The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

As Song Zhiyuan felt suspicion in his heart, Prince Min was already smiling and turning to walk into the grand hall. But once he turned around, his smile faded, his eyes gleaming with sharpness, and his heart filled with uncertainty.

Could it be that Prime Minister Song truly uncovered the pearl necklace’s real ’wondrous use,’ and said those words deliberately to test him?

Or is it that they don’t know the background of the pearl necklace, and are merely suspicious?

It’s a pity we can’t find out how Master Buhui diagnosed Madam Song, otherwise we might have guessed one or two things. But even if they do know the details of the pearl necklace, so what?

Prince Min’s lips curled sideways as he sensed the scorching gaze on his back. At once, he thought of the courtyard to the west of the city, his handsome face cooled with coldness, with stiff fingertips.

Damned.

During the early court session, Emperor Chu was late, and the officials all thought it was because the ruler was indulging in the warm bed and jade, hence not considering the morning court session. However, today’s morning session, the Emperor was quite fiery.

Especially when a certain official from the Ministry of Rites and a certain Imperial Censor petitioned to have Prince Min return to his fief, the Emperor’s expression was as if someone was trying to tear apart his family, his mouth’s words venomous as if he’d drunk poison, and finally, he asked Prince Min passionately.

”Does Prince Min wish to return to his fief? You are my younger brother, with a significant age difference, I regard you as a son, hoping to spend more time together. What about you, Prince Min?”

Prince Min: ”...”

If not for this series of events, honestly, I wouldn’t believe these words.

If he were Emperor, it would be impossible to truly maintain brotherly love and respect, merely not having killed the other with a knife would be considered benevolent.

Yet, even with conflicting thoughts internally, on the surface, he still had to pretend and perform with feigned sincerity, as if he did not wish to separate from his elder brother.

”Though it may not be proper for a prince to be away from his fief for too long, it’s not a big deal; it’s only been a year and a half, and surely the governed lands wouldn’t descend into chaos,” Prince Min falsely smiled.

Song Zhiyuan cast a sideways glance at him and then looked towards Emperor Chu.

Emperor Chu curled his lips into a smile: ”Prince Min’s words are reasonable, while in his position, he should govern. If officials in his territory are inactive, they should be removed and replaced by capable individuals. I loathe those who occupy a position yet do nothing like rats.”

Sweat formed on the foreheads of the officials.

Several more petitions were presented, and after a fierce debate between civil and military officials, the arduous morning court session finally ended.

Song Zhiyuan didn’t hurry back to the mansion but went to the Yangxin Hall, as this time Song Ci and Master Buhui should be on their way to the palace.

This decision had been discussed and agreed upon by both.

Song Ci and Master Buhui must recognize whether the screen material is the same as that of Song Ci’s bead necklace.

Naturally, this time Song Ci’s visit to the palace outwardly is said to be because the Empress Dowager misses Madam Song, so she is brought into the palace for a visit. As for Master Buhui, it is due to Emperor Chu having heard of his exceptional medical skills and inviting him to check the Empress Dowager’s pulse.

”...Prince Min admitted easily, yet he displayed a completely clueless demeanor. What do you think?” Song Zhiyuan, frowning, reported Prince Min’s reaction to Emperor Chu.

Emperor Chu grasped a yellow jade bead necklace in his hand and said, ”Regardless of whether he is completely ignorant about this screen jade, the item being sent from Prince Min Mansion ties him to it.”

He turned his head towards Song Zhiyuan, his voice chilling: ”Had I not been filled with filial respect, that screen might have always remained in front of my Dragon Couch, and now, the one extremely weak would be me. Song Yunzhi, you should understand what this represents.”

It was his mother who bore this tribulation for him, yet also for Great Qing. Otherwise, if the Emperor’s health were to decline severely and he suddenly passed away, how chaotic would this realm become?