Chapter 83: What If My Son Learned Nothing? Give Him a Beating

Since she had arrived, Song Ci had made a concerted effort to recall the memories of her predecessor, and in doing so, she had come to understand the temperament of her youngest son. Raised in comfort and privilege, the youngest in the family, indulged by everyone—becoming a little tyrant, a pampered scamp, was perhaps inevitable. Yet his nature was not bad; he even possessed a sense of justice. He could not be called outstanding, but he was by no means useless.

No wonder others found him appealing.

“Marriage is a lifelong matter,” Song Ci said softly, stroking his head. In her heart, she regarded him as a younger brother. “I would never thoughtlessly pick a wife for you. After all, you’ll spend your life together. So don’t rush. You’re a man—there’s no harm in marrying a bit later. Let’s wait until we find someone truly suitable.”

Song Zhiyu replied, “I’m not in a hurry, either. I just thought, since you’ve been invited to the temple, perhaps you’d consider it?”

“It’s not as simple as just going,” Song Ci replied, “I have to find out about the young lady first. Otherwise, what would people say? Tell me, Fourth Son, have you ever thought about what kind of wife you want?”

Song Zhiyu pondered a moment. “She must be beautiful, skilled at managing a household, and she must treat me as if I were her whole world— Ow! Mother, why did you hit me?”

Song Ci gave him another smack on the arm. “If I could, I’d hit you again! With your abilities, you dare to make so many demands? Beauty and competence are one thing, but to put you above all else? Look at you—have you been reading too many romantic tales?”

Song Zhiyu protested, aggrieved, “Isn’t a wife supposed to follow her husband and treat him as her world?”

“If you know a wife is meant to follow her husband, you should also realize how unfair that is to women. That young lady is someone else’s beloved daughter, cherished and raised with care, never having eaten a bite of your food or drunk a drop of your water, yet you expect her to give up everything to follow you? That way of thinking is wrong, don’t you agree you deserve a beating?”

Song Zhiyu fell silent.

Whether I deserve it or not, I only know, Mother, you don’t love your Fourth Son anymore.

Seeing his wounded expression, Song Ci was both exasperated and amused. “Don’t act pitiful with me. I may be old, but I can’t hit you that hard.”

At once, Song Zhiyu reached out, grinning mischievously. “You think it didn’t make a sound? Go ahead, hit me again.”

“Out with you!” Song Ci scolded, giving him a playful glare. “Remember this, Fourth Son—your future wife will also be someone’s precious daughter. Leaving her family to marry you is already hard enough and frightening. You must cherish, respect, and love her. Put yourself in her shoes, and only then will your days together be harmonious and happy.”

Song Zhiyu, seeing how serious she was, sobered and nodded earnestly. “I’ll remember. If you don’t believe me, just watch and see if I can do it.”

Song Ci’s throat tightened, her eyes inexplicably growing warm.

Thinking of the Song family’s current situation, she added, “There’s one more thing you must keep in mind.”

“Yes, Mother?”

“Your eldest brother now holds a powerful position, and many are jealous and resentful. The marriages of you and your nieces and nephews are being eyed by many. When you go out, you must be careful with your words and actions—remain vigilant and don’t let yourself be used. For instance, if you encounter a young lady ‘accidentally’ falling into the water and calling for your help, don’t go—send a servant or guard instead. You mustn’t touch her. Likewise, when you’re a guest somewhere, don’t go wandering off and accidentally enter a place you shouldn’t.”

Such things were all too common in great households, and she feared her carefree, foolish son might fall into a trap.

Song Zhiyu chuckled, “Don’t worry, Mother. I’m on my guard. I’m clever and sharp—I won’t let anyone take advantage of me like that.”

Song Ci was speechless.

She suddenly felt as though all her teaching had gone to waste and was seized by an urge to hit him again. What was she to do? She was at her wit’s end.