The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 698: Chapter 698: No One is Better at Flattering than You

The Madam who had once experienced Song Ci’s skill in retorting could not help but vent a few words to her husband in the rear residence. Everyone basically knew that the Matriarch of the Song Family had a very sharp tongue.

Now, looking at Prime Minister Song’s skill in retorting, well, everyone confirmed that they were indeed mother and son, inheriting the same ability to retort.

Prime Minister Fan held his tablet and said, ”I will not engage in bickering with you over such rhetoric.”

”Exactly, speaking more is useless,” Song Zhiyuan said, neither loud nor soft, ”After all, words are no match for actions.”

The crowd lightly coughed: ”...”

Prime Minister Fan was so angry that his beard bristled and his eyes widened. He glared at Song Zhiyuan and turned to Emperor Chu, saying, ”Your Majesty, opening the maritime trade route is like opening the backdoor of the nation, allowing others to peep and enter at will. Those who are not of our kind must have different intentions. Please, Your Majesty, reconsider.”

Emperor Chu said indifferently, ”Opening the maritime trade route naturally requires sending envoys to sign treaties and establish diplomatic relations, fostering friendly ties. Prime Minister Fan, there’s no need to say more, my decision is made.”

Prime Minister Fan pressed his lips together, his expression somewhat gloomy.

Emperor Chu then said, ”Opening the trade not only allows foreigners to do business in our Great Qing and learn our culture but also demonstrates the majesty of our Great Qing, adding to its grandeur. However, should anyone dare to offend our Great Qing, even from afar, they will be punished.”

Prime Minister Song led the call: ”Long live our Emperor.”

”Long live our Emperor.”

...

After the court session, Prince Min approached Song Zhiyuan and respectfully bowed.

Song Zhiyuan quickly stepped aside, returning the gesture, ”Your Highness, there is no need for such a grand courtesy, it is overwhelming.”

”Earlier at the morning court, I spoke without care, only thinking of the wise foresight of the Matriarch of your esteemed household. I admire it in my heart but did not anticipate that it would lead to her being attacked. It is my fault, and I should apologize to Prime Minister Song.” Prince Min’s expression was somewhat apologetic.

Song Zhiyuan smiled wryly, ”Your Highness’ words are too heavy. My mother is just an ordinary elderly woman; where would she have such foresight? It’s simply that she has a broad mind and candid temperament, which sometimes offends others in speech, providing Your Highness with amusement.”

”A broad mind is good; it brings peace of mind. Prime Minister Song is fortunate.”

Song Zhiyuan waved his hand and laughed lightly.

Prince Min quickly took his leave.

A little eunuch came to invite Song Zhiyuan to the Imperial Study.

Not far away, Prime Minister Fan was whispering with several members of the conservative faction.

”My Lord, His Majesty’s actions are so rash and persistent; this...” The group was somewhat worried.

Prime Minister Fan also had an unpleasant expression and said, ”The Emperor has long become mature and capable, constantly employing young talents over the years. We old fellows might be seen as obstacles taking up space.”

Hearing this, everyone grew even more worried. Earlier in the morning court, the Emperor even openly rebuked an old minister, showing no regard, clearly indicating impatience had run out.

Their future seemed bleak.

Prime Minister Fan, seeing their low spirits, said, ”Don’t worry. The conservative faction largely consists of veterans who fought alongside the previous emperor to build the empire. Even if the Emperor increasingly relies on young ministers, he wouldn’t dare to completely chill the hearts of the old ministers; otherwise, it would be unfilial and disrespectful, further chilling the hearts of the nation’s people.”

Never forget those who dug the well when drinking its water. The old ministers have accomplishments standing there from their expansion and consolidation efforts. An emperor cannot simply ignore or erase these contributions; otherwise, who would dare to fight for you in the future?

At this time in the Imperial Study, Emperor Chu was asking Song Zhiyuan why Prince Min had stopped him.

Song Zhiyuan had no reason to hide, so he candidly said, ”Prince Min was likely upset because of Dowager, so he took it out on me, which is just him being a protective son, nothing much.”

Chief Eunuch Zhou: ”...”

No one is better than you at adding fuel to the fire.