Given these circumstances, Wu Shutong has been exceptionally attentive to Song Ruyu over the past two years. He not only appointed her as a deputy official and provided her with numerous opportunities to gain valuable experience, but he has also looked after her family’s well-being. In a further demonstration of hismitment, Wu Shutong has chosen to marry Song Ruyu’s half-sister, who is three years his junior, to his youngest son, who remains unmarried. This strategic move is intended to strengthen his ties to the Song family and to Song Ruyu herself. Furthermore, he has made it clear to the members of the Wu family that any man who marries a daughter from the Song family must treat his wife with the utmost respect and refrain from taking concubines.


    Traditionally, men in the Wu family have had the privilege of taking concubines. If a man is dissatisfied with his wife, he can marry a concubine from other coteral families three years after his marriage, typically allowing for one wife and one concubine. If a man holds a prominent position within the Right Army Commander’s Office, he may marry an additional wife, resulting in a maximum of one wife and two concubines. In the case of Wu Shutong, as the Grand Commander, he is permitted to have three wives—one official wife and three concubines.


    The rationale behind these limitations on concubines stems from the Wu family’s extensive lineage. With so many descendants, even among coteral families, there aren’t enough resources for everyone to marry freely or take on multiple concubines. The coteral families hold little status, and the wives they send off are often in a weaker position; if their husbands wish to marry more, they seldom voice any objections.


    With the emergence of Song Ruyu, a highly regarded figure, Wu Shutong has shifted his view. He now genuinely seeks to forge a closer rtionship with the Song family, elevating their status and providing them with greater resources and respect for the wives of the Song family. This approach aims to transform the dynamic between the two families from one of master and servant to a true inw rtionship, which will naturally nurture emotional bonds.


    In a significantly improved mood, Wu Shutong couldn’t help but exim, “The Right Army Governor’s Office is fortunate to have a talent like Ruyu. Once a person grasps the truth, their lifespan can extend for centuries. If Ruyu’s future aplishments areparable to, or even surpass, those of the three elders, it would be a tremendous boon for our lineage. Although Lord Ying is the ancestor of the Wu family, with so many heirs, he cannot show any extra favoritism towards us. Ruyu, however, is different. Should she excel in the future, we stand to gain directly from her sess.”<fn1b8b> Get full chapters from f?ndnovel</fn1b8b><h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    The four former earls regrly received elixirs from Sara, which could enhance their cultivation or spiritual energy. For those who had not yetprehended the truth, these elixirs could prolong their lifespans, much like Charlie’s rejuvenation pills. It is certain that Song Ruyu will receive simr, if not superior, treatment in the future.


    While Sara provides some support to heirs of the Wu family in significant positions, this assistance is distributed fairly. If the other four great governors are promised elixirs that ensure a lifespan of 120 years, Wu Shutong would only be granted the chance to live to 130. However, should Song Ruyu choose to, she could privately provide Wu Shutong with elixirs that might extend his life to 150 years or beyond.


    Andre, who was nearby, quickly grasped Wu Shutong’s thoughts and chimed in, “Minister Song has a deep respect for the Grand Commander, so she must be a person of gratitude. The Grand Commander also holds her family in high regard, which is a significant favor. If Minister Song achieves sess in the future, she will undoubtedly remember the Grand Commander’s kindness!”


    Wu Shutongughed heartily and replied, “Hahaha, that would be wonderful!”


    Afterward, he mused to himself, “I need to call Ruyu and remind her to take care of this fortunate general. Once shepletes the major task at hand, I’ll grant her a month’s leave as a reward for her service, allowing her to return to the Song family and spend time with them.”


    Meanwhile, in Moro, Duke Mining was also upied with his own affairs.