The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Bai Shuilian had long ’understood’ about Song Ci, the matriarch of the Song Family, from Song Zhiqing’s words. She had a strong and domineering personality, acting rudely and unreasonably. After all, she came from a peasant background, with limited experience. She happened to be lucky and gave birth to Song Zhiyuan. She rose in status by virtue of her son’s success. More importantly, she got to know the Empress Dowager and her son when they were living among the common people.

Since then, a peasant woman had suddenly become an official’s wife. As Song Zhiyuan became increasingly favored and his official position grew more significant, her status elevated correspondingly. Until today, she held the title of an Imperial Decree Matriarch of the first rank and was favored by the Empress Dowager. The Madams in the circle of noblewomen secretly mocked her, but everyone feared her.

There was no help for it; her son was the Emperor’s favorite, holding a high position. If their husbands wanted a smooth official career, who would dare to offend this elderly lady?

Even disregarding Song Zhiyuan, Song Ci wasn’t without strong connections. She was best friends with the most revered Empress Dowager. Offending her might lead to her saying something in front of the Empress Dowager, and then you’d be doomed.

Therefore, the matriarch of the Song Family had every right to be domineering and arrogant.

Yet, upon initially meeting Song Ci, Bai Shuilian still felt that Song Zhiqing’s understanding of his legal mother was too superficial.

Even though the other said not a word, Bai Shuilian felt from her heart that Song Ci was extremely hard to deal with. Standing in front of her, it seemed that any trickery would be futile.

Don’t ask why, that’s just the feeling.

Song Zhiqing grew anxious seeing Song Ci not speaking and couldn’t help but jump out.

"Mother, Madam Bai is of a good character, understanding and considerate. Please let her attend to you well in the future."

Song Ci: "..."

You scoundrel, have you become an official for nothing these years? Trying to earn favor for a concubine in front of your wife, do you think your wife is invisible?

Also, your concubine has just arrived. She should act discreetly, yet you are afraid she is not sharp enough to be a thorn and push her forward?

Are you a fool of a team mate?

Song Ci glanced at Liu-shi’s darkened face, noticing her unfriendly gaze toward Song Zhiqing.

Truly like Song Bai Mianbao (white bread), women who get swayed with a mere hook.

"Third Son, have you become a fool from your officials’ position? Letting your concubine attend to your legal mother, are you elevating her or treating her like a lowly maid?" Song Ci’s words were harsh.

Song Zhiqing’s face stiffened slightly, instinctively looking toward Bai Shuilian.

"What’s the role of an Official Wife? Expanding the family, managing the household, serving the parents-in-law, and raising children. So serving the legal mother is for your wife to do; if a concubine did it, wouldn’t that be putting the cart before the horse?" Song Ci looked at Bai Shuilian, "A concubine has her responsibilities. Don’t touch the tasks meant for the Official Wife. The servants wipe the windows, the servants sweep the floor, serving the elderly, teaching children, and managing the social connections are for the Official Wife. Your role is just to stay beautiful as a flower, to please the man, ensuring the man is comfortable – that’s your duty."

Bai Shuilian: "..."

Listening to it, being a concubine feels wonderful and satisfying, but why does something seem off?

Is she insulting me?

Liu-shi lowered her head to drink water, using the teacup to hide her upturned mouth. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Mother-in-law’s words were truly satisfying.

"Concubines competing for favor happens in every household, using minor tricks to secure affection is fine. But let me be clear, your tricks can be directed at the man, but you cannot let the Song Family fall into ridicule or become a joke, and most importantly..." Song Ci looked at the wet nurse and maid holding the baby, her gaze landing on the child in their arms, "No matter how fiercely you compete, no matter what means you employ, none of them should be directed at the children. Not a single bit, do you understand?"