How could she swallow this anger when her son had been beaten and his reputation tarnished?
As soon as her words fell, a rapid clatter of horse hooves echoed outside the carriage window, accompanied by a resounding male voice—
“By His Majesty’s order, all personnel of Yi Wang Manor are forbidden to offend Minister Song. Withdraw immediately!”
Yi Taifei’s hand, clutching her prayer beads, tightened. She hastily lifted the carriage curtain and saw the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, Shen Yue, seated atop a tall steed, rebuking the Yi Wang Manor crowd: “Those who defy the order will be handed over to Lord Song for disposal at his discretion!”
The Yi Wang Manor retinue snapped back to reality and swiftly dispersed, no longer daring to block the entrance of the Prime Minister’s Residence.
Naturally, Yi Taifei could no longer remain seated. Assisted by her maid, she descended from the carriage and approached Shen Yue.
“Lord Shen, Minister Song injured Prince Yi, who is now confined to his bed at the manor. As his mother, am I not entitled to seek an explanation from Minister Song? I did not order anyone to force their way into the Prime Minister’s Residence.”
Shen Yue dismounted and bowed before responding impassively, “Although Your Highness did not command a forced entry, bringing such a large retinue undoubtedly exerts pressure. His Majesty has instructed this humble general to convey a message: He initially believed Minister Song was overbearing and intended to punish him severely. However, upon learning that Wang Ye was the instigator, His Majesty was deeply disappointed. His Majesty cannot show favoritism merely because Wang Ye is the Royal Uncle. Your Highness leading the manor’s staff to blockade Minister Song’s residence is exceedingly discourteous.”
“Lord Shen, Prince Yi did not provoke any trouble—do not readily believe rumors! He merely…”
“His Majesty has already verified the facts through investigation.”
Shen Yue interrupted Yi Taifei’s defense. “Wang Ye intruded upon Jiang Da Xiaojie’s residence uninvited and behaved disrespectfully toward her in Lord Song’s presence. This is an indisputable fact witnessed by many. If Your Highness insists on pursuing Lord Song’s fault, it would be unjust. His Majesty respects you as an elder and is reluctant to reprimand you, but he also implores you not to place him in a difficult position.”
As Shen Yue spoke, the long-sealed gates of the Prime Minister’s Residence swung open.
Song Yun Chu emerged, clad in a moon-white brocade robe, advancing with measured, graceful steps.
In her hand, she held an ebony polished folding fan, languidly stirring the air with gentle waves.
“His Majesty indeed discerns with clarity! Your efforts are appreciated, Lord Shen.”
Song Yun Chu approached Shen Yue, greeted him, and then turned her gaze to Yi Taifei.
“Your Highness must be weary after waiting outside for so long? Would you care to step inside for some tea?”
“Unnecessary.” Yi Taifei’s smile was strained. “Lord Song is truly adept at maneuvering. Even while remaining at home, you effortlessly exonerate yourself. In barely a day, you’ve managed to spread numerous rumors detrimental to Yi Wang Manor throughout the streets and alleys. Such endeavors must require considerable expenditure, I presume?”
“I fail to comprehend Your Highness’s implication. Justice resides in the hearts of the people. Wang Ye entered Jiang Da Xiaojie’s domain as if it were his own courtyard, wholly disregarding propriety. Countless eyes witnessed this. While servants may dare not speak out, as Prime Minister, I cannot endure such conduct.”
Song Yun Chu remarked leisurely, “His Majesty consulted Wang Ye’s opinion before annulling his engagement with Ru Min and bestowing the Second Young Lady as his consort. Wang Ye raised no objection at the time. Why does he now seek to entangle Ru Min again? Could it be that Wang Ye secretly disapproves of His Majesty’s decision yet lacks the courage to voice it openly, thus feigning compliance while acting contrary?”
“Cease your baseless claims! He holds no dissatisfaction whatsoever with His Majesty’s actions.”
Yi Taifei, fearing that Song Yun Chu would pin a charge of disrespect towards the monarch on Jun Tianyi, quickly explained, “He does indeed like Jiang Second Miss and is grateful for Your Majesty’s marriage arrangement. However, after all, he has known Ru Min for a long time and needs to bring closure. What is wrong with wanting to bid her farewell in person?”
