Chapter 1604: Chapter 1604: You Seem Like You’re Here to Stab Me

Parents always hope their children will succeed, and Song Zhiyuan is no exception. He himself is currently the Prime Minister, so he definitely has high expectations for his sons.

However, the reality is quite disappointing.

It’s not that Song Lingsu is extremely poor; but compared to Song Lingjie, who is around the same age, he is slightly inferior.

Song Lingsu himself is not without talent, but judging by his writing and conduct, Song Zhiyuan understands that if this son were to become an official, his leisurely and indecisive nature wouldn’t lead to great success.

Thus, Song Zhiyuan is somewhat disappointed. This child is the legitimate eldest son — how will he inherit the family business and lead the family?

Emperor Chu chuckled: "As they say, ’the wheel of fortune turns,’ this year it’s his family’s turn. Song Yunzhi, you can’t always expect fortune to favor your side."

The saying ’flowers don’t bloom for a hundred days’ is universal. Who says that the father, being a dominant figure, is always a super bigwig and the son is the same?

There are always exceptions.

Besides, if the father is a bigwig and the son a complete failure, isn’t it quite common?

Song Zhiyuan mumbled in irritation, "It’s fine for the Emperor to joke at my expense, as long as it pleases you."

Emperor Chu lightly coughed, touching his nose, "Don’t be so petty. The wheel has turned to Song Zhicheng, but it’s still your Song Family’s fortune. What’s the big deal? Moreover, this child was nurtured by you."

Song Zhiyuan snorted softly.

Emperor Chu continued, "In fact, this is normal. When Su’er was born, you and I were both at critical junctures, focused on political matters. Naturally, we paid less attention to the children. Moreover, he is the eldest son, pampered by your wife, obviously lacking decisiveness. You should be thankful that your wife may spoil, but your sister-in-law is sensible, preventing him from becoming a meek little lamb. Otherwise, he might not even pass as a Scholar."

Song Zhiyuan choked, politely speaking, your consolation feels more like a jab.

Nevertheless, Emperor Chu is right; back then, he was immersed in politics and striving for power, too busy to meticulously nurture.

"Don’t be upset. If he can’t be an official, being a scholar or academic is equally esteemed. He isn’t lacking in talent, just lacking the decisiveness and vision required of an official. He’s not as poor as you imagine," Emperor Chu also has seen Song Lingsu’s examination papers and knows he lacks decisiveness compared to Song Lingjie.

Song Zhiyuan: Thank you, I’ve been comforted.

"Yunzhi, back then we were occupied with building structures, but now we have some free time. If Su’er can’t be relied upon, you still have a Jie’er. As the children grow, they’ll have the next generation. If you can’t teach the son, won’t there be time to teach the legitimate grandson?"

Emperor Chu thinks there’s nothing much to worry about. If the son can’t be relied upon, nurture a grandson instead. He is in a high position now, surely he has the time?

Song Zhiyuan smiled, "The Emperor is right, perhaps I was too narrow-minded."

Emperor Chu sighed lightly, "Without needing me to say, you always understand, it’s always just a few people coming and going."

Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow slightly, "The Emperor is troubled by having too many grandsons, making it hard to choose? Or has Consort Fan been causing quite a stir lately?"

Emperor Chu snorted coldly.

"As you said, if one isn’t suitable, there are others. Among the princes, surely someone will have good children. Moreover, on the Crown Prince’s side, choosing a sensible, dignified, and intelligent Crown Princess Consort in the future means the Imperial Grandson can surely be as wise and responsible as you wish. In this way, the Chu Dynasty will have wise rulers generation after generation, and you can be assured," Song Zhiyuan said.

Emperor Chu’s brow furrowed slightly, but he did not respond.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.