The main courtyard welcos a new addition, bringing celebrations throughout the mansion, signifying the crisis has been averted. Everyone can finally show relieved smiles, breaking free from the somber mood.
Jiang and Lu, who had been waiting in the main courtyard, felt relieved as well. As sisters-in-law and as won, they held no malicious intentions, hoping for trouble to befall Madam Song. After all, if she encountered problems, Song Zhiyuan would surely remarry in the future.
With Song Zhiyuan holding the rank of a top official, it’s unclear who he would marry next. If it were soone difficult to get along with, they’d have a hard ti dealing with it. It was better to stick with Madam Song, who, though she considered herself superior and high-minded, at least wasn’t malicious or an-spirited, and wasn’t stingy about relinquishing power when necessary.
Most importantly, harmony in the main courtyard ant peace for them. With no newcors to stir up trouble, life would be simpler. A new lady would bring a new legitimate son, leading to more rivalry.
For all these reasons, Jiang and Lu sincerely felt happy for Madam Song.
Similarly joyous was Song Zhicheng, who was grinning ear to ear. His elder brother was blessed with another legitimate son, another pair of good characters; if raised properly, the Song Family would undoubtedly beco even stronger.
The only one feigning happiness was Song Zhiqing, whose smile was strained despite his internal complaints. The eldest had such good fortune, a smooth career path, and now another legitimate son, equating to two legitimate sons.
The second brother also had two legitimate sons, whereas he...
While he too had two sons, one was born of a concubine. Should he have another one?
Song Zhiqing’s gaze landed on Lu, who, dressed lightly for the sumr, exuded great charm.
Lu seed to sense this and, following his gaze, saw a smile resembling a dog’s face, and coldly turned her sight away.
Dog of a man.
Song Zhiqing’s smile stiffened at the corners of his mouth, as he let out a sheepish grunt.
The night quietly descended.
As the city gates were about to close, several fast horses rushed in from outside the city, covered in mud and looking utterly wretched.
"Who goes there?" The guard shouted loudly.
The lead horseman imdiately revealed a token, the golden-lettered Song Family eagle badge, the emblem of Pri Minister Song.
The gatekeeper hurriedly ordered the gates to be slightly opened, allowing a dozen swift horses to speed into the city. At their center was none other than Song Zhiyuan.
As the riders sped away, a junior officer asked, "Isn’t Pri Minister Song a civil servant? How is he such a skilled horseman?"
The guard knocked his forehead and said, "Pri Minister Song was an envoy who traveled on horseback in the past, so how wouldn’t he be skilled?"
"Hehe, I’ve only been here a few years. But with such urgency, I wonder what’s the matter? The Emperor is at the Palace for the sumr; there surely isn’t an ergency, right?"
The guard quietly chided, "Don’t speculate on the affairs of the authorities, or I won’t be able to protect your head. Go close the city gates imdiately."
"Yes, yes."
Song Mansion.
The doorn were discussing today’s great celebration at the mansion, considering what they might buy with the distributed silver, or perhaps indulge for a while.
"Shh, listen."
One of the servants raised his hand, leaning closer to listen. The sound of hooves, many hooves, resonated, causing the door boards to tremble slightly and drop a layer of fine dust.
One opened the door and looked out, seeing the leader on horseback, dressed not as a guard.
Whoa.
The guard halted at the door, soon followed by other horses. Soone dismounted.
With keen eyes, a servant broke into a smile, rushing to kneel and bow: "Pri Minister, you’re back. Congratulations, Pri Minister. Madam has given birth to a noble son. Mother and child are safe."
The servants arriving later secretly stamped their feet, grumbling about being beaten to it.
User Comments
0 comments from readers