The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Ascend to the Skies?

As the saying goes, ”a wise old owl keeps silent and pretends to be deaf and dumb,” and Song Ci deeply agreed with this sentiment. Therefore, she chose to ignore the affairs of her son’s and daughter-in-law’s household. But what was going on with the Nanny, making small reports?

”So, does it mean that she has been embarrassed by her own family?” Song Ci raised her eyebrows as she looked at Nanny Gong and asked, ”Qi’er didn’t suffer any loss, right.”

Nanny Gong shook her head, ”Not exactly, the Marchioness of Duke Zhongyong Mansion does have some selfish motives but dare not act recklessly. At most, she just lets the two children meet once. Unfortunately, our Second Miss, seems to lack the same intent.”

Song Ci pursed her lips, smiling lightly, ”I really couldn’t tell, that child is quite ambitious.”

She thought that these ancient young ladies were innocent and pure, that they valued love above all, judging by appearances, falling head over heels for a distinguished and elegant youth. It seemed she was shallow in her thinking; some people are indeed very rational.

Like her family’s Second Miss Song.

Nanny Gong handed her a camellia, saying, ”Speaking of lofty ambitions, it’s something inspired by the Prime Minister and the others.”

Song Ci paused with the scissors in her hand, looking at Nanny Gong with some confusion.

Seeing her bewilderment, Nanny Gong said, ”The Madam also knows, that our Second Miss is going to come of age at the end of this year, but she hasn’t been engaged yet. Meanwhile, in the palace, there are three Princes eligible for choosing a Prince Consort, not to mention, they have already started attending court to listen to affairs.”

Song Ci listened, her brows furrowed, and said, ”Are you saying that Dalang and the others want to elevate Qi’er to high status?”

”Elevate to high status,” those words were novel, but they did fit the context. Nanny Gong nodded, ”This old servant can’t be certain, but even if not a Prince Consort, there are several Prince Mansions in the capital, and some Princely Heirs have yet to be betrothed. This is also my speculation, the Prime Minister’s thoughts are not easily guessed by others.”

Song Ci snapped off the excess branches of the camellia with a ”crack.”

”The Song Family does not need to produce a Prince Consort.”

Nanny Gong raised her eyebrows, looking at her, ”What does Madam mean?”

”Nanny Gong, it’s hard to fathom people’s minds, even harder with the minds of those in power. Dalang is currently highly esteemed among ministers, but to speak frankly, even though Dalang is talented, what the Song Family relies on is the deep favor of the emperor. What if this favor is no longer with the Song Family? Then this position would be as perilous as handling a burning coal. What the emperor grants can be taken back with just a word from his mouth.”

Song Ci placed the camellia into a large-bellied pastel porcelain vase and said, ”Currently, since the Crown Prince hasn’t been established, if the Song Family were to produce a Prince Consort, even if they don’t take sides in the future, no one would believe it, nor would the one at the top. Why invite such a threat to the family? The Song Family just needs to remain as loyal as they are now, sharing the emperor’s worries, and that is enough to ensure prosperity without needing a higher status to reinforce themselves.”

Nanny Gong’s eyes were filled with admiration, ”Madam has a discerning mind, seeing things clearly.”

Song Ci gave a self-deprecating smile, ”Oh, it’s only because I watched too much TV in the past...”

”Hmm?”

”It’s just from reading too many storybooks.” Song Ci covered up, picking up another camellia, ”There’s nothing else to say, just that with Qi’er’s temperament, she’s not suited to be some kind of Prince Consort or Princess. All her thoughts are written on her face, unable to scheme against others, she’d be cannon fodder in no time.”

”So, Madam means you don’t approve of Second Miss climbing up the social ladder.”

”Naturally, climbing the social ladder requires the fate to enjoy it. If you’re not careful, you might die in the attempt—what use is there in climbing the highest branch? Crushed to pieces and dead is one thing, but the most dreadful is implicating the family, and that would be a disaster leading to extermination.” Song Ci blurted out.

Nanny Gong: ”...”

It doesn’t sound like you are talking about your granddaughter.

But Song Ci let out an ”oh” and stood up, supporting herself on the table. Could it be that what the original old lady meant by asking her to protect the Song Family was this?