The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

In the main courtyard, the lights were lit at midnight, bright as day. Madam Song urgently summoned several people and discreetly issued several instructions. Since it was midnight, it did not alarm many people, but the security at the Prime Minister’s Mansion was tightened, with more people guarding various entrances.

After catching her breath, she tidied herself up and led her confidant to Chunhui Hall.

After waking up, Song Ci went to the washroom and drank some water. Unable to sleep, he casually chatted with the nanny, idly discussing various topics until Madam Song arrived.

”What time is it now? It’s not yet time for morning greetings. Why have you come?” Song Ci was somewhat surprised.

The nanny said, ”Perhaps there’s something urgent. The old servant will help you dress.”

Song Ci nodded, but Madam Song couldn’t hold back and entered the inner room, where she bowed.

”What has happened?” Song Ci saw her face was somewhat pale, and felt a pang of unease.

Madam Song had someone stand guard at the bedroom door, walked up to Song Ci, and together with the nanny, assisted her in her dressing, speaking in a very soft voice.

”Just now, someone came from the palace, saying the Emperor suddenly had a high fever and fell into a coma. The Prime Minister has already gone to the palace.”

Song Ci was taken aback: ”What? Are you serious?”

Madam Song nodded.

”How could this be? The Emperor has always been robust, how could he suddenly fall into a coma?” Song Ci asked urgently.

Madam Song shook her head: ”I don’t know either. The Prime Minister just instructed me to restrain the servants and guard the house, and then he went to the palace.”

Song Ci sat down, took a deep breath, and said: ”The elder did the right thing. The Emperor’s sudden illness is an acute case; the situation is unclear, caution is necessary. We must restrain the people below, ensuring no information is disseminated to avoid causing unrest. If it comes to an investigation, the Song Family would be in danger.”

Madam Song said solemnly: ”Mother, shouldn’t we at least inform the Song Family’s in-laws?”

Song Ci glanced at her, and said in a heavy voice: ”Inform them of what? The Emperor’s illness came swiftly and fiercely, and it’s still undetermined. If you communicate this outside, it could spread widely and take on unpredictable forms. Creating panic, and if an investigation ensues, who do you think will be held accountable first?”

Madam Song’s expression became resolute.

”I know you worry about your maternal family, but right now, that’s not the main concern. You should worry most about the Emperor and our Song Family.” Song Ci muttered in a barely audible voice: ”If, heaven forbid, the Emperor encounters any mishap, the Crown Prince is not established, Great Qing will undoubtedly fall into chaos. Various Princes have their factions, leading to inevitable disputes. And once disputes arise, do you think our newly affluent Song Family, favored by the Emperor and Empress Dowager, will fare well? Believe it or not, our Song Family is far less formidable than the older aristocratic families. Because we are prominent figures close to the Emperor, the Song Family will certainly be the first to be targeted.”

Madam Song replied awkwardly: ”Mother, I’m not just worried about my maternal family. Qian’er and A’zi are also in-laws. Especially the Duke Dingguo Mansion is...”

Song Ci did not expose her, and chuckled lightly: ”Then you are worrying needlessly. The Gu Family is a century-old scholarly family of genuine reputation. Even if chaos reigns, they will remain relatively stable. This applies to the Duke Dingguo Mansion as well, being an old aristocratic family. A’zi’s family is merely of Fifth Rank and won’t attract much attention. But our Song Family, while in the limelight, lacks deep roots, making it perilous.”