The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Upon hearing Song Zhiqing’s somewhat impatient tone, Song Zi’s eyebrows furrowed, and her smile faded a little.

“In Third Brother’s view, am I unwelcome here?”

Song Zhiqing chuckled: “Not quite unwelcome. Your Lin Family is now prosperous and wealthy, suddenly aligning with the Crown Prince. I, a mere invalid, am hardly worth your efforts to endear yourselves. After all, I am not like Eldest Brother, the Prime Minister wielding power, nor like Jie, the good son who serves as the Crown Prince’s Study Companion.”

Song Zi was so furious her chest heaved, and she stood up briskly, glaring at Song Zhiqing: “What do you mean by this, Third Brother? If you think I’m someone who curries favor, just say it outright. Why be so sarcastic?”

Disappointment flickered in her eyes; ever since the incident happened to Song Zhiqing, he had grown increasingly eccentric, but she paid no mind. After all, encountering such a tragedy would be difficult for anyone to accept.

Yet now, he was so sarcastic, seemingly disdainful of her, which she could not endure.

They were siblings, not enemies. Did she owe him something?

Shen muttered silently about Song Zhiqing’s lack of tact. He was disabled, but couldn’t he think about his sons? Unable to shoulder responsibilities for them, naturally, one would rely on capable uncles, brothers, or even in-laws.

But Song Zhiqing was bent on offending, seeking only to satisfy his mouth. He was truly selfish to the extreme.

Though displeased, Shen did not show it on her face. Instead, she gently advised: “Master, Zi is also seeking me for some private words to teach Lan’er. After all, she will enter the Eastern Palace, and more guidance would grant her confidence and prevent being crushed. As her uncle, you should hope for your niece’s prosperity, shouldn’t you?”

Song Zhiqing sneered: “I’m just afraid some may not recognize good intentions.”

Shen encouraged: “You are siblings. What cannot be spoken openly? Talk while I prepare some hangover soup for you. Zi, today’s feast is merry, and your brother had a few extra cups. Don’t take it to heart, alright?”

She exchanged a glance with Song Zi, nodded apologetically, and then receded.

Song Zi took a deep breath and said: “Third Brother, I do not intend to argue with you nor to defend myself. If you dislike seeing me, I will leave.”

As she walked out, feeling somewhat unresolved, she paused and said: “Do you still remember your diligent years of study, Third Brother? Working hard to prove to the world that Song Zhiqing is no less than anyone else. Later, you passed the exams and became an official, thriving, ambitious. Otherwise, how else could you and Sister-in-law establish yourselves so quickly, with both children? But then, you changed. When was it? When Sister-in-law returned to the capital and you married the Bai family? Or when you too returned to the capital? If only I had known, you’d have stayed in Shanxi.”

She spoke plaintively, but Song Zhiqing, hearing it, grew angry, his voice sharp: “Do you think I wanted the life I have now? It’s not due to any benevolence but thanks to others. You think you know something; does the Bodhisattva you trust intend to slash your feet or wings from behind?”

Song Zi’s heart chilled as she turned to him: “What do you mean?”

Song Zhiqing’s eyes flickered and he said: “I merely advise you not to trust people too much. Some may not be as gentle and amiable as they appear.”

Song Zi swallowed and said: “I don’t know where you overheard some dubious remarks, Third Brother, but you’re no fool. In a few years, you’ll be a grandfather. You should have the insight to discern right and wrong.”