The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 832: Chapter 832: I Can’t Do It, If You Can Then Go Ahead

The summer spring is at its peak, and coincidentally, good news comes from Quanzhou, where Cui, the imperial envoy, has already cleared the river bandits, earning high praise from the wealthy merchants along the way for Emperor Chu’s achievements in governing the country, greatly pleasing the Emperor.

Everyone knows that the Cui scholar who emerged in the autumn exams twenty years ago during the Sheng Ping era is about to be promoted, and the talents of the Cui family are again mentioned before the Emperor, making the already prominent Cui family even more sought after as a marital alliance by noble families.

Especially Cui the scholar, it’s said that even his nephew has gotten married, yet he remains single!

However, when everyone was thinking of climbing up this family connection, Emperor Chu made a move that caused them all to retreat, calling the matchmakers back in defeat.

Oh, the Emperor also has his eyes on the Cui family member, entrusting him as the consort of the Empress’s daughter, the illustrious Princess Jiayi.

For a time, the Cui family’s prestige was unparalleled.

But those involved in politics were a bit puzzled by the Emperor’s actions. What was the true intention behind them?

Sent to Quanzhou and appointed as an imperial envoy, now having meritorious accomplishments, it seems he should be highly utilized, but being chosen as a consort—is this truly recognition or merely a reward for his achievements?

If it’s the latter, perhaps the covert ambitions of the Cui family are unnecessary, as a consort doesn’t hold key positions, especially a talented consort, who is often regarded with caution. This has been a tacit understanding across dynasties, fearing a consort might wield influence, endangering the imperial throne and altering the dynasty.

Yet, the Cui family raised someone like Cui Changxiao not to be sidelined as a consort without responsibilities.

Not just outsiders, even Song Zhiyuan couldn’t quite grasp the Emperor’s intentions, leading to some absent-mindedness while accompanying him on a stroll in the Imperial Garden.

”...I’ve heard there’s some unrest in your household? Did the old Madam feel aggrieved?” Emperor Chu asked as he looked at Song Zhiyuan.

Song Zhiyuan laughed lightly, ”Nothing escapes your eyes. It was just a joke caused by my third brother’s household, leaving my mother a bit upset. It’s nothing serious.”

”Don’t just fear my eyes, even Mother has received some news and is thinking of inviting the old Madam to the palace for a chat.” Emperor Chu said, hands behind his back, ”Was it a concubine causing the trouble? After Song the doctor returned to the capital...”

He didn’t elaborate, but Song Zhiyuan sensed some dissatisfaction, likely beyond just this matter.

”It’s a temporary foolishness.”

The Emperor seemed noncommittal, smiling lightly, ”It’s hard to say if it’s foolish or not, but Prince Xiao seems to hold Song the doctor in high regard.”

Song Zhiyuan stiffened and said, ”Consort Xiao’s concubine grandmother is the noble concubine of Datong Magistrate Luo, and this Madam Bai is actually the cousin of Madam Luo.”

Emperor Chu rolled the two walnuts in his hand and said, ”Related by blood, no wonder.” He looked at Song Zhiyuan and smiled, ”It seems Madam Bai has quite the finesse; you allow her to shine alone.”

”As a big brother, am I supposed to personally manage my younger brother’s household affairs?”

Song Zhiyuan’s gaze intertwined with the Emperor’s, expressing that a subject can’t do it, only the Emperor can intervene.

The Emperor laughed and said, ”This June, a batch of palace maids are coming of age and will be released.”

Song Zhiyuan immediately cupped his hands in earnest, ”If I could have an aunt to constantly guide my third brother, it would be his blessing.”

The Emperor touched him lightly, ”You should thank Song the doctor.”

Thank you for such ’care’ over my overwhelming fortune.

The ministers said no more on the topic, and after Song Zhiyuan left, the Emperor went to Kunning Palace to speak with the Empress.

Empress Gongsun was invigorated by the good news, with her daughter marrying the fine consort, leading her gaze towards the Emperor to be even more gentle and soft, earnestly promising to fulfill his orders.