The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Prime Minister Song, you must blame me for setting you up against enemies

The eunuch Zhou wiped a bead of sweat for Prime Minister Song.

This master really dares to say anything, doesn’t he fear that the Emperor will take offense and dismiss him?

Yet, nothing happens to him, the Emperor shows no sign of anger.

Glancing at Emperor Chu, Eunuch Zhou thought perhaps the Emperor appreciated Prime Minister Song’s casual and down-to-earth conversations?

”Raising a child without discipline is like killing him, have you already made your eldest son work?” Emperor Chu retorted.

Song Zhiyuan didn’t blink and replied, ”My son is still young, only thirteen, still studying. But, I have given him an estate to manage himself; the harvests come to him and are stored in his private treasury.”

Emperor Chu was taken aback, ”How does he manage?”

”He manages it however it should be managed; whether well or poorly, it’s his own affair. If he can’t manage an estate, how can he govern people when he holds office in the future? Even as a wealthy idle person, he should understand the value of grains and how to manage accounts, so he won’t be deceived by his subordinates.”

Emperor Chu was intrigued, ”I also heard you personally strategized for your sons.”

”The inner residence is full of troubles. Thanks to your Majesty’s favor, I rose to this position, and now more and more people watch me, looking for faults. I must be cautious, not to mention the young ones. I don’t want them to be plotted against without knowing. After all, my family is simple, with not too many concubine-born children.”

Emperor Chu snorted, ”From your words, I sense you are blaming me for creating too many enemies for you.”

Song Zhiyuan thought, you’ve actually realized it, quite remarkable.

But aloud, he exclaimed, ”I wouldn’t dare!”

Emperor Chu almost rolled his eyes, but as the Emperor, he wouldn’t do such a thing.

”You have a point; it’s essential to see what talents they have. Later, consult with Prime Minister Fan to find them some positions to learn in.”

”I accept the decree,” Song Zhiyuan bowed and accepted the orders.

As for whether to bestow titles on the Princes, he said no more. He had made the suggestion; naturally, the Emperor was aware that a royal decree would be issued around the time of the Princes’ weddings.

Emperor Chu suddenly thought of something.

”Has your second daughter been betrothed?”

Song Zhiyuan’s heart skipped a beat, and he respectfully replied, ”Not yet.”

Emperor Chu knocked on the dragon table, saying, ”The third son of Duke Ying, is yet to marry. I see he is talented; although his reputation isn’t good, he is a decent person.”

The third son of Duke Ying, named Qi Zhen, is twenty-one this year. His reputation is poor because he was engaged twice, but both fiancées died from illness or accident, leading to rumors of him being destined to harm his wives.

Song Zhiyuan wasn’t concerned about this but pondered Emperor Chu’s intentions.

Duke Ying was a neutral royalist; was this meant to solidify his faction, or was there another reason?

Song Zhiyuan deliberated and responded, ”Your Majesty, I am not concerned about the reputation of the third son Qi; as long as he is good and trustworthy for life, I can agree. However, my second daughter’s marriage, I must discuss with my wife. After all, women tend to have many concerns, and she might have apprehensions. Furthermore, my daughter is rather willful; will these two get along?”

”Well, discuss it with your wife. If she agrees, the marriage shall be granted by me. As for temperament, once married, she won’t be as willful as when she was a girl,” Emperor Chu replied meaningfully. ”I intend to make use of Qi Zhen.”

Song Zhiyuan’s eyes deepened.