The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

He’s here!

Duke Dingguo, too, is a man with schemes. He says that the matter of children’s marriages is merely a pretext; what he truly wishes to draw out is probably the reshuffling of power in the capital caused by the Emperor’s recent epidemic.

Now, when Song Zhiyuan reached this point, he gathered his spirit.

"There’s also this point: my old mother is aging, and her health deteriorates by the day. As her son, I want my old mother, who has toiled for most of her life, to see four generations under one roof. Thus would I fulfill my duty as her son."

Duke Dingguo: "..."

Did I misunderstand?

But as the matter concerned Song Ci’s health, he could not say anything unpleasant, only mentioned, "I hear from my wife that your esteemed Madam is quite healthy."

"Not as much as before." Song Zhiyuan sighed deeply, his tone tinged with helplessness and heartache.

Duke Dingguo found it hard to respond. Could he trample on this pitiful display by his old friend or accuse him of putting on an act?

Song Zhiyuan wanting to drink daughter-in-law’s tea couldn’t possibly curse his own mother, could he?

Without a word for the moment, Duke Dingguo awkwardly said, "The elderly must be treated with love and care."

"Indeed, which is why I come to plead with you to bless this union." Song Zhiyuan smiled gladly, lowering his voice: "This recent acute illness of the Emperor truly frightened me a lot. The sudden high fever left him unable to leave even a single word. Treasonous as this might sound, it was unsure whether he could survive."

Duke Dingguo instantly grew alert. Was it truly so perilous?

"I shouldn’t speak much about affairs in the Palace. You know the Song Family’s situation well, my Lord. We’ve only been prosperous for twenty or thirty years and lack the deep foundation of old aristocratic families. When faced with such a major issue, while I hold the front, someone must guard the rear. Externally, I have my brothers’ support, but what about the inner chambers?"

"You know, too, that the inner and outer chambers are closely linked. If the inner fails, the outer won’t fare well. This time, it was my old mother sitting at the helm that prevented chaos at home, but she is old and will eventually pass. By then, it will be my wife and daughters-in-law holding the line."

Song Zhiyuan smiled faintly, "Consider me selfish if you will. I just want my child to come of age in time so that, should my mother pass, she can stand firm."

Duke Dingguo’s pupils contracted; these words completely bypassed Madam Song. Could it be that Madam Song mishandled this issue, leading to dissatisfaction from Song Zhiyuan and the Madam Dowager?

But that shouldn’t be the case; no bad news has come from the Song Family.

If so, it’s just that their performance hasn’t met the couple’s standard.

Duke Dingguo lightly tapped the table before speaking after a while, "Yunzhi indeed plans meticulously for the family, with due diligence."

Song Zhiyuan said, "Indeed, as Song Yunzhi, how could I be content with the Song Family being wealthy for just these few decades? For the coming decades and even a hundred years, I hope for its prosperity and flourishing."

This ambition is boldly unmasked.

Duke Dingguo also knew that keeping the girl was merely a pretext and understood she would not stay long, so he said, "Let’s see if Huaiyan has the fortune to pass the Scholar exam and return."

Song Zhiyuan’s brows eased, knowing this matter was agreed upon.

Only then did he say, "Sixth Maiden has a younger brother. Has he been betrothed?"

Duke Dingguo felt a slight stir in his heart. His eyes flickered as he replied, "The child has a wild heart, and his mother is currently searching."

Song Zhiyuan took up the fair cup and poured him tea, his voice low, suggesting, "I heard that the second master of the An Yang Marquis Mansion has a daughter, both talented and wise. Should it be possible to align, it would make a good match."

Duke Dingguo’s breath hitched.

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