The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Qi Zhen was indeed still talking to Song Zhiyuan, of course, rather than chatting casually, it was more like receiving advice.

No matter what the second sister-in-law did, as the Duke Mansion has already made a decision, it’s necessary to report the matter to the Master Taishan.

Song Zhiyuan said, ”The Duke is a fair person, how he handles things is not my concern. Even if no action is taken, I won’t seek him out.”

Qi Zhen curled his lips, just about to flatter a little.

”I only come to you.”

Qi Zhen: ”...”

Song Zhiyuan: ”Though you and Qi’er were matched by the Emperor, if you truly become unruly, I have ways to disrupt this marriage. I consented because I value you as a person, capable and a man.”

Qi Zhen stood up straight, saying, ”Rest assured, Father-in-law. I will not let Qi’er suffer grievances.”

”Whether she suffers or not, it’s nothing much. Being a daughter-in-law, how many don’t suffer some grievances? They all endure it. Any big grievance you all should have faced.” Song Zhiyuan looked at him and said, ”Qi Zhen, if you fall for the same trick twice, it’s not stupidity, but incompetence.”

Qi Zhen stiffened his face, silently bowed his head, clenching his fists.

”You’re not young anymore, you should understand the feeling of having empty knees. People your age, with good luck, are grandfathers after a few years, yet you have no offspring. Others might not mind, but what about the family?” Song Zhiyuan played with two walnuts in his hand and said, ”I see your second brother has quite a few offspring, four sons.”

Qi Zhen frowned lightly.

”If you and Qi’er truly have no son, in the future you might have to adopt from your second brother.”

Qi Zhen turned pale, ”Father-in-law, we are still very young.”

”Yes, lucky you’re young. But what if you really don’t have one?”

Qi Zhen remained silent, his lips forming a straight line.

Song Zhiyuan glanced at him and said, ”I’m saying this not to sow discord between you brothers, but merely stating a possibility. Qi’er’s previous pregnancy remains an unresolved case till now; who’s behind it couldn’t possibly be you two, right?”

Qi Zhen thought of last year’s incident, a sharp pain stinging his heart.

”Let’s not dwell on past matters. Now that Qi’er is pregnant again, it must not be lost.” Song Zhiyuan said, ”Moreover, if you truly don’t want to engage in the Duke Mansion’s conflict, have no interest in the position of Princely Heir...”

”Father-in-law, I’ve never coveted that position. Eldest brother has already been appointed as Princely Heir.” Qi Zhen interrupted him.

Song Zhiyuan nodded, ”It should be so. Qi An is honest and generous, capable of maintaining what he has, and the Emperor thinks highly of him, not likely to change that position easily.”

Qi Zhen’s pupils contracted, indicating a revelation.

”Competing for what’s established isn’t meaningful. Next year after Qi’er gives birth, take her to Jiangnan to hone for a few years. You might swap positions for real authority, better than staying in the capital.” Song Zhiyuan added.

Qi Zhen was secretly delighted, Jiangnan being prosperous, with positions there granted real power due to father-in-law’s arrangements, highlighting the importance of having a powerful Yue family.

He knelt, giving a resounding bow to Song Zhiyuan: ”Thank you, Father-in-law, for making arrangements.”

Song Zhiyuan raised him up, saying, ”Your well-being ensures Qi’er’s well-being. Of course, if Qi’er isn’t well, then no one will be.”

This firm warning and protective attitude was indeed threatening.

With the weight of Taishan on his shoulders, it’s impossible not to bend under such pressure.

Qi Zhen’s cold sweat started flowing, kneeling once more to express his loyalty.