The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The Wu King was in high spirits, but several princes felt increasingly stifled, especially when Emperor Chu’s gaze swept over them, deliberately or otherwise, making them feel as if sitting on pins and needles.

Prince Yan sensed something was off. Prime Minister Song was never particularly fond of the second brother, yet suddenly he was praising him. What could be the reason?

Prime Minister Song was deeply scheming and would never act without reason.

Something was not quite right.

Prince Yan’s eyes darted as he clutched his stomach, letting out a groan, and said to Prince Xiao, ”Dear elder brother, I must excuse myself for a moment.”

Prince Xiao seemed careless.

Prince Yan swiftly exited, instructing a young eunuch to secretly listen to the happenings in the main hall.

Sure enough, not long after his departure, Song Zhiyuan began to speak.

”The Wu King’s request to take up posts in the provinces is driven by his genuine loyalty. I suppose Prince Zhou and Prince Xiao share similar sentiments?”

Prince Zhou: ”???”

Prince Xiao instantly felt uneasy but turned towards Emperor Chu with a smile and said, ”Father, I dare not refuse any tasks you bestow upon me.”

Emperor Chu raised an eyebrow and said, ”Is that so? Then will you all go to the provinces together?”

Prince Xiao: ”...”

Prince Zhou immediately said, ”Father, I only wish to please you by staying by your side.”

Song Zhiyuan’s eyes revealed a hint of disdain.

Emperor Chu watched him with a mocking smile.

Prince Zhou lowered his head in embarrassment.

Song Zhiyuan smiled and said, ”Emperor, Prince Zhou is also genuinely filial. By the way, isn’t the Hanlin Academy planning to recompile the Great Qing Records? Why not have Prince Zhou participate as well? It is indeed a significant task contributing to the empire.”

Prince Zhou was bewildered.

What, recompiling the Great Qing Records? This book has been continuously updated since the founding of Great Qing, detailing major policies to minor celebrations, containing countless records and nearly the thickness of a palm. If it is to be recompiled, who knows how long it will take to finish?

The lengthy time aside, compiling such a record is the most tedious and time-consuming work with little credit to claim. Yet Song Zhiyuan is recommending him to partake, isn’t this tying his hands and feet?

What is the intention here?

Prince Zhou was not foolish. He understood now that the praise for Wu King earlier was mere setup to introduce this matter.

He glanced around, but Prince Yan had slipped away without notice, and Prince Xiao’s eyes flickered.

Prince Zhou was furious. When did he offend Prime Minister Song to be targeted in this way?

Emperor Chu said, ”The Great Qing Records are a vital compilation for our empire, requiring thorough attention. Since Prime Minister Song mentioned it, and you don’t wish to take posts in the provinces, then partake in the Hanlin Academy to complete the re-compilation as soon as possible.”

Prince Zhou was agitated; he would rather take the provincial posts!

”Father, I...” Facing Emperor Chu’s gaze, a chill ran down his spine, and he involuntarily changed his words: ”I will comply with your orders, Father.”

Emperor Chu nodded with satisfaction: ”Return to your seat and enjoy the music.”

Prince Zhou retreated to his seat like one in mourning, glancing at Song Zhiyuan, who offered him an innocent smile.

Innocent my foot, that smile was toxic.

Prince Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, thankful the trouble didn’t extend to him.

Not long after sitting down, Prince Zhou went to change his clothes in the restroom. Once outside the hall, he summoned someone to investigate the news from Consort Fan’s side. Had something happened for Prime Minister Song to suddenly target him?

This investigation was infuriating, and upon learning the truth, he was livid.

Apparently, Consort Fan kept targeting the matron of the Song Family, leading the matron’s son to retaliate against her son.

Prince Zhou’s eyes flashed white with rage upon hearing Consort Fan feigned illness and returned to the palace early, he too headed towards the harem.

He intended to question his mother: What kind of senseless wind had struck her to target Lady Song without cause, thus entangling her son in trouble!