The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 265: Chapter 265: A Prime Minister Who Scares Students Isn’t a Good One

Yan Zisheng also felt wronged and speechless, and somewhat regretful. If he’d known earlier, he wouldn’t have gone with Wu Xiuquan to that poetry gathering at Duke Yongchang Mansion, and wouldn’t have brought upon himself such troubles.

Who would have thought that the young lady of the Duke Yongchang Mansion would be so bold, daring to stop him and express her feelings? A dignified lady of a Marquis Mansion acting so absurdly.

The most absurd was Scholar Wu, who, after a few drinks, came to him in a drunken fit, saying quite a number of insulting remarks, and even let the Prime Minister hear them.

Yan Zisheng felt a little unhappy, helpless, and regretful, but did not hide anything, narrating the whole story from beginning to end.

”I did not know, Scholar Wu had intentions towards the ninth young lady of the Duke Yongchang Mansion. This matter indeed makes... me feel ashamed.” Yan Zisheng said with embarrassment, ”Had I known earlier, I wouldn’t have attended that poetry gathering.”

Song Zhiyuan, caressing the teacup, said, ”The fair lady, a gentleman’s pursuit, is only natural. However, that Miss Qiu admires you, and Changsheng has no interest?”

Yan Zisheng’s handsome face turned red. He stood up and cupped his hands, saying, ”Prime Minister, marriages are decreed by parents and arranged by matchmakers, not, not private affairs.”

Song Zhiyuan looked at him meaningfully, ”Though the Duke Yongchang Mansion has declined, like the setting sun, a rotten ship still has three nails. Although that young lady is of illegitimate birth, for a son of a poor family to become the esteemed son-in-law of the Marquis Mansion, with such a wife’s family aiding, it would smooth the official path. Otherwise, why would Scholar Wu be so angry?”

Not waiting for Yan Zisheng to speak, he continued, ”Just like back then, I too sought the legitimate daughter of the Duke Zhongyong Mansion to marry. That made the domestic affairs smooth, without worries, and with the help of the Yue family, I was able to reach my current position.”

Song Zhiyuan was very frank, not in the least afraid to admit he benefitted from the Yue family back then.

Yan Zisheng admired this in his heart and said, ”Prime Minister, you are modest. The light from the Yue family helped at first, but your achieving the position of a Prime Minister in your early forties is certainly due to your exceptional talent, not just reliant on the Yue family’s support.”

Song Zhiyuan accepted this flattery with grace, ”Alright, today we’re chatting casually, no need for flattering words. Actually, having a supportive wife’s family is far better than seeking a smaller household, especially for a scholar from a poor family, what do you think, Changsheng?”

For poor families to rise up is truly difficult. He has the support of a capable wife’s family and a friendship with the Emperor since youth. Otherwise, who knows at what level of three or fourth rank official he would be staying.

Yan Zisheng gritted his teeth and said, ”Speaking frankly, I won’t beat around the bush. What you said, I agree with, but the premise is that the lady knows etiquette and rules.”

Song Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows.

”To not hide from you, when Miss Qiu expressed her feelings to me, besides being shocked, I also felt a bit vanity. But when the vanity passed, it was fear. Even if Miss Qiu had feelings for me, she should inform her elders and engage an official matchmaker or a mediator rather than rashly expressing it herself. Outsiders may say such a girl is brave in love and hate, but I see it as too shocking, especially coming from someone of her status in the Marquis Mansion?”

”My mother once said that observing a person’s behavior can reveal their family upbringing. I deeply agree,” Yan Zisheng said lightly, ”A young lady of a Marquis Mansion, born noble, with luxuries I cannot aspire to, can only politely decline. Yet it was misunderstood by Scholar Wu.”

He did not outright say Miss Qiu lacked family upbringing, but indirectly pointed it out.

Song Zhiyuan said, ”If it were my daughter, would Changsheng also think he cannot aspire to it?”

Bam.

Yan Zisheng was so startled that he knocked the teacup over, his eyes wide open: ”Prime Minister!”

Please, stop testing me, I cannot bear the fright. A Prime Minister who scares people is not a good Prime Minister!