The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The Qingcheng Marquis said he didn’t want his granddaughter to become another Luo Shi, who preferred to marry into the uncle’s mansion as a widow rather than become Yuan Liren’s eldest daughter-in-law.

Yet Yuan Liren is not dead; not only is he alive, he married another woman, a Li Shi, with children from both wives. So he essentially has two wives: one chosen by his parents, the other by himself. In his view, both are lawful wives, but legally, who is the legitimate wife and who is the secondary one?

In any case, Yuan Liren is quite troubled now, indebted to everyone, like in folk tales where things get complicated.

If the Qingcheng Marquis insists on the Song Family honoring this verbal agreement, in the future, his granddaughter will likely end up like her aunt; even if it boosts the Qingcheng Marquis Mansion’s reputation, it would offend the Song Family.

This verbal agreement is not legitimate, making the Qingcheng Marquis anxious. After much deliberation, he must choose a good path forward.

”Now that the unworthy son has returned, you know as well, he and you were classmates, both legitimate Scholars, yet... nowadays, you are the Prime Minister, and he, having no occupation, devotes himself to Mo Family’s arts. Such scholarship has been all for naught these years.”

The Qingcheng Marquis, with a saddened expression, said: ”It’s one thing for him alone, but he has a wife and child. A person with only fame but no achievements, how can he support his family? Ultimately, people must yield to reality.”

Song Zhiyuan’s eyes flickered, and he said: ”You underestimate him, Brother Gui Ping, though he enjoys researching Mo Family’s arts, has indeed made contributions in Luzhou over the years, for example, inventing waterwheels to benefit the people. He understands water management, which benefits the nation and the people. How is this not meritorious?”

The Qingcheng Marquis’ eyes gleamed, yet he lamented: ”What use is that? They say, ’Learn both literary and martial arts to serve the Emperor’s family.’ No matter his talents, if he cannot serve the nation and the monarch, everything is in vain.”

At this point, pretending not to understand would be foolishness on Song Zhiyuan’s part.

He laughed and said: ”Actually, if Brother Gui Ping is willing, there will ultimately be a position for him in the Court. What the Emperor lacks are genuine talents who can work for the Great Qing, not those sly ministers who sell official positions and trade favors. Even now, the Ministry of Industry is in great need of talent, and next year the Emperor is considering holding special exams to select talents.”

The Qingcheng Marquis’ eyes twinkled, and he said: ”Yunzhi, today this old man is relying on age to plead with you. For the sake of having been your classmate, can you help that unworthy son a bit? Otherwise, look at his age, with no possessions, how can he support his family? Just thinking about it makes this old man worried bald.”

Speaking this, he stood up and bowed.

Song Zhiyuan quickly avoided it, saying: ”Listen to you, you and my father were close friends, and I and Brother Gui Ping were classmates, naturally, the relationship is special. So, with the year-end approaching, my family usually hosts a banquet on the fourth day. At that time, Brother Gui Ping is invited to the mansion, for a small drink or two?”

The Qingcheng Marquis was overjoyed, laughed, and agreed. He also said: ”Look, I’ve been here for quite a while, yet Brother Bo Ning is avoiding me. This won’t do; I must personally go call him up to ask if he still wants this Jade Ring he deposited with me. I’m too lazy to keep it for him.”

The agreement has been reached, treating the verbal agreement as null, with the precondition of Song Zhiyuan securing a position for Yuan Liren.

Song Zhiyuan didn’t point this out, but smiled: ”I’ll lead you over.”