The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Zhiyuan originally didn’t want to mention Song Zhiqing’s messy affairs, but today, besides political matters, there were also family issues piled together, inevitably causing agitation in his heart.

Especially the comments from Master Buhui, which further intensified his mood, desperately needing a release.

Since Emperor Chu asked, he confessed all of Song Zhiqing’s faults thoroughly.

Emperor Chu was speechless and sighed.

Indeed, every family has its unpeaceful matters, the Imperial Family does, and so does the family of ministers.

”I thought after being an official for several years, he would have progressed somewhat, but instead, he has regressed. I really overestimated him.” Song Zhiyuan curled his lips in cold mockery.

Emperor Chu wanted to offer some comfort but didn’t know where to begin.

”If it were under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have minded him, but my mother’s health...” There was a trace of helplessness and bitterness in Song Zhiyuan’s eyes: ”Master Buhui said that my mother’s appearance suggests a short lifespan.”

Emperor Chu was slightly startled, patted his shoulder, and said: ”You should have been mentally prepared for this; didn’t Doctor Lu say the same?”

Song Zhiyuan shook his head: ”It’s not the same. Her health has never been good, and this illness after autumn and winter is worsening it, making her even weaker, but it’s not naturally caused, rather...”

His words paused, with a trace of hostility flashing in his eyes.

Emperor Chu was shocked and said: ”What, was she secretly harmed? Was it done by those two spies?”

”You might have heard about the previous case of disrespect shown by the former Madam Ji towards my mother.”

Emperor Chu pondered slightly, his expression doubtful, wondering what this had to do with that matter?

”Prince Min once apologized on behalf of the Ji Family, asking the third brother to pass on a prayer bead necklace to my mother.”

Emperor Chu’s eyes changed subtly, and his heart started racing; he instinctively felt that the following words wouldn’t be good.

”Buhui said the weakness was caused by external factors, not poisoning. Mother recalled the bead necklace and asked the nanny to retrieve it. How do you think, the bead necklace disappeared, along with the maid managing the jewelry, and when looking for them, the whole family of the maid was dead.”

Emperor Chu’s face darkened: ”Song Yunzhi, do you know what you are saying?”

This almost pointed out that Prince Min harmed his mother, and he was a royal family member, his imperial brother.

Song Zhiyuan knelt down and said: ”Emperor, I know what I am saying, but with no evidence I can’t prove anything; after all, Prince Min had no feud with my mother. I’m just detailing these minor facts. Buhui said that there is a stone in Nanyang, prolonged exposure to it leads to internal organ decay...”

Emperor Chu’s breathing halted, a flash of insight crossed his mind, and he suddenly pressed down on his shoulder, his eyes bloodshot: ”A stone that can nurture and focus the mind? Are you sure it was sent by Prince Min?”

Song Zhiyuan said: ”Song Zhiqing wouldn’t dare to secretly change the item given to mother.”

Emperor Chu’s face turned pale.

”Was that stone confirmed to have issues?”

Song Zhiyuan’s expression was somber: ”That’s what frustrates me; the bead necklace disappeared, and it’s still being searched for. Whether there is a problem, if Master Buhui can identify it, it becomes clear. I naturally hope there’s no issue. But my mother’s residence was almost turned upside down, and no other contaminants were found, moreover, the bead necklace and the managing maid suddenly disappeared together. I don’t believe in coincidences.”

Emperor Chu staggered.

”Emperor?” Song Zhiyuan supported him.

”Do you know what Longevity Gift Prince Min Mansion sent this year?”

Song Zhiyuan’s expression turned serious.

”A Jade Screen, said to be from Nanyang, which can focus and calm the mind.”

Song Zhiyuan had a very good memory, recalling seeing a screen in the Empress Dowager’s bedroom when he accompanied Emperor Chu to visit.

The two exchanged glances, their expressions hard to read.