The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Zhiyuan met with Niu Pan’er and his youngest child in the study. His gaze swept over Song Zhiyu’s face, which looked as though it had lost all hope, and his brow furrowed slightly.

As Prime Minister, he had his own sources of information. From the time Niu Pan’er left the palace, he knew why she entered the palace and what the outcome was.

This day had inevitably arrived.

Taking advantage of Prince Dingbei’s retirement from the military service and promoting the General of Shengjing to the Governor of the three northeastern provinces, this was a way to divide the power of Prince Dingbei’s Mansion.

Prince Dingbei was a crafty old fox. With his retirement, his young daughter Niu Pan’er takes his place. Regardless of her age, her gender might make it difficult to suppress those restless, old noble families in the Northeast.

Not to mention, there’s also the eager Governor Zhang.

This time in the Northeast, it’s a tough battle for Niu Pan’er.

Song Zhiyuan himself was somewhat troubled; even he thought this battle would be difficult, let alone Niu Pan’er, who was still a rather immature Commandery Princess.

He did not look at Song Zhiyu but turned his attention to Niu Pan’er, saying, ”I am aware of the Emperor’s decision, Commandery Princess, you don’t need me to tell you how difficult this battle will be. You...”

Niu Pan’er looked up and said, ”Uncle, I know this tough battle will be difficult, but this day—both my father and I have long been aware of it and have already made preparations. So, no matter how tough it is, I must return to guard Prince Dingbei’s Mansion and secure the Northeast.”

Song Zhiyuan thought of Prince Dingbei, who, despite appearing to be a rough man with well-developed limbs and limited literacy, had managed to maintain and expand the foundation he had built—that showed his capabilities.

Presumably, he was also aware of this day.

Song Zhiyuan then said, ”It’s good that you are aware. Actually, you don’t need to panic too much; the Emperor, although intending to divide power, might not necessarily view this as a bad thing.”

”Please, Prime Minister, enlighten me.” Niu Pan’er stood and saluted, addressing him as Prime Minister instead of Uncle to show respect.

Song Zhiyuan took the sandalwood beads from his hand and began to roll them, saying, ”Prince Dingbei’s Mansion has been entrenched in the Northeast for many years and has grown into a formidable entity. No Emperor would feel at ease with this.”

He paused here, then picked up the small silver hammer beside him and lightly tapped the bamboo gong, producing a soft, subtle sound.

Niu Pan’er, trained in martial arts from a young age with keen hearing, immediately noticed faint rustling noises coming from certain directions, knowing that those guarding in the shadows had changed positions, likely following orders to be vigilant against any approach.

Song Zhiyuan set down the silver hammer and continued, ”The forces of Prince Dingbei’s Mansion are vast; just the visible soldiers from your Niu Family number eighty thousand—not to mention those hidden.”

Niu Pan’er’s eyes flickered, but she remained silent.

Song Zhiyuan did not mind, saying, ”The Emperor’s mind is always suspicious. With the great power of Prince Dingbei’s Mansion, it’s natural that the one sitting on the throne won’t feel at ease. Thus, it’s inevitable to thin out this influence and separate it. These years, external tribes have invaded the borders on a minor scale. As long as they don’t collude internally or conspire with foreign tribes to wage major wars, the Northeast won’t face significant threats.”

Petty skirmishes, thefts, or whatnot are insignificant; the greatest fear is large-scale city conquests, where military power must not be arbitrarily mobilized.

”The Emperor wishes to recover some military power, purely to keep the initiative at hand. As long as the foundation of Prince Dingbei’s Mansion is not touched, some division of power is acceptable.” Song Zhiyuan said calmly, ”No matter how strong a figure is, they must learn to show appropriate weakness for assurance, especially to those holding your lifeline. The Mansion is no different; when there’s no major threat in the Northeast, showing weakness might also be a means to preserve foundational strength. Ultimately, the most important thing for the Mansion is to bring Shen’er out.”