Song Zhiyuan personally handed a cup of tea to Song Zhiqing, glanced at him, and sat down.
"The journey must have been exhausting; did you encounter anything on the road?"
Song Zhiqing stood up, cupped his hands, and replied while holding the tea cup, "The journey was smooth. Along the way, so officials wanted to invite for a visit or to pay respects. I only accepted a few invitations and declined the rest with excuses."
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow and said, "It’s good that you have this understanding and aren’t blinded by the official hat. Your years of service haven’t gone to waste."
If he were to accept every invitation, his perspective would be quite shallow.
Song Zhiqing said, "I have always kept your teachings in mind and dare not forget."
Song Zhiyuan lowered his eyes and chuckled softly.
"I have yet to thank you, brother. Without your coordination, I probably couldn’t have returned to the capital by now. Even if I did return, obtaining the real position of outdoor doctor would have been impossible." Song Zhiqing stood up and cupped his hands to him solemnly.
Song Zhiyuan raised his hand and said, "We are brothers of the Song Family, supporting and helping each other is expected. Why ntion thanks? Sit down and talk."
Song Zhiqing sat down again.
Song Zhiyuan picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and felt the tea’s fragrance on his tongue, saying, "The Song Family ca from humble beginnings, and to reach this position now, we are considered upstarts, unlike those longstanding noble families. In the future, if we wish for the Song Clan to also beco a renowned noble family, we still need to exert countless efforts."
"You speak the truth, brother."
"Our Song Family can now be considered a family with two outstanding mbers." Song Zhiyuan sighed, "The Song Family’s current prosperity is undeniable, especially with the fourth brother marrying the Commandery Princess, making us even more distinguished. However, it’s destined that only you and I will navigate the officialdom in this generation."
Song Zhiqing pursed his lips. Being able to hold office indicated he wasn’t without intelligence. His older brother’s words made the implications clear: the more prestigious, the more one must be cautious.
"I understand your words, brother."
"For a family to continue endlessly and beco a distinguished family over the years requires both ti and several generations of effort. Old third, we have set up the foundation; how much we fill it depends on the next generation and the one after that. Su’er and the others are the hopes of the Song Family." Song Zhiyuan said calmly, "Others see the Song Family as having not many descendants, but I believe that it’s the quality of children that matters, not the quantity. If nurtured well, one can be worth several others."
Song Zhiqing looked over, "What do you an, brother?"
"Zhou’er is your legitimate eldest son, and he will have to rely on him to inherit the family business in the future. I see Zhou’er as having a pure and kind nature, with so talent in unusual skills. With a little guidance, he will be a promising talent. Since you are back now, you should pay more attention to him. Boys always need a father’s guidance."
Song Zhiqing’s face ward, as the other was secretly reminding him not to blur the line between legitimate and illegitimate offspring.
He felt slightly embarrassed and annoyed at the ntion of the legitimate eldest son inheriting the family business but didn’t dare show it, only respectfully saying, "I understand, brother."
Song Zhiyuan noted the fleeting defiance in his eyes, slightly furrowed his brow, and lowered his eyes, "Have you investigated the origin of the Bai family?"
Song Zhiqing paused.
"Elevating a concubine is not a major issue, but the origin must be upright. Otherwise, it will be a disaster for the family. Old third, it was not easy for you to reach this position, so don’t ruin it all for the sake of a woman." Song Zhiyuan’s voice contained a faint warning.
Song Zhiqing’s hand, hidden in his sleeve, tightened into a fist.
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