The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

To accumulate military achievements, gaining rewards from a confrontation on the battlefield will suffice.

However, speaking of it is easy; doing it is not, as there are many people on the battlefield, especially for those first-timers without experience. Getting injured is inevitable. If one’s fate is unfortunate, it’s possible to meet misfortune on the first battle.

For Jiang family to believe that Song Lingzhao accumulated these military achievements without a single injury is self-deception; even a reincarnated war god wouldn’t be so capable, especially for a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old child.

But since the letter didn’t mention this, it’s hard to guess; one can only hope for the best. For Song Lingzhao to send a letter of congratulations indicates that everything is moving in a positive direction.

But Jiang family has a mother, and worry is inevitable.

Song Ci looked at the two grandsons and smiled: ”Though the rank is the smallest, a corporal, it’s still an official. Zhao’er achieved his official status through strength at the age of fifteen. You two brothers need to work harder, don’t fall too far behind him.”

Song Lingsu and Song Lingjie exchanged glances and said with a smile: ”We heed grandmother’s teachings.”

Madam Song also smiled: ”Your grandmother is right. The sons of the Song family must be outstanding. Now that Zhao’er has made good progress, you two brothers must follow suit. The next generation of the family depends on you brothers to maintain our reputation.”

Song Lingzhao has made good progress, which makes Madam Song happy. They are all sons of the Song family and direct nephews; with such achievements, the future support for her own sons is beneficial for the family’s development.

...

Stepping out of Chunhui Hall, Song Lingsu exchanged another glance with Song Lingjie, both showing a wry smile.

”Second brother’s achievements are putting pressure on us.”

Song Lingjie smiled: ”Indeed, we underestimated him. Usually seeing him as a bit meek, yet he is the first among us to obtain an official status.”

Though his tone carried slight disdain, it did not hide the pride for the other.

Song Lingsu, with his hands behind his back, said: ”This is called quietly accomplishing great things.”

Song Lingjie: ”After you settle the engagement, I’m preparing to head south for exams.”

”So soon?” Song Lingsu was surprised.

Song Lingjie replied: ”I’ve already discussed it with uncle, and he too suggests I depart early. Traveling south, observing and pondering along the way, could offer more insights for the exams. This time, I plan to take the Children’s Exam, Academy Exam, and Provincial Exam all together.”

Song Lingsu’s eyes widened.

Seeing him stunned, Song Lingjie laughed: ”There’s no need to be so shocked. I’m confident in the Children’s Exam and view the Provincial Exam as testing the waters, understanding my capabilities as a chance to assess my own skill level.”

Song Lingsu felt shaken internally, saying: ”You’re more strategic than me.”

Lowering his gaze, Song Lingjie said: ”To apply what I’ve learned, I don’t want to waste years of lessons from my teacher and uncle.”

Song Lingsu felt a bit ashamed as he listened; despite being the eldest son with renowned teachers, he was not as steady and mature as his cousin.

He is far inferior.

Thinking about his own accomplishments, he said: ”Third brother, when the time comes, I will accompany you to the Provincial Exam.”

”Why, have you been provoked?”

Full of remorse yet feeling relieved, Song Lingsu said: ”You and second brother are both so proactive. As the eldest son of the main branch, I can’t let myself be outdone by you brothers. Moreover...”

His face reddened, he stammered: ”With a scholar status, imagine welcoming the bride making the Yue family’s reputation shine more brightly.”

Blinking in surprise, then laughing, Song Lingjie said: ”It’s all to win a smile from your future sister-in-law?”

”You!” Song Lingsu spat at him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder, ”Come, let’s call fourth brother. The brothers will drink one or two in celebration of second brother becoming an official.”