Chapter 103: A Tower Cannot Rise Without a Solid Foundation

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Song Ci actually asked about his daughter’s future and marriage prospects—could it be that someone had already inquired about her?
“Has anyone asked about your side yet?” Song Zhiyuan asked.
Song Ci shook her head: “Not really. With you and her mother in the family, it’s not up to me to decide. Even if someone asks me, that’s what I tell them.”
One fourth son is enough to trouble her; she wouldn’t meddle in the grandchildren’s affairs unless her sons or daughters-in-law came to consult her, and then she might take a look.
Now, being a busybody was only out of fear that this young prime minister might get too ambitious, trying to elevate the family to greater heights. If he failed, it would be a disaster, and she could be beheaded along with him.
Song Zhiyuan fell silent, then glanced toward Madame Gong, nodding slightly toward the door.
Madame Gong moved to the door, sending the maids away, then personally stood guard there.
“Since your mother has asked, it’s only fair for your son to share his plans,” Song Zhiyuan said, fingers threading through his Buddhist beads. “Our Song family has only risen in the past twenty years or so. Compared to those centuries-old clans, we still have a long way to go. Mother, I want to lead the Song family to go further, to shine even brighter.”
Song Ci’s heart pounded, and she blurted out, “Your ambitions are lofty, but what’s your plan? Surely you don’t mean what I suspect—that you want Qi’er to enter the imperial selection?”
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow. “Do you think that’s inappropriate? If we are to send a girl into the royal family, the Song family certainly has the qualifications.”
His daughter, Song Zhiyuan’s own daughter, was qualified to participate in the imperial consort selection.

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Song Ci was silent.
“Do you think Qi’er’s temperament is suited for life in the imperial family?” Song Ci considered carefully. “It’s not that I underestimate her, but with her nature, if she goes into such a place and manages to survive, it would be her luck. If not, she might be the first to ruin herself—and not enough, she would drag the whole family down with her.”
Song Zhiyuan’s lip twitched slightly. “Mother…”
“Eldest son, the Song family is now like oil on fire—there’s no need to add an imperial princess consort to adorn it. You serve as the emperor’s trusted minister; be loyal to him, support the royal faction, and the Song family will remain stable.”
Song Zhiyuan was somewhat surprised as he looked at his mother. “Mother, do you want your son to be just a loyal minister?”
“Aren’t you one now? Isn’t it better to keep doing that? If you find a prince as a son-in-law, will you want to help him compete for the heirship in the future?” Song Ci pressed on.
“Mother, what you say is really…”
“Did I say anything wrong?” Song Ci went all out. “Once you become the father-in-law to a prince, you’re no longer a pure minister—and he won’t let you be.”
Song Zhiyuan said, “Mother, if the Song family produces an imperial consort…”
The current imperial uncle, the prime minister; looking further ahead, if his daughter rose to become Empress Dowager, wouldn’t the Song family become a ducal house?
“Temporary wealth and glory are but fleeting smoke and mirrors. Look at those centuries-old families—like your in-laws, the Gu family—have they ever had an imperial consort?” Song Ci sighed. “I never went to school, and the only characters I know are those you taught me, but I understand the principle of aiming high: there are always people higher up. It’s good to have ambition, but if you involve the family in heirship struggles, once the conflict erupts, the family will be finished. Don’t talk about seeking fortune in danger. The Song family’s foundation isn’t stable yet, and building a tall tower now would make it prone to collapse. We’ve only just risen in the past two or three decades—we should be even more cautious and absolutely must not let our child get entangled in the royal family.”

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Song Zhiyuan’s expression turned stern.
Song Ci felt uneasy under his gaze—had she spoken too plainly and been seen through by her clever son?
Ah, why can’t I keep my mouth shut? Wouldn’t it be easier to just play dumb?
While Song Ci was lost in thought, Song Zhiyuan stood and bowed to her: “The old truly have wisdom. Mother, you have remained clear-headed all along. It’s your son who, having taken this position, has become overly ambitious.”
Huh?
He hadn’t seen through her?
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