After Madam Song returned, she indeed sent Nanny Fang with half a catty of official bird's nest, and in addition to that, a whole piece of mountain ginseng.
Nanny Fang took Palace Attendant's hand, pressed a wallet into it, and said with a smile, "Our madam said that you've done a great job taking care of the Empress Dowager. This is a reward for you to buy some wine."
Palace Attendant couldn't refuse, so she tucked it into her sleeve and said, "Madam's intentions are clear, the Empress Dowager knows it well, so you can rest assured."
Nanny Fang praised her a few more times before turning to leave.
Palace Attendant watched her figure disappear before entering the room, showing all the things Madam had sent to Song Ci, while discreetly praising Madam.
"...After all, she comes from the Marquis Mansion. Her virtue is undeniable, the Empress Dowager is truly blessed."
Song Ci, having been in the entertainment circle for many years and considered savvy, listened and looked at her: "How many benefits did she give you for you to speak so well of her?"
Palace Attendant's heart skipped a beat, but her face remained smiling, and she brought out the wallet from her sleeve: "Nothing escapes you, Empress Dowager. Isn't it just that I got this pretty little wallet? You know, that girl named Jie Gen by Madam's side has an extraordinary talent for needlework. You've praised it too. Didn't this come from her?"
Song Ci showed some interest, took it, looked it over, and opened the wallet. Inside was a beautiful little plum blossom gold shell. After playing with it for a while, she put it back and handed it to her again: "It is quite exquisite."
"If the Empress Dowager likes it, why not keep it?"
Song Ci shook her head: "It was meant for you, so you keep it."
She remembered this old nanny, seemingly bestowed by the Empress Dowager to assist her, like an old Palace Attendant left over from the previous dynasty, highly effective and familiar with protocol, arguably the most distinguished servant in the Song Family.
Seeing her expression was not false or annoyed, Palace Attendant put the wallet away.
"Empress Dowager, are you bored and wish to hear a book?"
Song Ci shook her head: "Have someone prepare water to assist me in bathing."
At her word, Palace Attendant waved, and a maidservant went to prepare.
In a moment, Song Ci was helped up. After just a few steps, she was panting and looked like she was about to collapse on the ground, finally being carried into the bathing room by a tall and strong washerwoman.
Song Ci almost wanted to cry. Was her body really this weak?
"Empress Dowager, this old servant will help you undress." Palace Attendant stepped forward to remove Song Ci's clothes.
Song Ci wanted to say she could do it herself, but as soon as she raised her hand, it fell weakly back down.
Seeing her look so bleak, Palace Attendant skillfully undressed her while saying, "The Empress Dowager is just recovering from illness. After some recuperation, you'll feel better."
"Mm."
Suddenly feeling a chill, Song Ci lowered her eyes and let out a sharp cry.
"Empress Dowager, what happened?" Palace Attendant was startled, fearing she had touched somewhere inappropriate.
Song Ci stared dumbly at her own chest, silent for a long time, and instinctively touched it twice, her mouth drooping.
Was this still a chest? Sagging, wrinkled, atrophied, like a deflated rubber ball, flat and collapsed.
Song Ci sniffed and said, "It's nothing, let's go to the tub."
The washerwoman quickly stepped forward, picked her up, and placed her steadily into the tub.
Song Ci glanced again at her chest above the water, feeling devastated. Her once-proud 34D had vanished, becoming two empty sacks.
Indeed, as people age, so do the bosoms!
Palace Attendant looked curiously at Song Ci. Why had the Empress Dowager suddenly taken an interest in her own body?