The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 925: Chapter 925: Teasing My Own Son

When Song Ci received a small basket of lychees bestowed by Empress Dowager Wang, she also received news brought back by Song Zhicheng.

As for Song Lingzhao’s matter, let him handle it himself.

Regarding the decision of her astute son, Song Ci had anticipated it long ago. If the Prime Minister couldn’t handle his nephew’s enlistment, it would be a great embarrassment.

”Since it’s like this, go back and comfort your wife. When children travel far, mothers worry. With Zhao’er joining the military, she should be the most concerned.”

Song Zhicheng smiled and said, ”Mother, rest assured, Ying Niang will be upset for a few days at most, then she’ll be fine.”

Song Ci shook her head and said, ”That’s not how it works. Raising a child for a hundred years is to worry for ninety-nine. Even with them around, there’s concern, let alone when they are not. Just because she doesn’t show it on her face doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel sad inside. After all, he’s her own son, there’s a bond between mother and child.”

Upon hearing this, Song Zhicheng quickly stood up and agreed.

Song Ci continued, ”It’s well that you’ve resigned from that idle post now. With Zhao’er joining the military and Jie’er serving as a study companion in the palace, if he passes the imperial examination next year, our family’s prominence is inevitable. You’ve only just started experiencing the taste of being an official, are you willing to let it go?”

”Oh, mother, isn’t this kind of belittling to your son? I’m not cut out to be an official anyway, what’s there not to give up? I resigned this position, but Ying Niang’s Imperial Decree is still in place. If those two little brats succeed in the future, her Imperial Decree would be more justified. As for me, being a wealthy idle person isn’t bad at all. In fact, there’s enough managing of external affairs for our mansion already, not really that idle. This position was mostly just for the salary anyway, otherwise, where would I find the time?”

Song Ci knew that among those in office, truly honest officials living in poverty are rare. Even if there are, they can be counted on one hand.

In the Great Qing, relying solely on salary would have starved many officials a long time ago. To support a family, one still depends on the family’s various matters, like some fields, understated businesses, or shares presented by some merchants.

Take Song Mansion, Song Ci knew Song Zhiyuan took a 20% share in the Great Qing Money House, along with other things he could take, he did take.

Not to say Song Zhiyuan was greedy, but he understands at his level that the too clear waters have no fish. What should be taken, he takes; what he shouldn’t touch, he doesn’t touch at all, nor does he allow family members to, such as tea, salt, iron, and mines.

Besides what others honor him with, the family also has some understated businesses that need management, all of which require a reliable person, which is precisely Song Zhicheng’s responsibility.

”I originally thought that if Zhao’er couldn’t continue his studies, I’d let him take over my role in the future, but now that’s not possible. Eventually, we’ll have to find someone reliable to take over,” Song Zhicheng said with a laugh. ”Mother, you’ve raised us well. Our family tends to produce officials achieving great things. Looks like I should bring in a son-in-law for Yuanyuan to carry on the mantle.”

Song Ci spat at him: ”Forget it! You have two sons yourself, why bring in someone? No need to create conflicts between siblings over interests, it wouldn’t be good. Loving a daughter doesn’t mean overdoing it. Just find a decent son-in-law nearby, but bringing in a son-in-law—it’s not happening. You better drop this idea immediately.”

Song Zhicheng responded sheepishly, ”I was just saying, mother, you took it seriously.”

”I’m worried you’ll take what you say seriously, after all, you’re both doting parents, so I’m stopping you now,” Song Ci said with a snort. ”Go home and comfort your wife. Xiaoman, pack some lychees for the second young master to take home and have a taste.”

Song Zhicheng laughed and thanked her.