Chapter 410 - 188: Watching the Fire from Across the River

Chapter 410: Chapter 188: Watching the Fire from Across the River

Song Nanyong was taking the very position of the man who had helped Qin Yuanjing frame him.

The Emperor’s decree had been issued, throwing the entire court into disarray. But Song Nanyong was undeniably the victim in this matter, so no one could say the Emperor had acted wrongly. The trouble, after all, had been started by Grand Tutor Qin’s son. Yet this situation hadn’t led to Song Nanyong’s downfall. Instead, he had been promoted two ranks. How infuriating was that?

After the court session ended, Yao Zongjing immediately caught up to the Right Minister. "Prime Minister, what do you believe His Majesty truly means by this?"

The Right Minister continued walking at a leisurely pace. He considered Yao Zongjing’s words for a moment before speaking slowly, "The Emperor intends to promote the Song Family."

Yao Zongjing’s expression was grim. "Prime Minister, are we simply to let this happen? In the palace, Song Zhaoyi already monopolizes the Emperor’s favor. Once she gives birth to a Prince, she is certain to be granted an even higher title. Outside the palace, the Emperor is protecting the Song Family as they climb the ranks. How can this be allowed to continue?"

How could Yao Zongjing not be anxious? His daughter, Princess Consort Wan, was not in a good position in the palace. He knew his own daughter; she had the pride of a scholar and couldn’t bring herself to shamelessly vie for favor.

Although the outcome of the recent incident at Shouci Palace brought little benefit to the Yao family, it had at least given his daughter a chance to step forward and take action. For that, Yao Zongjing felt a small sense of relief.

’If this goes on,’ he thought, ’won’t the entire harem become Song Zhaoyi’s domain?’

The Right Minister disliked how quickly the Song Family was climbing. Both brothers, Song Nanyong and Song Nanzhen, had unique talents as officials. Now that the Emperor had taken notice of them—talented men who were also the family of a favored concubine—how could he not give them a push? He could then use the two Song brothers to counterbalance stubborn old ministers like them who didn’t always listen.

In the past, the Right Minister would have righteously and sternly stood on the same side as Yao Zongjing. But now, he felt a twinge of guilt.

After all, Song Zhaoyi’s help had been indispensable in the recent instances where he had managed to gain an advantage over the Left Minister before the Emperor.

To accept her help one moment and then move against her family the next was truly dishonorable.

The Right Minister had always been thick-skinned, but even he couldn’t bring himself to do something so shameless.

He thought for a moment, then looked at Yao Zongjing and said meaningfully, "Zongjing, don’t be so short-sighted. Tell me, why did the Emperor promote Song Nanyong? Who started this whole affair?"

Yao Zongjing thought for a moment and replied, "Qin Yuanjing." He paused. "Prime Minister, are you suggesting the Emperor is displeased with Grand Tutor Qin, and that is why he made an exception to promote Song Nanyong?"

Grand Tutor Qin had indeed been overreaching for the past two years.

Hearing Yao Zongjing pin the matter on Grand Tutor Qin, the Right Minister felt a wave of relief, though he didn’t let it show on his face. He said coolly, "The Emperor is just. He ordered a strict investigation into the illegal affair. Now that the results are out, he is naturally acting in accordance with the law."

Yao Zongjing’s mouth twitched. ’A two-rank promotion is considered acting in accordance with the law?’

’The Emperor clearly favors Song Zhaoyi, and that’s why he’s being partial to the Song Family.’

From this response, Yao Zongjing knew the Right Minister wasn’t going to oppose it. Thinking it through, he realized the target was Grand Tutor Qin. The Grand Tutor had never been on good terms with their faction, so the Right Minister was naturally delighted to cause him trouble.

He recalled how the Left Minister’s faction had vehemently opposed the promotion in court, while the Right Minister had only offered a few perfunctory words before falling silent. What was there left not to understand?

The Right Minister wanted to watch the fire from across the river.

With this realization, Yao Zongjing’s anxiety subsided. The Left Minister’s men had been watching them closely lately. Now, with the Song Family taking the brunt of the attention, wasn’t that a good thing?

’The Prime Minister truly is the Prime Minister,’ he thought. ’His foresight is far superior to ours.’

