The Challenge of a Farmhouse Son-in-Law-Chapter 1659 - 1662: Chancellor Zhang Has Thought It Through

He may have many faults, but he is nothing more than a pitiful father who is protective of his offspring.

When it comes to serving the Imperial Court, he does not hesitate at all; for the Emperor, this man is useful.

"Your Majesty, this old minister is no longer capable of handling court affairs. My mind is made up, and I hope the Emperor can grant my wish!"

The Emperor, also an old man weathered by time, sighed deeply, "Since your mind is made up, I will agree to your request. However, I have one condition!"

Prime Minister Zhang was momentarily relieved, but hearing that the Emperor had a condition, his heart sank again.

"Please speak, Your Majesty!"

"You may retire to the countryside, but only six months later. You should stay on and assist for another half a year. Without you here in Taihe Hall, the absence of Prime Minister Zhang would make it a much lonelier place!"

The often troubled Prime Minister Zhang couldn’t help but smile with relief at the Emperor’s words.

On the court, he confronted heaven and earth, regardless of how fiercely they argued at the time. Now, it has all become just a memory.

Once he leaves, Jie Huanzhi and the others will probably feel loneliness too. When the young officials recall a certain prime minister, it is likely they will remember his stubborn determination to oppose the masses!

... 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Madam planned to leave with Jin Ziyuan, first bidding farewell to the Emperor in the palace, and then going to the Ningwang Residence to say goodbye to Jin Zijin and Gu Youyou.

"We are leaving now, Doctor Gu, thank you for your care!"

Gu Youyou nodded lightly, not saying much.

Jin Zijin fixed his gaze on Jin Ziyuan, but Jin Ziyuan kept his head down, looking at his toes.

"Have you decided where to go?" Jin Zijin uncharacteristically asked.

Madam shook her head and said, "We’ll just keep going, as far as we can. When we find a place Ziyuan likes, we’ll stop. If we grow weary of it, we can move on again."

Gu Youyou thought they were going back to Qiuci, so she asked, "You aren’t going back to Qiuci?"

Madam replied, "We originally fled to Qiuci to seek refuge. We visited the Emperor this morning, and the truths from those years have come to light. The misunderstandings are resolved, so there’s no need for us to hide anymore."

Gu Youyou said nothing more, simply saying, "Then, Madam, be careful on your way!"

"Yes, we’ll get on the carriage now!"

Madam turned around and instructed the servant to take Jin Ziyuan onto the carriage.

Jin Zijin, however, kept gazing at him until he could no longer be seen.

Watching that large carriage move farther away, Gu Youyou couldn’t help but sigh, "We are about to leave too, aren’t we? It’s astonishing how many years we’ve spent in Beijing."

Jin Zijin said, "Yes, our home is almost finished!"

...

The Empress Dowager’s life was finally coming to an end. She had been in a coma for several days and nights; today, she woke up, drank some broth, and still had some energy to speak, indicating a momentary recovery.

The Emperor did not have many children, and those who could gather by the Empress Dowager’s side were just Jin Zijin and his wife, along with Prince Qin and his wife.

For fear of bringing bad luck to the sickroom, the children were not allowed inside. A Palace Maiden was taking care of Jin Xuyao and Prince Qin’s children as they played in the garden of Renshou Palace.

The Empress Dowager looked around at the room full of people, and her gaze finally fell on Jin Zijin.

"Zijin, I have something to say to you!"

Jin Zijin stepped forward and crouched in front of the Empress Dowager.

She said, "You were raised in Qi Mountain, but that wasn’t your father’s fault. I know you’ve always resented him because of those events, but back then, you didn’t know how difficult our days were!"