Song Ci sat in front of the dressing table, looking utterly despairing, sighing deeply.
She had heard before that aging and having children could lead to urinary incontinence, and she thought that day was far away. But now?
Wah!
Song Ci covered her face, feeling extremely ashamed.
The maidservants Hong You and Hong Ju exchanged glances and looked at Nanny Gong. What was wrong with the Madam?
A flicker of something crossed Nanny Gong's eyes as she opened the jewelry box and said with a smile, "Madam, what jewelry would you like to wear today? How about something festive?"
Jewelry?
Song Ci released her hand from her face and looked at the dazzling glow from the opened jewelry box, almost blinding her eyes.
Real ancient jewelry was crafted meticulously by true masters, with excellent materials and workmanship, certainly not ordinary items.
Were all these treasures hers?
Song Ci swallowed her saliva, feeling somewhat comforted.
"Madam, I think this ruby hairpin with magpies on branches is particularly festive." Sister Lian, who was responsible for Song Ci's hair, smiled and held up a hairpin next to her head: "I'll do an undone bun for you, and this one will be perfect."
Song Ci felt a bit of longing: "Does it look good?"
"Of course, it looks good. Madam is the most esteemed among us. With your noble aura, if you don't look good, who does?" Sweet-talking maid Hong Zao stepped forward with a grin, flattering her.
"That's right, this one looks good and festive. We have a big joyous event in the house, and it would add even more joy if Madam wears it."
"Yes, exactly."
The maids and old women in the room chimed in with praise.
Song Ci was indeed flattered and overjoyed, about to say something, but then she saw her slightly dry and sparse graying hair. Her smile paused, and her expression turned a bit gloomy.
Everyone watched her face, and seeing her like this, they all felt a slight jolt. Had they said something wrong?
Song Ci sighed, "I'm already quite old; how can I have my hair styled into some sort of undone bun? Just do it like usual and give me a low bun with a headband."
This attire was also the original owner's usual appearance, just like the Old Lord in Dream of the Red Chamber.
At her age, only such attire suited her.
Song Ci looked longingly at the overflowing jewelry box. She also wanted to wear all of these, but alas, she couldn't reach them!
Sob, unhappy, want to cry.
"Madam, we also have wigs, don't we? You just leave it to me." Sister Lian said with a cheerful smile.
Wigs?
Song Ci hesitated for a moment and then forced a smile, saying, "Better not, it doesn't look good." A madam must maintain the madam's image.
What does "doesn't look good" mean?
Everyone was somewhat puzzled.
"Mother, are you up? I've come to help you get dressed." Madam Song couldn't sit still outside, circled around the screen and came in, seeing everyone in the room silent and inexplicable, she felt a bit apprehensive.
What happened now?
She quickly stepped forward, came in front of Song Ci, lowered her voice, bent slightly and asked, "Mother, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell, should we call the Imperial Physician?"
Song Ci shook her head. Feeling unwell because she thought she looked old, could she say that?
"Then what do you want, just tell me, your daughter-in-law will get it for you."
Song Ci looked at her through the copper mirror and said quietly, "I want lots and lots of money, do you have it?"
Only money could heal the wound at the bottom of her heart.
Madam Song: "..."
Wanting money? What kind of request was this?