“Your Highness and Prince Yi share a mother-son bond, so naturally you would speak for him. But now that His Majesty has made his sacred judgment, our argument is meaningless. His Majesty respects you as an elder and has chosen not to punish your earlier disrespectful behavior. You should carefully consider whether you wish to continue this stalemate with me.”
Song Yun Chu spoke lightly, sweeping a glance over the manor’s crowd. “If you insist on being unreasonable, then according to His Majesty’s verbal decree, I am authorized to deal with these obstructing individuals as I see fit.”
Yi Taifei nearly crushed the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand.
Yet she ultimately restrained her temper and emotionlessly ordered the Yi Wang Manor crowd, “Return to the manor,” before turning to leave without a backward glance.
Song Yun Chu had invoked the emperor’s verbal decree to pressure her, forcing her to withdraw for now.
But this matter was far from over!
Seeing the dark mass of people finally depart, Song Yun Chu turned to Shen Yue. “His Majesty’s wisdom has resolved my predicament. I shall accompany Lord Shen to the palace at once to express my gratitude.”
When Song Yun Chu met Jun Li Luo, he was wielding a brush, painting a landscape.
“Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty.”
Jun Li Luo set down his brush and said gently, “Rise. This matter was indeed Yi Wang Manor’s fault. I originally should have imposed some punishment on the Imperial Concubine, but her seniority must be considered. Additionally, Royal Uncle has sustained rather serious injuries. Upon reflection, I have decided to pardon her this time.”
Song Yun Chu smiled. “Your Majesty is wise. That you would stand by your humble servant’s side is already more than I could ask for.”
“Of course I side with you. Have you forgotten my words? We are not just ruler and subject, but also friends. Throughout the entire court, you alone can be my confidant.”
Jun Li Luo approached Song Yun Chu and lightly patted her shoulder. “Although Royal Uncle and I share blood ties, our relationship cannot compare to the closeness between you and me. Even though his status surpasses yours, I will never permit him to offend you without cause.”
A trace of moved expression surfaced on Song Yun Chu’s face.
[Confidant my ass!]
[That Dog Emperor must have enjoyed watching the drama quite a bit. Only when public opinion shifted slightly in my favor did he conveniently help me out, cementing my identity as the emperor’s favored minister.]
[The Dog Emperor appears warmer than anyone, yet his heart is colder than anyone’s.]
[When the day comes that your power is secure and I’ve lost my usefulness, you’ll discard me after use, publicly declaring you always knew I was a treacherous rebel. That you endured patiently all this time just to capture all my accomplices in one sweep. People won’t condemn you—they’ll praise your sacrifices for the nation, leaving me to bear endless scorn.]
[If not for your brothers all being dead and that Dog Scumbag being so detestable, I really wouldn’t fucking want to work for you.]
“Your Majesty holds your humble servant in such high regard. I will certainly devote my utmost loyalty to repay Your Majesty.” Song Yun Chu spoke with sincere emotion.
While listening to her inner thoughts and watching her pledge loyalty, Jun Li Luo found it amusing yet also thought-provoking.
Though Song Yun Chu couldn’t read minds, she truly understood him well.
Back when Song Yun Chu helped him ascend the throne, he promoted Song Yun Chu to a first-rank official. As long as Song Yun Chu didn’t overstep, he could turn a blind eye. But later, this man formed cliques for personal gain, framed political rivals through underhanded means, and committed numerous misdeeds in private—how could he tolerate that?
Yet after listening to Yun Chu’s inner thoughts these past days, he discovered that Yun Chu actually harbored no intention of rebellion. This scoundrel only sought to maintain his current wealth and status, hoping to avoid a dead end in the future.
If that were truly the case, he wouldn’t be one to burn bridges after crossing the river.
Now that he no longer feared Song Yun Chu, it was Song Yun Chu who remained guarded against him. Even when treated generously, Yun Chu would only inwardly curse—the Dog Emperor is putting on an act again.