Chapter 1256: Chapter 1256: Song Ci’s Foresight
Now that the issue of the verbal agreement has been resolved, Song Ci felt relieved and did not pursue the matter further. She subtly reminded him whether it might be wise to assign another Hidden Guard to accompany the old master.
"You know your father; he has a carefree nature, not very sharp-minded, and sometimes stubbornly holds his ground. To put it bluntly, he can act impulsively." Song Ci commented on the old man’s flaws and said, "This time we were fortunate to encounter Earl Qingcheng, who is relatively reasonable. If we were dealing with a true rogue, this matter would not be easily settled."
The saying goes, ’barefooted people are not afraid of those wearing shoes.’ If it were a genuine rogue, they could make endless trouble without concern over increasing debts, only looking to gain benefits. The Song Family, being a rising star, even with the ability to resolve issues, would still suffer considerable damage.
As the saying goes, ’breaking a jade bottle to catch a mouse,’ if faced with the shameless, how can the Song Family not tread carefully?
"Mother, what do you mean?"
"I just want someone to watch over your father from the shadows, and keep you informed of his activities. After all, he doesn’t stay in the residence often and spends most of the year outside. He was set up because of alcohol this time; what if next time he’s given something he shouldn’t have?" Song Ci said, "As a silly old man, he was spoiled and indulged in laziness when young by me and your grandparents, and later by you and your brothers. Essentially, your father is a foolish old man. While how he plays doesn’t matter, he must not harm our family due to his ignorance."
She spoke, then took a sip of tea, seemingly unintentionally adding, "Moreover, considering the approaching decision about the heir, I worry someone might use your father against us, inciting the Emperor’s disfavor."
Song Zhiyuan frowned and then relaxed, "Mother, I will remember your words and will rearrange matters accordingly."
Song Ci nodded and asked Nan Shan to bring over the paper holding the newly written family rules she had prepared, which she then handed to Song Zhiyuan.
"This is what I have in mind to be added during the New Year’s Eve rituals. See if there is anything that needs addition or deletion."
Song Zhiyuan received it, noticing there wasn’t much written, mostly previously agreed upon matters. One rule being, when a man reaches forty without a son, then he may take a concubine, was no problem, but the rule about Song Family girls beginning to learn martial arts at seven years old.
"Mother, does this mean that in the future, girls in the Song Family are to learn martial arts starting at age seven?" Song Zhiyuan asked, somewhat taken aback.
Song Ci replied, "It may not entirely count as learning martial arts, but even learning some fancy boxing or embroidery-like forms can be considered so. The sole aim of learning martial arts is really to strengthen their physical health."
Song Zhiyuan had a vague understanding of what she meant.
"Women are inherently weaker; I know men typically prefer delicate women who seem to drip with tenderness. Gentle and fragile, they most easily trigger a man’s protective instincts."
Song Zhiyuan blushed and said, "That’s not the case for everyone."
"True, but most are like that. Men’s preferences are understandable, and I’m not critiquing that. However, I believe when women marry, childbearing is an inevitable phase. Giving birth requires an exceptionally strong heart and physical strength. It’s akin to walking through a hellish danger, which men can hardly fathom."
Song Zhiyuan heard this and felt somewhat complex and ashamed: "Mother..."
Song Ci waved her hand: "I’m telling you this because a physically strong woman will have a much smoother time giving birth compared to a frail one. You can see this with the farming women working in the fields. My thought is that increasing girls’ martial arts training is not to make them Martial Arts masters but to build a strong physique. This way, when the Song Family women face this challenge, they can pass it more easily. Even if they encounter some scoundrels, perhaps they could escape too."
