The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The news that both Song Lingsu and Song Lingjie passed the examination soon spread throughout the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and everyone was filled with joyous celebration. If it weren’t for the fact that these new scholars hadn’t returned yet, the front of the mansion might have already been set ablaze with a long string of firecrackers.

A clever and lively maid immediately went to Madam Song to ask for the lively task of going to the Duke Dingguo Mansion to deliver the good news to their prospective in-laws, regardless of the late hour.

Meanwhile, Madam Song and her two sisters-in-law seized the opportunity to visit Song Ci during the routine morning and evening greetings to join in the celebration.

Song Ci laughed and said, ”This is a joyous occasion that brings honor to our family. We will celebrate once the children return.”

With both brothers passing the exam, it wouldn’t be right not to celebrate. It would also let the noble families in the capital know that the Song Family can produce more than just a Prime Minister.

Madam Song and Madam Jiang exchanged a glance, both with joy in their eyes, and said, ”According to Mother, the expenses, when the time comes, should not come from the family funds but from the wives’ accounts.”

Song Ci smiled and chided, ”Why use your dowry silver? This is a Song Family celebration. Since they’ve brought honor to the family, the banquet expenses naturally should come from the family funds.”

”Then we shall follow Mother’s decision.”

Madam Lu looked at the joyful faces of her two sisters-in-law, feeling both jealous and envious, wondering whether Zhou’er would also bring such honor to the family one day.

”I heard Jie’er’s ranking was better?” Madam Lu asked.

Madam Song’s smile froze for a moment, feeling a bit stung by something, then said with a somewhat sour laugh, ”Yes, the Prime Minister said Jie’er ranked in the top ten, showing the child’s cleverness. Sister-in-law is indeed fortunate.”

Madam Jiang caught this from the corner of her eye and laughed, ”That’s all thanks to the guidance from Eldest Brother, and Eldest Sister-in-law’s care. We must definitely have him kowtow to you and Eldest Brother later. Personally, I think no matter how clever he is, can he surpass his elder brother? It’s quite possible that the exam questions this time were provided by Su’er, given that Su’er has renowned teachers and a steady demeanor.”

Madam Song’s expression softened a bit.

Song Ci continued, ”Regarding the rankings, being placed near the top is certainly a cause for happiness, but if not, it’s not overly important. The main point is that they both succeeded, and at such a young age. I’ve heard that among the candidates this time, there were even some old enough to be their grandfathers who didn’t pass. This shows the talent and intelligence of our two children, and spreading this news would only earn our family praise.”

”Momentary rankings are insignificant. They have more important exams ahead. Any setbacks now are inconsequential; they should learn to grow braver through adversity to truly shine. For anyone, it’s a great thing to be able to carry the weight of responsibilities. You should remember these words; they apply to you all as well.”

Madam Song and the others quickly stood up respectfully and said, ”We wives will heed Mother’s teachings.”

Song Ci offered a few words of encouragement and sent them back to their respective courtyards.

Duke Dingguo Mansion.

Duke Dingguo and Madam Guan received the happy news sent by their prospective in-laws with smiles on their faces, delighted not only because their future son-in-law had succeeded but also because it added grace to their daughter’s marriage.

Stroking his beard, Duke Dingguo remarked, ”Song Yunzhi didn’t miscalculate after all, and truly passed. Just wait, it won’t be long before he sends someone with a propitious date.”

”Father, what auspicious date?”

Guan Shuyan approached, having caught wind of the news.

Madam Guan waved her over, lovingly tapped her on the nose, and said, ”You little eavesdropper, you heard about someone from the Song Family, didn’t you?”

”Mother.” Guan Shuyan’s face turned red.

Madam Guan laughed, ”Someone from the Song Family just came to share the good news that Huaiyan passed the exam.”

Guan Shuyan was instantly overjoyed; he truly passed the exam.

After her initial delight, her face flushed again, for didn’t that mean they would marry next year?