How could Eunuch Zhou know if it was because both were despised by the aristocratic circle that they felt a mutual sympathy? He said this merely to lessen the Emperor’s suspicion and to evoke his compassion.
Indeed, as soon as he finished speaking, he was ready to kneel down and confess, "This servant was only speculating; as for the truth, this servant does not know. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Emperor Chu chuckled, kicked him lightly, and said, "You old ghost, what are you confessing for? It’s just a few words, get up. But are they really so disliked?"
Eunuch Zhou quickly got up and said, "Your Majesty is not unaware. The nobles pride themselves on their high status, and even the civil servants often look down on women from military families, considering them vulgar and disrespectful for wielding weapons and going to war. Let alone a woman who even goes to the battlefield and mingles with men daily?"
"Those ladies believe only in supporting their husbands, educating their children, managing household affairs, and serving their mothers-in-law as the proper path, unlike Commandery Princess Dongyang who takes up arms and goes to war. If you don’t believe it, you can send someone to inquire; there are many madams of noble families who do not like such women as daughters-in-law."
"And then there is Madam Song. Everyone says she lacks knowledge and is just a farmer’s wife who only got her immense wealth and honor now because of her connection with the Empress Dowager and you, Your Majesty, in the past." Eunuch Zhou added, "But in my view, although Madam Song is a farmer’s wife, she is very well-mannered and perceptive."
"Oh? I’ve never heard you speak so highly of Madam Song before, how much did Prime Minister Song give you, old ghost?" Emperor Chu glanced at him askance.
Eunuch Zhou promptly knelt down with a thud and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, this servant dares to swear to the heavens, there is absolutely no bribery made or favoritism stated, or else let heaven strike me down."
Emperor Chu twitched his lips and said, "If you were struck down, who would serve me? Get up."
A cold sweat had gathered on Eunuch Zhou’s back as he said, "Your Majesty, this servant has been in the Imperial Palace for decades, serving through two dynasties, and has seen many people. Like Madam Song, she clearly became acquainted with the Empress Dowager and you before you both rose to power, but how often has she ever asked anything from you and the Empress Dowager? If it were someone else, they would’ve long clung onto such a golden opportunity for titles and blessings for their family."
Emperor Chu was taken aback.
Indeed, it seemed that over the years, Song Ci had never sought anything, even when her family prospered, nor did she seek benefits for her children and grandchildren. Otherwise, when Prime Minister Song was sent out, she could have easily secured a better location, and it was the same with her daughters and granddaughters.
For instance, during this selection of consorts, the Song Family insisted on not sending their daughters into the palace, as if the Imperial Palace were some terrifying place.
Even Song Ci herself seldom came to the palace to visit the Empress Dowager. Were it someone else, they would likely come to the palace from time to time to foster relationships, wouldn’t they?
Being well-mannered and perceptive indeed suits Madam Song quite well.
Thinking this way relieved much of Emperor Chu’s suspicion, and he said, "The madams of noble families are just full of idle complaints, never reflecting that without soldiers bravely defending the nation, they wouldn’t have their current peace. If they dislike such women like Dongyang as daughters-in-law, in my opinion, they are the ones unworthy of being mothers-in-law to Dongyang."
Eunuch Zhou, sensing his change in attitude, said, "Your Majesty is wise." He sighed and added, "One wonders who is worthy of such a person as the Commandery Princess. What kind of son-in-law Prince Dingbei is looking for is also unknown."
Emperor Chu’s heart stirred, and he did not speak further, simply writing steadily.
Eunuch Zhou closely watched the loyalty character gradually emerge on the rice paper, his eyes narrowing slightly.