Chapter 668 - 446: Shutting Everyone Up

Chapter 668: Chapter 446: Shutting Everyone Up

Song Yunzhao had ordinary expectations for most people, but she placed her greatest hopes on her eldest cousin.

As long as her eldest cousin’s official career went smoothly and was built on a solid foundation, the Song Family’s position at court would become more profound. If Feng Ze were to be named Crown Prince one day, her cousin would become his right-hand man.

It wasn’t that Yun Zhao didn’t trust Feng Yi; she just didn’t know how many years that trust would last. Besides, the Song Family couldn’t rely solely on a daughter’s favor for their standing. They needed to depend on their own strength.

Only then could they silence all the critics.

"I’ve been so busy that I forgot to ask about my second brother-in-law, my second cousin, and my older brothers. Weren’t they supposed to sit the exams last year? Why haven’t I heard anything?"

Hearing Yun Zhao’s question, the First Madam had a wry expression. "They do look the part of scholars, but they’ve only started putting in real effort these past few years. Besides, Bu Yue failed his first attempt at the provincial examinations. Song Buchang and Song Buming also felt their knowledge needed to be more solid so they could pass on their first try, so they decided not to take the exams this time."

Song Yunzhao: ...

She hadn’t expected that.

’It would be a miracle if Song Bu Yue could pass on his first attempt. He was never as diligent as Song Buming in his studies before. Now that everyone down south is working equally hard, it won’t be easy for him to catch up.’

She was just a bit surprised that Song Buchang had also decided to skip this exam to take it with the others next time.

The First Madam looked at Yun Zhao and added, "Boqian from your second uncle’s branch became a scholar but doesn’t plan to take any more exams. He has to take over your second uncle’s mantle. He also says he’s afraid he wouldn’t pass if he tried to go any higher. His success in his studies is purely from hard work; he lacks a bit of natural talent. Boyuan, on the other hand, became a Scholar and wants to keep studying. Your second aunt wrote to ask if I could send Boyuan to study in the south as well. I’ll have to ask the Yang Family about it. Our boys were able to study there because of our connection to the Yangs, so it wouldn’t be right to bypass them and go knocking on doors ourselves."

Song Yunzhao knew her aunt was very thorough, so she nodded. "You’re right, Aunt. Since Boyuan wants to study, we should let him. Second Uncle’s branch of the family also needs someone to distinguish himself."

"That’s what I was thinking, too," the First Madam said with a smile. "Boqian is honest and loyal, while Boyuan is clever. If the two brothers help each other in the future, with the family’s support, their branch will surely become even more prosperous."

Second Young Master Song was an illegitimate son. When the old matriarch of the Song Family was alive, she neither suppressed nor promoted him. Lacking any talent for scholarship himself, he had stayed home to manage the family’s assets for his brothers.

But their branch couldn’t just manage the family business forever. Over time, it would be difficult for them to make any progress. They needed a scholar to pass the imperial examinations and attain a title to gradually improve their family’s standing. With the support of the other branches, they would surely do better and better.

Song Yunzhao was delighted. She felt as if the entire Song Family was united, pulling together like a single rope, and this feeling brought her great joy.

No one was standing still; they were all striving to move forward.

After the First Madam left, Yun Zhao remained in high spirits, a wide smile fixed on her face.

When Feng Yi came over that evening, he saw how happy Yun Zhao was and chuckled. "This isn’t the first time you’ve seen your aunt. Why so cheerful this time?"

Song Yunzhao recounted the entire conversation to Feng Yi. She was determined that the brothers from her maternal family make the best possible impression on the Emperor.

"After hearing what my aunt said, I was genuinely so happy," Song Yunzhao said, smiling. "The fact that they are ambitious, willing to endure hardship, and dedicated to their studies makes me feel so proud and joyful."

Feng Yi was rather surprised. He looked at Yun Zhao and said, "That is a pleasant surprise. It seems going south to study has really cleared Song Bu Yue’s head."

Feng Yi had never had a good impression of Song Bu Yue. Yun Zhao’s own brother treated her worse than her cousins from the other family branches did.

"Yes, I was a bit surprised, too. I never expected that instead of throwing a spoiled brat tantrum after failing the exam, he would recognize his own shortcomings and continue to strive. It truly amazed me." Song Yunzhao’s feelings for Song Bu Yue were faint, but his ambition was a great boon. As long as he didn’t drag her and her son down, it was a wonderful development.

"Once you’ve tasted hardship, you learn to distinguish right from wrong. It was the right decision to have them study with Yang Shu," Feng Yi said, nodding in satisfaction. "Your efforts weren’t wasted."

Yun Zhao didn’t take the credit. "It’s because they themselves had the will."

Feng Yi and Yun Zhao had dinner together. Feng Ze was getting along splendidly with his friends recently, so he ate with Yue Guanlan and Yang Weiqing. After the meal, he had them escorted home before returning to Qingyao Palace himself.

Not long after they finished their meal, Feng Ze returned. He immediately grabbed Yun Zhao and began chattering about his day. Yun Zhao listened intently, and soon mother and son were huddled together, laughing.

Feng Yi watched them from the side, shaking his head with a smile. ’Yunzhao was absolutely right to have me find playmates for Feng Ze.’

The next morning, Feng Yi left early with Feng Ze. Too lazy to get up, Yun Zhao didn’t see the father and son off and instead went back to sleep for a while. By the time she rose and had breakfast, she had received a reply from the First Madam.

Song Qinghan had agreed.

Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised in the slightest. She knew Song Qinghan’s personality all too well.

She summoned Zhang Maoquan and said, "I need you to make a trip to Third Young Madam Xu’s residence."

Zhang Maoquan froze. He was well aware that Her Highness had a terrible relationship with this sister. "Your Highness, what do you require of me?"

"I intend to hand over the Baozhuang Building business in Guangning Prefecture to her. You are to go and manage the transition."

Zhang Maoquan could hardly believe his ears. He didn’t dare question her, however, and quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, Your Highness. Will the rules in Guangning Prefecture be the same as in the Capital City?"

"No," Song Yunzhao said. "I will set the prices for the goods in Guangning Prefecture. How much she manages to sell will depend on her own abilities. Furthermore, an accountant is to go along, and the ledgers are not to be left in her care."

Zhang Maoquan understood. ’Her Highness is allowing Third Young Madam Xu to make money, but how much she earns and how she earns it is still entirely up to Her Highness.’

"You are to go with great fanfare. Make sure everyone in the Marquis Wuxin Mansion knows about it," Song Yunzhao said with a smile. "Also, give this letter to Third Young Madam Xu. After she has read it, take it back and burn it on the spot."

Zhang Maoquan hurriedly reached out, took the letter, and tucked it into his robes. "Yes, Your Highness. I will be sure to handle this matter properly."

"Go on," Song Yunzhao said with a wave of her hand.

’Now I’ll see if Song Qinghan’s intervention can finally tear away Xu Mingying’s mask.’

’I have such high hopes, after all.’

Song Qinghan had only just agreed to her aunt’s proposal the day before. She hadn’t expected to see Song Yunzhao’s chief steward first thing in the morning—a steward who had originally served the Emperor, no less. She wouldn’t dare show the slightest disrespect.

When Zhang Maoquan saw Third Young Madam Xu, he was inwardly startled. ’I can’t believe it. I haven’t seen her in years, but her complexion is so much worse than it was during the imperial selection. She’s no match for Her Highness at all.’

’It’s obvious her life has not been easy.’