Chapter 474: Is Mom Wrong for Telling the Truth?
For his own brothers and mother, Song Zhiyuan had nothing to hide, sharing all his views, including the children’s personalities, and even mentioned what Song Lingsu had said.
Song Ci nodded silently. As the eldest grandson, Song Lingsu being able to recognize his own shortcomings was hopeful; after all, he was only fourteen, still young, with a great chance of improvement.
However, Song Zhicheng was somewhat silent.
He hadn’t expected his elder brother to have such high expectations for Jie’er.
"Second brother, though Jie’er is my nephew, our Song Family doesn’t have many descendants. We are blood brothers, and Jie’er and others are undoubtedly my own children." Song Zhiyuan looked at Song Zhicheng and said, "I’m pushing Jie’er forward not to let him endure the palace’s intricacies for Lingsu’s sake but because I think he’s more capable of handling it. Although the palace is full of thorns, it’s also a good place to temper one’s mind."
Emperor Chu: I wouldn’t have guessed that the palace, a place everyone fears, is viewed by you as a secret ground for training the mind.
Song Zhicheng said with apprehension, "Elder brother, I never thought so; I just wonder if that boy is actually that clever?"
Song Zhiyuan laughed, "He is."
He glanced at Song Ci and said, "Thanks to mother, who took them to see scholars debate and make notes on articles when they returned. I’ve read them. Jie’er is a talent with potential."
Song Ci had a look of high wisdom, hiding her merits and fame.
Song Zhicheng felt a bit happy. With the elder brother’s approval, it seemed to be so.
"Second brother, as I’ve said, no matter who the family disciples are, we should do our utmost to cultivate them. They are the future and foundation of the Song Family. I’m not joking; I’m serious about this," Song Zhiyuan said boldly, "Right now, apart from us brothers, there are only four male members in the next generation. If we can’t cultivate successors, what will the Song Family have to talk about a hundred years from now? My ambition is for the Song Family to thrive and prosper with descendants everlasting."
Song Zhicheng listened, and a sense of grandeur also rose in his heart. He said, "Elder brother, you have always been wise and decisive. Whatever you decide to do, just go ahead."
"A son of the Song Family, even if he doesn’t succeed in studies or officialdom, must achieve in other fields. Only then can he contribute to the family. The wealth and riches they enjoy aren’t free; if they only take without giving, family ruin is not far away. I will establish family rules. Regardless of the path, every man in the family must have achievements, or else he would bring shame to be called a son of the Song Family."
At this moment, Song Ci interjected, "Eldest, you can’t be too absolute. If we truly end up with someone inherently dull and incapable of anything, what should we do? Surely we wouldn’t kill him!"
Song Zhiyuan: "..."
Song Zhicheng: "Mother, just when we’re getting motivated, why do you dampen our spirits!"
Song Ci shrugged, "Is it wrong for me to speak the truth? Some people are naturally dull, beyond what can be taught afterward. Haven’t you heard that fools cannot be taught?"
Even parents who excel academically can have children who do poorly!
Song Zhiyuan chuckled, "If it’s truly so, then it’s fate, something we can’t force. Just hope he doesn’t harm the family."
Song Zhicheng clicked his tongue, feeling that his mother was spoiling the mood, but he didn’t dare to retort, fearing he might get hit.
"Elder brother, talk it out properly with sister-in-law. With women, coaxing them a little works," Song Zhicheng said cautiously.
Song Zhiyuan was silent for a while before saying, "Some matters have to be figured out and understood by herself. Second brother, while children are the future foundation, the Mistress of the House must also understand the bigger picture."