Madam Song handed a cup of tea to Song Zhiyuan and sat on the other side of the kang table.
"Husband, should we really not worry about Mother?" Madam Song hesitated, "If Father wants to take a concubine, it’s nothing much; the family can afford it. I’m just afraid it will upset Mother, and she hasn’t fully recovered yet."
Song Zhiyuan took a sip of tea and said, "Seeing Mother’s demeanor just now, there shouldn’t be any problem. Besides, there’s still Nanny Gong watching over her."
Madam Song felt a bit relieved, recalling that Peony Lady who pretended to be poised, and found it a bit annoying, "That Wu woman really has big plans, husband, what do you think?"
Song Zhiyuan lowered his eyes, fingers caressing the tea cup, his voice soft: "Father is already at this age; he doesn’t really need a second wife. A few young and charming companions to talk and play with are sufficient."
Madam Song’s eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled, "These matters don’t need to trouble you, husband; I can take care of them."
Song Zhiyuan looked up, gave her a smile, and then shifted to another topic.
"The two children of Third Brother’s wife need to attend the family school. Make sure to take care of that. Xiangyi, although the Song Family is now prominent, its foundation isn’t strong enough. Whether the Song Family can become a noble family lasting a hundred years depends on the management of the first three generations. So, we mustn’t make mistakes. Being a bit stricter and more self-disciplined is correct, and Su’er’s generation must be carefully nurtured."
Madam Song quickly said, "Husband, I know." She recalled Song Ci’s words and felt a bit guilty, "There are still too few children in the next generation of the Song Family. Unfortunately, my womb isn’t very productive and couldn’t give you another son."
Hearing this, it would be false to say Song Zhiyuan wasn’t regretful, but knowing it couldn’t be forced, he squeezed her hand and said, "The number of children is a matter of fate; it can’t be forced. We are still young; if Heaven grants us another, it would be good. If not, that is also fate. We have Su’er."
Madam Song’s eyes were slightly moist, and she bit her lip, cautiously suggesting, "Husband, why don’t I let Furong serve you? The midwife said she is fertile."
Song Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows, deliberately saying, "Oh, willing to part with her?"
Madam Song felt a stab in her heart, the sourness overwhelming, yet she forced a smile, "As the Lady, it is my responsibility to ensure the prosperity of the Song Family..."
Suddenly, there was warmth on her lips.
Song Zhiyuan’s fingers pressed against her lips, tapping gently, "Enough, stop pretending to be generous. This sourness is almost wafting out of the residence. If I wanted to take a concubine, I would have done so long ago. It’s not the quantity, but the quality of the heirs that matters. Properly nurturing Su’er is the most important. At most, we’ll find him a good and fertile girl to give us a few more grandchildren."
Madam Song felt a weight lift off her heart, somewhat delighted, yet said, "You’re the one who doesn’t want it, so don’t blame me in the future."
"If I dared blame Madam, wouldn’t that mean I’d have to sleep on the couch at night?" Song Zhiyuan teased, stroking her palm, then leaned in to whisper a few intimate words in her ear.
Madam Song blushed crimson, lightly thumping him with a clenched fist.
"Prime Minister, Madam." Furong called gently from the curtain.
Madam Song sat upright and said, "Come in."
Furong entered, graciously saluted, and said, "Everything has been arranged on the Grand Madam’s side."
Her voice was crisp as she spoke about the matters at Chunhui Hall.
Both Madam Song and Song Zhiyuan were somewhat surprised that it was settled with money, and said, "Understood, you may leave now."
Furong bowed slightly, lowered her head slightly before exiting, and as she reached the door, she looked back at the two, bit her lip, then turned and left.
Song Zhiyuan chuckled lightly, "That Wu woman is indeed sensible and smart."
Avoided him having to take action.