The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Zi removed her cloak, first warming herself by the charcoal brazier to dispel the chill, and then approached the two, respectfully making a bow.

Song Ci smiled and waved to her: ”The year-end is approaching, yet you aren’t occupied in the manor; how do you have time to return?”

Song Zi seated herself beside her, affectionately holding Song Ci’s arm, and replied: ”No matter how busy I am, I must take some time to come back and pay my respects to you. This time I’ve returned, first because that girl Zhihui is about to hold her coming-of-age ceremony, and I shamelessly request my sister-in-law to act as the principal guest. Secondly, in autumn, my husband bought a complete tiger skin from a merchant, and I’ve personally made several pairs of knee pads for mother, father, and you, elder brother.”

Song Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows slightly.

Song Zi looked toward the maid, who held a bundle and opened it, presenting several pairs of knee pads from within.

Song Ci took them and examined them closely, clicking her tongue in praise: ”These knee pads are rather warm, and the stitching is neat. Such fine pelts; wouldn’t it be better to keep them for yourself to make a cloak or something?”

”There are furs at home as well, lacking no cloak to wear.” Song Zi looked eagerly at Song Zhiyuan: ”You often accompany the Emperor; now that the weather is cold, you must also take care to keep your legs warm.”

Song Zhiyuan also took the pair of knee pads made for him, looked at them, and nodded: ”They are indeed well-made, you are considerate.”

Song Zi’s eyes arched with a smile, covering her mouth as she laughed: ”It’s good that elder brother doesn’t find them displeasing.”

Song Zhiyuan lazily remarked: ”Guangxiong has done well in the Ministry of Industry these past couple of years. During the disaster in the south this year, he went to help divert water and, together with Yuan Liren, achieved merit. The Emperor praised them greatly, and soon there will be rewards according to merit.”

Song Zi’s heart was delighted, and she laughed: ”My husband often remembers elder brother’s teachings, doing things solidly, not being adept at maneuvering otherwise. Elder brother knows, my husband is somewhat foolish.”

”If truly foolish, he wouldn’t have reached this position. Doing as he does now is quite satisfactory, working earnestly; as long as he achieves merit, having me as his brother-in-law behind him, no one will dare to claim his achievements illegitimately. Accumulating accomplishments, there’s no reason he couldn’t advance further.”

Upon hearing Song Zhiyuan’s promise, a touch of excitement appeared on Song Zi’s round face, and she said joyfully: ”Elder brother can rest assured, my husband wouldn’t dare fail to meet your expectations.”

Song Zhiyuan nodded: ”Tell him not to meddle in matters he shouldn’t, to mind his duties and fulfill his responsibilities; only by handling his internal affairs well will you and the children be safe. But if his ambitions grow too large, he could easily end up losing everything.”

Song Zi trembled slightly and stood up quickly, saying: ”My husband wouldn’t dare, I will also often remind him.”

”That’s good.” Song Zhiyuan then said: ”Also, regarding the studies of the two nephews, have Guangxiong focus on them as well; he himself is a scholar, and if he could advance further, reaching the fourth rank would be incredibly fortunate, though that might be his limit, considering where he comes from. Hence, the Lin Family’s future must rely on the children; educate them well, and the Lin Family will continue to thrive.”

”Speaking of which, I’m also shamelessly hoping to have Ming Hui learn from their two cousins; Su’er and Jie’er are so intelligent, having become scholars at such a young age.” Song Zi smiled and probed: ”I’m just afraid of interrupting the two nephews in their studies.”

”Su’er still needs to study with his teacher, and Jie’er must accompany the Crown Prince; indeed, they cannot be frequently seen. During the holidays, let them come over; they are close cousins, interaction is good. If they write anything, feel free to submit it to me for some commentary; of course, the most important is to have a renowned teacher instruct them. If you don’t mind, I could recommend one.”