The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant-Chapter 1015: Prime Minister Song: I Might as Well Become a Taoist and Swindle Gods and Ghosts
Just as the morning court was about to conclude, an urgent report came in: Imperial Envoy Cui Changxiao was ambushed by river bandits on his return from successfully quelling water bandits in Quanzhou, Fujian. He fell into the river, and his fate is unknown.
Upon hearing this urgent report, Emperor Chu’s face was filled with anger. His sharp eyes swept over the officials present, and he repeated the word "good" three times, but each "good" was laden with irony. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
"...Were they truly remnants of the river bandits, or did someone provoke this assassination by meddling with the coffers of some national parasites? What a good bandit, do they really think all of Fujian belongs to them?"
The officials knelt down: "Calm your anger, Your Majesty."
How could he calm his anger?
Cui Changxiao had gone with a heavy responsibility; he was both the Emperor’s Sword and his future son-in-law. His actions in Fujian were significant, and many had fallen from grace. Now they claim it was retaliation from bandit remnants?
Only a fool would believe that.
Kneeling on the jade floor, a faint, fleeting smile appeared on the lips of Prince Min.
With the imperial envoy missing and in trouble, the Emperor was furious and demanded a body dead or alive. Cui Changxiao must have discovered something significant. Even if not, being his future son-in-law, he must be found; otherwise, how could he explain it to the Empress and the Princess?
"Lu Ming, step forward."
The Princely Heir Lu Ming of Jing’an Marquis was immediately called forward: "I am here, Your Majesty."
"I appoint you as the imperial envoy. Take the Emperor’s command and immediately proceed to Quanzhou to search for Cui Changxiao. If necessary, you may use the order to mobilize local troops. Any opposition will be considered treason. Whatever it takes, bring Cui Changxiao back for me."
"I will fulfill your command, Your Majesty."
Emperor Chu cast a meaningful glance at the officials and said, "No one can challenge imperial authority or shake the Great Qing’s foundation. Anyone who touches this bottom line, regardless of who they are, will be executed without mercy, condemned by heaven and earth alike."
The officials trembled and lay prostrate on the ground, three times shouting long live: "Long live, Your Majesty."
"Dismiss the court. Lu Ming, come to the Imperial Study for further instructions." Emperor Chu stood up, waved his dragon sleeve, and left the throne.
After Emperor Chu departed, the officials gradually withdrew. With the Emperor’s future son-in-law in trouble, who knew how many would suffer a downfall? Better to tread carefully in these times.
Prime Minister Fan walked over to Prime Minister Song and said, "What does Prime Minister Song think, is Cui Changxiao dead or alive?"
Song Zhiyuan clasped his hands in his sleeves and replied, "You overestimate me, Prime Minister. If I had the skills to predict, I would just go become a Daoist, fooling gods and ghosts!"
Prime Minister Fan: "..."
He dearly wanted to curse him for being so irritatingly flippant.
Seeing Prime Minister Fan’s face darken, Song Zhiyuan quickly said, "Don’t be angry, Prime Minister. A good man like Master Cui is surely protected by the heavens and will safely return to the capital."
Prime Minister Fan snorted and lowered his voice: "Let’s speak plainly. Was it truly for the bandits, or was it due to the remnants of the Xia clan?"
Song Zhiyuan frowned: "Prime Minister Fan, be cautious. No matter the reason, Master Cui’s actions were all for the Great Qing’s throne, and those who act against him should be regarded as rebels. What do you think?"
Prime Minister Fan coldly snorted: "Prime Minister Song’s words are indeed true."
"I’ve heard that many of your students have arrived recently to serve your esteemed family elder?" Song Zhiyuan shifted the topic.
Prime Minister Fan’s face turned slightly green. The sly old fox Song Zhiyuan really touched a sore spot—his students visiting are there to probe for information and show filial piety, but more so to find connections and maneuver.
The elderly lady likely won’t make it through winter; when she passes, he will be in mourning, and then...
Thinking of this, Prime Minister Fan could not even worry about Cui Changxiao, fearing that even if that young man returned, he would still be in mourning.
His heart felt stifled.
