The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

”Eunuch Zhou, regarding establishing the heir, should I choose the firstborn, the legitimate, or the worthy one?”

Emperor Chu held a wolf hair brush, writing with great skill.

Eunuch Zhou stood beside him in attendance, and upon hearing these words, bent low in reverence and fearfully said, ”Your Majesty, you are indeed putting this servant to the test, such a major decision like establishing an heir is not something a rootless one like I can discuss. Please spare this servant on this matter.”

Emperor Chu laughed and said, ”You are mimicking Song Yunzhi’s manner. Whenever asked about this, he replies just like you, deflecting and feigning ignorance.”

Eunuch Zhou smiled slightly and said, ”You flatter this servant, how dare I compare with the Prime Minister? Establishing an heir is a grand matter of the state, and you are the sovereign, everything you do and think is for the Great Qing, who can bear such responsibility, who can lead the Great Qing to greater glory and prosperity, I believe you already know in your heart.”

”However, the ministers in the court may not agree with your idea that I can choose whomever I wish for succession.”

Eunuch Zhou said, ”People, they all have personal motives, especially those whose family has Ladies as concubines in the palace.”

”So, in your view, what about Song Yunzhi, does he have personal motives?”

Eunuch Zhou’s heart stirred, but his face remained impassive: ”Prime Minister Song?”

”Indeed, doesn’t the Song Family also have a minor concubine in the palace?”

Eunuch Zhou chuckled softly, ”You are testing the servant again. In this servant’s view, if you want the Prime Minister to have motives, he will; if you do not want him to, he cannot. After all, the initiative is in your hands. However, the servant hears that the Song Daying is not quite of the same lineage as the Prime Minister’s family, did you hear of this back in Song Family Village back then?”

”Hmm, the Song Family’s ancestors, which means Yunzhi’s grandparents, were two individuals who fled to settle in Song Family Village. They met and became family during their escape, settling in Song Family Village, and having no relatives or support believed Song Family Village was peaceful, thus treated it as their root.” Emperor Chu said.

Eunuch Zhou sighed, ”Indeed, it echoes the saying ’where the heart finds peace is home,’ no wonder it nurtured people like Madam Song and the Prime Minister, broad-minded and clear-sighted individuals, it seems they are indeed of one lineage.”

Emperor Chu smiled lightly, ”Yes, I just hope that Song Yunzhi remains open-minded always.”

”You needn’t worry, Your eyes have never misjudged anyone.” Eunuch Zhou stepped forward to grind ink for him, whispering, ”You have reigned for many years, the world is within your grasp, whether one is good or evil, you already know in your heart. Regarding the Song Family, they have always relied on you, and can only rely on you, if you are displeased and clip their wings, how could they soar? So, this logic, I believe, as wise as Prime Minister Song is, he understands all too well.”

Emperor Chu chuckled and changed the subject, ”How is the situation with Prince Min, was it agreed upon to resolve the issue with the Gu poison, has it been done?”

”It is said that the resolution of the Gu is to take place tomorrow, just heard that Princess Consort Ji entered the palace to see the Empress Dowager.”

Emperor Chu frowned, ”Wasn’t it said she couldn’t get out of bed, how has she entered the palace?”

Eunuch Zhou respectfully replied, ”Resolving the Gu poison is no easy matter, perhaps there’s a risk of life involved, this servant boldly guesses Princess Consort Ji came seeking a benevolent favor.”

Emperor Chu snorted lightly, ”In such a state, what favor is there to seek? Isn’t it just leaving it to fate?”

Eunuch Zhou dared not respond to this.

Just then, the Grand Steward of Jingshi Hall brought a red silk tray, requesting Emperor Chu to flip a plaque.

Emperor Chu glanced over; the green plaques on the tray bore names of each palace’s concubines, and he casually flipped one green plaque.

Eunuch Zhou’s eyes narrowed, it was Song Daying’s plaque.