Song Zhiyuan watched Pri Minister Fan leave in a fluster, his lips gradually forming a restrained smile, and he sighed softly.
The embarrassnt Pri Minister Fan faced today would be his own experience tomorrow; it seed wrong to mock others’ misfortune. Such shalessness.
He turned his gaze and noticed Prince Xiao smiling at Song Zhiqing, a trace of gloom and displeasure crossing his face.
Song Zhiqing also saw his eldest brother, quickly apologized to Prince Xiao, bowed slightly, and walked over, bowing his hand: "Brother."
Song Zhiyuan responded with a grunt, looking at Prince Xiao’s back, he said, "I’ve heard you’ve been quite close with Prince Xiao lately."
Song Zhiqing’s heart tightened, hurriedly replying: "Not really, I was just accompanying Madam Bai to Prince Xiao’s Mansion for a visit. When Madam Bai was at her maiden ho, she had so affinity with Consort Xiao’s concubine aunt, so they called her over for a chat."
Song Zhiyuan grew more displeased: "Taking a concubine as a guest at soone else’s ho, what kind of propriety is that for a respectable family? Others might think you are trying to charm your way upwards."
The smile on Song Zhiqing’s face disappeared, and he pressed his lips tightly.
Song Zhiyuan saw a trace of unwillingness and indifference flash in his eyes, frowning as he noticed the people passing by were palace attendants and officials; knowing this was not a place to speak further, he said, "We’ll talk back at the mansion."
"Yes."
As the brothers took two steps forward, a eunuch quickly approached and called out to Song Zhiyuan, the Emperor had summoned him.
Song Zhiyuan imdiately followed the eunuch to et Emperor Chu, while Song Zhiqing stood at his place, staring at Song Zhiyuan’s back, his lips pursing into a straight line, his hands clenched into fists.
"Minister Song." Prince Min walked over and bowed to him.
Song Zhiqing was a bit overwheld by the favor, stepping aside, he said, "Your Highness honors too much."
Prince Min gave a gentle smile and said, "It’s not too much of a honor. This bow was on behalf of my maternal family, to express an apology to the Song Family. The Ji Family failed to teach their daughter properly and spoke out of turn, causing disturbance to your esteed lady."
Song Zhiqing quickly replied, "It is the affair of the Ji Family; how dare I accept an apology from Your Highness."
Prince Min showed a trace of helplessness: "After all, it’s my mother’s family."
Seeing his expression, Song Zhiqing said, "Your Highness, you speak heavily. These are trivial matters; we do not take them to heart. You can rest assured."
"Minister Song is indeed a hero among n, and Madam Song has truly taught well," Prince Min praised again.
A feeling of pride and dignity overflowed within Song Zhiqing, but he restrained his vanity and pretentiousness, humbly saying, "Your Highness praises too highly."
Prince Min waved his hand with a smile: "Shall we chat as we walk?"
"Please, Your Highness."
The two of them headed towards the Palace Gate.
Gaining favor, Song Zhiqing felt his previous depression completely dispelling. As he was returning to the mansion, his carriage was stopped by a steward sent by Prince Min.
"This pearl was contributed by soone below. His Highness greatly appreciates Minister Song’s sincere devotion to his mother, hence he gifts it to Minister Song for enjoynt." The steward smiled and handed over a box made of purple sandalwood, along with a long box: "I heard Madam Song has been devoted to Buddhism for years. This string of crystal beads was also casually obtained by His Highness. It is said wearing them calms the mind and clears the eyes, comparable to nurturing one’s spirit with jade. Please present it to Madam Song as an apology from the Ji Family."
Song Zhiqing was shocked, he first opened the purple sandalwood box, revealing a precious Luminous Pearl inside.
Then he opened the long box, seeing a string of beads the size of a small finger, each round and smooth, emitting a radiant white light, numbering one hundred and eight, with a Buddha pendant inscribed with the swastika, very precious indeed.
"This is too valuable; what does Prince Min an by this..."
The steward bowed his hand: "His Highness solely wishes to express Dowager’s apology; please kindly ask your esteed Madam Song to not take the Ji Family’s inappropriate comnts to heart."
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