Chapter 214 The Wasted Son of an Ancient Family (12)
With his golden sword drawn, Changqing stood ready, exuding an imposing aura.
Everyone present was stunned.
No one expected that these two brothers would suddenly start fighting.
Young people are very concerned about their image.
Especially in front of pretty girls.
Song Changming, after being rebuked like this, couldn't hold back and immediately became angry.
"The Marquis's mansion hasn't established an heir yet. With you being so useless, it's hard to say whether it will even be your turn."
He started to speak without thinking.
Bai Susu was extremely anxious. "Song Changming! What are you saying? Apologize to your elder brother right now!"
Her tone was urgent, and her expression was somewhat frightening.
Normally, Song Changming would listen to his mother, but today was different; he became stubborn instead.
"Am I not telling the truth? With Song Changqing's appearance, how can he support the Marquis's mansion?"
He pointed at Changqing with one finger, his expression one of disdain.
Changqing never expected that Song Changming would erupt today.
Could it be because he didn't want to lose face in front of the young princess? Hehe, this is an unexpected surprise.
Seeing that Bai Susu couldn't be persuaded.
He added fuel to the fire, saying, "Hehe, my father and aunt both love me the most, so the heir is naturally mine too."
That's a bit too much.
Song Changming had always felt that his parents were biased, and now that he heard Changqing say it in public, he felt even more upset. He suddenly turned around and stared at Bai Susu with red eyes.
"Mother, tell me, if Father had to choose between me and Song Changqing to be the heir, what would he choose?"
Bai Susu's face turned pale.
She never imagined that a small gathering would escalate into such a mess.
How to choose?
Of course, she wanted her son to inherit the Marquis's mansion.
But I can't say that.
She wanted to change the subject, but Changqing wouldn't let it go so easily. He stepped forward and looked at Bai Susu as well.
"Auntie, tell him, what will Father choose?"
Everyone else looked on with expressions of anticipation, as if they were watching a good show.
Even Princess Wang Ruo, who was sitting next to the main seat, widened her eyes.
The struggle for the crown prince position.
Before this, no one had ever imagined that there would be a struggle for the position of heir in the Marquis's mansion.
After all, Marquis Song Yu had a deep affection for his wife. He was known for his devoted love. Although he took a concubine after his wife's death, there was no indication that he would officially make her his wife. He even built a memorial hall to mourn his deceased wife.
The eldest son, who is also the most favored in the family, is often married off early and has children, even if he is unfilial, so it is rare for a family to disqualify him from inheriting the family business.
But now it seems...
That's not entirely true.
Song Changming, the younger brother, showed no respect or fear in front of his elder brother, the eldest son of the legitimate wife; on the contrary, he was aggressive and domineering.
It's impossible to say that no one hinted at it.
After all, in most families, illegitimate sons are practically invisible.
Upon reflection, everyone realized that although Bai Susu was known for doting on the eldest son of the Marquis's family, she actually brought her own son with her more often on important occasions.
That's interesting.
Bai Susu felt a bitter taste in her mouth as she faced the gazes of the crowd.
She truly regretted it.
I shouldn't have brought them here.
What could she say? That she, a mere woman, wouldn't understand these things? That wouldn't make sense, after all, she had managed the household in the Marquis's mansion for many years. That it was her father's business and she had no right to comment? That wouldn't fit her public image either.
Her mind raced, and finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "The system of primogeniture was established by the founding emperor. According to the rules, Changqing, you are naturally the heir to the Marquis's mansion."
Song Changming staggered, his face turning pale.
Chang Qingxin revealed a smug look, intending to take this opportunity to dampen Song Changming's arrogance.
"Did you hear that? I am the rightful heir to the Marquis's mansion. You, Song Changming, are just a son of a concubine. Do you dare to dream of owning the Marquis's mansion? If you were good at your studies, you might be able to make your own way in the officialdom in the future. But your studies are just average. Heh, you'll have to rely on your brother's status to make a living. Show me some respect!"
Song Changming collapsed to the ground, his forehead covered in cold sweat.
"Apologize to me. This time, for the sake of your aunt, I will not pursue your offense."
Changqing crossed his arms and looked down at Changqing.
Song Changming looked at Bai Susu and saw his mother nod helplessly.
He felt a deep sadness.
It feels like I'm the only person left in the world.
"Yes, I'm sorry, brother. I was wrong. I was too offensive just now."
He admitted his mistake on the spot.
For a young man who cares so much about his image, this is undoubtedly a loss of dignity.
When Song Changming apologized, his heart was in turmoil. He glanced at the person in the main seat, and even noticed that the little princess Wang Ruo's gaze towards him no longer held the same appreciation as before.
Song Changqing!
At this moment, he hated his older brother who bullied others because of his status.
You'll have your down times eventually.
Just you wait!
He made a silent vow in his heart.
At this moment, Bai Susu lost all interest in continuing the gathering. Her mind was in turmoil. The competition for the heir of the Marquis's mansion had never been brought up before; the time was not yet ripe.
My son is not outstanding enough to challenge the traditional primogeniture system.
Isn't causing something like this tantamount to suicide?
After saying goodbye in a hurry.
On the carriage, she became increasingly anxious, and before she knew it, she had choked on her breath and coughed up a mouthful of blood.
This terrified the women accompanying them.
Song Changming remained in a daze the whole way. He felt that he had lost all face, and he didn't even react when his mother vomited blood.
Only Changqing was in a good mood.
Upon learning that Bai Susu had vomited blood, he was very anxious and immediately ordered his men to drive the carriage to Xinglin Medical Clinic in the east of the city. This was the most frequented medical clinic by the city's high-ranking officials and nobles, and it was staffed by retired imperial physicians.
He personally carried Bai Susu inside.
They put on quite a show.
Then, rumors spread in the capital that although the eldest son of the Marquis's family was useless, he was commendable for his filial piety. On the contrary, the second son was disrespectful to his elders, openly contradicted his older brother, and remained indifferent when his own mother fell ill.
Bai Susu, who had finally recovered, almost vomited blood again after hearing this.
Filial piety is extremely important in this era.
In earlier dynasties, there was a system of recommending people for official positions based on their filial piety and integrity. This system prioritized the quality of filial piety, which could overshadow other shortcomings.
Song Yu was also feeling annoyed.
He was so annoyed that he took it out on Bai Susu.
"Look at you, what kind of nonsense are you making? Now look what's happened, Changming is devastated, he can't even concentrate on his studies, and his reputation is affected. On the contrary, that kid's reputation has actually improved."
Bai Susu also felt aggrieved.
"I... I had no idea it would turn out like this. This is so unfair! Changming just acted impulsively and has to suffer such a huge blow and criticism, while that kid just made a casual move and his reputation improved?"
Song Yu sighed, "A good person can be defeated for doing one bad thing, while a bad person can become a Buddha for doing one good thing. Otherwise, how could there be the saying 'lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot'? That's reality, and you, a woman, don't understand."
Bai Susu: "Then, what do we do now? Is it really the only option to make Changqing the heir apparent?"
She felt a sense of loss, as if her life's hard work had been ruined in an instant.
Song Yu fell silent.
After a while.
He leaned closer and whispered a few words in Bai Susu's ear.
Bai Susu's eyes lit up.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com