Chapter 110 Mother, You Are Passing the Buck to Eldest Brother

Song Zhiyu and his nephews stepped out of the study, parting ways to seek out their respective mothers.

Song Ci was in the courtyard, watering flowers with a kettle in hand. Seeing her youngest son approach with a dejected expression, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Mother." Song Zhiyu arrived at her side, his spirits low as he took the long-spouted kettle from her to take over the task.

Song Ci wiped her hands with the handkerchief handed to her by Hongtao and asked, "Was your eldest brother lecturing you again?"

"Mother, did you know all along? About how Eldest Brother was plotting against us nephews?"

Song Ci replied, "I heard your brother mention it a couple of days ago. What of it? Did it bruise your ego?"

"Eldest Brother is really being unreasonable. If he wanted to teach us, he could have just scolded us directly. Why go through all that trouble? It was terrifying, and quite embarrassing too," Song Zhiyu complained, feigning grievance.

No sooner had he finished speaking than he received a sharp flick to the forehead.

"You're dense enough as it is, and now you have the nerve to complain about your brother?" Song Ci glared at him.

Song Zhiyu let out a howl, "Mother doesn't love me anymore, and you won't even comfort me."

"You're a man about to take a wife; do you still need comforting? Do you think you're still a little toddler? Once you're married, you might even be a father soon. Tell me, do you still need your mother to coddle you?" What a spoiled big baby he was.

Song Zhiyu tossed the kettle aside, grabbed Song Ci’s arm, and insisted, "I don't care. Even if I become a father myself, I am still your son, Mother, and I still need you to coddle me."

"Dream on. By then, I might not even remember who you are," Song Ci rolled her eyes. Does he think she won't grow old or develop dementia?

Song Zhiyu felt a pang in his heart and said, "If you forget, I’ll just keep reminding you over and over."

Song Ci chuckled, "Alright, enough with the nonsense. Your brother did the right thing, and I stand by him. A fall into a pit, a gain in your wit. You’ve suffered a setback, so you’ll be able to handle things better in the future and keep your wits about you."

"I know."

Song Ci walked over to a rattan chair in the courtyard and sat down, gesturing for him to sit as well. "Silang, your father and I were just simple folk. We never achieved much in our lives; our greatest achievement was giving birth to all of you. You can't rely on your parents forever; we don't have the capacity for that. But your eldest brother is different. He is sharp and full of ideas. From now on, just listen to him."

"Mother, when have I ever not listened to Eldest Brother? Whenever he gives me a look, I’m practically wagging my tail like a puppy," Song Zhiyu muttered, rubbing his nose.

"I don't mean just for now, but for the rest of your life. Whenever you are confused, cannot see through a situation, or are uncertain of what to do, asking your eldest brother will never be wrong."

Song Zhiyu’s heart sank, and his eyes reddened. "Mother, are you planning to stop looking after me?"

"Of course not." Song Ci’s eyes darted away. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but she was losing her strength. She would grow old, and who knew when she might just kick the bucket and leave this place?

"You are. Look, you won't even meet my eyes. You’re clearly just passing the buck to Eldest Brother."

*Ahem.*

Song Ci coughed twice, somewhat sheepishly, "You child, why must you speak such uncomfortable truths?"

Song Zhiyu pouted.

"I am just planning ahead, so that in case there comes a day when I can no longer offer guidance, I’ve told you clearly now. Who knows when I might lose the ability to impart such profound wisdom? I’m uneducated, after all."

Song Zhiyu: "..."

*Why do you sound so proud of being uneducated?*

Song Ci pinched his cheek, "Besides, I can't even manage you. Look at how you refuse to even look at the girls I suggest for you."

Song Zhiyu gritted his teeth, "Fine, I’ll go. I’ll look, alright? Just please don't give up on me."

Song Ci’s eyes lit up, and she held out her pinky finger, "Pinky promise then. When the young lady comes, don't be impatient, and don't let your sharp tongue get the better of you."

*It's over,* he thought, *even Mother finds me annoying now.*