Volume One, Chapter 9: The Mantis Seizes the Cicada, Unaware of the Song Porcelain Behind

As soon as she heard it was for this year’s harvest, Old Madam Song abruptly dropped her anger. Glancing at the pastries in his hand, her irritation lessened.

“You do have some filial piety after all.”

“These are your favorite pastries from Qing Zhai Bakery. Your son specially bought them to honor you.”

Qing Zhai Bakery was the most renowned and long-established pastry shop in the capital—its treats were somewhat expensive but exceptionally delicious.

Old Madam Song took a piece and ate it, then noticed that Song Lao San was hiding another box behind his back. Instantly, she became displeased.

“Why are you hiding another box?”

“Mother, my wife and daughter haven’t eaten these in a long time. I wanted to save a few pieces for them to try.”

“They don’t deserve it!” Old Madam Song snapped. “Leave it here! Rouxi hasn’t had any in ages either. You’re the third uncle—how can you be so selfish?”

A small box of Qing Zhai Bakery’s pastries cost at least one or two taels of silver. The Song family was currently too frugal to indulge in such luxuries often.

Moreover, in Old Madam Song’s eyes, the entire third branch was a bunch of weaklings, unworthy of such fine pastries.

“Mother, this is all the money I have left...” Song Lao San looked on helplessly as the pastries were taken away, his face bitter.

“You’re my son. The money you earn should be devoted to me. I’m keeping the pastries. You may leave now.”

Seeing his mother’s resolute expression, Song Lao San knew there was no point in continuing to argue. Resigned, he rubbed his reddened ear and trudged away.

Song Ci was sipping tea in the corridor when she saw her father. She hurriedly ran up and hugged his arm. “Father!”

Hearing his daughter’s sweet voice, Song Lao San instantly brightened. “Ah, my dear daughter.”

He bent slightly and patted her head. Song Ci’s sharp eyes immediately noticed his reddened ear, and her expression quickly turned cold.

“Father, what happened to your ear? Did grandmother hit you again?”

“Your grandmother isn’t feeling well. It’s normal for her to be a bit irritable.”

Song Ci knew that when Old Madam Song was angry, she wouldn’t let things go easily unless it suited her. Suspiciously, she asked, “Did you do something wrong? Otherwise, why would grandmother let you off so easily?”

“My father bought Qing Zhai Bakery’s pastries for your grandmother. Since she’s taking medicine and her mouth tastes bitter, eating them lifts her spirits.”

“I want some too!”

Seeing her father’s empty hands, Song Ci knew without asking that if he had any, he would buy some for her. If not, it meant grandmother had taken everything, something Old Madam Song had done countless times before in her previous life.

“So, father bought them for you and mother... but grandmother said the other branches hadn’t had any and said father was being selfish. It’s okay; I’ll buy some for you later,” her father said apologetically.

“So grandmother took them all?” Song Ci’s eyes were cold as she spoke.

“Xiao Ci, don’t be angry. Father will buy some for you in a few days.”

“Father, it’s selfish to buy for your own family only. When you’re not around, my eldest and second uncles bring roasted ducks from Quan De Tang, yet they never offer any to the third branch.”

“If you want roasted duck, Father will buy it for you later. Your eldest and second uncles are students and don’t have much money. Please don’t blame them. We’re all family; we shouldn’t be petty.”

Song Ci understood her father’s nature and told herself to be patient. Sooner or later, she would make him see through their hypocrisy.

“Alright.”

That evening, the table held three dishes: braised pork with radish, mostly radish with just a few pieces of meat; a plate of stir-fried greens with eggs; and a side of cold bamboo shoots. The entire third branch family sat down to eat.

Song Ci frowned at the simple meal and glanced at Wanxia.

“Father came home today, yet we’re eating such plain food?”

Without thinking, Wanxia replied bluntly, “Third Miss, what else do you expect? Dragon meat and phoenix meat? Haven’t we always eaten like this?”

The third branch was a family of weaklings. How could they expect the luxuries of the first and second branches?

Song Lao San was also somewhat surprised. He usually brought home hundreds of taels; why was the meal so plain?

Song Ci had seen before that Old Madam Song and the first and second branches enjoyed sumptuous meals, but she had always obeyed her father and never complained. Not anymore. She wasn’t that foolish now.

She looked at her father. “Father, it’s okay if mother and I eat simply, but you’ve lost weight after your trip. You should eat something richer to recover.”

Song Lao San asked Wanxia, “Did eldest and second brothers and mother eat the same?”

Wanxia’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked uneasy. “The kitchen made everything together. Naturally, Old Madam Song and the first and second branches ate the same.”

“Father, grandmother’s health is poor. How can she manage with such plain food? Over the years, I’ve saved some silver. How about we ask Wanxiang to buy some good dishes and bring them to grandmother? Maybe if she’s happy, her illness will improve faster.”

It was the perfect opportunity for her father to see the difference in living conditions between the first and second branches with Old Madam Song, and their own family.

Wanxia looked anxious. At this hour, the main house with the first and second branches and Old Madam Song was still having lunch. Going now might get them caught.

Her panic showed on her face as she tried to find a way to slip away and send word.

Song Ci noticed this and quickly suggested, “Wanxiang can’t carry that much alone. How about Wanxia sister comes along to help?”

Wanxia had just stepped forward but withdrew her foot, looking embarrassed. “Your servant understands...”

Song Ci nodded. “Wanxiang, hurry up with Wanxia sister. Don’t be late. By then, grandmother will have finished her meal.”

“Your servant understands. I’m quick on my feet and will return soon.”

Song Lao San was a filial man. Seeing his daughter so dutiful made him happy.

His daughter was truly devoted—a good girl!

Qiao Xianglan was usually indecisive but had no objections upon hearing this. She only wished for the family to be harmonious, for her husband to travel less, and for everyone to stay together.

The nearby Drunken Fragrance Pavilion wasn’t far. Wanxiang and Wanxia quickly bought the dishes. Several times, Wanxia tried to find excuses to slip away—claiming stomach pain or feeling unwell—but Wanxiang persistently held her hand and urged her on.

Wanxia was helplessly entangled, cursing everyone in the third branch in her heart.

Especially Song Ci. Lately, the third miss acted as if possessed by a spirit—so lively and cunning. Wanxia gained no advantage from her efforts and was scolded several times by the first branch and Old Madam Song for her failures.

Remembering Old Madam Song’s methods of discipline, her arm still ached.

When they got the food, Wanxia tried to slip away under the pretense of needing the restroom, but Song Ci called after her, “Wanxia sister, I can’t carry this, and my mother is frail. If the dishes get cold, they won’t taste good. Please help carry them.”