The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Ci was correct; as the weather grew increasingly hotter, the land felt like a steamer. In many places in the north, it hadn’t rained for a month, and among the people, there were whispers insinuating that the Emperor’s tyranny was being punished by Heaven, resulting in no rain.

While the north suffered from drought, the south was experiencing continuous rainfall. Especially in June, several heavy downpours destroyed some dams, causing flooding in several counties, and crops were ravaged by the floods.

With the north battling drought and the south dealing with floods, the talk of Heaven punishing the Emperor’s tyranny grew more intense. Emperor Chu’s expression never brightened, and even Prime Minister Song, who was most favored and prominent, was reprimanded a few times during the Emperor’s wrath, which showed the Emperor’s terrible mood.

As reports of disasters became more severe, Emperor Chu issued several directives each day during morning court sessions: managing water resources, digging wells, distributing food for disaster relief, calming the populace, and even personally praying for rain at the Temple of Heaven. The lamps in the Imperial Study didn’t extinguish before the Hour of the Ox, leading to a peaceful and quiet harem.

There was no solution; the king was too busy to come, so the concubines could only sigh at the gate and pay less attention to their appearance.

Prime Minister’s Mansion, Chunhui Hall.

Under the open south window of the main house, there was a small ice basin filled with fresh melons and fruits. As the wind blew, it carried a hint of coolness and the sweet fragrance of the fruits, diminishing some of the heat-induced irritability.

Song Ci reclined on the Arhat bed, instructing Madam Song about reducing expenses within the mansion.

”In the palace, both the Empress Dowager and Empress have already set an example by reducing the harem concubines’ expenses. Our Prime Minister’s Mansion must follow suit. I usually dine alone, and my appetite is diminished in this hot weather, so there’s no need to prepare too many dishes to avoid waste.” Song Ci said lightly, ”You should also handle the opening of porridge shops to give porridge away; don’t neglect the Charitable Hall either.”

”Mother, the first to open a porridge stand this year was Prince Xiao’s Mansion. Consort Xiao even hosted a charity fundraising banquet. Should we follow them, or do it ourselves?”

Song Ci replied, ”We should do it ourselves. Let the porridge shop run as in previous years; the porridge must be brewed soft and smooth. As for the donations, I’ll privately contribute two thousand taels, and you shall prepare the mansion’s portion and send it to the Empress in the palace.”

”Send it to the Empress?”

”Exactly, the Empress is the mother of the nation. Sending it to her is only right.”

Madam Song pondered for a moment and felt this was reasonable. No matter what, the Empress is the rightful Empress and respected by the Emperor. As long as she isn’t deposed, no matter who becomes the Crown Prince and ascends the throne, she will be the Empress Dowager, providing the family with a future ally.

”I will follow mother’s instructions.”

Noticing her gaunt appearance, Song Ci asked, ”Is there no news from Su’er? You look like you have dark circles under your eyes.”

Madam Song touched her face, sighed, and said, ”The flood is happening in the south, very close to Yu Hang. It’s impossible for me not to worry. Now with the disaster, the roads may be difficult to travel, and it’s been nearly ten days without news.”

Song Ci frowned and comforted her, ”Don’t worry; they’re taking exams in the prefecture city, and the disaster won’t reach the prefecture city. As you said, the roads may be blocked, causing communication delays.”

”I appreciate your kind words.”

”You should go about your work, and keep the people in the mansion in check. Given the current situation, they should not go too far.”

”Yes.”

Madam Song had just stood up when Chun Fen lifted the curtain and entered, saluted Song Ci, and reported, ”Congratulations to the Grand Madam and Madam. There is joyful news from the Third Madam’s side. Auntie Shen at Moyun Inn has safely given birth to a son, and both mother and child are well.”