The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 831: Chapter 831: Warning: Daily Self-Reflection

Leaving Chunhui Hall, Song Zhiyuan’s expression was very unpleasant, truly because Song Zhiqing’s behavior was infuriating and disappointing. To think he fought with his legitimate wife just to have his illegitimate children recognized under his name, it’s a shame for someone supposedly learned and reasonable.

However, Song Zhiyuan did not call Song Zhiqing for a reprimand, but simply followed Song Ci’s suggestion to have someone investigate Bai Shuilian’s past, leaving no stone unturned.

Song Zhiyuan’s silence left the concerned party, Song Zhiqing, somewhat surprised, but more so guilty and terrified.

Angering his legitimate mother almost to the point of a mishap, as the eldest son, and head of the family, it was impossible for him to turn a blind eye.

Could the elder brother be holding back for a big move?

Such is the nature of fear and dread of unknown danger, like a hanging sword poised over the head, uncertain of when it may fall.

Better to get it over with swiftly.

With this in mind, Song Zhiqing preferred to present himself.

Song Zhiyuan was in the study writing, heard Song Zhiqing pacing outside, and a shadow of gloom and coldness crossed his eyes.

”Let the third master come in.”

Song Zhiqing entered the study with hesitation, seeing him writing, dared not disturb, only softly called out ”big brother.”

Song Zhiyuan did not reply, merely continued writing steadily.

Song Zhiqing became increasingly uneasy, standing in the room with cold sweat forming.

After a while, Song Zhiyuan finally stopped writing, then looked up at him, that gaze carried an intimidating sharpness.

Beads of sweat appeared on Song Zhiqing’s forehead, wishing he could run out the door.

”Come here, see how I wrote this character?”

Song Zhiqing forced a smile, his feet felt as if filled with lead, moved slowly over.

On the table, pressed by a sandalwood paperweight, stood prominently on white deerskin paper, the character ”德” (virtue).

Literate people rarely have poor handwriting, some even form their own style, earning great acclaim.

Song Zhiyuan’s writing was one such unique style, the strokes were vigorous and powerful, seamlessly combining grace with an overwhelming sharpness, penetrating the paper with depth.

”Big brother’s writing is invaluable, truly unbeatable,” Song Zhiqing sincerely praised.

However, in this praise lay other implications; invaluable not only in skill but because the writer was Song Yunzhi, a First Rank Prime Minister of the current dynasty.

Therefore, his calligraphy was invaluable.

”Want it?”

Song Zhiqing was taken aback, then said, ”Thank you, big brother.”

”Frame it and hang it in your study. I have only one request for you, which is to reflect on yourself daily while looking at it.” Song Zhiyuan said calmly.

Song Zhiqing’s face burned, as if slapped several times, turning red up to his ears.

”Big brother...”

It would have been better if he had just scolded him harshly.

”You’ve served as an official for several years, now holding the Fifth Rank. I know your ambitions are not few, and you’re not satisfied with this mere Fifth Rank,” Song Zhiyuan said mildly. ”But ambition must match ability, and more importantly, your mind. Acting without thought, without moral principles, makes climbing higher impossible.”

Song Zhiqing’s face flushed deeply.

”Old third, as a brother, I advise you: don’t destroy your future for something illusory, especially for a woman. Achieving what you have today wasn’t easy; are you willing to ruin your own accomplishments?” Song Zhiyuan gazed at him intently.

”Big brother, I was wrong.”

Song Zhiyuan slowly rolled up the paper, handed it over, and said, ”I hope today’s matter is the last time.”

The tone was peaceful, yet it pierced through like a sharp knife, cutting a gaping wound in Song Zhiqing.