The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 104: Chapter 104 Following the Emperor

As long as they don’t see through it, Song Ci quickly took a sip of tea to calm her nerves.

Song Zhiyuan sat back down and said, ”Mother, not to hide anything from you, but the delay in Qi’er’s marriage has indeed made me have thoughts of looking at things from a higher perspective. Our Song Family, born from a Poor Family, lacks that noble status compared to others. I also know that behind our backs, many noble families still call us country bumpkins who have washed their feet to step onto the fields. They even deem you, Mother, as coarse and ignorant.”

His tone was somewhat melancholic and pained as he spoke these words.

It was just for this one breath of dignity that he wanted to climb to higher ranks—being related to the royal family must be noble enough, right?

Song Ci made a noise, crossed her legs, and said, ”Eldest Son, you’ve already reached this position, and you’re still upset by others’ mocking words? The claim that the Song Family is just a bunch of bumpkins is not incorrect, we are indeed such, but so what? Is it not you who sits in the Prime Minister’s position now? Besides, the Great Qing was founded only a little over thirty years ago. Would anyone dare say that the Emperor’s family were not also bumpkins who washed their feet to step onto the fields?”

Uh.

Song Zhiyuan’s mouth twitched slightly, somewhat speechless, because his mother was right.

Indeed, the Great Qing has been founded for only a few decades. The previous Emperor, in his youth, endured a lot of hardships, seeking refuge with various feudal lords before finally raising a flag of rebellion, successfully establishing the Great Qing, and becoming the Emperor. Just a few years after ascending the throne, he died of illness, passing the throne to the current Emperor.

The current Emperor is grand in vision and strategy, magnanimous and kind, adept at recognizing talent and treating scholars well, persistently reforming despite setbacks, leading to today’s prosperity where the people of the Great Qing live in peace and joy. Yet, even so, there are still small countries that cannot resist invading. For the Great Qing to become a top-tier, famed nation, it still requires a long time.

”So, Eldest Son, don’t be provoked by those few mocking words. The Great Qing is quietly accumulating strength, and so should the Song Family. To become a noble family, it takes the effort of three generations; slow and steady wins the race is the right path. Marrying a daughter into the royal family, though it brings temporary wealth and honor, who knows if it would tie us to the royal scions? Then, we would have no choice but to strive for power. If we win, it’s good, but if we lose, it’s the end for the whole family, like your rival.”

Song Zhiyuan: ”Are you referring to the Fan Family?”

”Didn’t the Fan Family have a concubine who bore a prince? Look at how the Emperor treats the Fan Family. Does he trust them or guard against them?” Song Ci cracked a sunflower seed and said, ”The Emperor is still in his prime now, so it’s fine, but just wait a few more years. The longer one sits on the throne, the more suspicious they become.”

Such has been the case since ancient times, with emperors all the same.

Sitting on the highest throne, enjoying the power over the world, who wishes to die, who doesn’t wish for everlasting life?

So, by then, whoever they look at will have them thinking, is this person trying to usurp my foundation, trying to overthrow me?

”Mother, please speak softer, walls have ears.” Song Zhiyuan said, somewhat helpless.

Song Ci immediately covered her mouth and whispered, ”He wouldn’t have spies in my courtyard, would he?”

Song Zhiyuan was amused, shook his head.

Song Ci breathed a sigh of relief, patted her chest, and said, ”You frightened me. This topic ends here. In short, Eldest Son, we won’t select a concubine from our family. It’s best to settle Qi’er’s matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, if those harem mistresses start eyeing her, whether you want to select or not, you might have to, and that would be troublesome.”

”I’ll listen to you, Mother.” Song Zhiyuan thought to himself, indeed, it’s time to make new plans.

”Well, I haven’t achieved much, and I don’t understand many grand truths. Just always remember, the Emperor’s mind is hard to predict. Eldest Son, for the Song Family to enjoy wealth and honor, just remember one thing, follow the Emperor.”