Chapter 475: The Wheel of Fortune Turns
Song Lingsu came to Madam’s courtyard at the Song Family, noticing his mother sitting by the window, looking desolate and weary. He pressed his lips tightly.
"Mother." He approached and bowed.
"Su’er is here." Madam forced a smile and beckoned him over.
Song Lingsu walked over and said, "Mother, please don’t be sad or upset. I don’t mind the matter of being a study companion."
But as soon as he said this, Madam’s eyes reddened, and tears began falling as she pulled him into her embrace.
"You silly child, I know you’re sensible, and you don’t want to compete with your brothers. It’s your father, he’s heartless." Madam was particularly indignant.
"Mother, you have misunderstood Father."
Madam was stunned, somewhat at a loss.
Song Lingsu looked at her and smiled, saying, "Father has also spoken to me about this matter. In fact, I also believe that Third Brother is more suited to go to the Imperial Palace as a study companion than I am."
"Su’er, you..."
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Song Lingsu said, "Mother, I don’t fear saying this to you. I do not wish to go to the Imperial Palace, nor do I wish to endlessly contend with others in such a place."
Madam was dumbfounded.
"Mother, I have disappointed you; I indeed have no great ambitions." Song Lingsu said with much shame.
"No, Su’er, how can you say that? You are the eldest grandson of the Song Family, with a noble status. If you have no aspirations, who does? Mother won’t allow you to say such things!" Madam became flustered, eager to dispel his self-deprecating thoughts.
Song Lingsu said, "Mother, Third Brother is also very smart. He is more decisive than I am. We are the same, both are children of the Song Family. As long as we bring glory to the family, does it matter who accomplishes it? Are they not all children of the Song Family?"
"You’re speaking nonsense. You are you, and he is he; how can you compare?" Madam strongly disagreed, saying, "It’s just like your father and your second uncle. Do you think they are the same? Your father holds great power, and what about your second uncle?"
"That’s because Father is smarter than Second Uncle, which is why he became Prime Minister. But Second Uncle is also in charge of the household affairs and is skillful in business. And now, Third Brother is smarter than I am; he has a mind for strategy, which is good for the Song Family. Mother, a family never has all the good things arise from one nest. The saying that fortunes rotate should be familiar to you."
Madam was taken aback.
Song Lingsu smiled faintly and said, "Father is right. A dignified man doesn’t have to become a study companion to the Prince to find his path; perhaps my path lies elsewhere. I am only fourteen years old and have endless possibilities ahead. Mother, you need not worry."
Madam opened her mouth, feeling a mix of bitterness and relief. Look at that, her Su’er was so good and understanding. Why couldn’t his father see it?
Ultimately, feeling sorry for her son, Madam said, "Alright, Mother accepts your counsel and won’t hold grudges. You needn’t worry. Have you packed your belongings yet? Let Mother help you pack?"
"Father said I will travel incognito with my teacher for studies, so the luggage is quite simple and not much needs to be packed. I came over just to chat with Mother." Song Lingsu added, "Please don’t argue with Father, and instruct the servants not to make random speculations. If you really aren’t feeling well, how about I bring Eldest Sister and Tiantian back from the Gu Family to stay for a few days?"
Madam felt comforted, wiped the corners of her eyes, and nodded with a smile, "Okay!"
"You need to return from your studies before May. Your second sister is getting married, and as her brother, you must carry her out in the wedding procession."
Song Lingsu nodded with a smile, "Rest assured, I will definitely return in time to see Second Sister off to her marriage."