The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 919: Chapter 919: Merely the Emperor’s Fortune

Song Lingzhao secretly went to enlist, passing the word from the family head, thus it was settled, but Song Zhiyuan wasn’t so cavalier. Instead, he operated in secret, writing a letter and sending it to a General named Sun Pengshan, who was part of his own group in the Northwest, yet he only instructed him to look after secretly.

Song Zhiyuan believed that whether a root could firmly take hold in a completely unfamiliar place still depended on one’s own abilities. If Song Lingzhao didn’t have such abilities and could only rely on the family to pave the way, he might as well come back early and not waste time.

Therefore, that letter of his was merely to entrust someone to look after secretly, without needing to show face and elevate him.

Sun Pengshan was famously upright and strict, and it was expected he would understand his intentions.

Song Zhicheng felt slightly relieved upon hearing his elder brother’s arrangements. In this way, that brat wouldn’t likely lose his life.

Except for life and death, no major matter, as long as there’s life, it’s good.

Apart from this, Song Zhiyuan did not plan to hide from the Emperor, so when the Emperor asked about the reason for Song Zhicheng and his son’s presence the following day, he didn’t conceal it but rather said with some sentiment that he was getting old, his children were all scheming, and had even dragged the Fifth Prince into the mix.

Why? Because in one of the designs, the Fifth Prince helped Song Lingjie ’fake’ it, making the Song Family firmly believe he stayed in the palace at the invitation of His Highness, which made the plan succeed.

Emperor Chu: ”...”

Your expression need not be so resentful, as if blaming me for not teaching my son well and leading him to be complicit.

”So, it turns out what that boy said about one day bowing before me in the palace with honor was referring to this.” Emperor Chu chuckled lightly: ”Joining the army at fourteen, indeed a brave heart, with lofty aspirations.”

Song Zhiyuan replied: ”Having ambition is a good thing, but whether he can become a great general is yet to be seen. What he considers paltry skills may not suffice on the battlefield.”

Emperor Chu glanced at him sidelong: ”Though your words seem dismissive, you must be secretly pleased. Your nephews, both scholarly and martial, the Song Family is blessed.”

Song Zhiyuan bowed with clasped hands: ”To learn both literature and martial arts, is to serve the Emperor’s family, a blessing for Your Majesty.”

Emperor Chu snorted lightly; he has learned the cunning ways of flattery.

”Your Majesty, this is the resignation letter of my second brother.” Song Zhiyuan took a note from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

Emperor Chu’s eye twitched and didn’t accept it.

Song Zhiyuan wasn’t concerned, saying: ”Though it is said that father and son serving in the same court speaks of loyalty, the Song Family already has my third brother and me serving together, there’s no need for more of such talk. The Emperor’s grace is remembered by the Song Family. The salary and position for my second brother should be left to those with merit.”

Emperor Chu laughed heartily: ”You assume that young Song Lingzhao is bound for great achievements? So soon to make his father make way for him?”

Song Zhiyuan shook his head: ”If we are to say Zhao’er has potential, it’s better to speak of Jie’er. I plan to let him participate in the examination next year.”

”You think so highly of this nephew?”

Song Zhiyuan smiled, his eyes showing undisguised admiration: ”He is a talent worth cultivating.”

Emperor Chu observed, playing with the large ring on his thumb, saying: ”It seems you indeed hold him in high esteem.”

From being a study companion to now scheduling an attempt at the examination, at home, he is tutored by scholars, and he attends lectures in the study room, Song Zhiyuan, as an uncle, spares no effort in paving the way for his nephew.

”In the family, there are only a few boys. It’s essential to cultivate someone capable of taking up the mantle.”

”Even if that person isn’t your biological son but your nephew?”

Song Zhiyuan’s expression tightened, bowing with clasped hands: ”A nephew is also a son, he is a child of the Song Family. Your Majesty, the successor I desire is one who can lead the Song Family through challenges, to ride the waves and reach glory.”