Song Hong left the court early today; the most important matter now is the Spring Examination for this batch of students.
Not only the examiners, but all other officials are paying great attention, montarily neglecting other matters.
Song Hong was once anxious, wishing he could have the examiners grade Song Chongjin’s papers first.
But he knew, after the Spring Examination ends, the gates of the Imperial Academy would be locked; all exam papers sealed, and then distributed to the chief examiners.
This year’s chief examiner is none other than the Minister of Rites and Prince’s Young Tutor, along with several of the Grand Scholars from the Hanlin Academy.
They need to grade all the exam papers within the Imperial Academy, guarded by soldiers, and then rank them based on rit, presenting them to the Emperor for his perusal.
With nothing on the agenda at court, upon returning ho, Song Hong heard reports from his n that several young masters of the residence personally visited the Eldest Brother today, and how it went.
It brought a slight smile to Song Hong; his sons were not truly foolish, seemingly understanding his intentions, and have started to yield and bow.
Which is good.
In a rare mont of joy, he felt inclined to practice so moves, dragging a few personal soldiers along.
Just as he ward up, not yet truly started, soone reported that the Second Young Master requested an audience.
Song Hong hesitated for a mont, took the handkerchief passed by Song Wu and wiped his sweat, finally nodding: "Let him co in."
Song Chongjun t Song Hong, and without much else, recounted what he said to Song Chongjin, changing the phrasing, for Song Hong to hear.
After listening, Song Hong pondered for a mont and only asked one question: "Who taught you this?"
It must be said, Song Hong truly understood his son; he was not the magnanimous type and always had a narrow mind.
Otherwise, the position of Princely Heir would not have remained vacant for so many years.
His sudden generosity and consideration for Song Chongjin was indeed peculiar.
Given his intelligence, he couldn’t have conceived such an idea, whether genuinely wanting to forge closer ties with Song Chongjin or staging a trap.
Song Chongjun’s face flashed a hint of panic but quickly cald down, trying hard to explain: "Father! What do you an by that?"
Song Hong threw the tea cup in his hand onto the table, splashing tea all over it: "You don’t understand what I an? Then let clarify! You don’t have the intelligence to co up with such an idea. Who’s instigating you behind the scenes? Is it the Hou Family or the Ruan Family?"
Song Hong’s first thought was of the maternal family of Concubine Hou; over the years, they thrived with the Song Family, rising from a small position to prosperity—Concubine Hou’s father is now a Fourth Rank Military Officer, and her two brothers are Fifth Rank Military Officers, gaining so recognition in the Capital City.
And then there’s the Ruan Family. Song Hong understood well their ambitions when marrying their daughter into the Song Family.
Back then, he thought, if a better match couldn’t be found among his sons, it would have to be the Eldest Brother. Although lacking in magnanimity, his intentions weren’t too malicious. Moreover, if he could produce a grandson, Song Hong could personally raise him by his side.
By then, even if the Eldest Brother’s abilities were average, backed by the Hou and Ruan Families, especially Ruan Family, considering the grandson, they would safeguard the foundation until the grandson was grown, which would be fine.
Unexpectedly, later Song Chongjin erged as an outstanding talent, and Song Chongjun’s position as Princely Heir beca distant and unreachable. The Ruan Family was likely displeased, possibly scheming behind his back.
Song Chongjun’s heart almost leapt to his throat hearing the first two sentences, and only with the reprimanding questions later did he discreetly breathe a sigh of relief.
Reluctantly defending himself: "Father doesn’t trust his son? I’m aware of my ignorance, hence unable to shoulder the Princely Heir position. Father postpones the appointnt because of this. But ever since Eldest Brother returned, the admiration and significance Father places on Eldest Brother, along with the current attitude, it’s evident, the Princely Heir can only be him, isn’t it?"
At this point, Song Chongjun managed a bitter smile.
"Honestly, I’m naturally a bit resentful. But I also know, Eldest Brother’s abilities surpass mine, and he’s more suitable as Princely Heir. These days, I have reevaluated, realizing that the capable should hold that position—I’ve always been inept, aning I was destined to be unrelated to it from the start."
"Initially, when not understanding, I was disrespectful towards Eldest Brother and rather presumptuous in conduct. Now, I thought of taking this opportunity to nd relations with Eldest Brother. After all, wouldn’t my family need his support for sustenance in the future?"
Song Hong’s expression sowhat eased but upon hearing the latter, he couldn’t help but frown again, "Nonsense! You are also my son, when have you needed to beg for sustenance?"
Song Chongjun only quietly, red-eyed, didn’t respond.
Song Hong angrily retorted: "Your father is still alive, even if a Princely Heir is appointed, it’s still your father’s word that counts! You’re all my offspring; do you think I would let you suffer and starve to death? Rest assured, I have arrangents for all of you brothers and surely won’t mistreat anyone!"
Song Chongjun bowed his head silently.
"Alright, I understand this matter, you should go back!" Song Hong waved dismissively.
"Father, I’ve already spoken publicly about it; everyone knows. Soon, I’ll have Eldest Brother join us for a al at Deyue Tower..." Song Chongjun said, gritting his teeth.
Song Hong, furious, threw a teacup at Song Chongjun’s head.
Song Chongjun dared not dodge, being drenched with remnants of tea, with tea leaves clinging to his hair, face, and shoulders, looking utterly disheveled, yet persistently said: "Father, if I can’t make it happen, I’ll be a laughingstock in the Capital City later. How could I face others then? Wouldn’t people laugh at , unable to earn even my own brother’s favor despite organizing the banquet personally..."
"Get out, get out... how could I have fathered such a bunch of debt collectors!" Song Hong grew exasperated, kicking Song Chongjun out of the door.
Song Chongjun wanted to speak more but was muffled by Song Wu who swiftly covered his mouth and dragged him out.
Only after dragging him out of the courtyard did Song Wu release Song Chongjun’s mouth: "Second Young Master, Father’s still angry now, better not add fuel to the fire—wait until his anger subsides to speak again!"
Only then did Song Chongjun discontentedly cover his face with his sleeve and return to his own courtyard.
Once Song Wu watched Song Chongjun walk away, returned indoors, Song Hong with a grim face, spoke with murderous intent: "Investigate! Who’s manipulating from the shadows? What is their aim? Find out everything for ! Daring to stretch their hand into my Song Family, attempting to use my son, whoever extends their hand, chop it off!"
Song Wu did not utter a word, rely nodding to acknowledge, then went outside to issue orders.
However, by evening, the information had been returned.
A man with a blank expression beside Song Wu reported each detail consecutively, from what Song Chongjun ate recently, whom he t, how much silver he spent, to every word he uttered, nothing was missed.
Specifically, the conversation between Wang Huaiyuan and Song Chongjun was repeated verbatim by the man.
After listening, Song Hong’s eyes turned cold: "Excellent! Just a collateral descendant of the Wang Family dares to target the Duke Weiguo’s residence, deciding Princely Heir? No need for to instruct how to handle this, right?"
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