Chapter 1414: Chapter 1414: The Dignity of the Stabilizing Force

What Song Ci said was cruel, but it was also the truth. Others saw the Song Family flourishing with flowers and leaves, yet in total it had only been prosperous for twenty or thirty years. Song Zhiyuan was the Prime Minister of the realm, and he had only sat in that position for a few short years. How could the foundations of such a newly risen family compare with those of an old-established clan?

As intelligent as Song Zhiyuan was, he knew they could not compare, and so he had always kept the ambition of becoming a centennial family in his heart, hoping that one day the Song Family could also become an old aristocratic house, passed down generation after generation, so that even when faced with a great upheaval such as a change of dynasty, they would still have enough depth and reserves to preserve the clan.

Right now, the Emperor Chu had suddenly fallen gravely ill and his condition was unclear. What the Song Family should do was not to run about spreading news, but to keep a low profile and remain steady. Otherwise, once panic was stirred up because of reckless message passing, when the Emperor recovered, even if he were inclined not to settle accounts afterward, there would still be people forcing him to.

"It is this daughter-in-law who overstepped and failed to remain steady." The Madam gave an awkward curtsy.

Song Ci said, "You having your little calculations is only human; as a daughter, how could you not worry about your own maiden family? But Gu-shi, though you are a daughter of the Gu Family, you are even more a woman of the Song Family. It is not wrong for you to worry about your natal kin, but your foremost concern should be placed on your own children. They bear the surname Song. If the Song Family is safe, then they will be safe. If the Song Family is not, do you think the Duke Zhongyong Mansion will be able to protect them?"

The Madam’s face turned slightly pale as she lowered her head.

"Let’s not drag the topic too far; back to the Emperor’s illness. It came on with a sudden high fever, with no warning beforehand, simply charging in full force. Such high fevers are the most perilous, I fear..." Song Ci did not dare speak the unlucky words aloud, and only said, "In short, the palace will definitely be under martial law now, and so will the city. The titled nobles are all sensitive; even if they have some suspicions, they will not dare act rashly. As for the people in our house, you must keep them strictly restrained. If anyone harbors crooked thoughts, lock them all in the firewood room and wait for the eldest to return before dealing with them."

If Song Zhiyuan could return home, it meant the Emperor Chu was conscious and the illness was not serious.

But if he could not return home, it meant the situation was still dangerous. Since Song Zhiyuan was a trusted pillar, he would definitely not leave the palace and had to keep watch over the Emperor at all times, acting according to his orders.

"In addition, have the household guards in the mansion increase their patrols throughout the twelve hours of the day. If any thieves sneak into the estate, seize them on the spot," Song Ci said coldly again. "If they resist, kill them without mercy."

The Madam was somewhat taken aback and lifted her eyes to look at Song Ci, seeing the cold, cutting aura of killing intent all over her face. She could not help but be slightly dazed, as if she had suddenly grasped something.

This was the authority of the Lady who held the household reins, the calm decisiveness that the stabilizing pillar of an entire estate ought to possess.

Facing Song Ci’s fierce resolve, the Madam suddenly felt a sense of shame and inferiority, her face flushing scarlet.

To think she came from a Marquis Mansion, yet was not even as good as an old lady born of a farming family.

"Mother, this daughter-in-law understands."

"Since you understand, go down and make the arrangements. This matter has not yet spread from the palace; do not show panic too easily, lest others sense something and start making wild guesses. As for Qi’er, it’s the same. Her husband seems to have been on duty in the palace these two days. Now that the Emperor is unwell, the palace is likely under even stricter lockdown, and he may not be able to come out. Don’t alarm her either, so as not to frighten her and disrupt her confinement."

"Yes."

Song Ci issued several instructions, and the Madam responded to each in turn before leaving Chunhui Hall, forcing herself to appear composed.

"Gu-shi still has much to learn, alas." Song Ci sat down with Nanny Gong’s support and let out a sigh, the disappointment in her voice hard to conceal.

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