital?
Now with the Emperor’s arrival, it’s like a reassuring sweet jujube for them, naturally allowing them to be at ease.
After sitting for about a cup of tea’s time, Nan Shan said the martial law outside had been lifted, and so Song Ci prepared to leave. She didn’t feel comfortable sitting here; the sound of chanting mixed with crying outside was making her mind restless and her head hurt.
Just as she was about to say her farewells, someone else came in. Looking up, it was the Ji Family’s old Madam, accompanied by a young woman new to her, about twenty years old, with a round face and apricot eyes, dressed in a plain snow-colored gown, holding the old Madam’s hand as they walked in.
Upon seeing Song Ci, the old Madam Ji’s face stiffened. They nodded to each other as a greeting.
Someone made an introduction, calling the young woman Ji Madam.
Song Ci raised her eyebrows; it seemed this was the new daughter-in-law of the Ji family, married just a few days ago, yet already being brought out to attend such life events. Although it was a mourning event, one must be qualified to be brought along.
"The young woman greeted Madam Song," the Ji Madam stepped forward and bowed to Song Ci.
Song Ci nodded slightly, lowering her voice, "There’s no need for such formalities."
The Ji Madam wanted to say a few more words, but Song Ci looked at Madam Fan and said, "Since your household’s old Madam has passed, you will certainly have to keep vigil for several days. This is only the first day, so it’s not convenient for us to linger and disturb you further. Please take care of yourselves, and if there’s any way we can help, feel free to send someone to inform the Song Mansion."
Though the two households were political rivals, Song Ci’s words were considered courteous. Madam Fan had no choice but to accept the kindness, expressing her gratitude with a grateful look, "Thank you for your concern."
She accompanied Song Ci to the exit, and as they went outside, she briefly explained the identity and background of Ji Madam.
"...She is the eldest daughter of the Doctor, twenty-one years old, sharp and astute. She was engaged when she came of age, but somehow it broke off. Later, her birth mother passed away, and she observed mourning for three years. She’s been living under her stepmother’s care with her younger brother for a few years, stubbornly delaying until now." Madam Fan continued, "She’s neither too old nor too young, with a strong and decisive personality, and evidently capable. I’ve heard the Ji family’s main house has been quieter after she arrived."
Song Ci listened, then commented quite impartially, "The Ji family does have quite some fortune."
If the remarried daughter-in-law had a strong character and what it takes, it could indeed cultivate good fortune for the Ji family moving forward.
