Chapter 472: Gratified, Surprised
Song Lingsu was momentarily stunned, then shook his head with a smile.
"Father, I am happy for our third brother being a study companion to the fifth prince. Why would I feel discontent or regret? Besides, am I not about to go on a study tour with the teacher? I have to take the exams this year; if I enter the palace, my comings and goings would not be as free."
Song Zhiyuan, having observed countless people, was attentively watching his expression as he spoke.
The young boy was without guile, especially in front of his father, thus he had no defenses. Therefore, what he said came from the heart.
He truly felt no regret or discontent.
Song Zhiyuan was very pleased, his gaze softened.
"Do you know what it means to be a prince’s study companion? It means studying together with the prince, building a bond from a young age. In the future, no matter the prince’s status, his study companions will be the ones he trusts most. If the prince becomes... then you’re a key minister, you understand."
He spoke cryptically, but Song Lingsu’s eyelid twitched as he looked at his father. After a while, he nodded.
"Do you feel regret?"
Song Lingsu was silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Father, I do not feel regret. Our third brother is more suitable than I am."
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.
Song Lingsu smiled and said, "Father, are you asking if I wish you would replace him with me? I know you have that power, but there’s no need. Our third brother is more suited to be the fifth prince’s study companion than I am."
"Why do you say that?" Song Zhiyuan’s interest was piqued.
"Our third brother is smarter than me," Song Lingsu said, a bit ashamed. "He is also more decisive than I am."
This genuinely surprised Song Zhiyuan, and he looked at him.
Song Lingsu hesitated for a moment and then said, "In my courtyard, there was once a maid named Mo Song."
Who was Song Zhiyuan, after all? When the child mentioned it, he immediately guessed something yet remained expressionless.
"That maid grew up with me since childhood, but last year, she had other thoughts," Song Lingsu said, a bit embarrassed.
"Oh, did that girl want to get into your bed?"
Song Lingsu’s eyes widened, his handsome face turned red, and he blurted out, "Dad!"
Song Zhiyuan laughed, "It’s just about romance. As you grow, it’s not strange for your subordinates to have thoughts. You should understand matters between men and women; no need to be shy."
How could he not be shy?
Song Lingsu’s ears turned red as he said, "Yes, that maid indeed had such thoughts. At that time, I thought a warning would suffice, given we grew up together. But our third brother disagreed, saying she was restless and keeping her would only bring trouble, so she should be dismissed. In fact, it was so, as our third brother directly summoned Nanny Fang and sold Mo Song on the same day."
At that time, I thought he was ruthless and was angry with him for two days.
After hearing this, Song Zhiyuan said, "Your third brother was right. If such matters are not eradicated, and no harsh measures are taken to set an example, the others will only follow suit. Su’er, sometimes leniency will only breed indulgence. One must be decisive and resolute to avoid being in a passive situation."
"I’ve learned the lesson," Song Lingsu immediately clasped his hands and said, "That’s why I say our third brother is more suitable. The intrigues of the palace are perilous, and with my temperament, I’m afraid I’m not suitable. If I’m not careful, I could implicate our family. Our third brother is cunning and has scheming abilities, he’s quite good."
"Good, good, you are indeed my son!" Song Zhiyuan clapped him on the shoulder, exceedingly pleased. This child had given him so many delightful surprises.
"Su’er, it is right to think this way. Being a prince’s companion is not the only path to success. The outside world is vast, and you will find your own way. May your heart be broad and your spirit as grand as mountains and rivers."
Unfortunately, what the child understood, his mother did not.