CHAPTER 589: CHAPTER 589: TEACHING THE CHILD

On the way back to Shangjing, amidst the sound of wheels clattering, Song Lingsu shared a carriage with his father and inquired about the Fu Family, seemingly noting that no one from the family currently held a position at the court.

Song Zhiyuan took the opportunity to recount some past events of the Fu Family, including how the Grandmaster Fu’s own son was implicated in a fraud case and resigned, living out his days in gloom. Finally, he said, "Su’er, you must remember, it is right for people to have a sense of reverence, but sometimes you also cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater."

Song Lingsu pondered for a moment and said, "The pressures of officialdom are severe, and the teacher has experienced the deep pain within. Perhaps he doesn’t want to once again see the old bury the young and thus suppresses the younger generation of the family."

He hesitated for a while, appearing as if he wanted to speak but refrained.

"The journey back to the capital is long, between us father and son, it’s best to speak freely."

Only then did Song Lingsu say, "Actually, this is also an insight I gained while touring the Academy. Father, hear me out. The Fu Family’s family rules are strict, and their family ethos is noble. They do not compete with other noble families for wealth or power. Not vying for power, nor seeking wealth, nor competing with the populace for benefits—only passing on culture and accumulating cultural heritage. Therefore, scholars of the Fu Family are widespread, and when speaking of Grandmaster Fu, who does not show respect? I believe this could be a means of ensuring the family’s longevity."

Such a family is indeed the most stable. Without forcibly seizing wealth, they would not incur the resentment of the common people. By only teaching, their students are spread far and wide, and many will remember this student-teacher relationship.

Song Zhiyuan was slightly pleased and surprised, saying, "Your insight is indeed well analyzed."

Song Lingsu blushed slightly.

Song Zhiyuan continued, "If it were in times of chaos, or under an inept Emperor with a corrupt nation, suppressing the younger ones to prevent them from entering officialdom might be a prudent means of preserving oneself. Your teacher’s actions might indeed be as you analyzed, preserving the family in another way. But Su’er, learn both literature and martial arts, serve the Emperor, every young scholar has aspirations, all wishing to showcase their talents. Constant suppression will only be counterproductive."

"Even the noblest families have officials in the court. As the saying goes, having someone in the court makes things easier, though it sounds cynical, you can’t deny it’s an age-old truth. Currently, the Fu Family still has a Grand Tutor, but what happens when the Grand Tutor passes away?" Song Zhiyuan sighed lightly, "Power and nobility—power always precedes nobility. Even the noblest family, without ranks or official positions, is but noble. Before those in power, you are no match for a decree."

No matter how noble you are, without titles or official ranks, you are just a civilian. Should you encounter an official with ranks, if they respect your noble origin that’s fine, but if not, and they use their position against you, what will you do?

It is said that the people do not contend with officials, and this is the reason.

Song Lingsu twitched his mouth, "Listening to father speak, I seem to disagree with the teacher’s way of handling things. Yet you just arranged for me to learn from the Grand Tutor, isn’t this a pitfall for your son?"

Since the teacher seems not so good, why make him my master, isn’t this setting me up?

Song Zhiyuan rubbed his nose and said, "It’s not that I disapprove of the Grand Tutor. One can only say each has their own ambitions. But if considering the family’s long-term, having someone in officialdom is better than none, even if it’s a not so conspicuous position. Su’er, sometimes, information from the court can influence a family’s future trajectory. If there’s no one in the court, you realize information always comes a step later, any decision becomes delayed. The lesson of missing by an inch yet losing by a thousand miles, you must understand."

"Your son is enlightened."

Song Zhiyuan smiled, "Grandmaster Fu is highly virtuous, with extraordinary knowledge. Apart from sometimes being stubborn, his insights are quite unique. Since you’ve become his student, study well and apply your learning. I don’t expect you to be extraordinarily talented, but you must learn to view the big picture and have the decisiveness to strategize."

This is what an heir must master.