Song Yi'an specifically made two versions; one version was made with Spirit Water, and the other was made with ordinary clear water.
The soap made with Spirit Water not only had cleansing properties but could also whiten and nourish the skin; this item was naturally reserved for herself and her mother to use.
Haitang had never seen such a thing before and, being truly curious, could not help but ask, "Young lady, what is this?"
Song Yi'an wiped her hands with a damp cloth and said firmly, "In your words, this is called 'Osmanthus Soap.' When it dries in a few days, using it to wash your hands and body will be more fragrant and better to use than regular soap."
Haitang could not believe it. This scented soap was an expensive luxury item that only the concubines in the Imperial Palace could use, yet the young lady had made it so casually.
Haitang was stunned, and the bamboo tube in her hand nearly slipped from her grasp.
She widened her eyes, looked at the bamboo tube in her hand, and then looked up at her young lady's calm profile, her voice filled with incredulous astonishment.
"Young lady, are you saying that this thing you made is the kind of scented soap that only the concubines and the Empress in the Imperial Palace can use?"
She had once heard Nanny Zhou mention in the manor how precious that high-quality scented soap was, mixed with rare spices and medicinal herbs, leaving the skin fragrant and as smooth as grease after washing; a small piece was worth several months' wages for an ordinary family, and even the First Madam might not be able to get her hands on it.
Yet right now, the young lady had just stirred it up so casually?
Song Yi'an was also taken aback upon hearing this; she had not expected that "scented soap" was considered so precious in the eyes of others, nor that it would be linked to the Imperial Palace.
Looking at Haitang's expression of admiration, she realized she might have accidentally created something too eye-catching.
After a busy session, the day passed just like that.
Seeing that it was getting late, Haitang spoke up to remind her.
"Young lady, the hour is late. Previously, someone came from the Old Madam's courtyard to invite you and the Second Madam to go over and have dinner together."
Song Yi'an nodded, "Then let's go now."
Old Madam Song preferred peace and quiet, so the Orchid Courtyard where she resided was located in the most secluded southeast corner of the Song Manor, and a Buddhist prayer hall had even been specially renovated within the courtyard.
The Old Madam lived a secluded life, spending most of her time chanting scriptures and praying in the Buddhist hall, and the scent of sandalwood lingered in the courtyard all year round.
When Song Yi'an arrived in front of the main gate of Jingde Pavilion, she vaguely heard bursts of laughter coming from inside.
She could hear her brother's laughter mixed in as well.
She raised an eyebrow slightly; Song Yili had not come to find her the moment he returned from the private school, but was instead laughing heartily here with their grandmother.
"Old Madam, the Second Miss has arrived." Nanny Zhou led her inside, and seeing that everyone was present, she ordered the servants to begin serving the dishes.
Song Yi'an bowed to the head of the table, her voice crisp: "Yi'an pays her respects to Grandmother."
The Old Madam beckoned with a smile: "Yi'an, my little girl, you're here. Come over and sit down quickly."
At this moment, Song Mingsi was sitting on the Old Madam's left, Song Yili was on her right, and Madam Gu was further down.
Song Yi'an then sat down next to Madam Gu.
"The little girl looks much more spirited when she dresses up," Old Madam Song said with a smile as she looked her over.
Upon hearing this, Song Yi'an's apricot eyes curved, and two small dimples appeared on her cheeks: "Thank you for the compliment, Grandmother. It is the clothes you chose that suit me."
Old Madam Song was even more delighted: "Look at that little mouth, it is truly sweet."
She said this while looking at Madam Gu, her eyes filled with gratification: "You have raised this pair of children very well; they are sensible, polite, and also thoughtful and filial."
Madam Gu smiled: "Mother, you overpraise them. It is Yili and Yi'an themselves who are willing to learn and be good."
At this time, Song Mingsi interjected with a coquettish tone: "Grandmother now has Sister Yi'an in her heart and eyes, I fear you have forgotten about us grandchildren."
Old Madam Song pretended to look stern: "How could I forget my eldest granddaughter?"
Song Mingsi took the opportunity to throw herself into the Old Madam's arms and acted spoiled: "I am just joking. Second Sister suffered so much on the way to the Capital City; now that she has returned, she should naturally receive more love."
Old Madam Song patted her back gently, her tone doting: "I knew you were the most sensible."
Song Mingsi lifted her face from her grandmother's arms and looked at Song Yi'an with a smile: "Sister Yi'an, how old are you this year?"
Song Yi'an replied: "I am seven years old."
"Seven years old, that is just the age to start school. The younger brothers and sisters in the manor all start their studies around this time; it just so happens that Sister Yi'an can have company with Zeyue."
Old Madam Song was silent for a moment: "It is indeed that age. At that time, Zeyue was weak, and Madam Xu could not bear to part with him, so he stayed back for a year. It is time to send them to school together."
Song Yi'an muttered to herself that the chubby boy did not look weak at all; it was most likely a pretense.
Moreover, she did not want to attend any private school. This trip to the Capital City made her realize that she must make herself strong as quickly as possible, otherwise, anyone could come and trample on her.
Where would she find the leisure time to study those books that were useless to her? Great Yao did not hold imperial examinations for women, so attending school was truly a waste of time for her.
She came up with a plan, feigned a pitiful look, and tugged at Madam Gu's sleeve: "Mother, Yi'an is afraid of strangers. I still want to stay with Mother a little longer. Can I go next year instead?"
She had already made up her mind to pretend to be sick next year to avoid it.
Seeing her daughter like this, Madam Gu felt heartache, and her face was tinged with worry: "Mother, Yi'an is still so young and has such a simple nature. Won't she be bullied if she is sent to the private school now?"
Song Yili, who was on the side, heard this and hurriedly tugged at his mother's sleeve, saying earnestly: "Mother, I will take good care of my sister and will never let anyone bully her."
Song Yi'an secretly glared at her brother; this was simply making things worse.
Song Yili received his sister's look and was at a loss; had he made his sister unhappy again?
Old Madam Song observed the expressions of the three and hesitated to speak.
She thought to herself that with this little girl's clever and bold nature, it would be a blessing if she didn't bully her classmates when the time came.
Outside the courtyard, Prime Minister Song, who had heard a rough idea of the conversation inside, instantly guessed his little granddaughter's thoughts.
However, according to the Song Family's ancestral teachings, the younger generation, regardless of gender, must attend school to read the Five Classics and understand reason and righteousness.
"There is no need to attend the private school," came the steady and deep voice of Prime Minister Song from outside the door.
Upon hearing this, Song Yi'an's face immediately beamed with joy.
Prime Minister Song strode into the hall and walked straight to the main seat to sit down.
Song Mingsi immediately stood up, took the bowl and chopsticks from Nanny Zhou's hand, and skillfully set them for her grandfather.
Prime Minister Song's gaze swept over everyone and finally landed on Song Yi'an's bright, sparkling eyes, saying in an unquestionable tone: "From tomorrow on, you will come to the study room in the front courtyard every day at noon, and I will teach you myself."
Song Yi'an stopped smiling instantly.
She blinked her eyes and said ingratiatingly: "Grandfather, you are busy with a thousand tasks; your granddaughter does not dare to delay your time."
Having the old man teach her himself—just thinking about the dull and oppressive atmosphere in that study room, and the fact that he would surely be strict to the extreme, she felt her vision go dark. This was even worse than studying in the private school; at least that would be more free.
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