This early morning court session, Song Zhiyuan had an inexplicable feeling that something ominous was about to happen. It made him distracted during the session, even daydreaming.
Emperor Chu looked at Song Zhiyuan, somewhat surprised, then glanced at the palace doors.
Did the sun rise from the west today? The Prime Minister was actually daydreaming?
Song Zhiyuan snapped back to attention, holding his tablet and said, "I second the motion."
The Second Prince was so excited he nearly jumped up to hug and kiss Song Zhiyuan, feeling reassured.
The other princes frowned.
Emperor Chu gave his second son a glance and said, "Then the reception of the Korean delegation will be led by the Second Prince. You must fulfill the duties of a host well, and do not disgrace the Great Qing."
The Second Prince loudly and excitedly replied, "Your son obeys Father Emperor’s command."
In the end, Father Emperor remembered him. Though the Prince Consort granted to him had an unremarkable family background, that might not be a bad thing. Look, the task just fell into his lap.
The other princes were disdainful yet jealous, scrutinizing the Second Prince with some trepidation. Truly, a barking dog doesn’t bite. Usually, the second son is like a quail, acting all honest and harmless to humans and animals alike.
Yet now, quietly and without fuss, he secured the task of receiving the delegation’s visit.
Receiving the delegation isn’t considered a major boon, but none of the princes had yet been given any task, including the Eldest Prince, who, after nearly two years of marriage, was only given a nominal position in the Ministry of Industry recently.
Without an established Crown Prince, every prince wanted to accomplish practical things and achieve results, to score more points in the eyes of the ministers. But opportunities were necessary.
Receiving the delegation was also an opportunity. Even the Third Prince wanted to contend for it, but it just happened to fall to the Second Son.
Emperor Chu saw all his sons’ expressions, with an inscrutable look in his eyes.
"If there are matters to present, then present them. If not, court is adjourned."
Song Zhiyuan walked out of the palace hall unhurriedly, from afar seeing Shen Qing. Thinking that their two families were about to form a marriage alliance, he curved his lips, about to walk over for a chat, but then saw a eunuch hastily come to Shen Qing, whispered a few words, and the two left together.
That direction was...
Song Zhiyuan frowned, his fingers unconsciously rubbing together.
"Prime Minister Song." The Second Prince approached, bowing to him.
Song Zhiyuan hurriedly stepped aside, saluting, "Second Prince."
"The Prime Minister has had the experience of foreign missions. Regarding the visiting delegation, Hongkun would like to consult with the Prime Minister, would that be possible?" The Second Prince was extremely humble.
Song Zhiyuan smiled faintly, "I shall certainly speak without reservation."
"Please, Prime Minister."
The two walked away, leaving the Eldest, Third, and Fourth Princes standing together, exchanging a glance, their apprehension growing deeper.
The second son was able to seamlessly tie up with Prime Minister Song. If the Prime Minister were to be drawn to his camp, with Father Emperor’s trust in him, where would that leave the rest of them?
Thinking of this, they felt as if they had swallowed something foul.
"It’s been a long time since we brothers enjoyed a drink together, Eldest Brother, how about we impose on your residence for a bit? I’ve missed the Eldest Sister-in-law’s specialty red-braised lion’s head for a while," the Fourth Prince said with a smile.
The Third Prince added, "My maternal grandfather sent two jars of thirty-year-old fine wine, just in time to share with our elder and younger brothers."
Seeing that the second son was about to get ahead of them, they naturally had to band together to slow him down. As for how to fight in private, that would be based on each one’s abilities.
Of course, the Eldest Prince understood this principle. Why should he, as the eldest son, be outdone by a second son with almost no maternal family backing?