Chapter 100: Thank You for Not Calling My Son Scum

Song Ci held her tea, listening as Madam Wei rattled off the impressive exploits of her treasured grandniece, piecing together the outline of a story.

It was about an orphaned girl who, relying solely on herself, sacrificed a small portion of her inheritance to win over the clan chief, forging mutually beneficial alliances and thus preserving the bulk of her family’s wealth.

In short, Wang Qiuman would have a substantial dowry when she married. She was wealthy and capable, undoubtedly a worthy candidate to head a household.

“She truly is remarkable,” Song Ci chuckled.

There was no ambiguity in her words. For someone so young to maintain such composure and safeguard her property despite multiple blows, while outmaneuvering countless schemers—that was genuinely impressive.

She even wondered if girls in ancient times grew up on some sort of wisdom beans, so quick to understand human nature and self-preservation at such an early age. Then she recalled herself at twelve or thirteen—probably clutching a Barbie doll, braiding its hair, dressing it in floral dresses.

Madam Wei, however, mistook Song Ci’s amusement for disapproval and said somewhat resentfully, “Actually, she’s not especially formidable, just a little bit. But given the circumstances—she was the last one left—if she hadn’t been tough, she’d have been trampled underfoot like a poor child forced to grow up too soon. Her escape from the clutches of those covetous relatives was also thanks to my late brother’s groundwork; he took her in and carefully guided her.”

“I understand. Environment shapes a person,” Song Ci nodded in agreement.

“Exactly, elder sister, you simply see through life more clearly than most,” Madam Wei said quickly.

“You flatter me,” Song Ci smiled. “The child is a good one. Surely your household has eligible young men as well?”

Madam Wei’s heart sank. She knew there was little hope and forced a bitter smile. “Elder sister, I truly want to find a good marriage for this poor girl. Of course, there are men in my household who keep an eye on her, but they’re all unworthy illegitimate sons—no talents, shameless to boot. As for the legitimate sons...”

A sneer crossed her face. “My two daughters-in-law wouldn’t deign to marry a widow’s eldest daughter as the primary daughter-in-law. Don’t laugh, they only want to raise her to be a concubine.”

Song Ci pursed her lips. Could it be they knew she was a fake and thus wouldn’t mind giving such a bride to Song Silang?

“I’m not trying to deceive you,” Madam Wei went on. “Your Silang may lack official rank and be a bit of a playboy, but at least he’s not like my illegitimate grandsons. The Song family’s values are upright, which is why I’m thinking this way.”

She added, “I figure if your Silang can’t make a fortune, at least he can maintain what he has. If he takes a formidable wife like his father did, becoming a wealthy gentleman living in ease, his life will be stable.”

Song Ci tugged at the corner of her mouth, thinking to herself, “I appreciate that you almost said my youngest son is a scoundrel who needs a mighty wife to keep the household in line.”

“The person I have in mind isn’t enough; the child must like him too. After all, it’s a matter of the couple living together, isn’t it? By the way, have you hinted this to Miss Wang?”

Madam Wei quickly shook her head. “How could I? You must meet the boy first. Otherwise, if I told her without certainty and you disliked him, how would the child save face? I only said she could come visit you, elder sister.”

Though she spoke thus, she couldn’t help but wonder if elder sister’s recent illness had clouded her judgment. This certainly shouldn’t be mentioned—would her daughter not be ashamed?

Song Ci said sullenly, “As I said, it must be my son’s choice.”

“Of course. So, what do you suggest?” Madam Wei blinked rapidly. “Why not let the two children meet by chance?”

If the ancestors were pleased, she would surely invite everyone to keep following: The Ancestor Is Truly Fierce, Absolute Tang Sect, updating at the fastest pace.