Chapter Forty: The Old Man Cannot Be Spoiled

At dusk, the esteemed members of the Song family gradually made their way into Chunhui Hall.

Seated upright in the grand master's chair, Song Ci watched as her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren knelt in unison to pay their respects. To be honest, she felt a little lightheaded—it was quite something to have the Prime Minister himself bow before her.

“Rise, all of you, and take your seats,” Song Ci said, lifting her hand with a smile, inviting everyone to sit.

Once they were settled, the maids brought tea and respectfully retreated, standing quietly at the back.

“Little chubby, have you met your eldest uncle, your fourth uncle, and your big brother?” Song Ci beckoned the plump child, gesturing toward the youngest son and Song Lingsu.

Song Zhiyu glanced at the chubby boy, snorted lightly, and raised his delicate chin with pride.

Song Lingzhou stepped forward respectfully. “Grandmother, I already greeted Eldest Uncle, Fourth Uncle, and Big Brother outside the courtyard. Eldest Uncle even gifted me a jade pendant.”

As he spoke, he detached a piece of mutton-fat jade from his waist, holding it with both hands and presenting it to Song Ci.

Song Ci took it, examined it, and smiled. “Your eldest uncle always gives fine things—you must take good care of it and not lose it.”

Song Zhiyuan laughed, “No matter how good my gifts are, they can’t compare to what Mother has.”

“They’re all offerings from you children,” Song Ci replied, returning the jade to the little chubby, teasing, “Did your fourth uncle give you anything?”

Song Lingzhou glanced at Song Zhiyu and shook his head.

“Nothing?” Song Ci immediately looked at her youngest son. “Fourth Brother, that’s not right. It’s the first time you’ve met your little nephew, and you didn’t prepare a gift? So stingy of you as an uncle.”

The others suppressed their laughter.

Song Zhiyu’s cheeks flushed. He protested, “I rushed here to see Mother and forgot. I’ll make it up later.”

“That’s how an uncle should behave,” Song Ci said with a smile, looking at Song Lingzhou. “Go on, thank your fourth uncle.”

Song Lingzhou bowed to Song Zhiyu. “Thank you, Fourth Uncle, for your generosity.”

Out of Song Ci’s sight, Song Zhiyu made a funny face at him—it was evident that this little chubby had stolen his mother’s affection.

Madam Lu smiled, “I prepared welcome gifts for Fourth Brother and Lingsu ahead of time; they’ve already been delivered to your courtyards.”

Song Zhiyu rose and respectfully thanked her, “Thank you, Third Sister-in-law.”

Song Lingsu also bowed in thanks, smiling, “I’ve just returned, so I’ll take my time selecting gifts for Third Sister and Fourth Brother and send them by the maid later. Also, the special products Fourth Uncle and I brought back from our hometown will be shared with everyone.”

Everyone laughed and thanked him.

Song Zhiyuan, watching the harmonious scene, stroked his beard with a smile.

If the family remained united and harmonious, what worry could there be about its prosperity?

The world saw the Song family at the peak of power, surrounded by splendor, but he knew that compared to the true great clans, the Songs still lacked depth. After all, they were newly risen nobles from humble origins, with little to boast of.

To turn the Song family into one of those flourishing, unbreakable clans, there was a long road ahead. The most important thing was for the younger generation to be accomplished, ambitious, and united.

A harmonious family brings prosperity—a timeless truth.

Revitalizing the family was a heavy and distant task.

“Madam, the meal is ready, but the Old Master hasn’t arrived yet. What do you think?” Palace Matron whispered to Song Ci.

Song Ci’s smile faded a little. That old rascal had grown used to wandering—he wouldn’t even come home for a family banquet?

“Your father likely won’t make it back. Let’s not wait. Begin the meal.”

Indulge the old man as always? Not a chance!