Chapter 1638: Chapter 1638: Overhearing a Conspiracy

The words "legitimate vs. illegitimate conflict" drifted into Song Zhiqing’s ears, causing his whole body to tremble, and a trace of malevolence flashed in his eyes.

Well, yes, legitimate vs. illegitimate conflict—it’s something every family has. Doesn’t the Song Family have it? The Song Family does, indeed. Otherwise, why would the legitimate members of the Song Family, whether in terms of career or marriage, fare so well?

What about the third branch born out of illegitimacy?

Song Zhiqing clenched his molars tightly.

Song Ruwei only married a minor official of the sixth rank. So what if they are related to the Prince Consort’s family? He’s not the son of the eldest Princess.

Take Duke Cheng’en, for example. Even his legitimate mother, famous for her kindness and generosity, wouldn’t seek a marriage alliance for Song Ruwei, but immediately turned to arrange one for her legitimate granddaughter.

If this isn’t favoritism, if this isn’t suppression, then what is?

They still hypocritically talk about righteousness and morality, claiming it’s inappropriate. Of course, it’s inappropriate—she’s illegitimate.

Song Ci touched her flushed ear. Today should have been a good day, but it seemed there were many people cursing her.

Listening to the words from next door, Song Zhiqing couldn’t suppress the dissatisfaction he had long harbored, and his face turned extremely gloomy.

He believed it now—it was intentional by Song Zhiyuan to keep the third branch from rising. Otherwise, today’s chosen candidate for ’liangdi’ might have been Ruwei.

"Shouldn’t it be considered, she’s the legitimate niece of the family, a proper Song Family daughter. If she could rise, it would be a great opportunity for the Song Family. With Prime Minister Song, don’t just talk about being ’concubine liangdi’; if willing to plot, perhaps she could become a royal in-law someday," Du said in a lowered voice.

Qi replied, "And so what, in the end, she’s not his daughter. Even if she gets elevated, could he become Marquis or Duke? Probably not."

Du fell silent, acknowledging that any reward would obviously be bestowed on one’s own parents, not on a cousin.

Qi mused for a while and hesitantly said, "Moreover, I heard something, though I don’t know if it’s true."

"What?"

With a softer voice, Qi said, "You know there’s a courtesan named Huan’er at Chunfang Pavilion?"

"Do you know what my shrew of a wife is like? If I dared go to a place like that, even my pants would be at risk," Du scoffed.

Qi chuckled, made some lewd jokes, then continued, "That courtesan Huan’er once served me. During our time together, she mentioned that she had once entertained a customer who said Song Qingquan didn’t have to be injured so severely."

Thud.

Qi immediately became alert: "Who?"

Du said, "You must be drunk; there’s no one here."

"I seemed to hear something. Anyway, let’s go," Qi said.

"Hey, at least finish what you were saying. So, you’re suggesting Song Qingquan was crippled intentionally? Who did it?"

Qi replied, "Only heaven knows who did it. I just overheard. Even Huan’er didn’t remember it clearly. Besides, it’s been years since he was crippled. Even if investigated, how would Huan’er recall who was who?"

"That’s true. After all, many heads have rested on those jade arms; remembering would indeed be odd."

"In reality, there’s no need to investigate. To harm someone is always for enmity or gain, or due to the suppression mentioned earlier... But it’s hard to say, as the Song Family appears quite tranquil. Let’s go have another drink. Song Zhiyuan is generous today, offering good wine at the banquet."

The two left successively.

Meanwhile, next door, Song Zhiqing’s face turned deathly pale, pounding one hand on the wall until blood slowly seeped out.

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