Chapter 1548: You’re More Fickle Than a Turncoat

Song Zi was somewhat disappointed in Song Zhiqing. When he was stationed outside, he wasn’t so muddled, and during his tenure as Deputy Magistrate, he achieved political merits. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been recalled to the Capital so quickly by big brother.

But after returning to the Capital, he seemed like a different person, overly ambitious and only focusing on ingratiating himself with the powerful, making no actual political achievements.

She had heard from her husband that some people criticized his conduct, saying his ability to secure this position was all because Song Zhiyuan was secretly helping him.

Looking at him now, it really seems like big brother is promoting him, but he’s hardly someone who accomplishes real work.

Song Zi took a deep breath: "Third brother, what are you thinking about day after day? Instead of indulging in unrealistic dreams, wouldn’t it be better to work diligently and achieve some success to climb up?"

Song Zhiqing’s face turned green: "Is this the manner you speak to your elder brother? I’m merely thinking of my niece’s well-being, but you speak as if I’m trying to harm her."

"Then I must thank you, but it’s entirely unnecessary. Zhilan is of ordinary appearance; how dare she aspire to be a noble relative of the Heavenly Family." Song Zi sneered.

Song Zhiqing was furious: "You’re just like your sister-in-law, truly short-sighted. That’s the Crown Prince, who said that choosing concubines to populate the harem must be noble ladies of high status? Look at the Emperor’s harem, are there none from humble origins?"

Song Zi’s eyes gleamed: "Are you making similar arrangements for Wei’er as well?"

Song Zhiqing replied: "Naturally, they’re all of suitable age and thus candidates. Don’t say I have lofty ambitions. Within the Capital, is there anyone not eyeing the Crown Prince and exhausting their efforts to cultivate marriageable daughters?"

Song Zi stared at him steadily.

"Not talking about marriage right now doesn’t mean never talking about it for life. After the Crown Prince chooses his concubine, will it still be impossible to find her a suitable husband?" Song Zhiqing never worried about noble ladies struggling to marry.

Song Zi said: "They say everyone has their ambitions, and I believe it now. Who would have thought that third brother’s ambitions were so grand."

Song Zhiqing frowned, feeling that this sounded like a roundabout way of insulting him.

"Anyway, I’ve advised you. How to decide is naturally up to you and your spouse’s discretion. Zi, Lin Guangxiong is only a scholar; reaching Fifth Rank is likely his pinnacle. If not for your daughter, you should still consider the future of your two sons, right?"

Song Zi pursed her lips and said: "Third brother is kind-hearted, so as your sister, I’ll kindly remind you of a few words. Previously, third brother was stationed locally, working diligently. How is it that you’ve become so vain upon returning to the Capital? You favored Prince Xiao before, even wanted Zhihui to become his concubine. Now you aim for Zhilan to attach herself to the Crown Prince. Third brother, even fence-sitters have moments of hesitation, but you seem to sway even more than the grass on the wall!"

"Song Zi, you’re being insolent!"

Song Zi said: "Third brother, there’s no harm in being a fence-sitter. I just fear that you’ll sway until you’re trampled down. A person should weigh their own capabilities; ambition exceeding ability can easily lead to overturning like a cup of water."

As she spoke, she overturned the cup, spilling all the water onto the ground.

Song Zi set down the cup and stood up, saying: "Third brother, we are twins, and as your sister, these words come from the bottom of my heart. What you have today didn’t come easily, cherish the moment. I have spoken my piece, so now, your sister takes her leave!"

She bowed slightly to Song Zhiqing before turning to leave.

Song Zhiqing’s face turned a purplish hue as he gazed at the puddle on the floor, a hint of somberness appearing in his eyes.