Lady Gao looked at Song Chongjin, then at Song Hong: "There’s something, I don’t know if I should say it—"

If she had asked Wang Yongzhu, Wang Yongzhu would definitely say, if you’re not sure whether to say it, then don’t say it. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

But it was Song Hong who was present, so naturally he replied, "We are husband and wife, what can’t be said?"

Lady Gao didn’t keep him in suspense and repeated what Old Granny Zhang had said about keeping the scales balanced, also recounting the account calculated by Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu word by word to Song Hong.

Upon hearing this, Song Hong’s face turned green. Since ancient times, it’s always been parents who give to their children. When has it ever been children reaching out to ask?

He turned to Song Chongjin: "Brother Jin, is this what you think too? That I, as your father, haven’t kept things balanced and need to compensate you?"

Song Chongjin just looked at Song Hong and didn’t speak, but the meaning in his eyes was clear: Don’t you know whether you’ve been fair or not?

As soon as Song Hong spoke, he realized the words were wrong. Song Chongjin is not like the other children; he was the one owed in the first place.

It’s one thing if he’s willing to give, but being asked for it directly made Song Hong feel somewhat displeased.

"I know I’ve owed you a lot. Didn’t I bring you back to make it up slowly? Why the rush? Why let your mother-in-law and wife go to your mother to ask? What, afraid I’ll mistreat you?"

The words were quite heavy, and Song Chongjin, who already had a dark complexion, listened without defending himself, got up, and prepared to leave.

Song Hong grabbed him: "What’s this attitude? What, can’t be told off? Can’t take criticism without showing attitude?"

Song Chongjin sneered: "When you wanted to bring me back, you didn’t say this. What, just as I enter the mansion, you grow impatient? If you’re not sincere about bringing me back, why act with this false courtesy? It’s not like I begged to return to the Duke’s Mansion. If so, let’s call it quits before I enter the family register—"

As if one cared!

The maids in the room heard this and wished they could block their ears, just lowering their heads, not daring to make a sound.

Who in the mansion doesn’t know about Lord Duke’s temper? He’s someone who doesn’t agree at all and uses the whip without mercy, whipping his son as if whipping an enemy.

Only the youngest son, due to his young age and the concubine’s favor, was spared from punishment.

Even the weak-bodied Fifth Young Master had been punished to kneel before.

In the mansion, which young master or young lady isn’t afraid at heart?

Who would have thought that this newly returned eldest son would dare to show attitude and talk back? Surely today won’t end well.

Following the usual routine, the Duke would now likely call for the whip to be brought out.

This is not the time to intervene; the more one tries, the harsher the whipping. Everyone’s used to it; they wait until the Duke has lashed a few times and his anger subsides a bit before stepping in.

Hence, Lady Gao dared not speak, waiting for Song Hong to erupt in anger.

But after a long while, she didn’t hear Song Hong say a word, and couldn’t help but look up.

She saw Song Hong’s face alternating between pale, red, and black, gritting his teeth, looking truly menacing. Yet Song Chongjin opposite him seemed completely unconcerned, showing no fear at all.

The father and son stared at each other for a long time, but it was Song Hong who wasn’t as confident, knowing his son too well. He knew when Song Chongjin said ’break up’ he truly meant it.

Hoping to find a way out, it was impossible to expect that from the rascal opposite, so he had to turn to Lady Gao with a deep voice: "What does Madam think?"

Lady Gao was startled. After being married to Song Hong for nearly twenty years, what could she not understand?

She quickly composed herself, smiling: "The mother-in-law and Brother Jin’s daughter-in-law made some sense to me. All the other sons and daughters are raised with wealth and honor. Brother Jin, on the other hand, has suffered outside for so many years. As parents, even if the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law didn’t mention it, we should compensate."

"Moreover, Brother Jin and the others have just returned to the mansion and might be unaccustomed. They might be too shy to tell us, their parents. If we as parents don’t realize and ignore it, how can we not address it now that we know?"

"Therefore, I think Lord Duke should at least care for Brother Jin. As young couples, if they aren’t well-off, wouldn’t they turn to their parents? This shows the children don’t see us as strangers—"

Whether or not others believed it, Song Hong certainly did.

Even if he didn’t want to believe it, he had no way out.

Though still not looking very pleased, he glanced at Song Chongjin with disdain and said: "If you’re not doing well financially, why not tell me? Why have your wife and mother-in-law speak up? Fine, I understand now. Tonight, I’ll have the steward send you the silver note. Whatever your brothers have, rest assured, you won’t lack any."

Pausing, he resumed his seat, pondered for a moment, and added: "When the second son married, the mansion provided a dowry, even giving them an estate and two shops. These will be given to you slowly once you’re in the family register! Rest assured, the fortune your old man accumulated over the years belongs to you brothers!"

While Lady Gao remained composed, the maids nearby couldn’t help but be amazed. This Duke seemed to truly love this newly acknowledged eldest son.

Even after showing attitude and talking back, he wasn’t angry but instead rewarded him with silver. From the sound of it, once this eldest son was on the family register, everything due would be provided.

Clearly, the Duke favors this eldest son the most these days.

No one knew Lady Gao’s true thoughts, but she stepped forward with a smile to persuade: "Brother Jin, are you relieved now? The Duke cares for you, though he tends to be harsh in words but soft at heart. It’s good to clear things up now. Otherwise, keeping it all inside could hurt the father-son relationship?"

"And I, as the main wife, have failed, letting the Duke’s bloodline suffer outside. Over the years, the other sons and daughters have received much from me. Brother Jin, rest assured, whatever they received, I will also compensate you. It’s us who wronged you; we only hope you won’t blame us! What are material things?"

"In my life, I haven’t been blessed with my own child. But to me, the Duke’s children are my children. As long as you’re well, no possessions matter - I’d give even my life willingly!"

Saying this, she couldn’t help but dab her eyes with a handkerchief.

Song Hong saw Lady Gao’s earnestness and willingness to compensate Song Chongjin, moved, he couldn’t resist holding Lady Gao’s hand: "This is all my fault, how is it related to you? Thinking about it, I’ve wronged you and Brother Jin. This was before you married; you don’t blame me or Brother Jin and even self-reproach, how can my heart be at ease—"