Chapter 590: Chapter 590: Competing for Brother and Wife
The father and son chatted all the way, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant. Song Lingsu was especially cheerful and relaxed.
"I used to think Father was very rigorous, but these days I feel youâre not as unapproachable as I imagined," Song Lingsu said, encouraged, looking at his father.
Song Zhiyuan paused for a moment, looking at the undying admiration and respect in his sonâs eyes. He placed his large hand on his sonâs head: "Iâve been too busy with political duties these years and have neglected you, thatâs my fault."
In truth, he felt quite fortunate. Despite the lack of his fatherâs company, this child hadnât gone astray. However, he was a bit too reserved and gentle in nature. Fortunately, it wasnât too late to realize this, and he hoped that Grandmaster Fuâs teachings could make him more outstanding.
Song Lingsu was delighted, affectionately saying, "Father, no need to apologize. I understand the heavy responsibilities you carry."
"Study well with the Grand Tutor. A master can guide you into the door, but cultivation depends on your own efforts. How much you can learn from the Grand Tutor all depends on your own comprehension."
Song Lingsu nodded.
"Prime Minister, weâve entered the city gates," Jiang Fula, sitting on the driverâs bench, called out from outside.
Song Zhiyuan said, "Letâs escort the Young Master back to the mansion first."
Song Lingsu immediately responded, "Father, are you heading to the palace? If you are, I can ride back to the mansion on horseback. Letâs not delay your audience with the Emperor."
The six arts of a gentleman include equestrian skills, and Song Lingsu was certainly no exception.
"As the weather turns colder, if you catch a chill while riding, how will you report to your teacher at the Academy in a few days? No rush for me!"
Song Lingsu smiled, "Riding back to the mansion would take no more than about an hour, and I have a cloak to keep warm."
Song Zhiyuan was about to speak but noticed the carriage coming to a stop, and his smile disappeared: "Whatâs the matter outside?"
"Prime Minister, thereâs a quarrel ahead blocking the road. Should we clear the road or take a detour?" A guard approached the carriage on horseback to report.
"Take a detour."
Song Zhiyuan wasnât concerned about detouring despite his dignified position as Prime Minister. To him, since it wasnât an urgent matter, there was no need to assert his status by demanding others clear the road.
"Understood."
The carriage was about to start moving anew when a familiar voice suddenly struck the ears of the father and son.
"You ask if I know who you are? Then Iâll ask you, do you know who I am?"
Song Lingsuâs expression slightly changed as he cautiously looked at his father: "Father, this seems to be Uncle Fourâs voice."
What seems, it clearly was him.
Song Zhiyuan rubbed his forehead, wondering how someone soon to be a father himself could be out there fighting with others?
Listen to that arrogant tone; thereâs no need to get off the carriage to see. It must be the stance of hands on hips, chin raised high, boasting about who my big brother is and who my wife is!
Song Zhiyu: Are you clairvoyant!
"Fulai, send someone to see whatâs going on?"
"Yes."
The carriage stopped moving for now.
Song Lingsu inwardly lit a candle for his Uncle Four. How did he manage to run into his father!
Soon, Jiang Fula returned to report: "Prime Minister, itâs Fourth Master and the Ji Familyâs Seventh Young Master in a dispute, and both sidesâ servants have clashed."
The Ji Family?
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow with interest and asked, "Whatâs the dispute about?"
"Itâs over the last Jinhua Pastry from Xiangmanlou today," Jiang Fula reported. "Fourth Master wanted to buy this Jinhua Pastry to let the Commandery Princess taste it, while that Ji Qi Young Master wants to please the beauty from Hongxiu Pavilion. Neither side is willing to yield."
Song Zhiyuan rubbed his forehead, knowing it wouldnât be anything good, utterly absurd.
Jiang Fula added, "Prime Minister, that Seventh Young Master from the Ji Family supposedly resembles Princess Consort Ji and is a highly favored nephew of hers. Heâs been in Xuzhou for the past few years and just recently returned to Shangjing."
"Who cares who you are, give that pretty boy a thorough beating!" A sharp voice interrupted Jiang Fulaâs words.