Inside the palace, in the Imperial Study.
The Emperor listened to Song Zhiyuan’s report, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Do you think Grandmaster Fu’s words are credible?"
Song Zhiyuan replied, "I believe they are credible. At this point, there’s no need for him to hide anything. Moreover, I was testing him, and his response was instinctive."
"Caught him by surprise," the Emperor laughed sarcastically, "Isn’t Grandmaster Fu furious enough to expel you, his unruly student, from his tutelage?"
Song Zhiyuan sighed helplessly.
The Emperor appeared pleased. It was good that there were no other wills; and if there were, it would be as if there weren’t any.
"With Princess Consort Ji returning to the capital, the Ji family is jumping around making a fool of themselves and causing lawsuits. Your Majesty, what do you think?" Song Zhiyuan spoke of a scene he witnessed on his way back to the city and what he had heard.
With Song Zhiyu clashing with the Ji family, it’s possible the Imperial Censor might seize upon this point to impeach. It’s best to inform the Emperor in advance to prevent his younger brother from suffering losses.
The Emperor said, "A petty clown is nothing to fear, and when they court disaster multiple tis, it makes them easier to deal with."
Song Zhiyuan’s eyebrow twitched slightly, taking this as a sign of indulgence.
"Accompany for a walk."
Song Zhiyuan was montarily stunned, then cupped his hands in acknowledgnt.
The so-called walk was actually a stroll in the Imperial Garden, discussing various trivial matters, both of national and familial concerns.
What, only national matters and no family matters in the palace?
Isn’t the Emperor human? He’s the Son of Heaven but also soone’s son, soone’s father, soone’s husband. Naturally, there are family matters, and more conflicts than in the typical ministerial family.
"...Thanks to Aunt’s advice, I now avoid the fertile days of the concubines," the Emperor said.
Song Zhiyuan felt a bit awkward. You didn’t have to put it so bluntly.
"You don’t want to have a few more princes?"
"I already have seven princes and four princesses, which is enough," the Emperor said, looking at the seasonal flowers in the Imperial Garden. "Too many princes is not a good thing."
Song Zhiyuan remained silent for a while and then said, "I would like to have another son."
"Oh?"
Song Zhiyuan showed a troubled expression, saying, "Madam is really yearning for one, and it’s becoming quite botherso."
The Emperor laughed, raising an eyebrow, "Shall I reward you with two beauties?"
Song Zhiyuan felt a jolt in his heart and quickly bowed. "Please, spare ."
The state affairs are already busy enough; he didn’t want to deal with a harem of won causing disturbances when he returned ho.
"Even Doctor Song has beautiful concubines, and yet you remain steadfast," the Emperor said, picking a hibiscus flower. "I heard Prince Xiao organized a tea gathering to et friends and extended an invitation to Doctor Song."
Song Zhiyuan’s eyelid twitched, his brows furrowing.
"You don’t need to be overly wary; it’s just a tea gathering and doesn’t signify anything," the Emperor said, smiling and patting his shoulder.
It may not signify anything, but isn’t this your covert hint?
This minister finds it difficult!
Attendant Zhou saw a young eunuch approaching and paused, noticing a tall figure at the entrance of the Imperial Garden. He inford the Emperor.
The Emperor raised an eyebrow, "Let the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Jing’an speak."
Song Zhiyuan stood firm.
Lu Ming approached with a solemn face, kneeling before the Emperor to make his report.
Prince Min had already entered the vicinity of the capital and would enter the city according to their pace the next day.
The Emperor rubbed his thumb against the Large Ring and asked calmly, "How many troops did he bring back?"
"Ten thousand."
Ten thousand—neither too many nor too few—the standard for a prince of the current dynasty.
"At least he’s following protocol," the Emperor laughed lightly. "Lu Ming, you are to greet Prince Min outside the city tomorrow, and the ten thousand troops are to temporarily camp 50 miles outside the city."
"I obey the imperial decree."
Song Zhiyuan looked towards the horizon, where dark clouds lood. The capital was about to beco lively!
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