Chapter 145

Chapter 145: From Civil to Martial Before anyone in the room could react, County Princess Rongjia's laughter came through first. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze landed on Cui Zeyu and his father. "It's been a long time, Duke of Guo. Congratulations, congratulations! With such a joyous occasion at your household, why didn't you send a formal invitation to have us come and offer our congratulations?" County Princess Rongjia stood beside Song Shulan, asserting her claim. The Duke of Dingguo had already experienced Old Madame Song's duplicity. Now that County Princess Rongjia was speaking, he instinctively looked at his son. Cui Zeyu said, "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. We will send invitations to my sister." The implication was clear—he would not be sending one to County Princess Rongjia. Having learned that Cui Zeyu had truly been adopted by the Duke of Dingguo and had come to visit today, County Princess Rongjia was too irritated to stay away. Seeing even the Old Madame putting on a smiling face, she felt even more aggrieved. She said in a joking tone, "Why only your sister? Won't you send one to us?" An ordinary person would have brushed it off with a "to everyone," but Cui Zeyu said nothing. Seeing his son remain silent, the Duke of Dingguo didn't dare to respond either. The room fell silent in an instant. It was as if several invisible slaps had landed hard on County Princess Rongjia's face. It was Song Shulan who finally couldn't bear to watch, clearing his throat. "Since the County Princess has come as well, let's have the meal served together." Mama Xu seized the opportunity and ordered the dishes to be brought out. By now, County Princess Rongjia could no longer leave gracefully; she could only steel herself and sit down. Seeing County Princess Rongjia's stiff face, Cui Lingrong felt a surge of satisfaction. She met her brother's eyes and smiled from the bottom of her heart. After the meal, County Princess Rongjia could no longer sit still and made an excuse to leave. Old Madame Song had accompanied them for so long that she was tired as well. Only Song Shulan had no choice but to stay and endure tea with the guests. Seizing this moment, Cui Lingrong brought up Jin-ge's desire to practice martial arts. "It's not that I expect him to become exceptionally skilled, but Jin-ge enjoys it. He never had the opportunity before. Now that the Duke of Guo is here, I wonder if he could recommend a martial arts instructor?" She raised this matter in front of Song Shulan, who couldn't openly refute Cui Lingrong in public. He could only frown and look over at her. Cui Lingrong pretended not to see Song Shulan's gaze. Hearing Cui Lingrong speak, the Duke of Dingguo immediately said, "Since Jin-ge has an interest, it just so happens that I have a young one at home too. The two are about the same age—they can practice martial arts together and keep each other company." He paused, thinking of Madam Qin at home, then added, "The martial arts grounds at the Duke of Dingguo's estate have a separate courtyard with its own entrance. People from the inner quarters are not permitted to go there." Only then did Cui Lingrong look at Song Shulan. "What does the Marquis think?" At this point, what else could Song Shulan say? He couldn't afford to offend the Duke of Dingguo again, so he could only grit his teeth and agree. "Very well. I'll arrange the best instructors and tutors for them. Leading troops into battle isn't just about martial skill—reading is still essential." The Duke of Dingguo was delighted. That Lady Cui had proactively made a request actually put his mind at ease. Cui Zeyu and his father stayed for quite a while. When they left, Cui Zeyu deliberately lingered behind and said in a low voice, "Sister, rest assured. You raised me, and I'm well aware of the schemes in the inner quarters. I will never let Madam Qin get the better of me." "And what about your future? What arrangements has the Duke of Guo made for you?" Cui Lingrong asked. Cui Zeyu planned to pursue the civil path. "At my age, it's already too late to take up martial arts. Fortunately, I attended school before. Dingguo... Father will secure an official position for me, and I'll advance step by step." He still wasn't accustomed to calling him "Father" and nearly blurted out "Duke of Dingguo" again. Cui Lingrong nodded. "The civil path is good too. You're very intelligent, and I believe you can accomplish great things. But you must remember—no matter the circumstances, you must hold onto your principles. Be a good official who serves the people, the country, and the family." "I will, Sister." Cui Zeyu looked at the gratified expression in his sister's eyes and couldn't help but smile along. "One day, when I earn my rank and title, I will definitely obtain a Gaoming honor for you!" Cui Lingrong laughed. "What nonsense are you talking? If you're getting a Gaoming, it should be for your mother or your wife—how could it be for a sister of a different surname? Alright, go on back now. Take good care of yourself." In his heart, Cui Zeyu thought—others could be others, but he would definitely give his sister this honor. Cui Lingrong watched her brother walk into the distance. When she turned around, she met Song Shulan's dark, grim face and said directly, "Is the Marquis here about Jin-ge's matter?" "Why didn't you discuss it with me first?" Song Shulan was very displeased. "Didn't I tell you before? We are a family of scholars. How could we let Jin-ge take up martial arts?" "The Marquis does me an injustice with that accusation. I did ask for your opinion just now—why didn't you object then?" Cui Lingrong countered. "I only thought of it when I saw the Duke of Guo. If you're dissatisfied, you can go find the Duke of Guo right now. It's not too late." She wagered that Song Shulan wouldn't go—otherwise, he would have refused on the spot. Song Shulan's face turned ashen. He felt that Cui Lingrong had done it deliberately, but he couldn't find fault with her, because she had indeed asked for his opinion. It was he who had been afraid of angering the Duke of Dingguo and hadn't dared to object at the time. "I... I'm saying that for such a major matter, even if you thought of it on the spot, you should have discussed it with me afterward before approaching the Duke of Dingguo." Song Shulan's chest felt tight and heavy. Cui Lingrong had achieved her goal and no longer argued with Song Shulan. "Very well, Marquis. I will remember that from now on. But you must also remember this—when there are matters concerning the children that need decisions, you should inform me first as well. As you said, we'll discuss things together." Song Shulan felt something was off, but Cui Lingrong's reasoning was sound. Even after she left, he still couldn't figure out what it was. Having achieved her objective, Cui Lingrong simply waited for her two sons to return home from their break. In the meantime, she received a piece of news. "Er Shun said that the Marquis has sent Qingshan to keep watch on County Princess Rongjia. It's likely that the next time County Princess Rongjia goes to see Mrs. Luo, the Marquis will follow along," Nanny Qiu said. "Then we'll wait. I've already waited this long; a few more days won't make a difference." After Cui Lingrong finished speaking, she noticed a letter from Suzhou on the table. Seeing the sender's name was her cousin, she furrowed her slender brows slightly.