Song Ci and the palace nanny were looking over the list of imperial gifts bestowed upon the palace. The rewards from Cining Palace and Emperor Chu were the most generous, followed by those from the Empress’s palace and several other concubines, which were also substantial.

"Consort Fan and Consort De and Consort Hui received particularly lavish rewards this year, as if they had researched how to outdo each other. Is this how all the households are rewarded?" Song Ci reviewed the list and couldn’t help but be taken aback.

It’s too extravagant. Are all the concubines this wealthy? Aren’t palace concubines supposed to live well by being frugal? Often, their funds are quite tight because each palace has limited resources, which are hardly sufficient for anything useful. Not to mention the endless expenses during holidays, rewarding palace maids and eunuchs, or granting to external families, which is truly a bottomless pit.

So they rely entirely on family support. Likewise, if a family doesn’t have money, it’s easy to imagine how they can’t sustain a wealthy concubine, which is truly a drain on resources.

The palace nanny said, "How could that be possible? People have different classes, and so do the honored families in the capital. Everyone is ranked. If everyone received such substantial rewards, even with a lot of silver, it wouldn’t be enough to spread around."

That’s certainly true.

"The lavish rewards this year are mainly because Prime Minister Fan is in mourning. Among the current prime ministers, our Prime Minister Song stands alone and is favored by both the Emperor and Empress Dowager. No matter whether they aim to please the Song Family or the Emperor and Empress Dowager, they have to follow suit with generous rewards." The palace nanny lowered her voice and added, "However, I guess they are mostly trying to win over Prime Minister Song, preparing for the succession."

Song Ci raised her eyebrows and added mysteriously, "So this is an open form of bribery." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

The two exchanged a knowing look, their eyes saying they understood each other.

"The world is bustling for profit; that’s true." Song Ci clicked her tongue and added a rather cutting remark, "No wonder so many people want to become officials. Once you become a high-ranking official, you really get rich just lying down."

As for her, she couldn’t become an official but was the mother of a high-ranking official, effortlessly enjoying great fortune, continuously ’receiving bribes’ and feeling delighted.

"Madam, Master Buhui and Doctor Lin have arrived for pulse examination." Chun Fen lifted the curtain and reported.

Upon hearing this, Song Ci smiled and said, "Let them in."

Chun Fen held the curtain as Buhui and Lin Qing entered one after the other.

"Master, you came at the perfect time. The palace has bestowed gifts, specifically naming you. Palace nanny, give the list to Master." Song Ci glanced at the palace nanny.

The palace nanny pulled out a list and handed it to Buhui with both hands.

Buhui casually took it and handed it to Lin Qing, "Monks don’t care for worldly possessions. Xiao Lin Qing, look at what catches your eye, take a couple of items as keepsakes, and the rest convert it for the Madam."

Lin Qing hurriedly said, "These are rewards for the Master; how dare I accept them."

"The reward to me means it’s mine. As your mentor, I’m gifting you, so take it."

Song Ci raised her eyebrows and said, "Rare to see the Master so generous. A Qing, pick two items. I see there’s a medical script on difficult miscellaneous cases, and there’s also a thousand taels of gold and four jars of hundred-year-old imperial wine..."

Buhui’s eyes flickered, and he immediately said, "Gold is a filthy thing. Xiao Lin Qing, don’t touch it; leave it for the Master to gild the Buddha’s golden body. As for the liquor, girls shouldn’t drink alcohol, it’s not appropriate for you."

Lin Qing pursed her lips and giggled, "Alright."

Song Ci looked at Master Buhui with half a smile, "Master, you are really an unusual monk. The vows on emptiness and detachment seem to be mere words for you."

Buhui clasped his hands, remained composed, and said, "Amitabha, there is Buddha in my heart. Isn’t Madame the same?"

You too are a false devotee; don’t mock a fellow by degrees.

Song Ci exchanged a glance with him, raising her eyebrow, "Master is right."

The palace nanny and Lin Qing: "..."

It felt like their expressions were identical, both equally mischievous.