Chapter 333: Chapter 333: Scholars Find it Most Annoying
The night the imperial edict was delivered to the Song Family, a person wearing a black robe and hood entered through the back door of the Song Family residence, led away from prying eyes, arriving at a bamboo pavilion.
Inside the bamboo pavilion, the scent of tea lingered faintly.
"Prime Minister, the Prince has arrived," Jiang Fula whispered at the door.
Song Zhiyuan stepped out to greet the black-robed individual and welcomed him into the bamboo pavilion.
"I’ve long swept the couch waiting for you, Prince, please," Song Zhiyuan made a gesture of invitation, pointing to another soft couch.
The black-robed man removed his hooded cloak, revealing a square face, none other than the face of Prince Dingbei.
He glanced around the bamboo pavilion, saying, "This bamboo pavilion suits your scholarly demeanor quite well."
Whether it was calligraphy, paintings, or antique ink treasures, the setting was very artistic.
Song Zhiyuan poured a cup of tea, smiling, "But in your eyes, I fear it pales in comparison to swords and daggers, more familiar companions."
"You’re mistaken; I also appreciate these things, just that I’m a rough person without such tastes." Prince Dingbei lifted his robe, sat down, grabbed the tea and drank it down, smacking his lips, "The latest pre-Qingming Longjing?"
"Excellent palate, a gift from the Emperor this year."
"The Emperor and Prime Minister Song’s bond is indeed closer than with other ministers," Prince Dingbei said, implying more.
Song Zhiyuan replied, understated, "After all, we have faced hardships together. My advancement over the years has relied on that bond!"
Prince Dingbei’s lips twitched, thinking how modest of you, as if that one were a muddle-headed ruler.
Regardless of any bond, if you had no skills or ability, even giving you a clear path, you couldn’t go far, unless the Emperor really were a foolish ruler promoting people based solely on closeness, but clearly, he is not.
"Prime Minister Song, there’s no need for modesty. Climbing to your position at this age requires more than just bonds," Prince Dingbei chuckled.
Song Zhiyuan smiled, "Luckily, I have some skills, not worth mentioning."
Damn, can’t we have a proper conversation!
"Let’s not beat around the bush, let’s get straight to the point. Is the Emperor’s move to check the power of Prince Dingbei’s Mansion, or does he intend to reclaim military command?" Prince Dingbei narrowed his eyes, "And you, Prime Minister, are you not a loyal and upright minister, always faithful to the Emperor?"
Song Zhiyuan refilled his tea without lifting his head, saying, "Under heaven, all lands belong to the sovereign. The Emperor, as the Son of Heaven, holds the power of the realm. It’s only natural to want to reclaim military command, given countless historical precedents of military autonomy."
Bang!
Prince Dingbei’s palm slammed onto the small table, and the poor wooden table developed a crack.
Song Zhiyuan stared at the crack, saying, "It’s said that Prince Dingbei’s strength is as great as an ox’s, truly no mistake."
Prince Dingbei snorted, "You invited me, are you truly intending to persuade me?"
"What do you mean by that? Did you not voluntarily hand over military command, and was it not declined by the Emperor?" Song Zhiyuan blinked and said, "I invited you for the marital arrangement between the two families."
Prince Dingbei: "..."
Damn, talking with these scholars is a headache, always beating around the bush, with so many thoughts; if you’re not careful, you’ll fall into a pit, utterly exhausting.
"Aren’t you afraid I’ll do in your weak little brother?"
Song Zhiyuan smiled slightly, "How could you, he is your son-in-law after all, and the Commandery Princess gets along quite well with my mother; she surely wouldn’t bear to see the old lady heartbroken."
Prince Dingbei was on the verge of losing his temper, just as he contemplated whether to flip the table in a rage, Song Zhiyuan spoke again.
"There’s no need for anger. This meeting is not some banquet of betrayal, nor am I some persuasive emissary, as it hasn’t come to that yet." Song Zhiyuan sighed, "With the marriage arrangement, both the Song Family and Prince Dingbei’s Mansion are in the same predicament."
Prince Dingbei raised an eyebrow.