Chapter 120: The Clever Eldest Son Is the Most Remarkable

Sunset had fallen over the city.

Glazed lamps had already been lit throughout the residence of the Song Chancellor, while Chunhui Hall was as bright as day. There was a simple reason for it: today was the Dragon Boat Festival, and the household was to hold a family banquet.

Song Ci had spent the entire afternoon lying down before finally recovering her breath. She was now speaking with Song Zhiyuan in the main hall, discussing Empress Dowager Wang’s intentions.

Song Zhiyuan was stunned.

How had his mother managed to bring home such a huge mess after merely making one trip to the palace?

Song Ci studied her shrewd son’s increasingly mature and charismatic face and said rather glumly, “Eldest, did I bring trouble upon myself for no reason?”

She knew perfectly well how difficult this matter would be. It meant offending people—and not just anyone, but the so-called maternal family of the Empress Dowager: the Loyal Diligent Earl’s Residence.

The Loyal Diligent Earl’s Residence had been waiting for an heir for years. Every year, they submitted candidates, and every year Empress Dowager Wang told them to wait. They had waited so long that even the Empress Dowager was nearly out of patience. Just when they were finally about to reap the rewards, someone had intercepted them.

Oh, was taking the child in for instruction merely “intercepting” him? Of course it was.

The heir was an orphan chosen by Empress Dowager Wang. Once selected, however, he would not remain with them, but would instead be sent away to be raised and taught by someone else. How could he possibly favor them in the future?

Once the heir had been confirmed and grown up, he would be granted the title. But would he still count as one of their own then? Wouldn’t they merely be making wedding clothes for someone else—and not only that, but losing the title of Loyal Diligent Earl in the process?

The more Song Ci thought about it, the more she felt that this would make them a target of hatred. Once the Loyal Diligent Earl saw through the situation, he might well send assassins three times a day. If they managed to protect the child, that would be one thing. But if they failed, the displeasure of the Empress Dowager and the emperor would give the Loyal Diligent Earl’s Residence an opening to seize upon and attack the Song family without mercy.

Good heavens, this was a dreadful mess.

“Perhaps I should submit a palace summons and go in to decline the matter after all,” Song Ci said anxiously.

Song Zhiyuan rubbed his thumb against his forefinger. Seeing how flustered his mother was, he smiled and reassured her, “Mother, nothing has been decided yet. There’s no need for you to worry.”

“How can I not worry? From the way Her Majesty spoke, she seems to be the sort who means what she says and does what she promises,” Song Ci replied.

“If Her Majesty truly selects an heir, I will seek His Majesty’s approval to have the child enter the palace for his studies. There are plenty of palaces within the imperial grounds—surely there is room for one child. The boy could also keep Her Majesty company. Someone who grows up at her side would naturally develop a closer bond with her.”

Song Ci thought it over and realized that he was right.

The child chosen would likely be quite young. There would be no problem with him living in the palace for the time being. Once he reached a suitable age, he could leave the palace, receive a residence and a title, marry, and the matter would be settled.

“Eldest, you really have thought of everything.” Relieved, Song Ci lifted her teacup.

Her clever eldest son was truly remarkable. His mind was nimble enough to resolve a problem in an instant.

Song Zhiyuan had just opened his mouth when the curtain shifted, and a voice like crashing thunder shattered the conversation between mother and son.

“Mother, Second Brother has returned.”

Song Ci’s hand trembled. She looked up.

A tall, powerfully built man appeared before them in an instant. His thick beard covered half his face, yet his eyes were bright and piercing. He had a square face, and his hair was tied up in a somewhat disheveled topknot.

“You…” Who was this? He looked like Wu Song.

Song Zhicheng dropped to his knees before Song Ci and immediately knocked his head against the floor several times.

“Mother, your son has returned late and made you suffer.”

Song Ci was speechless.

Why did every one of her sons say the same thing upon returning? Could none of them come up with anything new?

Song Zhiyuan kicked his younger brother. “You’re back, so be it. Why are you shouting so loudly? Go wash up first. Look at the state you’re in after all that travel—you look like a refugee. Don’t frighten Mother.”

Song Zhicheng gave a sheepish grin and sprang neatly to his feet. “Mother, I’ll return to my courtyard and wash up now. I’ll come back to speak with you shortly.”

Song Ci watched her second son sweep in like a gust of wind and depart like another. She was utterly bewildered. They had not even had the chance to embrace and weep together—why had he already left?

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