The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Zhiyuan visited the Duke Dingguo Mansion, naturally, Duke Dingguo personally received him. Upon meeting, the two middle-aged men who were not much different in age exchanged compliments and pleasantries.

”...The Emperor often mentions that Duke Dingguo, in his prime, is merely resting idle, leaving him quite helpless, all waiting for you to offer your services.”

Duke Dingguo replied with a hearty laugh: ”I am old now, you should know, my legs feel sore every winter, and now I rely on moxibustion every night just to sleep well, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink all night. So, serving and glorifying the nation should be left more to the young ones.”

”Saying that makes me feel awkward. You’re not that much older than me.”

”This can’t be compared, you are now the top civil servant, a pillar of the nation, and the Emperor can’t do without you.” Duke Dingguo lightly patted the shoulder of Prime Minister Song.

Song Zhiyuan smiled subtly, pretended to be humble, and shook his head.

”Come, you’re a busy man, rarely visiting. I have fifty-year-old aged wine here, since the snowy scenery is wonderful, how about we drink a couple?” Duke Dingguo said with a smile.

Song Zhiyuan smiled and cupped his hands: ”The Lord’s hospitality must be followed.”

As they walked and chatted, they talked about the garden views in the mansion and the scenic spots in the capital. All they discussed were food, entertainment, leisure, without mentioning state affairs, enjoying their conversation.

At the warm pavilion meant for snow viewing, they stood by the window, gazing at the snowy landscape. Song Zhiyuan couldn’t help but sigh and spontaneously composed a poem.

Duke Dingguo stroked his beard and laughed: ”The Prime Minister truly lives up to being a former top scholar, his literary talent is outstanding, which I, an old man, am far from matching.”

Song Zhiyuan modestly said a few humble words: ”Since you call yourself an old brother, don’t address me as Prime Minister. I go by Yunzhi, feel free to use my courtesy name.”

”Alright, as an old brother, I shall respectfully comply.”

Just then, there was some commotion at the door.

”The maidservants for tea brewing and wine preparation have arrived. This is not quite as good as the goods from the Emperor, but try what a brother has here.”

As soon as he finished speaking, two maidservants appeared, bringing various items with them, followed by a blossoming young girl with elegant attire, distinct from those in maidservant uniforms.

Song Zhiyuan’s eyes sparkled with a hint of humor.

Duke Dingguo’s mouth twitched slightly; his wife was perhaps too blatant in her intentions. Even if one likes someone, this wasn’t the way to push it.

Glimpsing Song Zhiyuan’s playful eyes and subtle smile from the corner of his eye, Duke Dingguo felt a little stifled, sensing an unwelcome feeling in the potential match.

He coughed and feigned seriousness: ”Liu, why have you come?”

Guan Shuyan entered and bowed, innocently asking: ”Wasn’t it father who asked me to brew tea?”

Laughter came from behind Duke Dingguo. Guan Shuyan only then noticed the man hidden by Duke Dingguo’s broad figure and paused in surprise.

”Ahem, since you’re here, go greet Prime Minister Song?”

Guan Shuyan blushed, stepped forward a few paces, placed her hands on her waist respectfully, and bowed: ”The maiden greets the Prime Minister, may the Prime Minister be blessed.”

”Miss Guan Liu, no need for ceremony.” Song Zhiyuan smiled and raised his hand, took out a sheep white jade pendant from his waist, and handed it over: ”A small meeting gift, for you to play with.”

Song Zhiyuan’s possessions are naturally high-quality. Guan Shuyan’s face turned red, feeling too shy to accept, she looked toward her elderly father.

”Accepting a gift from a senior should not be refused. Thank Prime Minister Song.” Duke Dingguo said, a little sourly.