The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

February was full of disturbances, but they had no impact on the Song Family. Song Lingsu and Song Lingjie bid farewell to their family and headed south to return home for the exams. However, Song Lingjie was worried about the time not being enough due to his joint exams, so he decided to set off first.

Song Ci had long prepared two exam gift sets for his two grandsons, each comprising the Four Treasures of the Study and a peace charm for guaranteed success upon taking the exams. Of course, the charm was something Master Buhui had crafted and blessed at Song Ci’s request before he left, and it was given to them only now.

”Don’t feel burdened or pressured. You are still young. If you don’t pass this time, consider it a trial, a chance to experience the exam environment,” Song Ci said with a smile.

Song Lingjie replied, ”Grandson understands. I am just regretful for being unfilial, unable to celebrate Grandmother’s great birthday under her knees.”

Song Ci waved his hand: ”It’s all right. This year, Grandmother won’t hold a birthday banquet either. Enjoy yourselves, and if you pass the exam, I will have a grand gift for you when you return. If not, don’t worry. Get a feel for the exam; there will be other opportunities. As long as you set your goals and work hard for them, gold will eventually shine.”

”Yes.”

Song Ci looked at Song Lingsu and instructed: ”You’re already engaged. Before you leave, go inform your future Yue family. Don’t leave without a word, causing them to worry, and making your future in-laws feel you are unreliable.”

Song Lingsu’s handsome face reddened, and he said, ”Grandson plans to visit Duke Dingguo Mansion after sending off Third Brother.”

Song Ci nodded, gave a few words of advice, and then sent them off: ”I won’t see you off. Go on, and once you reach the post station, send a message of safety back.”

The brothers agreed.

Once they had departed, Song Ci spoke to Madam Song: ”If it weren’t for Jie’er being rushed for the joint exams, it would be good for the brothers to travel together. But it’s not possible now, so you and the Eldest should arrange more personnel for them along the way.”

”Don’t worry, Mother. Both the wife and the Prime Minister have made arrangements.”

”No need to be too conspicuous. They’re heading south so early to see and think more during the journey, to understand people’s lives better, which will help them have their own insights on the exam papers. If too many people follow them and handle everything for them, it will be counterproductive. This journey south for the exams is also a form of traveling. It’s better to let them learn to solve problems themselves so they can stand on their own in the future.”

Madam Song hurriedly said, ”The Prime Minister said that only Hidden Guards will follow them secretly, and usually just their attendants will accompany them, so they won’t show off their identity easily.”

”That’s good. As long as you’re aware of it.”

Madam Song smiled and said: ”Mother is also concerned about the children. But Mother, you said earlier that this year you won’t hold a birthday banquet?”

Song Ci’s birthday is in April, and this year is her sixtieth birthday—a full cycle.

”No banquet. Birthdays come every year, so there’s no need to make it a big affair. Besides, the children won’t be home, making a celebration less enjoyable. It’s just sixty, we can count again next year. This year, a small family dinner will do.” Song Ci feared the large-scale socializing involved in big banquets.

Madam Song frowned: ”But it’s the sixtieth birthday.”

”For me, living well, being able to eat and drink, is like celebrating every day.” Song Ci waved her hand and said: ”Since the beginning of the year, so many things have happened, even though it doesn’t affect our mansion, it’s better not to hold a grand banquet, lest it incites others’ jealousy and leads to trouble.”

Being discreet is never wrong.