Song Jiayang finally woke up, which was the best news for the entire Song residence.
Even the First Madam forgot her previous worries and stayed by Song Jiayang's side. Song Yuan was still at court, but the Emperor, upon hearing of such a minor matter, permitted Song Yuan to return home early.
Pingyang Courtyard also became lively.
When Song Yuan returned, he brought Imperial Physician Fan with him.
The entire Song residence was as if it were celebrating with lanterns and drums, overjoyed by Song Jiayang's awakening.
During this rare time when everyone wore smiles, Song Chaoyu looked at Liu Shiyi Niang, who was also smiling with her pregnant belly, and felt a pang of sadness.
In their previous lives, when had they ever enjoyed such times?
However, Imperial Physician Fan said that while everyone could celebrate for a while, Song Jiayang's body was still weak and it was not advisable to be too noisy.
So, before lunch, everyone returned to their respective courtyards.
Song Yuan would naturally stay in Pingyang Courtyard today to dine with the First Madam, Song Yanjiao, and Song Jiayang.
---
As soon as Song Chaoyu returned to her courtyard, Xun Lu hurried over, "Miss, are you alright?"
Song Chaoyu's eyes held a smile, but her heart was icy, "Of course, I'm fine! It's great news for our family that elder brother has woken up! Go have someone prepare a meal. I'm happy today, I think I can eat more!"
Xun Lu had also heard the news and nodded, "Ah, that's good, as long as you're alright!"
Watching Xun Lu's retreating back, Song Chaoyu's gaze gradually retracted.
She called for Chun Tao, who served Concubine Liu, "After we left, did Xun Lu go to the First Madam's place?"
Chun Tao shook her head and then nodded, "She probably feared being discovered, so she didn't dare to go directly to the First Madam's courtyard, but met the First Madam's head maid in the back garden."
Even Tiao Hong listened to this and became increasingly indignant, "Before, I only thought that Sister Xun Lu was a proud person, which was why she didn't want us to snatch the favor of the concubine and the young lady. Now, it seems she is a traitor who forgets kindness! It truly betrays the young lady's kindness towards her all this time!"
Song Chaoyu shook her head, "There was no kindness to begin with. I have been guarding against her for a long time. It's fine, you two pretend you know nothing, and I will also pretend I know nothing. Let's see how she plans to act in the future!"
Chun Tao and Tiao Hong both nodded.
Returning to her room, Song Chaoyu asked Tiao Hong, "Have you received anything from that Zhu Zi these days?"
Mentioning Zhu Zi, Tiao Hong frowned, "He sent many sentimental poems. Speaking of which, Xun Lu also often asked me indirectly what the young lady thought of that Zhu Zi."
Song Chaoyu nodded, "From now on, you accept whatever he sends. Tell Xun Lu it's my intention."
She opened her makeup box, took out a silver melon seed, and handed it to Tiao Hong, "Give this to Xun Lu and have her give it to Zhu Zi, saying it's my reward for his diligence in the study. No need to say anything else."
She held Tiao Hong's hand, "When you have time to go out, inquire about the relationship between Third Sister and this Zhu Zi. You need to find out clearly if they exchange poems and where they often meet."
"Ah?"
Hearing Song Chaoyu's words, Tiao Hong was furious, "This Zhu Zi is even involved with Third Young Lady? Does he want to ruin the reputation of all our young ladies?"
Song Chaoyu didn't care about reputation or anything else, she only knew it was time to fight back!
---
After Song Jiayang woke up, his condition remained good.
His body was also slowly recovering, but because he had been lying down for so long, he was still a bit weak.
However, he exercised daily and recovered quickly. Everyone could see that the Song family had been filled with joy these days.
Although Song Yuan was usually low-key at court, he permitted the First Madam to organize a grand banquet for the joyous occasion of his son's awakening.
In an instant, the Song residence became busy.
The First Madam naturally would not let Huashu Courtyard interfere, only saying that Concubine Liu should take care of her own unborn child.
Instead, she asked Second Concubine and Song Yanrou to help. Song Chaoyu was happy to have leisure.
On the contrary, Xun Lu was displeased, "Miss, look, these past two days, Third Sister has been like a social butterfly in the Song residence, meddling in everything inside and outside the house! This won't do. They are all daughters of concubines, why should she steal the limelight from you?"
Song Chaoyu glanced at Xun Lu, "I'd rather not have this kind of limelight. If it's done well, the benefits won't come to me. But if it's done poorly, who knows how many people will laugh at me. Isn't it good for us to calmly wait for the banquet? Why bother to seek that limelight?"
Seeing Xun Lu's unhappiness, she changed the subject, "A few days ago, I asked you to reward Zhu Zi with something, did you send it? Did he reply?"
As expected, as soon as Song Chaoyu said this, Xun Lu's eyes darted, "I sent it, I sent it! He was very happy and said that if Miss had time, he would personally thank Miss!"
Song Chaoyu nodded, "After the banquet, find a time and place for him to come and thank me. I think his poems are well-written, and I want to discuss them with him!"
Song Chaoyu's words made Xun Lu overjoyed, "Miss, don't worry, I will definitely deliver the message!"
---
The banquet held by the Song residence this time was grand, and it was to celebrate Song Jiayang's awakening, so there were no separate male and female seating. After all, Song Yuan had invited almost all the official families in the capital who had dealings with the Song family. With so many people, no one would be foolish enough to do anything at such a time.
The day before the banquet began, the daughters of the Song family began to prepare.
Suits of clothes were sent to Song Yanjiao's courtyard, as if she were the host of the next day's banquet.
Song Yanrou was not to be outdone. Although she did not dare to overstep too much, she also selected several bolts of fabric.
As for Song Chaoyu and Song Xiuxiu, there was not much movement on either side.
Song Chaoyu did not want to join the fun and felt that wearing anything was fine.
Song Xiuxiu, on the other hand, had nothing good. The First Madam would not prepare anything for her.
Concubine Liu carefully picked out two bolts of bright fabric and sent them to Song Xiuxiu. Song Xiuxiu was naturally deeply moved.
Until the day the banquet began, the Song residence was truly a scene of "a hundred flowers vying for beauty."
Song Yanjiao still maintained her usual elegant and gentle demeanor, wearing a light pink dress adorned with butterflies dancing among falling flowers, and a hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers and peaches, looking like a fairy descended from the heavens.
Song Yanrou was the opposite of Song Yanjiao. She usually preferred vibrant colors, and on this joyous occasion, she wore a dress of alternating rose red and orange, the "Magpies Playing with Willow" dress, which also made her appear charming and lovely.