The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant-Chapter 1022: Ruthless? No, the Scheming Son Is More Ruthless

Song Ci hadn’t expected that Prince Min needed to bribe her, an old woman, to speak on his behalf. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to bribe Song Zhiyuan?

However, she thought of those corrupt officials in later generations, who were often bribed through their family members, and she felt relieved.

"Is it just to return to Xuzhou? Prince Min surely wouldn’t stoop so low, would he?" Song Ci carefully remarked.

After all, he’s a dignified Prince.

"Whether he does or not, we’ll see if he mentions it." Song Zhiyuan closed the box and said quietly, "The Emperor might not even want him to return. Xuzhou is prosperous, and the National Treasury lacks silver."

Song Ci’s face twitched. No need to say it; she understood. It’s that thing about reducing the power of the feudal lords.

"Just consider this compensation. After all, that’s what he said, no need to say any good words." Song Ci advised Song Zhiyuan, "You are the Emperor’s close minister, don’t do anything that would offend him."

Song Zhiyuan smiled; it depends on what kind of matters. Some matters, if they benefit Great Qing, even if they offend the Emperor, he must act. Otherwise, he would just be a sycophantic minister.

"Old Third has recently earned the favor of these princes, but today’s gesture of passing over this gift felt abrupt, and his visit to Prince Xiao’s Mansion with that Bai family—are you aware of this?" Song Ci shifted the topic to Song Zhiqing.

Song Zhiyuan’s face turned grim, his voice carrying a cold edge: "Returning to the capital to serve, but hasn’t achieved anything significant—he’s mastered the art of manipulation instead."

Song Ci sighed, saying, "You can’t really blame him. In his mind, having you in the forefront presses him down, making it hard to stand out. Naturally, he seeks another path, wishing to compete. Moreover, he is not my biological son, he probably feels there are differences in closeness."

In truth, even if he were biological, how would it matter? People’s hearts tend to favor; if well-educated it’s fine, if not, would a biological one automatically step back and not compete?

No way. Among Shangjing’s noble families, isn’t sibling rivalry a common occurrence?

Thus, she quite admired the former self, this old lady, for managing to raise her children well, supporting each other. Even Song Lao Third, a concubine-born, hadn’t been treated unfairly.

A merciful mother indeed!

A gust of wind blew, causing Song Ci to shrink her neck involuntarily, glancing at the window—it was closed.

"Oldest son, I don’t understand politics, but with Old Third thinking about aligning and gambling, I just feel uneasy. If he drags the entire Song Family down, then... Mother is considering whether to nip this danger in the bud and separate him out, what do you think?"

If they split the family, whatever Song Zhiqing does won’t affect Song Zhiyuan and them.

"Parents are present, the family won’t split. Mother, you’ve overthought. Your son will ensure such things never happen; please enjoy your later years peacefully." If Old Third insists on courting disaster, he’ll directly clip his wings, ensuring he can’t even soar.

Song Zhiyuan’s tone was calm, but Song Ci sensed a chilling coldness within.

Indeed, with his status, having a Fifth Rank official lose his rank is just a matter of speaking. If Song Zhiqing goes too far, he could render him idle at home as a wealthy idler, easily.

For an official, how could he continue if his leg is broken?

Thinking of this, Song Ci swallowed hard. In terms of ruthlessness, her cunning son was more ruthless.

Silently, she lit a candle for Song Lao Third; he must not court disaster. If he does, he’s doomed!

Coming out of Moyun Inn, Song Zhiqing inexplicably felt a chill on his back, glancing up at the sky. Is this year’s cold winter arriving early?