“Master Song Wenmo, after hearing this, began to re-examine this daughter of his.
In his impression, his daughter’s temperament resembled her mother’s—gentle and graceful, but not particularly perceptive.
Yet today’s analysis had laid bare his thoughts and the Song family’s predicament so clearly, with such structured reasoning and pinpoint accuracy.
He was shaken, and could not help but nod.
‘Yibai… you… you actually see this so clearly.’
His tone carried disbelief, and also a trace of emotion at being understood.
‘I understand Father’s considerations.’
But Song Nianyun’s tone shifted slightly.
‘However, has Father considered the risks of placing the Song family’s future—and your daughter’s entire life—on this person, Chen Yunli?’
Song Wenmo’s brows tightened. ‘Risks? Chen Yunli’s talent is real…’
‘Talent is real,’ she interrupted calmly, ‘but what about character?’
Her voice remained steady.
‘Father saw it yourself today—what kind of people the Chen family are.
Greedy beyond measure, cold and ungrateful…
Can such a family nurture a gentleman who knows gratitude and righteousness?’
Song Wenmo was momentarily speechless, his expression shifting uncertainly.
Seeing this, Song Nianyun pressed on.
‘Yes, while he needs the Song family’s financial support now, he will naturally show courtesy.
But Father, have you considered this—once he succeeds, passes the imperial examinations, and enters officialdom…
At that time, he will be a rising official, while the Song family will be nothing more than a past he once depended on in poverty.
How will he view us then?
And how will he view me—the wife who witnessed his most humble days?’
Her words made Song Wenmo’s gaze tremble.
‘At that time, if he is nostalgic, perhaps he will still grant the Song family some face.
But if he sees the Song family as a stain on his reputation and wishes to distance himself?
Father, in the official world, people’s hearts change easily.
Do you truly believe a man lacking basic gratitude can become a reliable pillar for the Song family?’
Song Wenmo fell silent.
He had not entirely failed to consider these concerns before—but had chosen to ignore them, blinded by Chen Yunli’s “potential.”
Now, they were laid bare before him, and a cold sweat quietly broke out on his back.
Song Nianyun bowed slightly.
‘Father, I know you work tirelessly for the family. But relying on others is like walking on thin ice. If Father truly wishes to secure a long-term foundation for the Song family, why not consider another path?’
Song Wenmo’s brows furrowed deeper. ‘Another path? What path do you propose?’
‘Daughter is unworthy, but I am willing to open a new route for the Song family.’
She raised her head, eyes bright.
‘Father, do you know that the court is now restoring the women’s imperial examination system?’
‘In three days, Qinghui Academy will begin recruiting female students. Those who pass the assessment will not only be able to study, but in the future, may also take the imperial examinations and serve as officials like men.’
Women’s examinations were not a baseless idea.
In the early days of the dynasty, founded by a female emperor, women were indeed allowed to take examinations. It was only later abolished centuries ago.
Now, Song Nianyun spoke of it again.
Song Wenmo immediately frowned. ‘Nonsense!’
He cut her off sharply.
‘Do you think the imperial examinations are child’s play? Just because you can read a few words, you think you can compete with scholars who have studied for decades?’
‘I am not asking for silver or connections,’ she replied calmly.
‘I only ask Father to give me a chance—to compete fairly.’
Song Wenmo’s expression darkened.
‘And if you fail?’
‘Then I will obey Father’s arrangements without complaint.’
A pause.
‘But if I pass, I ask Father to cover my study expenses at Qinghui Academy—and give me three years.
Within three years, I will pass the county-level scholar examination.
If I fail, my marriage will be entirely at Father’s discretion.’”