The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Exchanging Compliments

Wan Yicheng, originally named Wan Yongping, was four years old when he accompanied his parents on a family visit and encountered horse bandits. His parents were killed, and he narrowly escaped with his life. The clan arranged for him to stay with a paternal uncle. Naturally, there was a price to pay, as his family’s land and property were temporarily managed by the uncle’s family.

As Empress Dowager Wang mentioned, without familial ties, how kind could it be? The uncle’s family only took him in for the land’s sake, keeping him from starving, but this child had to do everything in that uncle’s household.

In short, he was a child of misfortune, suitable for adoption.

Song Ci felt a bit disheartened upon hearing this and sighed, ”Even when the world is at peace, there are always some treacherous bandits appearing.”

”Indeed,” came the response.

Song Ci did not delve deeper into this topic, for there has never been an era where doors needn’t be bolted at night. There will always be those who fall into the ways of evil and become vagabonds or bandits. In this world, there are only two kinds of people: the good and the bad.

”So, apart from him, his family is effectively extinguished. If he is adopted by your line, what about his side?” Song Ci was curious about this aspect.

”I have allowed him that if he can have descendants in the future, barring the eldest son and grandson, he can leave a branch for his biological parents,” Empress Dowager Wang said.

Song Ci praised, ”You truly are compassionate, with a Bodhisattva’s heart, Lady.”

Empress Dowager Wang sighed softly, ”Let’s put ourselves in his shoes, for we are all people of unfortunate destinies.”

”This child is unfortunate, yet he is also greatly fortunate, for he has encountered you, Empress Dowager,” Song Ci sincerely said.

Wan Yicheng experienced such a tragedy, which naturally makes him unfortunate. However, being chosen by Empress Dowager Wang is his great fortune because as long as he stays the course, even with a modest character, he can still soar from now on, bestowing blessings over three generations.

One could say he has hit a stroke of great fortune.

Empress Dowager Wang said, ”I only hope I have not chosen the wrong person. I do not demand much from him, only that he handles matters honestly, doesn’t deceive others, proliferates his lineage, and raises his offspring properly.”

Song Ci quickly responded, ”With proper nurturing, Lady’s aspirations will surely be fulfilled.”

Empress Dowager Wang looked over solemnly, ”So Song Ci, are you willing to help me as well? You see, the child likes you so much that he even calls you grandmother.”

Song Ci: ”...”

It’s a mess, got carried away with the acting.

What should I do about wanting to slap my own mouth?

”Lady, I am but a coarse farm woman, with shallow insights and no achievements. How could I take on the heavy responsibility of nurturing the Lord? Please spare me,” Song Ci said awkwardly.

Empress Dowager Wang glared, ”I do not accept that statement. You have taught a top scholar and raised a Prime Minister; even if you are a farm woman, you are no ordinary one.”

Song Ci: ”...”

The praise is too sweet, I really don’t deserve it!

”I know your health isn’t good, and I’m not asking you to take him into the Prime Minister’s Mansion, just to set up a hall in Cining Palace for him to live in. He will attend classes with royalty’s children at the Imperial Academy, then spend two or three days every half month at the Prime Minister’s Mansion. You teach him the ways of being a person, and let the Prime Minister assess his studies,” Empress Dowager Wang said with pleasure.

Song Ci very much wanted to avoid the Empress Dowager’s gaze, but she didn’t dare!

”Lady, what virtue do I have...”

”It’s settled then.” Empress Dowager Wang clapped her hands and said with a smile, ”I have only this grandnephew. From now on, let him travel back and forth between the Imperial Palace and Prime Minister’s Mansion. Don’t you worry about the Prime Minister; I will instruct the Emperor to speak on this, so you need not say a word.”

Song Ci: ”...”

You’ve already made the decision, dare I even object?