The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

After Guan Shuyan left the main courtyard, Duke Dingguo signaled Madam Guan’s trusted servant to guard the door, and led Madam Guan inside to talk.

Seeing him so cautious, Madam Guan realized that the subsequent conversation was likely meant to remain confidential.

As they sat by the table, Madam Guan spoke first: ”Prime Minister Song’s words are probably not that simple, right? Though he hopes for prosperity across generations, it seems as if after Si-Niang is married, she might be elevated, almost like she’s encroaching on her mother-in-law’s authority?”

Duke Dingguo replied, ”I fear that the future mother-in-law’s behavior during the Emperor’s recent illness didn’t meet the expectations of the elderly matron and Yunzhi. If that’s the case, with the elderly matron being unwell, it’s indeed necessary to support someone who can clearly take charge of the inner court, perhaps even the larger picture.” He sighed as he continued, ”Song Yunzhi is certainly planning ahead, calculating ten steps for every move, classic for not fighting an unprepared battle.”

Madam Guan, noticing the admiration in his tone, couldn’t help but smile: ”It seems you hold this future father-in-law in high regard, Lord.”

”Indeed, a son from a poor family, despite having a childhood bond with the Emperor, surely couldn’t rise purely by support alone if he lacked true talent?” Duke Dingguo remarked, ”Since he took office, regardless of whether his deeds seem nefarious or virtuous to the common people, his political achievements are clear.”

Madam Guan took a sip of tea.

”Therefore, provided Song Yunzhi doesn’t fall on hard times, possessing both courage and wisdom, fortune and strategy, I believe he will lead to the establishment of a true aristocracy.”

”As you said, if Prime Minister Song is aiming to cultivate Si-Niang to take charge of the family, it’s likely the future mother-in-law might be displeased, potentially causing friction between in-laws.” Madam Guan pursed her lips and said, ”Certainly, as a father-in-law, he’ll be there to support her, but in truth, the person she’ll interact with most will still be figures within the inner court. If there’s discord between in-laws, it will be very challenging.”

”To say there’d be discord might be an exaggeration; we all trust Si-Niang’s character. She is the eldest daughter-in-law, even if the future mother-in-law wishes to favor the second daughter-in-law, who knows how long that would last? Besides, the Prime Minister’s second son is being raised by the elderly matron herself, their relationship isn’t very close, and it seems unlikely he’d excessively favor the second son in the future.”

Duke Dingguo, stroking the side of his teacup, said, ”Don’t worry about these minor concerns—resolve them with humility and tact. What remains is seeing how far Si-Niang can go for Huaiyan. For now, let’s focus on broadening her horizons; so when she moves in, she’ll be able to handle whatever she encounters.”

Madam Guan nodded and sighed again, ”Being the legitimate eldest daughter-in-law of such a prestigious family, exhausting oneself over everything, it’s truly tiring.”

”You’re speaking nonsense; when a woman marries, should she worry any less if she marries into a less prestigious family? Even as a second daughter-in-law, there will eventually be a day to divide the family, won’t she need to plan for her small household as well?” Duke Dingguo said, ”Don’t underestimate my daughter’s shrewdness; as long as her days are fulfilling, meticulous planning is nothing significant. Who doesn’t have their own little schemes?”

”You really know how,” Madam Guan teased him, giving him a light scolding.

Duke Dingguo chuckled and said, ”Also, advise her to familiarize herself with the registry of noble families in the capital. As the legitimate eldest daughter-in-law, since the Song Family has yet to welcome a new bride from the next generation, once she’s married, she’ll surely accompany the elders for social events. After all, among the Song family’s young ladies, there’s only one legitimate daughter born from a concubine at the appropriate age. Familiarizing herself with the registry will prevent her from being unable to recognize people at social occasions.”

”I have already instructed her since the day of the engagement,” she responded.

Duke Dingguo narrowed his eyes and asked, ”Considering this, let me ask you, what do you think of the legitimate daughter of the second lord from An Yang Marquis Mansion?”