The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Ruqi left the main courtyard and proceeded to the small study to bid farewell to Song Zhiyuan, but facing her father, she was not as comfortable as with her grandmother and mother, instead showing cautious respect.

Song Zhiyuan said, ”Since you have gone to your grandmother and mother, I suppose they have already given you much advice. I will just add a few different things.”

Song Ruqi immediately replied respectfully, ”Please, Father, enlighten me.”

”The waters in Jiangnan run deep, and the family and marital relationships are complex. When interacting with others, you must not wholly trust them, always retain a third of your trust to prevent being manipulated without realizing it. Especially regarding matters involving court politics, be very careful and cautious, avoid impulsiveness, because the inner residence and the court are closely linked. Every word the other says should be dissected and pondered thoroughly.”

”You will be going to Jiangnan as an Imperial Decree holder of the Fourth Rank, technically detached from the Duke Mansion and becoming your own mistress. There, you are the mistress of your own small household, making all decisions on your own. As they say, without rules, nothing can be accomplished. As the mistress, the rules you establish must be strict and clear. Should any servants ignore them, you must make an example of them immediately to warn others. Once you let something slide once, it will happen a second and third time.”

Song Zhiyuan, holding a string of beads in his hand, continued, ”Though you are young, as your father, I hope you remember not to panic in emergencies, not to act chaotically in handling affairs. Whether dealing with subordinates or adversaries or managing affairs, be decisive in your actions, never indecisive because hesitation is the source of failure; failing to act when necessary will lead to chaos.”

Song Ruqi was deeply moved, and bowed down, ”Daughter will remember Father’s teachings.”

Song Zhiyuan raised his hand and said, ”Stand up. Remember well what I said today. After all, you are now a mother yourself. Parents can protect you, but they cannot live your life for you. Everyone’s path must be walked by themselves, whether it becomes a smooth road or one filled with thorns; it all depends on your actions.”

Song Ruqi nodded tearfully.

Song Zhiyuan then took a scroll from the desk beside him and handed it over, ”You are about to travel far away. I have nothing else to give you but this piece of calligraphy. May you understand its meaning, and be cautious in conducting yourself.”

Song Ruqi knelt down, accepting the arm-length scroll with both hands as if it weighed a thousand pounds, for it bore the heavy expectations of a father.

She placed the scroll before her knees, rested both hands on the ground, and respectfully kowtowed thrice.

”Daughter bids farewell to Father, wishing for his health and well-being in all matters.”

Song Zhiyuan gave a faint smile and, in the end, could not hold back, reaching out to brush the top of her head: ”Go on.”

Song Ruqi’s tears fell, and she took up the scroll to rise, once again bowing in a salute.

Song Zhiyuan, smiling with his hands behind his back, waited until she was about to leave, then spoke again, ”Qi’er, remember, you are the legitimate daughter of me, Song Zhiyuan, and the Song Family is your support.”

Song Ruqi turned her head sharply, looked at him, and nodded with a smile.

Song Zhiyuan waved his hand, and after the daughter left the study, he sighed.

”Prime Minister, should we prepare the carriage for the Duke Dingguo Mansion?” The servant Fu Quan appeared at the door of the study and asked respectfully.

”Yes, bring along the top-quality Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao that the Emperor awarded the other day.”

”Understood.”

Song Ruqi left the Prime Minister’s Mansion, sitting in the carriage, finally managing to stop her tears as she slowly opened the scroll she had been holding all along.

It was a piece of calligraphy by Song Zhiyuan, written on the finest Xuan paper, stamped with his great seal, with two verses written on it.

Without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand miles;

Without accumulating small streams, one cannot form a river or sea.

Song Ruqi pondered the meaning of the words carefully, and tears welled up again, but when she touched the Ruyi hairpin in her hair, a slight smile appeared on her face.