Chapter 1632: Emperor, Should We Put Prime Minister Song in His Place?

Song Zhiyuan exited the Imperial Palace and sighed softly.

Emperor Chu was getting older, and inevitably he succumbed to the emperor’s ailment: suspicion.

Especially now that the Crown Prince had reached adulthood and begun selecting a consort. After the Crown Prince’s wedding next year, this ailment of suspicion would likely become more severe.

Hardly a surprise; who would be willing to give up the seat of power and the exhilarating pleasure of commanding from the summit? Even if the other party was one’s own son, it was no exception.

Song Zhiyuan sighed again.

...

In Yangxin Hall, Emperor Chu inquired of Eunuch Zhou, "Do you also feel that I am becoming more capricious?"

Eunuch Zhou did not dare speak as frankly as Song Zhiyuan, he merely bent his body and laughed, saying, "The Emperor is the revered sovereign, the true son of the heavens, an eternal wise ruler. Since your ascension, could your governance have been faulty? Instead of saying the Emperor is capricious, it’s better to say the Emperor is bold and courageous."

Emperor Chu cast a glance at him and said, "Song Yunzhi claims I am increasingly capricious, yet your old mouth seems to spin ever more pleasant words."

Eunuch Zhou laughed again, "I can only say these few words."

Emperor Chu grunted, then sighed, "I know I was impulsive. How can anyone sleep soundly beneath my throne? I’ve always disliked nurturing a tiger to cause trouble."

"The Emperor is correct," Eunuch Zhou agreed, "Prime Minister Song’s suggestion is also reasonable, sending people ahead to explore. If the navigational maps are accurate, capturing them later would be twice as effective with half the effort."

As he spoke, he cast a glance at Emperor Chu’s face and added, "But the Emperor indulges Prime Minister Song too much, making him insolent and even bold enough to contradict you. The Emperor, perhaps you should teach him a lesson?"

Emperor Chu laughed angrily, pointed at him and said, "You must be trying to make me die of laughter. Teach him a lesson so he ends up in the dye workshop?"

Eunuch Zhou grinned awkwardly, "I only thought of letting the Emperor vent a bit. But my mind is indeed dull, unable to come up with an effective idea."

"You don’t understand; I, a solitary ruler, hear too much flattering like yours. I need different voices, like Song Yunzhi’s courage. It’s rare these days, even the Imperial Censorate falls short."

Eunuch Zhou exhaled a silent breath and said, "I certainly don’t have the quick mind of Prime Minister Song. However, Prime Minister Song has been with the Emperor for many years, wholeheartedly dedicated to national affairs. Though his words may be disrespectful, they stem from loyalty. I wonder if it’s because of Madam Song’s poor health; I’ve noticed Prime Minister Song has appeared wan these past two years. I heard Madam has been comatose for three days this year, even her shroud was prepared."

Emperor Chu pursed his lips tightly.

Song Ci’s health was poor, and the wan appearance was not only on Song Zhiyuan but also on his mother. Each of this month made her tense, always claiming Song Ci didn’t have much time left.

"No matter who, no one can stop the march toward old age. Being young is truly fortunate," Emperor Chu sighed, perhaps reflecting on his own health because of Song Ci.

As Song Ci gradually aged, was he not the same? Each time he observed the Crown Prince’s youthful and robust physique, compared to his own increasingly weak and declining dragon body, restlessness and helplessness brewed within.

Eunuch Zhou quickly interjected, "But the Emperor remains in his prime, his vigor undiminished. Oh, after morning court, the Empress sent someone with good news: Princess Jiayi has more joyous news. Currently, Princess Jiayi is resting briefly in Kunning Palace. Would the Emperor like to visit?"

Emperor Chu was delighted: "Another child? That girl is truly blessed; this is her third child. Let’s set forth to Kunning Palace."

"Indeed."