Old Master Song thought of Song Chuyi. In the past, Old Madam Song had treasured this granddaughter dearly, but he hadn’t been particularly fond of her. Compared to this granddaughter who was always beating dogs, scolding chickens, and had no sense of propriety, he had always been especially partial to Song Chuning, who at such a young age was measured and proper yet still innocent and adorable. But ever since Song Chuyi had that dream, everything had changed.

The former Song Chuyi who charged about recklessly without method, always inviting people’s disgust, seemed to have died, replaced by a young lady so excellent that even an old fox like him had to marvel at her.

He smiled and coughed a few times into his fist. “I understand. Our family members are currently in mourning and cannot enter the palace easily, but married daughters have no such restriction. When Mingzi returns, you all should instruct her to also enter the palace to console Xiao Yi, telling her not to grieve.”

There were thousands upon thousands of words he wanted to say, but in the end, what he wanted to say, what he could say, was just that one phrase—don’t grieve.

Although Old Master Song knew this was absolutely impossible. Though Song Chuyi had indeed changed greatly, her wholehearted filial devotion toward Old Madam Song had never changed from beginning to end. For her not to grieve—how could that be possible?

Song Chuyi had originally thought she would surely grieve terribly. Old Madam Song had been the person who treated her best in this world. Cui Shi had died early—if Old Madam Song hadn’t doted on, protected, and sheltered her, Li Shi would have killed her long ago, never giving her the chance to slowly grow up.

She had indeed made herself very valuable to the Song family, but when she had no value, Old Madam Song hadn’t despised her for being worthless.

She still remembered when she was small and developed a high fever, Old Madam Song had changed the damp cloth for her forehead again and again, praying and making vows before the Bodhisattva. When she was delirious with illness, she called out “Grandmother, grandmother,” because in her heart she knew Old Madam Song always cherished her most.

In her previous life, she had lost all face, insisting on marrying Shen Qingrang at all costs. Even though Old Madam Song had been thoroughly disappointed in her, she still gritted her teeth and made it happen for her.

When she was riding high in the Shen family, Old Madam Song said nothing. But when she hit walls everywhere in the Shen family, it was still Old Madam Song who had Nanny Huang bring her all her private savings, even saying that if she couldn’t continue, she should divorce…

But before she could agree to divorce, Old Madam Song had already passed away first…

Song Chuyi buried her face in her palms, feeling as if ten thousand arrows pierced her heart.

Nanny Xu was herself very sad, but forcibly suppressing her heartache, she came to console her. “Miss, please don’t grieve anymore. Old Madam wouldn’t want to see you cry from beneath the earth either.”

Song Chuyi knew she shouldn’t cry, but the tears simply wouldn’t stop. Just thinking about how Old Madam Song hadn’t lived to see the great-grandchild she most wanted to see made her heart feel as if it were being cut by knives.

Old Madam Song had said countless times that she wanted to send the child’s three-day clothes, wanted to give the child its three-day bath… But these things, Old Madam Song would never be able to do again.

Qing Ying and Ziyun also reddened their eyes but still spoke of happy things to cheer her up. “Miss Chonghua is about to marry soon—aren’t you going to attend the ceremony? And Uncle Cui from the Cui family is also about to be promoted…”

Song Chuyi had always been good at managing her emotions, but perhaps because of pregnancy, her emotional fluctuations were always uncontrollable. Only after a long while did her sadness subside.

Nanny Xu went to discuss with Zhou Weizhao. “You also cannot always accompany her. Why not have the young ladies who are her cousins come into the palace more often to keep Her Ladyship company? She feels terrible inside and keeps thinking and thinking until she cries.”

Zhou Weizhao knew—sometimes in her sleep, Song Chuyi would cry out “Grandmother.” He frowned slightly and made a sound of agreement, then said, “I trouble you, Nanny, to be more attentive. I’ll find an opportunity to have Yan’er come into the palace to console her…”

Nanny Xu breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing him say he would invite Song Yan into the palace, she was even happier. “That would be wonderful! Seeing Fifth Young Master always makes Miss Sixth happy.”

Zhou Weizhao didn’t want to ask Song Chuyi why she always appeared happy before him. He could always understand Song Chuyi well, as if Song Chuyi were another version of himself.

Song Chuyi’s feelings for Old Madam Song were exceptionally deep. Her response to Old Madam Song’s death absolutely could not be resolved in a day or two. No matter how much others said this was a joyous funeral for Old Madam Song, it couldn’t make Song Chuyi feel any better inside.

But at the same time, Song Chuyi was afraid of appearing too despondent and making him worry, so she only cried in private. Wounded little beasts were always more suited to licking their wounds alone. He knew this and respected Song Chuyi’s vulnerability.

Fortunately, Xiang Mingzi had always had a good relationship with Song Chuyi and knew well how to comfort people. After she came in several more times, Song Chuyi’s state of mind finally broadened considerably. Consort Song also frequently called Song Chuyi over to chat. Both sisters had been raised at Old Madam Song’s knee. Coming and going like this, they discovered they both had many things to say about Old Madam Song, and their relationship imperceptibly became much more intimate.

When Emperor Jianzhang mentioned to Consort Song about Zhou Weizhao refusing to take side consorts, Consort Song thought for a moment and smiled. “If I say His Highness did right, Your Majesty will surely think I’m being partial to my own family.” Seeing Emperor Jianzhang raise an eyebrow without any intention of being angry, she continued, “But women, after all, inevitably hope for someone who will treat them wholeheartedly… Actually, what His Highness says makes sense too. If he can ensure abundant offspring, what does it matter how many concubines he has? Who would it obstruct? As long as he himself is happy, that’s fine… It would even save so much trouble, wouldn’t it?”

Emperor Jianzhang had recently enjoyed coming to Consort Song’s quarters. Hearing her finish speaking, he didn’t feel annoyed. “You certainly speak the truth.”

Consort Song ground ink for Emperor Jianzhang while smiling. “I just feel that His Highness’s pure and sincere heart is precious and rare. Besides, it’s just as Your Majesty thought when you agreed to His Highness’s request—he may not be able to sustain it. In the future, he may not truly be able to remain devoted. I just want to let Xiao Yi be happy like this for now… As for future matters, we’ll speak of them in the future.”

Only then did Emperor Jianzhang feel that Consort Song was truly wise.

He was Zhou Weizhao’s grandfather and had himself come through that age. How could he not know that men tiring of the old and desiring the new was common? He had agreed so easily to Zhou Weizhao not taking side consorts simply because he knew it was only a matter of time anyway.

Since it was a matter of sooner or later, why be stubborn with young people?

He smiled and asked Consort Song about the young prince’s studies, exchanged a few more words with Consort Song, then departed for Qingning Hall.