Prime Minister Fan walked out of the Qianqing Palace, standing on the plaza. The howling north wind swept through, sending a bone-chilling cold down his back. He realized with a start that his back was already damp.
He glanced back and pressed his lips together.
The Emperor was increasingly unwilling to be patient with his old ministers.
Prime Minister Fan felt a chill rise in his heart.
"Why is Prime Minister Fan still standing here? The wind is strong here; Prime Minister Fan should take care of his health." Song Zhiyuan came out, stood beside him, and made a gesture of invitation, "Let me escort Prime Minister Fan."
Prime Minister Fan snorted and walked with him.
"The Emperor wants to use Lu Ming, what do you think?" Prime Minister Fan glanced at the person beside him.
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow and said, "Whomever the Emperor wants to employ, he has his reasons. As ministers, we should obey without question."
Prime Minister Fan sneered, "I know, you and the Emperor have connections from your youth..."
"Prime Minister Fan, I earned my top scholar position through genuine ability, appointed by the late Emperor, not through connections!" Song Zhiyuan interrupted him.
Prime Minister Fan: "No need to jest, I know your scholar title was earned through genuine ability, and I know that you were cultivated by the late Emperor to support the current Emperor’s administration."
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.
"In my day, I was as impressive as you are now, and still am." Prime Minister Fan chuckled, "One reign, one set of ministers, I’ve always believed in this saying."
Song Zhiyuan laughed, "What, is Prime Minister Fan considering retirement because of the Emperor’s recent scolding?"
Prime Minister Fan: "..."
"That would not do, Prime Minister Fan, you are an elder minister, a pillar of Great Qing, you can still serve for several more years!" Song Zhiyuan glanced at his bulky official robe and said, "As long as your health permits."
Prime Minister Fan’s beard bristled with anger.
He looked at Song Zhiyuan, excessive indeed, under the same sky, this fellow wears so little, isn’t he cold?
Oh, right, they came up with some softly-woven clothes, especially light and warm, I hear they were even presented to the Emperor, such sycophancy.
Prime Minister Fan darkened his face and said, "I once swore that in my lifetime, I would serve Great Qing diligently until death, as long as I am able, I will not retire."
Retirement is impossible, in this life ever impossible.
Song Zhiyuan naturally understood that those in high positions find it harder to withdraw at the right time, and said, "In reality, when old, one should accept it. Prime Minister Fan, sometimes a graceful retreat is not a bad thing."
Prime Minister Fan swiftly turned his gaze, sharp-eyed.
Song Zhiyuan stood unflinching, with a calm expression.
His words were not jest, but serious.
A graceful retreat is not a bad thing, the fear is that when you wish to retreat, you may no longer be able to.
Prime Minister Fan laughed and said, "I hope when Prime Minister Song reaches my age, you will remember this sentence." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ n0velfire.net
He took two steps forward and coldly said, "The late Emperor cultivated you to contend with me; now, whom does the Emperor cultivate Lu Ming for? Prime Minister Song, one day you’ll be just like me!"
Song Zhiyuan’s eyes half-narrowed, and as he was about to leave, he said lightly, "No matter whom the Emperor cultivates, they are all pillars of Great Qing. I am not afraid of anyone contending with me, because everyone ages, and the Yangtze River waves push forward continuously, one wave surpassing the last. This is why I say a graceful retreat is not a bad thing. Prime Minister Fan, you’ve grown old."
Growing old, and thus becoming an eyesore for that one.
Prime Minister Fan trembled all over, said nothing, and continued walking.
Song Zhiyuan watched him depart, suddenly, white speckles fell before his eyes. He extended his hand, catching the crystalline snowflakes in his palm, which melted away in a moment.
"Why force what cannot be retained!"