The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Zhicheng was drunk.

Holding the wine jar, he cried and laughed, his face full of snot and tears, yet mixed with undeniable gratification and pride. It was the inner joy one feels when their son fulfills their aspirations.

Song Zhiyuan had no choice but to help him lie down on the long couch used for resting in the study.

”Brother, let’s celebrate today, shall we drink another jar?” Song Zhicheng said, pulling his hand.

Song Zhiyuan pushed him down, pulled over a nearby blanket to cover him, and said, ”Let’s save it for tomorrow. You drank so much your stomach hurts.”

”Haha, when it comes to drinking, you’re not as good as your younger brother here.”

Song Zhiyuan: ”...”

And yet, who is babbling nonsense after getting drunk?

Song Zhiyuan watched him smack his lips, unable to hold back his amusement. Despite his age, he was still like a child. He couldn’t help but flick his forehead, ”Look at you being so pleased, good for you.”

Outside the study, he ordered someone to prepare hangover soup to be delivered, while he himself drank a cup of hot tea.

Taking away the book atop the desk, beneath it lay a message delivered from the Northwest. It detailed the battle that Song Lingzhao participated in, how he fought to join the battle, how many heads he had taken, and how many injuries he had sustained, all clearly explained.

There were seven or eight small injuries, but one major injury was on the arm, deep enough to see bone. If it were any worse, he might have had to amputate, which would have shattered all hopes.

Song Zhiyuan stroked the words ”deep enough to see bone,” a flash of worry in his eyes mixed with a sense of comfort. In his mind, he pictured the husky young bull-like child with a long spear, pounding his chest, saying he wanted to be a Great General. He couldn’t help but smile happily, then sigh.

Outsiders see accumulating military achievements as easy, yet little do they know that these are fought for with one’s life. The courage to fight and take the initiative is what allows for their accumulation.

The young men of the Song Family are indeed commendable.

Song Zhiyuan felt a little tightness in his chest, inevitably thinking of Song Ci’s words and the Song Family’s future. He pursed his lips.

For the sake of the family, he had much to plan for, foremost the cultivation of the next generation and even the generation after that. These are the hopes, only when the family’s sons are brave and responsible can they support each other, leading the family to go further and thrive.

Otherwise, if they raise some spoiled wastrels, no wealth will last beyond three generations, and the foundation painstakingly laid by their ancestors would eventually be squandered. Are there not enough such noble families in the capital?

These are all lessons to be learned from the past.

Song Zhiyuan struck the bamboo gong, summoning the Hidden Guard leader Qian Yong to come.

Qian Yong came quickly, entering the room and greeting him with a bow, ”Master.”

Song Zhiyuan raised his hand, ”No need.”

Qian Yong stood straight, waiting for instructions.

”Among the seedlings in the training camp, see if there are any around ten years old skilled in strategy or the art of escape and avoidance. If there are such minds, nurture them well and send them to the Northwest in a couple of years to follow the Second Young Master.”

Qian Yong exclaimed, ”Follow the Second Young Master, does that mean going from hidden to visible?”

”Indeed, for those who serve as military advisers, it’s alright to be in the open. Prepare two, if none, one will do as well. It’s crucial that their personality persuades others and remains calm and composed. Additionally, keep an eye out for more talents in this aspect as reserves. If unavailable, search around the Charitable Hall to see if you can find some good seedlings to bring back,” Song Zhiyuan instructed.

”Yes.”

Song Zhiyuan gave a few more orders before letting him leave.

The study quieted down, except for the rustling sound of turning book pages.

Song Zhicheng turned over on the long couch, a tear sliding down the corner of his eye, yet his face was full of smiles.