Chapter 104: Following the Emperor's Lead

It was fortunate they hadn’t seen through him. Song Ci quickly took a sip of tea to calm his nerves.

Song Zhiyuan sat back down and said, “Mother, to be frank with you, ever since Qi’er’s marriage was delayed, I admit I’ve harbored ambitions to rise above our humble origins. Our Song family comes from modest roots, lacking the noble pedigree others have. I know that behind our backs, many aristocratic families mock us as mere peasants who wash their feet in the mud before tending the fields. Even you, Mother, are looked down upon by those people as crude and unrefined.”

As he spoke, a trace of melancholy and pain lingered in his tone.

It was precisely because of this grievance that he longed to ascend to greater heights—becoming part of the imperial family, gaining true nobility, wasn’t that enough?

Song Ci let out a scoff and folded his legs beneath him. “Darling, you’ve made it this far—do you really still let a few spiteful words ruffle your spirit? They say the Song family are peasants washing their feet in the mud before working the fields, and they aren’t wrong. That’s who we are, so what? Yet here you sit, holding the position of Prime Minister. And the Great Qing Dynasty has only been established for a little over thirty years—would they dare claim the emperor’s own family are also just muddy peasants?”

Song Zhiyuan’s mouth twitched slightly, left speechless because his mother’s words were true.

Indeed, the Great Qing was founded only decades ago. The previous emperor endured years of hardship and exile in his youth, seeking refuge with various warlords and generals. Later, he raised the banner of rebellion, successfully established the Great Qing, and ascended the throne. But he ruled only a few years before illness claimed him, passing the throne to the present emperor.

The current sovereign is ambitious, magnanimous, and wise in his judgments, persevering tirelessly in reform. Thanks to his efforts, the people of Great Qing now live in prosperity and peace. Yet, even so, small neighboring states still dare to harass the realm. For Great Qing to become a renowned and supreme power will take much more time.

“So, my son, don’t waste anger over a few bitter remarks. Great Qing is still in a phase of concealment and patience, building strength from within. Our Song family must do the same. To become a noble lineage requires the effort of three generations—steady accumulation and sudden flourishing is the true path. Sending your daughter into the imperial family may bring temporary wealth and honor, but who knows if she won’t find herself bound to royal offspring? Then, whether you wish to or not, you’ll be forced into power struggles. Winning is one thing; losing means ruin. Just look at your nemesis.”

Song Zhiyuan asked, “You mean the Fan family?”

“Didn’t the Fans produce a consort who bore a prince? And how does the emperor regard the Fan family? Does he trust them or keep them under suspicion?” Song Ci cracked a melon seed between her teeth and said, “The emperor is still in his prime now, so it’s manageable. But wait a few more years and you’ll see—the longer one sits on the throne, the heavier their suspicion grows.”

Such is the way of emperors throughout history.

Once seated on the highest throne, savoring the feeling of holding the world in one’s palm, who would want to die? Who wouldn’t want to reign forever?

Thus, they must always wonder: does this person before me seek to pry away my foundation, to unseat me?

“Mother, please lower your voice. Walls have ears,” Song Zhiyuan said with a hint of helplessness.

Song Ci immediately covered her mouth, whispering, “I hope they haven’t planted spies in my courtyard.”

Song Zhiyuan laughed and shook his head.

Song Ci exhaled in relief, patting her chest. “That’s enough for this topic. In any case, my son, our family doesn’t seek to pick consorts lightly. You should decide on Qi’er’s matter soon, or those palace ladies will be watching closely. When the time comes, if you don’t choose, you’ll be forced to—and that would bring trouble.”

“I’ll follow your advice,” Song Zhiyuan thought to himself. Indeed, it was time to reconsider his plans.

“Well, I haven’t accomplished much, and I don’t understand grand principles very well. I just keep thinking how unpredictable a monarch’s heart is. My son, for the Song family to enjoy wealth and honor, remember one thing: follow the emperor’s lead.”

It sounded like a slogan from her generation: Follow the Emperor, and you won’t go wrong!

Truly, the matriarch was relentless. Everyone, please remember to bookmark this: The Matriarch is Truly Fierce. The Chronicles of the Peerless Tang Sect update at the fastest pace.