Chapter 450: Chapter 450

The Empress Dowager was truly considerate of Song Ci, as she didn’t think there was anything she couldn’t say, even bringing up an unexpected candidate.

Song Ci burst out laughing on the spot.

"Sis, my son is already married!!"

Heavens, that boy Baoyu is said to be born with wealth and nobility, but to think he almost became the Prince Consort of the current dynasty?

That’s right, the Empress Dowager even considered adding Song Zhiyu to the list of potential Prince Consorts, but her emperor son had different ideas, so it didn’t happen.

"Of course, I know he’s married, wasn’t it just a thought? It was because the Emperor had other plans at the time that I didn’t tell you," the Empress Dowager chuckled, "Oh dear, the way Ah Ci calls me ’sis’ is so pleasant to hear."

Song Ci thought, thankfully the Emperor had other plans. Otherwise, if the Song Family truly married a princess, although it would be supremely noble, it would also be like being roasted in a furnace.

"Even so, it can’t be done. Sir Four is not fit in physique, can’t do much of anything, how could he be worthy of a princess," Song Ci lowered his voice and said, "Let’s just say this here and now, you mustn’t tell anyone outside, or they’ll think our Song Family is really daydreaming, like a lazy toad wanting to eat swan meat, trying to play both sides."

The Empress Dowager laughed so hard she bloomed like a chrysanthemum, "Alright, I won’t say it if you don’t want me to. I just think that boy Sir Four is very nice, with a good and pure character. Now he is married to the Commandery Princess, they seem well-suited. But don’t talk about who is suitable, being a Prince Consort is primarily about being handsome."

A Prince Consort, like the Commandery Princess Dongyang’s husband, doesn’t require much capability, as a Prince Consort can’t wield real power.

Song Ci said, "Then take your time choosing, anyway, there are plenty of people in Great Qing."

"That’s a matter for her emperor father and mother. As for me, I won’t worry about it. Affairs of the younger generation are none of my concern," the Empress Dowager relaxed, sinking into the pool, leaving only her head above the water.

This was wise of her, not concerning herself with these matters allowed her to avoid getting entangled with ministers and nobility, preventing any conflicts of interest, and thus avoiding situations where outside relatives gain power, leading to mother and son discord.

What, some families don’t need to prevent such things? Please, history has shown plenty of mothers and sons scheming against each other over power and politics.

Even the Emperor and his sons need to guard against each other, that’s just how cruel the Heavenly Family is.

Song Ci didn’t say much more about the selection of a Prince Consort, instead shifting the topic to the two young princes.

"The fifth and sixth princes will turn nine and seven after the New Year, and the selection of their study companions still hasn’t been settled. After the New Year, it should be," the Empress Dowager revealed.

Song Ci’s heart shivered, contemplating much. This text is hosted at N0velFire.ɴet

Now that the older princes have been conferred their titles, the ministers are bound to take action, with some choosing sides, others watching and waiting. The dynamics of the officials will definitely change, so how will balance be maintained?

First by selecting a few study companions for the two youngest, and whoever gets picked, others will think more about the Emperor’s intentions.

When the waters are muddied, it’s easier to fish.

Song Ci was unsure, wondering if his grandson would be chosen to enter the palace as a study companion? Which one?

Ah, it’s troubling, this palace intrigue is filled with countless twists and turns.

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, outside there’s the family from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, as well as from Chief of Staff Li’s family, and the Old Madam from Uncle Mingyang’s Mansion, all wishing to pay their respects to you," the palace maid walked over and reported respectfully.

Song Ci hadn’t yet reacted to the discussion about study companions when the Empress Dowager snorted coldly.

"I just knew, these people are like mice, wherever there’s a smell, they swarm, it’s truly annoying!"