The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 864: Chapter 864: The Rarely Clear-Headed Madam Song

Madam Gu listened to her daughter, her heart tightened, and she grasped her hand.

”Did you hear something from your husband?”

Madam Song shook her head and said, ”Mother, you know that your son-in-law is the most loyal Royalist. He seldom discusses court affairs with me, but in casual talks, one can guess a bit. If the Emperor wished to decide, he would have already done so; if not, it’s simply because he hasn’t set his eyes upon it.”

Madam Gu rubbed her fingers, saying somewhat awkwardly, ”You know your elder brother, Xiangyi. The title was earned by your father. Over the years, your elder brother hasn’t led any troops. Although the Duke Zhongyong Mansion is hereditary, it lacks real power. It’s just a vain title, probably less useful than those of practical fourth-rank or third-rank officials.”

Madam Song replied, ”That’s precisely what I want to point out. The title of Duke Zhongyong was earned by father’s military merits. To put it bluntly, the title ’Zhongyong’—loyal and brave—naturally follows the military path. But elder brother insisted on civil duties. As for his scholarly ability, isn’t it self-evident?”

Madam Gu said somewhat embarrassed, ”I thought as the eldest son, pursuing civil duties was also good, especially with your husband’s support, it would be...”

”Mother, you truly couldn’t bear to let elder brother go to the battlefield. But you forgot that our family’s title was earned by father fighting alongside the late Emperor. We were meant to follow the path of military service, and this...” Madam Song observed her mother’s unpleasant expression and said, ”Forget it, let’s not discuss that. With elder brother’s age, it’s not justifiable to expect him to take charge now, but what about the next generation? Among the Gu sons, isn’t it possible to groom at least two?”

Madam Gu pursed her lips.

Madam Song looked at her expression and said, ”Mother, though I’m the wife of the Song Family, I’m also a daughter of the Gu Family. Naturally, I hope my maternal home prospers, as it’s indeed my support, isn’t it? As you said, the Duke Zhongyong title is hereditary, but without a pillar strong enough to hold the family fortunes, there will be a day when the title will be taken away.”

Madam Gu’s face turned pale, and she gripped her hand tightly, saying, ”So, Xiangyi, if you have any information, you must advise your elder brother. It’s not about taking sides, but comparing among the princes, he believes Prince Zhou is more capable. He is also considering the Gu family’s future.”

Madam Song felt disdain in her heart and said calmly, ”Speaking of this, although I once thought my mother-in-law was a peasant woman with limited vision, she had one clear understanding: she chose one path and followed it to the end.”

Madam Gu was stunned.

”The old lady only acknowledged the Emperor, only observed the Emperor’s actions. No matter how others spoke eloquently, she ignored them, solely upholding the Emperor and raising the descendants.” Madam Song continued, ”I heard from the Prime Minister that mother-in-law said, a tree only stands strong if its roots are healthy and robust. Once the children and grandchildren are well-raised, why worry about the lack of talents for great tasks? If one has talent, wouldn’t the next Emperor take the risk to use them? But if there’s nothing to show, why would they want to use you, aren’t they afraid you’ll cause trouble?”

Madam Gu mused.

”In my view, father’s old followers still hold feelings for him. If the Gu Family fully commits to the military path, it would be easier. After all, accumulating experience and earning military merits in times of war is more achievable. Mother, if you can’t bear to part with the children, they will never capture the opportunity. Are we raising them in a greenhouse to become girls?”

Madam Gu’s face felt a bit warm from the words and said embarrassedly, ”Xiangyi, you seem quite clear-headed.”

It’s a bit unlike before.