Song Zhiyuan leaned against the wall of the carriage, listening to the sound of the wheels grating on the bluestone bricks. The sandalwood prayer beads in his hand were turned very slowly. In his mind, there flashed the words passed on by a small eunuch before he left the palace.
The Emperor has developed some suspicion regarding the relationship between the Old Madam and Commandery Princess Dongyang, but Steward Zhou spoke on their behalf.
Song Zhiyuan exhaled and rubbed the tip of his brow.
It’s true that he is in a high position, but the Emperor’s wariness also increased.
Is this something indispensable for those in power?
Fortunately, even if the Emperor becomes suspicious, the Song Family can withstand investigation.
The carriage slowly came to a stop, and Jiang Fula spoke at the door, lifted the curtain, and set down the footstool.
Song Zhiyuan stepped out of the carriage, entered through the gate, and asked the steward at the door, "Has the Old Madam returned to the mansion?"
"In response to the Prime Minister, the Old Madam has already returned," replied the steward.
Song Zhiyuan nodded and first went to the meeting hall in the front courtyard to speak with Mister Jun, the advisor.
Mister Jun was also somewhat surprised that the Old Madam got along well with Commandery Princess Dongyang, and said, "There’s no need for you to worry, my lord. As you said, the Song Family can withstand investigation. The Old Madam only recently met Commandery Princess Dongyang; a quick investigation will show there’s no ulterior motive."
"Although that’s the case, from another perspective, the Emperor also dislikes seeing the Song Family become too closely associated with a prince who holds military power." Otherwise, he wouldn’t be suspicious and wary.
Mister Jun pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps not necessarily. My lord, the Emperor has always been wary of the military authority of the three armies in the Northeast and wants to reclaim it. Perhaps he would actually welcome this situation, even..."
He paused, making Song Zhiyuan frown, sensing something amiss.
"Mister Jun, don’t hesitate to speak your mind," said Song Zhiyuan.
Mister Jun lowered his voice significantly: "My lord, the Commandery Princess has returned to the capital to seek a husband, and within the Song Family, there is an eligible Fourth Master."
Song Zhiyuan’s breath hitched, his expression fluctuating.
"If my lord does not want the Song Family to be caught in the middle, it’s best to quickly settle Fourth Master’s marriage. It shouldn’t be delayed any longer."
Song Zhiyuan gripped the armrest of the Taishi Chair, his temples throbbing. If he were the Emperor, what would he do?
In order to seize military power from that side and not arouse resentment and suspicion, it’s crucial to place one’s own people. While military generals are needed, is there anything more critical than the husband of the Commandery Princess?
Prince Dingbei has only one daughter, who is destined to be married off. In the future, the title could be inherited by the Commandery Princess or her offspring. If the husband is one of ours, it doesn’t matter who inherits the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion; wouldn’t it be easy to tighten military power then?
But this husband’s position is precarious. Once decreed by imperial marriage, he will inevitably be regarded with suspicion and guarded by Prince Dingbei’s Mansion. Any unusual move could cost him his life.
How difficult can it be for the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion to cause a husband to become terribly ill? A simple excuse like acclimatization issues is all it takes, isn’t it?
Therefore, the husband must reassure both Prince Dingbei’s Mansion and the Emperor, turning him into a real sandwich, caught between and unable to please anyone.
Song Zhiyuan wiped the fine sweat from his forehead. Although he was the elder brother, being much older than Song Zhiyu, he treated the young man as his own son, cherishing him. How could he bear to see him turned into a mere sandwich?
He hadn’t noticed anything at first, but once he analyzed the situation thoroughly, he felt more anxious about his younger brother’s marriage than even his daughter’s. If he really caught the Emperor’s attention, not only would he be in a difficult position, but the entire Song Family would be.
At that moment, the Song Family would be in grave danger.
Thinking of this, a dense layer of sweat broke out on Song Zhiyuan’s back, and the hair on his body stood on end.