The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 723: Chapter 723: The Youth Wants to Join the Military

Faced with the question from his twin brother, Song Lingzhao shed his usual carefree and heartless image, showing a look of youthful worry, which appeared quite strange to Song Lingjie.

It seems he’s encountered a major dilemma.

”I am indeed a bit confused, Jie. Among the several brothers in the family, aside from the youngest two, it seems the rest of us have our futures laid out,” Song Lingzhao said softly, gazing at the twilight sky. ”Let’s not talk about you—being the study companion to the crown prince; in the future, at worst, you will be part of the advisory ministers assisting him. Even if things go awry, with your intellect, you can still enter public service. After all, everyone acknowledges your cleverness.”

The fact that his brother could listen in on governmental affairs in Grandfather’s study was a signal of recognition—why else would they not call me?

”And as for our elder brother, being the last disciple of Grandmaster Fu, even if he doesn’t want to enter officialdom after passing the examinations, he could still become a renowned scholar. As for Lingzhou, you’ve seen how skillful his hands are; if Uncle is willing, he might follow the Mo Family’s path.”

Song Lingzhou, though fond of food, is also skillful with his hands and has a knack for crafting and ingenious techniques. If he could complete his apprenticeship, he might make a name for himself.

Of course, family support is critical. The Song Family’s main path is that of scholars. Would Uncle and Aunt consent to their only legitimate son becoming a craftsman, which some might view as lacking prospects or losing oneself in trivial pursuits? It’s likely to be difficult.

After all, these are matters of the future; it’s too early to speculate now.

Song Lingjie patted his brother’s shoulder, quite pleased.

He spends his days wielding swords and lances, his temperament hearty and carefree to the point of recklessness, yet his insight into people and affairs is still sharp and accurate.

This is quite rare.

Rare for someone who claims that if one can take action, there’s no need for words, to actually think things through.

Song Lingzhao felt there was some hidden meaning in his younger brother’s gaze, but he didn’t understand it and continued, ”Let’s not talk about the two youngsters. What about me? You know I don’t have a brain for studying. What future should I plan for?”

Song Lingjie: ”Do you want to join the military?”

”Do you think I can?” Song Lingzhao’s eyes lit up, and his whole face seemed to glow.

Yet Song Lingjie’s heart sank slightly. He had long guessed his brother, who spent all day with weapons and frequently stayed at Prince Dingbei’s Mansion asking Fourth Aunt for guidance, was destined to tread further down the path of a military life.

As expected.

Seeing him silent, the light in Song Lingzhao’s eyes gradually dimmed: ”I guess I can’t. I knew it.”

The Song Family produced one prime minister, following the path of civil servants. Uncle also holds a fifth-rank position in the court. In years to come, both our elder and younger brothers are likely to pursue the civil servant route as well. In such a situation, can there still be a military general among us?

Even though Song Lingzhao is a bit simple-minded, he knows that after our uncle’s appointment to a first-rank position, the Song Family is now quite prominent, evident from our sisters’ marriages.

If someone else joins the military, it would not be like pouring oil on a fire but directly roasting everything.

Yet, does he really need to sacrifice his dreams for the sake of the family?

”If you truly wish to achieve great things, it is not impossible, but it must be done stealthily,” Song Lingjie said calmly. ”If spoken aloud, Grandfather might not hesitate, but Father and Mother are unlikely to consent.”

The more robust a family with both civil and military backgrounds becomes, the more likely it is to draw suspicion from those in power. However, if carefully strategized, it might be possible to continue the family’s prosperity.