The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 1042: Well-Intentioned Motive

Wen Zishan bit her lip."What, are you planning to defy your parents’ orders?" Madam Wen’s voice grew even colder.

Wen Zishan dared not argue, she only pursed her lips and remained silent.

"You have high aspirations, perhaps you disdain the Song Family, but now, do you hope that the Song Family is unaware of your rudeness? Otherwise, don’t just say you look down upon them; I’m afraid they might look down upon you." Madam Wen snorted coldly, "Who would want an eldest daughter-in-law who lacks manners? That’s just making the family a laughing stock."

Wen Zishan was scolded to the point of lightly sobbing, wondering how she could be so wretched.

Madam Wen had a slight headache, rubbed her temples, and said, "Think carefully about what I’ve said, and in the next few days, stay in the courtyard and embroider a double-sided longevity character for me. After all, the Emperor’s Longevity Festival is approaching, and you should offer something to please the nobility."

Wen Zishan, with a flushed face, meekly agreed and curtsied before attempting to leave.

"Shan’er, you’re the eldest daughter. Your father and I have always held you in high regard. The reason your betrothal has been delayed until now is that we are seeking a match that truly befits our station. There are some families we can’t aspire to; so, you mustn’t discard all your etiquette and pursue it yourself."

Madam Wen said faintly behind her, "You see, the Song Family may have risen from a poor family, but there’s one thing you cannot deny. Your father is also subservient to Prime Minister Song, whose authority far outweighs your father’s. Prime Minister Song is a close advisor to the Emperor, a favorite of His Majesty, and he only came to power three years ago, at the same age as your father. Imagine how long he will remain in power. The prosperity of the Song Family is not merely what is visible now."

Wen Zishan trembled all over.

"Think carefully for yourself; your father and I do not wish for you to become a concubine."

Wen Zishan gritted her teeth, turned to Madam Wen, saluted, and fled as if escaping.

As soon as she left, Madam Wen leaned against the large pillow, massaging her temples and complaining of her headache.

Nanny Wang quickly ordered a maid to fetch cooling oil, massaging Madam Wen as she advised, "Please, do not stress too much. The eldest young lady has always been smart; with your analysis, she will surely understand your good intentions."

Madam Wen replied wearily, "She is smart, far too smart. Her eyes only see above, not realizing that above is not as it appears, calm and tranquil, but fraught with thorns."

Nanny Wang remained silent.

Madam Wen continued, "How long has it been since we returned to Shangjing, and she’s already made such a disgraceful mistake? If the Song Family were to find out, this..."

What annoyed her the most was that, having always prided herself on her lineage, she had been strict and unrelenting in raising her children. With Wen Zishan, the legitimate eldest daughter, they had even trained her for the position of Imperial Concubine.

But when those few princes were endowed with marriage, Wen Zishan was not among them; that was one thing. Then in Shangjing, she initially fancied Princess Anping’s son, but the other party did not entertain the idea and rejected it.

Now, upon examining the Song Family’s lineage, she felt it was indeed a good match. But in the end, the eldest daughter seemed to have discarded her upbringing to oblivion.

Heaven knows that when she learned Wen Zishan had secretly been in a room with her elder brother and Prince Zhou, she was so shocked that she nearly fainted.

Prince Zhou already had one formal wife and one concubine. What was the purpose of his attentions? It was sheer ambition!

"Please, rest assured; if it works out with the Song Family, it would be a cause for celebration. If it doesn’t, and she truly becomes a concubine, as long as that one ascends to the Crown Prince position, with the eldest young lady’s family background, character, and talents, how could she not stand out?" Nanny Wang whispered.

Madam Wen stiffened.