The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Seeing the Duke Dingguo’s face turn serious, Madam Guan and Guan Shuyan knew it was time to discuss formal matters, and they too straightened up to listen carefully.

The Duke Dingguo selectively relayed Song Zhiyuan’s words, then looked at Guan Shuyan and said: "Sixth daughter, Huaiyan is the eldest legitimate son. Once you marry, you will be the eldest legitimate daughter-in-law, with a heavy responsibility on your shoulders. Do you understand the true meaning of your Uncle Song’s words?"

Guan Shuyan didn’t rush to respond. She pondered slightly and said: "Could it mean that after marriage I am to manage the household?"

The Duke Dingguo said: "You are still young, and your future mother-in-law is in her prime. It is not likely for you to manage the household, but there is certainly an intention to train you. After you marry, you will naturally follow the elders in managing household affairs. In fact, your mother has already taught you these things, and I am not worried that you won’t be able to handle them. After all, your dowry, your mother will carefully choose."

Madam Guan nodded: "That’s right, a newlywed wife does not manage the household immediately, unless the mother-in-law is incapacitated. But this is not the case with the Song Family; your mother-in-law is in good health, so there’s no need to think about managing the household."

"Then, Father, what do you mean?"

"Father wants to tell you to understand your identity. Being the eldest legitimate daughter-in-law of the Song Family is not the same as any ordinary daughter-in-law. I observe that your future father-in-law has great ambition. As long as he conducts himself with integrity and gains the Emperor’s trust, possibly even the next Emperor’s trust, he can hold this position for several decades and become a minister of two dynasties... So the wealth and prestige of the Song Family are yet to come."

The Duke Dingguo took off the sandalwood prayer beads from his wrist and said: "For the Song Family to establish its clan, the managing matriarch must have responsibility and vision. What she observes, thinks, and considers must not be limited to the inner confines of the household but must include the political situation. Therefore, she must be clear-headed and capable of shouldering great responsibility, or how else can she undertake this heavy burden?"

Guan Shuyan’s expression turned serious.

"A woman’s perspective is ultimately somewhat limited by her identity, unlike men who can travel far and wide, seeing much and naturally having a broader vision. However, even so, since you are appointed to be the eldest legitimate daughter-in-law of the Song Family, for your future and the future of your children, you must learn and understand what you should. Thus, when matters arise, you won’t be like ordinary women who only know how to hide in the inner quarters weeping and fail to shoulder significant responsibilities."

Guan Shuyan pressed her lips together, stood up, and bowed: "Please instruct me, Father."

"In the discussion hall, you should spare two to three hours to disguise yourself as a servant and follow me to listen, without needing to express opinions. Just listen, observe, and think, then record it afterward and repeatedly ponder over it. How much you gain depends entirely on your intellect and wit. Are you willing and daring? If not, I will not force you. Your ability to manage household affairs is sufficient to handle the Song Family’s affairs."

Guan Shuyan proudly said: "If Father lets me listen, why would I not dare? It’s just like learning skills; the more I learn, the more confidence I have in myself. Even if I never need it, I can teach it to my children and pass it on to my descendants."

Vision and perspective cannot be learned through embroidery or discussing jewelry alone. You must learn to read the situation and understand the analysis of its pros and cons. Once learned, these things become part of you, and no one can take them away.

The Duke Dingguo’s eyes were filled with a smile: "Good."

Madam Guan also smiled, gently patting her daughter’s shoulder: "With this, the things you have to learn have increased, but don’t be afraid of the hardship. Since the Song Family has decided, the auspicious day they select shouldn’t be too far off, making your time even tighter."

"I am not afraid of hardship, Mother. Rarely is there a chance to be a daughter of nobility. No matter how hard it is, endure it now to savor the sweetness later."

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!