Chapter 1133: Chapter 1133: A Thousand Pounds of Pressure from the Father-in-Law
Qi Zhen was indeed still talking to Song Zhiyuan, of course, rather than chatting casually, it was more like receiving advice.
No matter what the second sister-in-law did, as the Duke Mansion has already made a decision, itās necessary to report the matter to the Master Taishan.
Song Zhiyuan said, "The Duke is a fair person, how he handles things is not my concern. Even if no action is taken, I wonāt seek him out."
Qi Zhen curled his lips, just about to flatter a little.
"I only come to you."
Qi Zhen: "..."
Song Zhiyuan: "Though you and Qiāer were matched by the Emperor, if you truly become unruly, I have ways to disrupt this marriage. I consented because I value you as a person, capable and a man."
Qi Zhen stood up straight, saying, "Rest assured, Father-in-law. I will not let Qiāer suffer grievances."
"Whether she suffers or not, itās nothing much. Being a daughter-in-law, how many donāt suffer some grievances? They all endure it. Any big grievance you all should have faced." Song Zhiyuan looked at him and said, "Qi Zhen, if you fall for the same trick twice, itās not stupidity, but incompetence."
Qi Zhen stiffened his face, silently bowed his head, clenching his fists.
"Youāre not young anymore, you should understand the feeling of having empty knees. People your age, with good luck, are grandfathers after a few years, yet you have no offspring. Others might not mind, but what about the family?" Song Zhiyuan played with two walnuts in his hand and said, "I see your second brother has quite a few offspring, four sons."
Qi Zhen frowned lightly.
"If you and Qiāer truly have no son, in the future you might have to adopt from your second brother."
Qi Zhen turned pale, "Father-in-law, we are still very young."
"Yes, lucky youāre young. But what if you really donāt have one?"
Qi Zhen remained silent, his lips forming a straight line.
Song Zhiyuan glanced at him and said, "Iām saying this not to sow discord between you brothers, but merely stating a possibility. Qiāerās previous pregnancy remains an unresolved case till now; whoās behind it couldnāt possibly be you two, right?"
Qi Zhen thought of last yearās incident, a sharp pain stinging his heart.
"Letās not dwell on past matters. Now that Qiāer is pregnant again, it must not be lost." Song Zhiyuan said, "Moreover, if you truly donāt want to engage in the Duke Mansionās conflict, have no interest in the position of Princely Heir..."
"Father-in-law, Iāve never coveted that position. Eldest brother has already been appointed as Princely Heir." Qi Zhen interrupted him.
Song Zhiyuan nodded, "It should be so. Qi An is honest and generous, capable of maintaining what he has, and the Emperor thinks highly of him, not likely to change that position easily."
Qi Zhenās pupils contracted, indicating a revelation.
"Competing for whatās established isnāt meaningful. Next year after Qiāer gives birth, take her to Jiangnan to hone for a few years. You might swap positions for real authority, better than staying in the capital." Song Zhiyuan added.
Qi Zhen was secretly delighted, Jiangnan being prosperous, with positions there granted real power due to father-in-lawās arrangements, highlighting the importance of having a powerful Yue family.
He knelt, giving a resounding bow to Song Zhiyuan: "Thank you, Father-in-law, for making arrangements."
Song Zhiyuan raised him up, saying, "Your well-being ensures Qiāerās well-being. Of course, if Qiāer isnāt well, then no one will be."
This firm warning and protective attitude was indeed threatening.
With the weight of Taishan on his shoulders, itās impossible not to bend under such pressure.
Qi Zhenās cold sweat started flowing, kneeling once more to express his loyalty.