"They're all family after all; you can't guard against them all. They'll only talk if they really push us too far."

"For now, let's try to appease him, go along with him, and try to get some benefits out of him."

Song Lao Er thought about it and agreed: "As long as he doesn't fight me for the son, I won't completely fall out with him."

Fortunately, Song Laosan never mentioned this matter, and didn't even glance at Song Ruier during the meal.

Song Ruier held the bowl, looked at Song Lao Er, and then at Song Lao San. One had a sinister look in his eyes, but he was still dignified. The other looked shriveled. He had been tormented by hard labor during this period. He was hunched over and his whole body had become shorter and thinner.

This comparison filled him with disdain, and he almost couldn't bring himself to call Song Lao Er "father".

"Rui'er, I heard from the teacher that you've been doing well at school. You truly are my good son." Song Lao Er put his hand on Song Rui'er's shoulder and laughed heartily, while glancing at Song Lao San.

Song Laosan's face remained completely expressionless, as if he were listening to something that had nothing to do with him.

Song Ruier secretly glanced at Song Laosan and saw that he didn't take it to heart at all, but instead seemed to be threatening her.

It seemed that if he said just one wrong word, it would cost him his life.

He lowered his eyelids: "Yes, Father, I will try my best."

Song Lao Er was satisfied. He heard that Song Lao San already had a son and a daughter, and seemed to care nothing for Song Ruier. It seemed that he had no intention of acknowledging this son.

Moreover, Song Laosan's rise to power was not honorable and would certainly be kept secret.

If Song Laosan develops any improper thoughts, then expose the fact that he was married before, hmph.

"Eldest brother, second brother, once you've recovered and meet the requirements, I can consider arranging some things for you to do," Song Dao said, seemingly after much deliberation.

He knew very well that his two older brothers were not good people, and he needed to appease them to prevent them from taking extreme measures.

The eldest and second eldest Song brothers were immediately overjoyed and beamed with pride.

"Third brother, don't worry, entrust us with this important task, we will definitely do our best."

"Yes, it's a bit weak for you to do it alone. Only when the three of us brothers work together can we uphold the glory of the Song family."

After finishing their meal, before it got dark, Song Laosan led his men to the Qiao family's house.

The journey back from the betrothal was smooth. Old Mrs. Qiao was overjoyed and killed a goose to make a soup with pickled radish and goose.

Although they had already eaten at Ling Laosan's house, everyone couldn't resist picking up their bowls again.

Well, there's not much room left in my stomach, so eating some food and drinking some wine is good. The most important thing is that the whole family eats together; it feels so warm and cozy.

Just as they finished eating, Song Laosan arrived at the door.

Every time the three brothers returned home, they would bring their men with them, firstly so they could be easily dispatched, and secondly to keep an eye on Song Laosan.

When the soldiers saw Song Laosan, they stepped forward to block him.

"How dare you! You dare to presume upon a captain? Are you out of your mind?" Song Laosan's guards drew their swords.

The soldiers on this side also drew their swords, but hesitated. After all, Song Laosan was the three brothers' superior, and their actions were against the rules.

But they also knew that the two sides were at odds.