The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Zhiyuan looked at his son-in-law, who was sweating profusely, hesitated for a moment, and then personally helped him up, giving him a pat on the shoulder.

”You’re quite honest. I didn’t say anything, and look how scared you are. Am I really that terrifying?”

Qi Zhen gave an awkward smile, ”Father-in-law, you’re joking.”

You really are terrifying.

”Treat Qi’er well, as young couples grow old together. She’s the wife you brought home with great fanfare, carried in a bridal sedan chair. If she’s living well, your career will be smooth. This is called mutual benefit. Otherwise, think about it, if your wife is constantly suspicious and making trouble, how can you focus on your work outside? As the saying goes, a wise wife brings less trouble to her husband. There’s truth in this. A wife who manages the household well gives you a warm meal and a peaceful homecoming, which makes for a pleasant mood, right?”

Qi Zhen was caught up in this reasoning, finding some sense in it, and nodded.

If Song Ci were here, she would’ve definitely said, ”Wake up, your father-in-law is brainwashing you, just like a pyramid scheme.”

Seeing his son-in-law a bit dazed, Song Zhiyuan suddenly asked, ”Now that Qi’er is pregnant and can’t take care of you, should I arrange for a couple of concubines?”

Qi Zhen snapped back to clarity and shook his head without thinking, ”No need.”

Song Zhiyuan smiled, hooked him around the shoulders, and walked a few steps with him, looking like they were close buddies, and said mysteriously, ”We’re all men here, we know our own bodies. If you really can’t handle it, and Qi’er doesn’t offer herself, I could have someone pick out two understanding ones for you?”

Qi Zhen was nearly in tears, wishing he could kneel down again.

Please spare me, I promise I’ll treat your daughter well.

What kind of father-in-law arranges concubines for his son-in-law? Isn’t this nonsense?

”Father-in-law, I really don’t need it. I have duties at the palace, I’m often not home for days, and I train in martial arts. I don’t have the time or desire for those romantic matters.”

Song Zhiyuan squinted at him, ”Really don’t need it?”

Qi Zhen shook his head like a rattle drum. No need, no need, really no need, just spare my life.

”Alright then, if you ever want it, just speak up. Just don’t go around making a mess outside. As for me, I focus on health and am not tempted by women, but I’m open-minded and not despotic, never forcing sons or sons-in-law to stick to one person like I do,” Song Zhiyuan said. ”I know my daughter. Even if she’s headstrong, if you face her openly, she won’t stop you.” Only come at you with a knife.

Qi Zhen offered a sheepish smile.

Song Zhiyuan spoke a bit more about official matters before letting him go, watching his son-in-law almost flee. He gave a chuckle.

In his eyes, virtue, benevolence, and kindness mean nothing. If Song Ruqi really gets hurt, his official position will be stripped, and his wings clipped.

Qi Zhen returned to Song Ruqi, who was sipping bird’s nest soup, and asked with a smile, ”Why did it take so long? What did father say to you?”

Qi Zhen smiled. Could he say he was nearly scared to wet himself in the father-in-law’s little study?

He only talked about going to Jiangnan next year.

Song Ruqi thought for a moment and said, ”Husband, are you truly willing in your heart?”

Qi Zhen felt a little tense inside, ”I’ve never thought of competing. What about you?”

Song Ruqi smiled, ”In the past, I was full of youthful arrogance and thought I could be a princess. But later, I realized I overestimated myself. I don’t have the ability to be a noblewoman like my elder sister. I’m content with managing a small family well, raising our children, having a harmonious family.”

Qi Zhen’s heart softened upon hearing this. He sat down and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, ”Don’t worry, we will.”

”Hmm.”