Facing the bluntness of his stepmother, Song Zhiqing was speechless for a mont, and inwardly felt more sarcastic.
This must be ignorance, otherwise, who would say that a noble prince sent fake goods?
However, while ridiculing internally is one thing, he couldn’t speak like that, so Song Zhiqing forced a smile and said awkwardly, "Mother, you surely must be joking. Prince Min, being a prince of the current dynasty, wouldn’t send fake goods, right?"
Song Ci glanced over and said, "I’m not saying he knowingly sends fake goods, rather unknowingly sends fakes. Didn’t you just say this ca from overseas Nanyang? Things like this are rare and scarce, who has seen the real thing? Those foreign devils create fakes to trick outsiders who don’t know any better, which isn’t surprising, right? It’s just like how there are people in Great Qing who also create fakes to deceive others."
Song Zhiqing: "..."
What you said makes so much sense, I have no words to counter it.
"Well, Prince Min probably wouldn’t be as you said, unable to discern the genuine from the fake, right."
Song Ci looked at him with a subtle smile, "You’re quite quick to speak on his behalf. Why, did the prince also gift you sothing nice?"
Song Zhiqing’s heart skipped a beat. Was he supposed to offer that bright pearl?
Honestly, a luminous pearl of that quality, he didn’t even have one in his collection; to offer it to his stepmother, he was reluctant.
"It’s just a small pearl, nowhere near the treasures of Mother’s private collection. If you appreciate it, I can have soone send it over for your enjoynt," Song Zhiqing said with a smile.
Song Ci inwardly chuckled, if you didn’t appear so pained, I might have believed you.
"No need, I don’t lack anything here, I don’t need you to offer anything. But there are a few words I must remind you of, the third son."
Song Zhiqing promptly stood up and respectfully said, "Please, Mother, speak."
"A few days ago, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you brought Bai to attend the banquet without the permission of the Lady, which is against etiquette, but let’s set that aside." Song Ci cast a sidelong glance at him, "The Song Family is loyal to the Royalist Party, and I don’t want anyone backing a prince to plot for the future, prematurely picking a side."
Song Zhiqing’s face turned pale, and he defended, "Mother, I am not..."
"It’s best if you aren’t." Song Ci interrupted him with deep aning, "Since ancient tis, gambling on favors requires multiple tests and various contests, and once you bet wrongly on a favor, the consequences need not be spoken by this old woman; you, an official, should be more aware than I."
Song Zhiqing’s facial muscles twitched slightly.
"It’s true that wealth is sought amidst danger, but one must also seize the right timing, recognize situations clearly. Currently, the Song Family has you brothers serving as officials in court; your elder brother is close to the Emperor, you need not be discontented. He surely understands the Emperor’s wishes and thoughts better than you. Your elder brother hasn’t taken any action, yet you’re there jumping about, how should the Emperor think, what should outsiders think?"
"Mother, I..." Song Zhiqing felt deeply aggrieved inside.
The underlying aning of these words was indeed telling him to obediently act according to his elder brother’s wishes, wasn’t it?
After all, not being biological, with interests at hand, the priority would definitely be for the biological son; was she afraid I would overshadow my elder brother?
He strongly suppressed his inner discontent and reluctance, pretending to act calmly, but how could Song Ci not notice those subtle expressions on his face?
She lightly furrowed her brows, aware that further reprimanding might only provoke this person’s intense resentnt, then said, "I’ve said more than enough unnecessary words. You won’t be happy, but Third Son, I won’t allow any changes to the Song Family. I want the Song Family to endure, to beco a century-old aristocratic family, and anyone who drags the Song Family into a quagmire, even if it’s my biological son, I’ll personally have him taken care of."
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