The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

A coincidence is a coincidence; two coincidences still being coincidences appear far-fetched.

In the midst of surprise, the ruler and ministers pondered for a long time, until the orders were issued by Emperor Chu, resulting in both of them being late to this morning’s court assembly.

Song Zhiyuan walked out of Yangxin Hall, gazing at the still dark night sky. He pinched his brow, took a deep breath, and followed the eunuch leading the way to the court assembly hall.

”Prime Minister Song.”

Song Zhiyuan paused, turned around, bowed slightly, and respectfully greeted, ”Prince Min.”

Prince Min returned a half bow, with a smile on his lips, saying, ”Prime Minister Song arrived quite early.”

As he spoke, he made a gesture of invitation.

Song Zhiyuan took a step back, indicating for him to proceed first, saying, ”I have a few matters to report to the Emperor, hence, I arrived slightly early.”

Prince Min’s gaze flickered lightly, replying warmly, ”No wonder the Emperor regards Prime Minister Song as a trusted minister. Now with Prime Minister Fan in mourning, the burden on your shoulders is heavier, and the Emperor cannot be without you for even a moment.”

”To dedicate myself wholly to the Great Qing until death is just part of my duty. I do not dare to accept the Prince’s praise.”

Prince Min sighed, ”Seeing Prime Minister Song working so diligently, I too miss the officials of Xuzhou.”

Song Zhiyuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, ”Does the Prince wish to return to his fief?”

”My consort fell ill this winter and mentioned countless times that winter in Xuzhou is better. I have requested leave, but my brother the Emperor will not permit it. If Prime Minister Song could put in a good word for me, I would be immensely grateful.” At this, Prince Min solemnly bowed to Song Zhiyuan.

Song Zhiyuan quickly stepped aside, saying, ”You are overwhelming this humble official. How could I possibly be qualified to speak on this matter for the Prince? You and the Emperor are kin brothers. The Emperor not permitting you to leave is simply because you have been apart for many years and he wishes to spend time to strengthen the brotherly bond.”

Prince Min thought to himself, thinking it’s amusing, ”True, we are brothers, but even I must address myself as ’臣弟’ before my brother the Emperor, just like Prime Minister Song. First a subject, then a brother. Prime Minister Song, serving an Emperor is like staying near a tiger; I always feel that a bit of distance would be better. What do you say?”

I say, are you mad?

Saying it’s like serving a tiger in front of me, are you trying to sow discord, or merely mocking? You’re not afraid in the slightest that I might tell on you!

”The Prince jests; this humble official is terrified.”

”Prime Minister Song is modest; I must learn more from you.”

Song Zhiyuan cupped his hands in a salute, shaking his head humbly, seeming to remember something and said, ”By the way, Prince, please wait. I have an unseemly request.”

Prince Min looked at him quizzically.

”The Prince previously gifted my mother a string of prayer beads. To discuss a family shame, a thief recently appeared in my mother’s chamber—a maid managing the jewelry box stole that string of prayer beads along with two valuable pieces of jewelry. Upon investigation, the entire family was found slain, and the jewelry had vanished. My mother has been unwell and resting, and she heard the beads have calming and energizing effects. I wonder if the Prince still has any. If so, could you part with it? I would pay a high price.”

Prince Min, appearing utterly unsuspecting, answered without hesitation, ”This is quite difficult for me. That string of prayer beads was acquired by the Steward from the Xiazhi Foreign Trading Company. It is said they brought it back from Nanyang. Besides those prayer beads, there was a screen with intricate carvings and reputed magical effects, but it was already given to my brother the Emperor as a birthday gift. If Prime Minister Song wishes to find more, perhaps you could visit that trading company to see if any remain in stock.”

Song Zhiyuan was momentarily stunned, his mind racing with thoughts, and exclaimed, ”It was obtained from a trading company?”

His expression showed no signs of fabrication—was he truly unaware, or just pretending to be clueless?