Chapter 967: Voluntary Disclosure

Chapter 967: Chapter 967: Voluntary Disclosure

Madam Song diligently attended to Song Zhiyuan’s clothing and grooming herself, making Song Zhiyuan feel as if he were returning home after being away for several years.

"Your health hasn’t fully recovered yet; these tasks should be left to the maids."

Madam Song playfully retorted, "I’m not bedridden anymore, not taking on heavy chores, nor do I have any worries. I usually focus on maintaining my health through diet—how could I be so fragile that dressing you would exhaust me?"

Song Zhiyuan replied, "You still suffered a significant depletion of vitality; it’s better to be cautious. Within this estate, everything in the inner courtyard relies on you. The children are still young and need you to take care of things from behind the scenes. If you’re not well, it won’t do. Besides, you need to grow old together with me."

Madam Song was greatly moved, her eyes reddening, and she said, "You, saying such things, making it easy for one to tear up."

Song Zhiyuan laughed and pulled her to sit on the Arhat bed placed near the south window, while the maid brought tea and discreetly withdrew.

"I’m not saying this just to coax you; it’s the truth. You had a hard time delivering this child, costing you a lot of effort. It was unfortunate that I had to accompany the Emperor at the palace to attend to state affairs, and couldn’t be at the manor—it’s been tough on you."

Upon hearing this, Madam Song joked, "State affairs are of utmost importance. It’s not easy for you to reach this position, so where’s the time for sentimentality? We are no longer a young couple."

Song Zhiyuan patted her hand.

Noticing that he didn’t inquire about their youngest son, Madam Song knew that he must be aware of the child’s whereabouts. After considering for a moment, she took the initiative to explain, "Prime Minister, Dan is currently being raised by my mother. I thought, given my mother’s age, having a little companion around would also bring joy. She has a particular bond with Dan. Why not let Dan stay with her?"

Song Zhiyuan deliberately raised his eyebrow, "You always wished for another son, and now you’ve finally gotten your wish, yet you’re unwilling to raise him? You say he bonds with my mother, but does he have no bonding with you?"

Madam Song didn’t catch the underlying implication, lowering her head slightly with a somewhat forlorn expression, she smiled bitterly, "You’re right, perhaps there’s truly a lack of bond."

Seeing her like this, Song Zhiyuan frowned.

Madam Song said, "I don’t know what’s wrong with the child; in the main courtyard, he’s always crying and fussing. Rarely does he stay, but then falls ill—oh, well."

"Newborns certainly require more patience." Song Zhiyuan said, "If you don’t want to devote energy to him, naturally, he’ll be restless."

"His elder siblings weren’t like this. Don’t say it; he’ll surely grow into a mischievous one—perhaps only my mother can handle him." Madam Song remarked lightly.

Song Zhiyuan smiled faintly, "He’s just a child now, yet you’ve already defined his future nature, which is still distant."

Madam Song, realizing the subtle discontent in his words, hurriedly said, "Just let him stay with my mother for now, benefiting from her good fortune and also providing her company—killing two birds with one stone, wouldn’t you say?"

"That’s fine, since your health hasn’t recovered fully, and you’ll have household matters to attend to, lacking much free time. However, you must visit often; my mother’s age and health aren’t quite robust—she shouldn’t be overburdened."

Madam Song sighed in relief, "I know that, you needn’t worry. Prime Minister, it’s rare for you to be back at the manor and not having dined with my mother for a while, I’ve instructed the little kitchen. Shall we dine with my mother tonight? You can also visit Dan, that mischievous one."

Upon hearing this, Song Zhiyuan’s expression eased somewhat.