CHAPTER 680: CHAPTER 680: THAT BAI LIANHUA IS NOT VERY WELL-BEHAVED

Song Ci had someone put thick soft cushions on the Arhat bed, placing the two little kids on top to play. They held a small rattle drum and a finely crafted cloth doll, shaking them.

This family in ancient times raised their children with great care. They dressed exquisitely, and their little round faces were as pretty and plump as two New Year painting dolls, making them incredibly endearing.

When Song Ruqian walked in, she saw her grandmother half-lying down, letting her daughter tug at the band on her forehead, and hurriedly called, "Little ancestor!"

"Grandmother, you shouldn’t let her do that. She’s quite strong, be careful not to let her hurt you."

Song Ci chuckled and said, "Don’t fool me; how strong can a one-year-old toddler be?"

Song Ruqian replied, "Don’t underestimate her—she’s strong. When I take care of her, I don’t dare wear jewelry, afraid she’ll grab it."

Tian Tian, seemingly aware that they were talking about her, smiled, showing her tiny baby teeth, calling out incoherent names, but at least she was trying to call people.

"Aww, mama’s darling." Song Ruqian responded with a smile and carefully picked her up.

Everyone nearby gathered around, fearing the little one might kick her belly.

Song Ci also advised her to put Tian Tian down, since children are unaware of their strength and could accidentally hurt her.

After what happened with Song Ruqi, Song Ruqian was also cautious. She coaxed her precious daughter before setting her down next to her little fourth sister, where the two little treasures started babbling baby talk.

"Have you talked to your mother?" Song Ci sipped tea handed over by Nanny.

Song Ruqian accepted the jujube tea and nodded, "I saw she looked tired and was thinking of Tian Tian, so I came back."

Song Ci admonished, "With me here, what’s there to worry about? It’s more proper to encourage her to stay cheerful."

"I’ve already encouraged her. She’s more concerned about the pregnancy than I am, so she’s bound to have a plan."

Song Ci nodded, "There have indeed been a lot of things lately, one after the other, so it’s normal to feel exhausted. You are connected with her as mother and daughter; comfort her more, so she can have a happy pregnancy."

"Grandmother is the wisest of all." Song Ruqian complimented with a smile and then said, "Earlier, I took a shortcut by Plum Garden and ran into my third uncle’s concubine."

Song Ci raised an eyebrow, "What happened?"

Song Ruqian chuckled lightly, "It’s nothing, just felt that this concubine is a bit restless. Fortunately, third aunt isn’t easy to fool."

She summarized the events succinctly.

"If third aunt had a bad temper, refused to give those plum blossoms, she might have let Aunt Bai whisper in her ear, accusing her of being petty and not having the grace of a Lady, squabbling over trivialities!"

Song Ci, however, pondered it over and said, "Maybe she saw you were there and composed herself, avoiding provocation. Otherwise, do you think she didn’t know those people were causing a scene at the door, deliberately teasing that Bai Lianhua? She just didn’t want to embarrass you, her niece, so she sobered up."

Song Ruqian said, "Wife and concubine rivalry is always a spectacle. Whether it’s funny or not, outsiders will always find it amusing. Hopefully, third aunt hasn’t wasted her years as an official’s wife, letting someone take advantage."

Any Official Wife would not show goodwill to a concubine, especially one as restless as that, whom Song Ruqian didn’t favor.

"I’ve already taught what needs to be taught; let’s see how she fares." Song Ci didn’t mind that Bai Lianhua, as she had made it clear long ago—cause trouble and be kicked out. It’s up to Song Lao San to keep her in check.