https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-182-Confidence-from-Her-Maternal-Family/12606905/
Chapter 181: Song Bi
Chapter 181: Song Bi
Sui Sui still had some residual trauma associated with the term "aunt."
Hearing that her eldest aunt was unwell and temporarily absent, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Soon after, she chastised herself for having such uncharitable thoughts.
After all, they weren't the malicious aunt from Qingzhou.
Everyone here was kind and even gave her gifts.
She shouldn't be having such negative thoughts; they were akin to the sentiments of her previous aunt.
With these reflections, Sui Sui gently nodded, "Okay, Second Aunt. Sui Sui understands."
Her obedient and gentle demeanor was indeed endearing.
The elderly madam observed for a while before mimicking Princess Qi, reaching out to ruffle the child's hair affectionately.
Sui Sui obligingly allowed the old madam to touch her head, even leaning forward slightly to make it easier.
The old madam delighted in the action, and she also instinctively understood why her daughter had taken a liking to this child.
Indeed, she was endearing, and from what she heard, Sui Sui had endured a rather pitiful past.
At this moment, aside from Song Kuan, there were no other children around.
Concerned that Song Kuan might not be able to take good care of Sui Sui, the old madam turned to the maid beside her and instructed, "Go find Yuan Niang in the back courtyard and ask her to accompany Sui Sui to play in the yard for a while."
This meant that the adults had matters to discuss that weren't suitable for children to overhear.
However, the old madam was considerate and wouldn't simply dismiss the child.
Among the younger generation in the Song Manor, there weren't any legitimate daughters, only two concubine-born.
One was Song Bi, aged seven, and the other was Song Tong, aged five.
Between the two, Song Tong was younger and even more timid. Even the elderly madam, their grandmother, rarely saw this child more than a few times a month.
The child hardly ever left her room!
Her biological mother wasn't one to venture outdoors frequently either.
The elderly madam didn't interfere much as long as they mastered the necessary etiquette, studied diligently, and adhered to the appropriate rituals. Her approach to child-rearing wasn't overly strict.
At this moment, they needed someone to accompany Sui Sui in her play, and it wouldn't be feasible to call upon Song Tong, given her shy nature.
Her timid disposition might even end up frightening the child and exacerbating her issues.
In comparison, Song Bi was lively, although her temperament leaned a bit toward the rebellious side. The elderly madam couldn't deny that she had some concerns, but at this moment, they didn't have much of a choice.
With these thoughts, the old madam mused to herself, "Having more children is essential. Otherwise, when there's a need, we won't have anyone suitable to call upon."
However, the first madam had a frail body and evidently couldn't bear more children. As for the two concubines, they were meek and obedient, but if they were to conceive again, it was uncertain whether they would give birth to daughters like Yuan Niang and Second Niang.
In contrast, the second madam was in good health and still young. If push came to shove, they could even consider having the second madam take on another concubine!
As these thoughts crossed her mind, the old madam glanced at Zhou Shi with an unreadable expression.
Zhou Shi: ?
Zhou Shi didn't quite understand the old madam's gaze and continued to ponder in silence.
At this moment, Song Bi was in the back courtyard reading a book. When her aunt called for her, she was still somewhat perplexed.
It was only on their way there that she learned her grandmother had summoned her to the front yard to accompany a younger sister in her play.
Her aunt repeatedly reminded her of various things along the way, to which Song Bi obediently responded, "Aunt, rest assured. I will definitely accompany my younger sister well in her play."
Song Bi thought to herself, "Younger sisters are the best, even better than older brothers."
She preferred playing with girls.
Girls smelled nice, and she loved that about them!
Indeed, Song Bi enjoyed playing with girls, and she often looked at the young masters in the manor with disdain.
Especially with Sui Sui's bright eyes and faint dimples, Song Bi had taken a liking to her at first sight!
After paying their respects to the elders and receiving permission from the elderly madam, Song Bi amicably held Sui Sui's hand and led the younger girl away.
With Song Kuan, a familiar older brother, by her side, Sui Sui reluctantly bid farewell to her mother, eventually allowing herself to be led out.
Song Bi and Song Kuan stood on either side of Sui Sui, each holding one of her hands.
After exiting, although they were followed by servants, Song Bi visibly relaxed and suggested, "Second Brother, how about I hold Sui Sui's hand while you check if it's cool by the pond? I want to take my little sister to see the fish."
Song Kuan was aware that his older sister didn't particularly enjoy playing with the young masters.
Sending him away was a tactic to gain exclusive time with Sui Sui.
Though reluctant, Song Kuan couldn't resist as Song Bi tugged on Sui Sui's hand, her eyes fixed on him expectantly. The problem was that Sui Sui, oblivious to Song Bi's ulterior motive, also tilted her head, looking at him questioningly.
Feeling the pressure, Song Kuan eventually relented with a sigh. "Fine, I'll go."
Hearing his agreement, Song Bi immediately cooed, "Thank you, Second Brother. You're the best!"
Sui Sui thought that Song Kuan was helping them, so she imitated her older sister, adding, "Thank you, Second Brother. You're the best!"
Song Bi's gratitude was tinged with a hint of insincerity.
However, Sui Sui's appreciation sounded much more genuine.
Especially when paired with the little girl's round, innocent eyes, her words seemed all the more heartfelt.
If Song Kuan had any lingering reluctance, it vanished as he locked eyes with Sui Sui. He thought to himself...
"It's just looking at a pond. Now, even if they asked me to reach for the moon, it wouldn't be a problem! I can do it!"
With renewed determination, Song Kuan strode away, leaving the two girls standing there.
Song Bi tightly held onto Sui Sui's hand and moved closer, her soft voice carrying a hint of sweetness. "Little sister, can I give you a hug?"
Although she didn't understand why her older sister wanted to embrace her, Sui Sui readily complied, opening her arms wide. "Sister, I'm a bit heavy."
At Sui Sui's response, Song Bi's eyes sparkled with delight, and she quickly shook her head. "Don't worry, I have plenty of strength. It's not a problem!"
Fearing that Sui Sui might change her mind, she quickly took two steps forward and lifted the younger girl into her arms.
If not for her young age and lack of physical strength to execute a proper princess carry, Song Bi would have loved to hold Sui Sui horizontally.
Regrettably, that wasn't an option.
She could only manage a vertical hold, and even then, it wouldn't last long.
In that moment, Song Bi became acutely aware of her own physical limitations.
"I need to work harder!" she thought. "Otherwise, how can I hope to carry a beautiful little sister like this? It's too difficult!"
Having finally held the lovely Sui Sui in her arms, Song Bi nuzzled her face into the younger girl's neck, inhaling deeply. "Mmm, little sister, you smell so nice and sweet!"
Song Bi's hair brushed against Sui Sui's neck, tickling her, and she couldn't help but shrink back a little. Then, imitating Song Bi's actions, she leaned in toward the older girl's chin and, like a kitten sniffing its prey, nuzzled her a few times before saying softly, "Sister, you smell nice too. Very nice."
When Song Kuan returned, he was greeted by the sight of the two girls sniffing each other like they were sniffing bones.
Witnessing this bizarre scene, Song Kuan felt his scalp tingle, and he couldn't help but snap at Song Bi. "Song Bi, don't lead your little sister astray!"
Second Watch
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