Yao Zongjing left, fully satisfied. The Right Minister, his face impassive, did not leave the palace. Instead, he turned and went back to the Cabinet.

He stood in the corridor and beckoned to a clerk. "Go and ask Han Imperial Censor to come here."

Han Zhengchun’s daughter had recently been promoted to Noble Consort and was on excellent terms with Song Zhaoyi in the palace. Recalling what his own daughter had written in her letter, he felt it was necessary to speak with Han Zhengchun.

Han Zhengchun had little desire to see the Right Minister, but he couldn’t very well refuse in public. So, with a grave expression, he made his way to the Cabinet.

The clerk gently pushed the door open and announced, "Prime Minister, Han Imperial Censor has arrived."

"Show him in."

The clerk smiled at Han Zhengchun. "Han Imperial Censor, the Prime Minister invites you inside."

Han Zhengchun watched the clerk bow and retreat, took a deep breath, and then stepped into the Cabinet.

Everyone else in the Cabinet had already left the palace for their residences; only the Right Minister remained. Han Zhengchun stepped forward and bowed. "I greet the Right Minister."

"Lord Han, please, have a seat," the Right Minister said amiably, his face wearing a perfectly measured, gentle smile.

Han Zhengchun glanced at the Right Minister, his wariness deepening. After taking a seat, he asked, "You summoned me, Right Minister. What instructions do you have?"

"Lord Han, you and I serve in the same court. Although we may occasionally have our political disagreements, there’s no need for us to be at daggers drawn, wouldn’t you agree?" the Right Minister said with a smile.

Han Zhengchun could not fathom the Right Minister’s intentions. He neither agreed nor disagreed, simply looking up at him. "As an Imperial Censor, I only do what my duty requires."

The Right Minister casually closed a memorial on his desk, his smile unwavering. "What I admire most about you, Lord Han, is your unwavering integrity. You speak truly."

Hearing the Right Minister’s praise, Han Zhengchun became even more guarded and did not reply.

The Right Minister sorted the memorials and put them away, unconcerned by Han Zhengchun’s silence. Instead, he sighed and said, "I just heard about what happened to Han Guipin. I assume you are aware of it as well, Lord Han?"

Han Zhengchun hadn’t expected the Right Minister to have summoned him about his daughter. ’Come to think of it, it was fortunate that Consort Shu helped out that day,’ he thought. ’Is the Right Minister using this to ask me to repay the favor?’

Han Zhengchun’s brow furrowed as he tried to figure out how to respond. But then the Right Minister spoke again. "It’s obvious that Han Guipin was the victim of a plot. It was also fortunate that Song Zhaoyi lent a hand, otherwise it would have been difficult for her to escape unscathed."

Han Zhengchun was taken aback. The Right Minister had mentioned Song Zhaoyi but not Consort Shu. What did he mean by that?

"It was fortunate that Lady Shufei also lent her assistance in my daughter the Noble Consort’s recent ordeal. If Lady Shufei had not intervened, the matter would not have been handed over to the Palace Justice Department to seek justice." Han Zhengchun said this thoughtfully. No matter what, the Han Family now owed a debt. He just didn’t know what the Right Minister wanted in return.

Seeing the slight furrow in Han Zhengchun’s brow, the Right Minister could guess his thoughts—it was all about repaying a favor. He then said, as if casually changing the subject, "The truth of this recent affair involving the Song Family is staggering. Qin Yuanjing acted with such arrogance, openly framing a court official. If he is not stopped, won’t everyone follow his example in the future? What do you say, Lord Han?"

Han Zhengchun’s expression shifted slightly. The Right Minister actually wanted him to target Grand Tutor Qin. This was not a good thing at all.

"I’ve found a lead regarding Han Guipin’s case," the Right Minister added. "Duke Dingguo has been meeting rather frequently with Grand Tutor Qin lately."

Han Zhengchun’s head snapped up to stare at the Right Minister.

The Right Minister merely smiled.

’The incident in the palace was carried out by An Fangyi’s people,’ Han Zhengchun thought. ’Duke Dingguo has been in frequent contact with Grand Tutor Qin. Does that mean Grand Tutor Qin was involved in this?’