The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 668: Chapter 668: Begging the Emperor Through a Blood-Written Petition While Kneeling to be Spared?

Duke Zhou, acting on behalf of the Emperor, visited the Prime Minister openly, prompting many savvy and opportunistic families in the capital to send gifts of condolence, with the presents from several Princes being the most generous.

Song Ci felt she was being eroded by wealth and had discovered a path to prosperity.

It seemed that her clever son only needed to ’fall ill’ for a moment, and the household would never have to worry about income again.

Of course, this was only a thought for Song Ci, as truly valuable gifts were not to be accepted by the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Some ordinary tonic herbs could be received, but equivalent gifts had to be returned to avoid giving the Imperial Censor a reason to accuse Song Zhiyuan of extortion and bribery.

The Emperor despises corrupt officials, and in his early years on the throne, he had no idea how many he punished and how many families he overturned.

As the Emperor’s trusted official, Song Zhiyuan dared not commit offenses against the law.

Song Ci was only in it for a fleeting thrill, finding it all quite uninteresting.

”Take it away, take it away,” she said, closing her eyes.

Out of sight, out of mind; if she couldn’t see it, she wouldn’t dwell on it.

Nanny Gong chuckled lightly and said, ”This need not be taken away, as it’s a gift from the palace. The Prime Minister has specifically instructed it to be presented to you, so you can infuse it in water when you’re free.”

Song Ci instantly beamed with joy and said delightedly, ”My son is truly filial and generous.”

A century-old ginseng, fully intact and plump, was exceedingly pleasing, suggesting she should slice it for tea—it must be love.

She glanced at the ginseng in the box once more, then instructed Hong You and the others to record it into storage.

This was a treasure, a life-saving one, and too extravagant to use just for tea; it must be preserved.

”You’re not using it?” Nanny Gong raised an eyebrow.

Song Ci retorted, ”Ginseng replenishes energy, but a hundred-year-old one would make your Madam feel too heated to sleep at night, with the heartburn from the earth dragon burning—it’s unnecessary. For daily consumption, a few strands of cordyceps in water suffices, simmering on the stove.”

With the means for nourishment and privilege, Song Ci was not frugal; while she refrained from using the century-old ginseng, she never missed her daily cup of cordyceps water and a daily portion of golden-edged bird’s nest soup, especially after autumn set in.

Health maintenance is essential, aiming to live a few more years.

She refused to admit to any degeneration.

Nanny Gong, without exposing her, responded with a smile.

”Is Duke Zhou still speaking with the eldest son? Have Madam Jiang prepare a fine feast, and let the Angels enjoy lunch before they leave.” Understanding social intricacies, Song Ci caught on.

”Rest assured, from the moment the Duke and his entourage entered, the arrangements were made. Besides the feast, there’ll be prepared rewards for when they depart.”

Song Ci nodded.

As the saying goes, little devils are troublesome; these minor Angels, having served in the palace for years, well attended to, would make one’s own path in the palace smoother, as it’s ultimately their domain.

Nanny Gong refilled her teacup and whispered, ”I heard from Duke Zhou that the Emperor has arranged a marriage for Prince Min.”

Song Ci was very intrigued: ”Oh, a Noble Lady from which family?”

”Besides the Official Wife, there’s also a Concubine, and the Concubine is the legitimate granddaughter of Grandmaster Fang; it’s said to be the youngest one, only fifteen this year.”

”Prince Min is about twenty-five this year, I think. Isn’t the Emperor afraid people will accuse the Imperial Family of being like an old cow eating young grass?” Song Ci clicked her tongue, with a ten-year difference, what else could it be but eating young grass?

Nanny Gong snorted lightly, ”Don’t say just ten years; even at a grandfather’s age, one could still take a maiden young enough to be his granddaughter as a wife, as long as he has enough power and influence.”

Song Ci gave a thumbs up, you’re truly realistic about human nature.

”Then what about the Official Wife? If even Grandmaster Fang’s granddaughter could only be a Concubine, which Noble Lady will become the Official Wife?”

Nanny Gong raised an eyebrow: ”Her status is indescribably noble, as she is Princess Chongyang, descendant of the former Crown Prince of Xia Dynasty.”

Song Ci was stunned: What?

Isn’t there anyone beseeching the Emperor to act humanely?