Chapter 925: Chapter 925: Teasing My Own Son
When Song Ci received a small basket of lychees bestowed by Empress Dowager Wang, she also received news brought back by Song Zhicheng.
As for Song Lingzhaoâs matter, let him handle it himself.
Regarding the decision of her astute son, Song Ci had anticipated it long ago. If the Prime Minister couldnât handle his nephewâs enlistment, it would be a great embarrassment.
"Since itâs like this, go back and comfort your wife. When children travel far, mothers worry. With Zhaoâer joining the military, she should be the most concerned."
Song Zhicheng smiled and said, "Mother, rest assured, Ying Niang will be upset for a few days at most, then sheâll be fine."
Song Ci shook her head and said, "Thatâs not how it works. Raising a child for a hundred years is to worry for ninety-nine. Even with them around, thereâs concern, let alone when they are not. Just because she doesnât show it on her face doesnât mean she doesnât feel sad inside. After all, heâs her own son, thereâs a bond between mother and child."
Upon hearing this, Song Zhicheng quickly stood up and agreed.
Song Ci continued, "Itâs well that youâve resigned from that idle post now. With Zhaoâer joining the military and Jieâer serving as a study companion in the palace, if he passes the imperial examination next year, our familyâs prominence is inevitable. Youâve only just started experiencing the taste of being an official, are you willing to let it go?"
"Oh, mother, isnât this kind of belittling to your son? Iâm not cut out to be an official anyway, whatâs there not to give up? I resigned this position, but Ying Niangâs Imperial Decree is still in place. If those two little brats succeed in the future, her Imperial Decree would be more justified. As for me, being a wealthy idle person isnât bad at all. In fact, thereâs enough managing of external affairs for our mansion already, not really that idle. This position was mostly just for the salary anyway, otherwise, where would I find the time?"
Song Ci knew that among those in office, truly honest officials living in poverty are rare. Even if there are, they can be counted on one hand.
In the Great Qing, relying solely on salary would have starved many officials a long time ago. To support a family, one still depends on the familyâs various matters, like some fields, understated businesses, or shares presented by some merchants.
Take Song Mansion, Song Ci knew Song Zhiyuan took a 20% share in the Great Qing Money House, along with other things he could take, he did take.
Not to say Song Zhiyuan was greedy, but he understands at his level that the too clear waters have no fish. What should be taken, he takes; what he shouldnât touch, he doesnât touch at all, nor does he allow family members to, such as tea, salt, iron, and mines.
Besides what others honor him with, the family also has some understated businesses that need management, all of which require a reliable person, which is precisely Song Zhichengâs responsibility.
"I originally thought that if Zhaoâer couldnât continue his studies, Iâd let him take over my role in the future, but now thatâs not possible. Eventually, weâll have to find someone reliable to take over," Song Zhicheng said with a laugh. "Mother, youâve raised us well. Our family tends to produce officials achieving great things. Looks like I should bring in a son-in-law for Yuanyuan to carry on the mantle."
Song Ci spat at him: "Forget it! You have two sons yourself, why bring in someone? No need to create conflicts between siblings over interests, it wouldnât be good. Loving a daughter doesnât mean overdoing it. Just find a decent son-in-law nearby, but bringing in a son-in-lawâitâs not happening. You better drop this idea immediately."
Song Zhicheng responded sheepishly, "I was just saying, mother, you took it seriously."
"Iâm worried youâll take what you say seriously, after all, youâre both doting parents, so Iâm stopping you now," Song Ci said with a snort. "Go home and comfort your wife. Xiaoman, pack some lychees for the second young master to take home and have a taste."
Song Zhicheng laughed and thanked her.