Chapter 798: Chapter 798: Prime Minister Song Who Acts Spoiled After Gaining an Advantage
Just as Song Zhicheng had anticipated, the team of envoys declaring the decree left the Song Family, and the spies watching the Prime Ministerâs Mansion each reported back, resulting in Song Zhiyuan receiving an impeachment from the Imperial Censor the next day during the morning assembly, with the charge of arrogance due to favoritism.
Song Zhiyuan felt slightly wronged, as he had never sought any reward from the Emperor; the position was granted by the Emperor, so how was he being arrogant?
However, the Censor Zhu remarked that if anyone could be promoted simply by saving someone, wouldnât everyone do the same? Wouldnât the decade of hard study by scholars across the land become a joke? What was the point of studying then?
This statement was indeed poisonous and simultaneously offended many people.
The first to be offended was Prince Xin.
Without thinking, Prince Xin knelt down and began to wail, lamenting his bitter fate. Back when he opened the city gates under pressure to welcome the former Emperorâs army and was scorned as a traitor, he endured it. Now, as a member of Great Qing, he felt a strong sense of belonging and didnât mind.
But he bewailed that his offspring were scarce, and his only son died young, leaving just one heir. If not for the Song Familyâs righteous rescue, he might have lost him too.
Yet this sole heir was seen by others as an insignificant individual, whose death wouldnât matter. Must an entire family perish for it to be celebrated with joy?
"Your Majesty, why not grant this old servant a pot of poison wine, and Iâll just go home and drink it up with my family, rather than being squeezed like this? After all, the people of Prince Xin Mansion hold no value; if we die, itâs as if it never happened, and rescuing us was a waste." Prince Xin lamented bitterly, spreading his hands wide.
Censor Zhu: "..."
That wasnât his intention, was it?
Could you not twist the argument so severely?
The officials: No wonder Prince Xin managed to survive even after Xia Countryâs downfall; his knack for speaking was extraordinary, as if he were a class two graduate.
Emperor Chu spoke, "My dear minister, please rise. Young Prince is of noble blood, incomparable to ordinary people. His life is indeed precious and serves as a crucial link between Great Qing and the Xia Clan, not to be equated with commoners."
"Your Majesty is wise," Prince Xin exclaimed, cautiously getting up from the ground.
This interruption allowed officials aligned with the Song faction to step forward and accuse Censor Zhu of having a cold heart towards the Xia Clan. Moreover, the Emperorâs bestowal of titles was naturally because he valued contributions to the nation and the stability of the Great Qing Dynasty, then lauded Song Ciâs achievements.
From greenhouse vegetables and potato cultivation, were these not meritorious to the state?
The speaker, full of saliva and fervor, proclaimed, "...The Grand Madam Song has been noble and virtuous, never requesting rewards. The Emperor remembered her numerous contributions and thus granted Second Master Song a nominal position to show imperial grace. How did this become arrogance due to favoritism in Censor Zhuâs view? If there were such individuals in your family, perhaps the Emperor might bestow favors upon the Zhu Family as well."
Censor Zhuâs face turned green.
Emperor Chu: In truth, Iâve already written a merit record for Grand Madam Song, and Iâm still not sure what she intends to use it for. Iâm not worried, just feeling very intrigued.
Song Zhiyuan now stepped forward, holding the imperial tablet and said, "Your Majesty, my mother often says that as a citizen of Great Qing and under Your Majestyâs protection, she, an elderly woman, can neither fight on the battlefield nor manage the dynasty. She only wishes to make a small contribution to Great Qing, seeking nothing in return but to remain true to her conscience. Even though my brotherâs position is merely nominal, it is still undeserved. Therefore, I earnestly request Your Majesty to rescind the decree and let more national pillars take the helm."
Ah, there it is, still that Prime Minister Song who gains an advantage and plays humble!