Chapter 1257: Chapter 1257: Building an Even Stronger Foundation
Song Ci’s foresight, focused on women, undoubtedly brings great benefits for the future generations of the Song Family women. Although martial arts are tough to learn, once they experience the physical benefits, they will be grateful for the hardships they endured.
The women of the Song Family will also enter into arranged marriages and contribute to the family. Life provides the possibilities for all negotiations.
Song Zhiyuan stood up and bowed to Song Ci, "Mother, your strategic foresight far surpasses mine."
"Don’t start with this flattery on me," Song Ci scolded him while making him sit down, "I only thought of this because I witnessed the difficult childbirths of Madam Gu and Qi’er. Sometimes I wonder if things would go smoother if they were like we used to be."
Song Zhiyuan thought, although Madam Gu was born into the nobility of the Marquis Mansion, she had not suffered hardship, and his daughter was raised with care. Future generations of girls would likely be even more pampered, especially as the Song Family’s wealth increases, making it entirely possible for them to grow up even more delicately.
However, practicing martial arts does indeed strengthen the body.
Song Zhiyuan stated, "Adding this family rule is brilliant; if girls practice martial arts, men will have even less reason to refuse."
"Of course. You passed the imperial exam yourself, which lasted nine days. If someone only focused on scholarly pursuits and was not physically strong, they might faint before finishing, which is not unheard of."
How many scholars were carried out of the examination halls due to health issues during each imperial examination?
Song Zhiyuan fully agreed.
"There is another matter I’d like to discuss with you, Mother."
Song Ci looked over, showing curiosity.
"It’s about our family’s business ventures."
Song Ci asked, "What’s wrong? Is there an issue with our businesses?"
"Not really. Our family is involved in various businesses, but most of them are partnerships. To speak of businesses truly owned by our family, it’s mainly our daughters-in-law’s dowry businesses. In the past, my rank was low, and the children were young. Now, I’ve reached a prestigious position, and the children are approaching marriageable age. If we are fortunate, the fourth generation might soon arrive."
Song Ci raised her eyebrow, understanding her astute son’s point—this was to establish a firmer foundation.
"Please continue."
"Our family’s current income sources, not mentioning the official salary and grain, primarily depend on dividends from our equity shares, and profits from our fields and shops. During famines, we could see no grain harvested at all. I think that although the Song Family’s foundation is now established, to strengthen it further, besides having connections at the Court, we also need to have resources at hand."
Song Zhiyuan rubbed his fingers and said, "Especially as our family grows, expenses will increase, and money will be needed everywhere. Without readily available funds, managing connections or nurturing talents would not be efficient."
Song Ci nodded, agreeing that money indeed facilitates all endeavors, even making the impossible possible.
"Our daughters-in-law have their dowries, and they cannot be expected to contribute them to the public fund. If the Song Family ever falls to a point where it needs the daughters-in-law’s dowries, then things are dire. If they wish to contribute, they can only support their own small families."
"That’s indeed true."
"To generate wealth, business is essential, and it’s time for the Song Family to establish its own ventures." Song Zhiyuan smiled and said, "I discussed with Master Buhui about starting a joint venture in the medicinal herbs business."
Pfft.
Song Ci spat out her tea in surprise, "What? A joint venture with Buhui? That monk?"
Goodness, even in these times, do monks engage in business so pragmatically?
