Chapter 38: Reincarnation is a Technical Affair
To speak of reincarnation, it’s truly an art form; landing a good reincarnation spot relies on one’s fate. Among the second generation of the Song Family brothers, none reincarnated better than Fourth Master Song Zhiyu.
Unlike his elder brothers Song Zhiyuan and Song Zhicheng, who experienced hardship growing up, starting from humble beginnings—or even the third son, who was born when the Song Family was just beginning to prosper—Song Zhiyu was born during the peak of the family’s glory, truly born with a silver spoon in his mouth as the youngest in the family. His cherished status was evident.
Song Zhiyu’s fate was foretold by a high monk at birth; he was destined for wealth and good fortune, the kind where a flower pot would fall from above but be blown off course by the wind, missing him entirely.
However, he lacked the fate for officialdom, so as of now, Song Zhiyu is merely a Tongsheng after passing the child exam twice unsuccessfully, still studying in the Qingyang Academy.
Yet no one considers this a problem. For the Song Family, Song Zhiyu passing the scholar or even the palace exam would be merely the icing on the cake. He is born into wealth and leisure, and doesn’t need to strive for a career to enjoy a lifetime of prosperity.
Even if he tried, the Song Family’s status doesn’t require it. After all, the family already boasts two Jinshi scholars, with the eldest son being a Prime Minister, and a stepbrother who holds a Fifth Rank official position. The Song Family is already flourishing and doesn’t need more eyes on them.
Thus, under the deliberate or inadvertent influences of the Song Family, Song Zhiyu has been pampered since youth, excelling in none of the scholarly pursuits, yet leading in fighting, climbing trees, and cricket battles, becoming one of the little overlords in the circle of noble children in the capital.
But the Song Family doesn’t mind these little scoundrels, as it’s a reality in many aristocratic families, and is most reassuring to the Emperor. Otherwise, would a lone family dominate the nation and win national acclaim, seeking to overturn the heavens?