The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The Prime Minister’s Mansion welcomed a new master with two little masters. It caused a bit of a ripple but soon settled down because that Concubine Bai remained very low-key, not causing trouble as other mansion concubines might.

Therefore, the mansion remained as tranquil as ever, with only the Lu family being unsettled. After all, when a man is shared with another woman, feeling at peace is indeed strange.

Song Ci, secretly speaking to Nanny Gong, remarked that the Bai Lianhua was clever, knowing how to keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention.

Nanny Gong agreed wholeheartedly.

As late autumn passed, the weather turned increasingly cold. In October, Song Lingsu returned home after taking the provincial examination, and was affectionately embraced by Madam Song, who doted on him dearly.

Song Ci, being his direct grandmother, naturally had to commend him. She opened the storeroom for Song Lingsu to choose from, moving the honest child profoundly, making him feel ineffably touched. In the end, he only chose a piece of famous calligraphy and painting.

Meanwhile, the family head, Song Zhiyuan, called his eldest son over to discuss his decision with him.

Song Lingsu was taken aback: "Father, Grandmaster Fu is a great scholar of our time and now the Mountain Master of Lushan Academy. Will he accept me?"

Song Zhiyuan gently patted his head and smiled: "My son is an exceptionally promising noble young man, with remarkable literary talent, and now the top scorer in the provincial exam. Why underestimate yourself?"

Song Lingsu’s handsome face flushed with praise, secretly delighted, yet modestly said: "It was just good fortune, Father." He paused and added, "At least I didn’t waste your usual teachings."

"I know you work hard on ordinary days. Actually, I’m very pleased you can give your all for me, even if you hadn’t topped the exam. Su’er, you should remember that while securing the top position brings joy to all, not achieving it shouldn’t cause regret. Just do your best."

Song Lingsu nodded: "I will remember, Father."

"Regarding the matter of apprenticeship, you have just turned fifteen, making your debut. In aristocratic families, it’s neither early nor late. Gaining fame in youth, though enviable, isn’t always beneficial, as it can lead to arrogance. I’d rather you build a solid and steady scholarly foundation, striking at once, like now." Song Zhiqing continued, "Grandmaster Fu possesses great knowledge, yet accepts very few students. If he agrees to take you in, you must study at Lushan Academy and won’t be able to return home frequently. Are you willing to go?"

Song Lingsu asked, "If Grandmaster Fu accepts me, studying at the academy would be my fortune. It’s something unattainable, so of course, I would be willing."

Song Zhiyuan said, "You also know your third brother now serves as a study companion to the Fifth Prince. Whenever he returns to the mansion, I allow him to attend discussions in the study room with me and various advisors."

"My third brother mentioned this to me."

"The palace is full of intrigue, where the slightest misstep can lead awry. Allowing your third brother to listen serves to temper his temperament and broaden his horizons early. He will inevitably assist the Fifth Prince in the future, and experiencing official affairs now will save him detours in the future. As the legitimate eldest son of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, aspiring to be a qualified next-generation family head of the Song legacy also necessitates experience and cultivation. If you study at the academy, like your third brother attending discussions in the study, I’m afraid..." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Song Lingsu smiled calmly, "Father, if I become the Grand Tutor’s student, the experience and cultivation I’d receive would surely not be any less. As you said, the palace has its perils and dealings. Early exposure to them would benefit my third brother, which is a good thing."

Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow: "Aren’t you afraid your third brother might surpass you in the future?"