Chapter 283 - 118: I Have the Emperor to Protect Me
In the imperial court, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice was on a roll, with Song Nanzhen providing excellent support. The Right Minister, his position weakened by the recent cheating scandal, remained silent throughout the session.
The Left Minister had fought a battle against the Right Minister. While he emerged victorious, it was a pyrrhic victory, as the Emperor had rooted out and dealt with many of his subordinates. Meanwhile, the Left and Right Assistant Prime Ministers clashed with the Minister of the Ministry of Justice for several rounds. However, one side presented sound reasoning backed by a full array of witnesses and material evidence, while the other had not witnessed events firsthand. Their claims were based entirely on reports from their confidants, greatly diminishing their credibility.
After the confrontation, while it couldn’t be called a total victory for the Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Song Nanzhen, it was certainly a satisfying outcome. Their long disaster relief mission had finally come to a successful conclusion.
Feng Yi was extremely pleased with the performance of his two beloved ministers in court. If not for the constraints of his position, he would have loved to give them a round of applause. What he wanted were capable, talented officials who could ease the burdens of their sovereign—not old fools who coasted on seniority, occupying their posts without contributing anything of value.
After the court session was dismissed, Feng Yi had Meng Jiuchang keep Song Nanzhen behind. Then, he sent Zhang Maoquan to Wangyou Palace to summon Song Jieyu.
The moment the father and daughter saw each other, both of their eyes welled up.
Feng Yi: ...
’I suddenly feel a little superfluous.’
As father and daughter shared a tearful reunion, Feng Yi considerately gave them some space to talk, heading to the Imperial Study Room to continue handling state affairs.
Song Yunzhao could no longer spare a thought for the Emperor. She studied her father closely and couldn’t help but say with a pained heart, "How did you get so thin?"
’When he left the capital, he was such a handsome man. How did he come back looking like this? It truly hurts to see him.’
"I’ll be fine after a few days’ rest. It’s just from the journey. Don’t cry, what is there to cry about?" Third Master Song hadn’t expected his daughter’s tears to fall so readily, and the sight made his own heart ache.
Ever since Yun Zhao had entered the palace, the father and daughter had not seen each other.
Seeing that his daughter’s complexion was good—not only had she not lost weight, but she’d even put on a little—it was clear she was faring well in the palace. This finally allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Are you doing all right in the palace?" Although Third Master Song could see his daughter was doing well, he still had to ask her himself.
"I’m doing wonderfully. The Emperor treats me well, and if anyone were to bully me, he would seek justice on my behalf. Look at me, do I look like I’m not doing well?" Song Yunzhao said, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief and flashing a wide smile.
"As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters." Third Master Song nodded in satisfaction. "On my way back, I received a letter from your eldest uncle and only then learned that Bo Ran placed third in the imperial examination. This is a joyous occasion for the Old Song Family."
"Yes, he is. My eldest cousin is quite amazing..." Song Yunzhao then briefly recounted the incident where Song Buran had submitted a blank exam paper and led others in a protest.
Third Master Song: ...
’He couldn’t believe his eldest nephew was capable of something like that.’
He shot his daughter a suspicious glance. ’This style of doing things seems a bit like hers,’ he thought. But then he remembered she was deep within the palace. ’How could she possibly meddle in such affairs? I must be mistaken.’
Much later, Third Master Song would learn that he had not been mistaken at all. It was indeed Song Yunzhao’s handiwork.
By the time he came to lament how his daughter had led his perfectly good nephew astray, that would be a story for another day.
Song Yunzhao briefly recounted the events of the past few months, then seized the opportunity to lodge her complaints.
There were two main points. The first was Song Qinghan’s marriage into the Marquis Wuxin Mansion, and the second was Song Jinxuan’s marriage.
Third Master Song’s face turned an ugly, ashen color. He had specifically instructed them not to be reckless with the marriage to the Marquis Wuxin Mansion. He never imagined his wife and daughter would dare to finalize it behind his back.
As for Song Jinxuan’s marriage, Yun Zhao was not very detailed, mainly to leave some room for Aunt Che to maneuver. She only meant to give him a warning.
But even this warning was enough to sour Third Master Song’s mood considerably.
He heaved a long sigh, looked at his daughter, and said, "This is all because I am incapable of managing my own household."
Song Yunzhao immediately replied, "Father, what does this have to do with you? It’s clearly my stepmother and Song Qinghan who don’t know what’s good for them, thinking the Marquis Wuxin Mansion is some paradise. If she insists on jumping into a fiery pit, then let her. You’ve already fulfilled your duty as a father. In the future, she’ll have no one to blame but herself. She chose this path, and she’ll have to follow it to the end, even if it means crawling."
Third Master Song shook his head. "To raise a child without teaching her is the father’s fault. I will question her thoroughly when I return to the mansion."
Song Yunzhao knew her father’s intention—he still wanted to persuade Song Qinghan to break off the engagement. It was a pity he was bound to be disappointed.
’What Song Qinghan wants is the prestigious name of the Marquis Wuxin Mansion to burnish her own reputation. She probably doesn’t care about anything else, so of course she won’t agree to call off the engagement.’
"You can try to persuade her, but you can’t let yourself get sick with anger over it," Song Yunzhao said. "Otherwise, if I find out, I will absolutely go and settle the score with Song Qinghan!"
Third Master Song looked at his youngest daughter and couldn’t help but smile. "This temper of yours... how can you have been in the palace for so long and still be so fiery?"
Song Yunzhao said proudly, "Because I have the Emperor to protect me."
Feng Yi had timed his return perfectly and heard that very line just as he reached the door. His mood instantly lifted. ’I suppose she has a conscience after all.’