The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 658: Chapter 658: The Former Dynasty Was Professional in Handling Spies

The Duke of England came to apologize to Song Zhiyuan; after all, it was His daughter who married into the family and encountered such a thing. How could anyone feel content?

Although this is something handled by the Madam of the inner court, the Duke of England found out something and had to inform Song Zhiyuan.

Song Zhiyuan paused while offering tea, frowned, and asked, ”Are you certain they are people from the former dynasty?”

The Duke of England accepted the tea, his earnest face inscrutable and deep, said, ”I have thoroughly investigated it before daring to talk to Yunzhi. It’s not that my Duke Mansion is unwilling to offer an explanation to the Song family; it’s just that this issue is already involving remnants of the former dynasty.”

Song Zhiyuan said, ”You speak too seriously, Lord. The struggles and intrigues of the inner court are similar to those of the political arena, beyond the control of either of us. I just didn’t expect former dynasty people to be involved. What are they plotting?”

The Duke of England sneered, ”Marriages easily turn into enmity; haven’t there been numerous cases in history where familial ties turn into blood feuds, causing national disasters? You and I are both close aids to the Emperor. If such issues lead to a feud between our families, both sides will use all means to achieve their goals, harming both families’ interests, and even national interests. Those who benefit are the ones stirring up trouble. The fiercer the infighting among powerful officials, the more advantageous it is for them; a rope unwound is far easier to sever.”

A rope twisted is difficult to break apart, but if it is loosened, it snaps with a single tug.

Does the Emperor govern the country with his brilliance alone? No, he relies on the efforts and strategies of officials big and small, who unite their strength to govern a vast nation.

But imagine if our families feud, it’s not merely a family matter but a factional one; faction struggles are intense. Could anyone resist exploiting the situation then?

What the remnants of the former dynasty have done might seem trivial, damaging the closeness of our two families on a small scale, but on a grander scale, it’s undermining the foundation of Qing Country.

Only when officials are secure in their positions can the state be stable; political upheaval and turmoil are signs that chaos is not far off.

Song Zhiyuan and the Duke of England are both pro-regency, among the Emperor’s most trusted; wouldn’t weakening his support be detrimental?

Yet Song Zhiyuan laughed, ”In fact, the former dynasty’s people pulling such a stunt isn’t safeguarding our two families? We are less intimate, maybe that makes us more stable.”

The Duke of England coughed, choked on his tea, glaring at him.

What do you mean by that?

Song Zhiyuan cupped his hands and performed a gesture of apology, saying, ”I understand your point, Lord. Since someone has already taken the blame, let’s proceed accordingly. As for the spy from the former dynasty, wasn’t this person rooted out in the previous purge by the Duke Mansion?”

The Duke of England smiled wryly, ”These people are too deeply hidden. Who would have thought the nanny serving Madam all this while was a spy? Don’t say another one has been cleared out now; I, too, have little confidence about who else might be in the mansion.”

Song Zhiyuan was silent; he had to admit, the former dynasty was skilled at espionage, turning lies into truths, fooling even oneself before deceiving others, remaining steadfastly loyal. One wonders which great personage conducted their training, such effective brainwashing.

In light of this, might there be those from the other side within the Song Mansion?

Song Zhiyuan lightly tapped the table, smiling as he said, ”They hold us in high regard; rather than weakening the Emperor’s support, wouldn’t it be better just to assassinate me directly?”

The Duke of England glanced over faintly, a look in his eyes suggesting I advise you not to jinx it, be careful lest you get targeted.

As it turns out, Song Zhiyuan really tempted fate; a few days later, he was assassinated on his way to morning court.

As Song Zhiyuan was struck in the arm by a stray arrow, he silently ventured a conspiracy theory — could it be that the Duke himself was the spy, since only after he made such a remark did misfortune swiftly befall him!