Chapter 80: Chancellor Song, How Daring You Are

When the princes choose their consorts, it is never as simple as selecting whomever they wish; the final decision rests with the Emperor. Of course, if you are favored and petition the Emperor for a marriage decree, it is not impossible to achieve your desire. Yet, for a prince, choosing a wife is a matter of great significance. The first consideration is always one of interest: can the wife’s family offer support, can they solidify or secure his position? Rather than choosing a bride, one might say he is choosing a father-in-law. Every detail must be weighed thoroughly.

Chu Hongzheng ranked third among the princes. His mother was the legitimate daughter of Chancellor Fan, the most distinguished aside from the Crown Prince born to the Empress. Thus, the choice of his consort was approached with even greater caution.

“Mother, Second Brother has yet to select a bride. If I proceed before him, will it not be improper?” Chu Hongzheng hesitated before speaking.

Consort Fan’s eyes flickered with a trace of disdain. “Your Second Brother struggles to survive under Consort Duan and has a sixth prince of her own to consider—how could she truly care? Even if he wishes to choose, he cannot surpass you. He is merely the son of a lesser concubine; no matter how charming, his low birth cannot compare to yours. How could he match my son’s noble lineage?”

Chu Hongzheng felt a surge of pride. Indeed, Second Brother was almost invisible among the princes, easily overlooked.

After a moment’s thought, he ventured, “Does Mother already have someone in mind?”

Consort Fan arched a brow in response, “And do you, my son, have someone you favor?”

With his head lowered, Chu Hongzheng answered softly, “Whenever I visit Grandfather’s house, Aunt always has Cousin Minyi accompany me.”

Consort Fan’s eyes glinted. “You do not care for Minyi?”

“Cousin Minyi is delightful, but Father…” He looked at Consort Fan, then smiled. “Mother, your judgment is always excellent. I trust you will choose the perfect consort for me.”

“Naturally,” Consort Fan replied, lowering her voice. “Today the court proposed establishing a crown prince. Your father remains wary and did not agree. Zheng’er, you must be careful not to mention such matters in his presence.”

A warmth filled Chu Hongzheng’s heart. “Mother…”

“You need only be filial before your father; leave the rest to me. I will never lead you astray,” Consort Fan said with a loving smile.

Chu Hongzheng nodded.

…

In the imperial study.

The Emperor threw a memorial toward Song Zhiyuan.

Song Zhiyuan caught it, sighing with some exasperation. “Your Majesty, at our age, perhaps we could be more gentle. Even tossing memorials costs you effort.”

The Emperor snorted with annoyance, “Enough with your quips. You looked entirely unconcerned just now—so capable, weren’t you?”

“That is not my burden to bear. I did, after all, rebuff Chancellor Fan,” Song Zhiyuan replied. He opened the memorial, which indeed concerned the proposal to establish a crown prince. Skimming its contents, he closed it and placed it with the other pending petitions.

The Emperor raised an eyebrow, “What is your opinion, Prime Minister Song?”

“As I said in court, this is your family’s affair, Your Majesty,” Song Zhiyuan replied with a bow.

“Song Yunzhi, do you intend to use official language with me even here?” the Emperor narrowed his eyes.

“Your Majesty, the timing of establishing a crown prince is yours to decide. If not now, perhaps it is time to observe the princes more closely,” Song Zhiyuan answered.

“Oh? If the time comes, should the heir be chosen for his birth or his merit?”

“For the sake of the Qing dynasty’s lasting prosperity, choose the worthy,” Song Zhiyuan replied, raising his head. “Though I am the eldest son, I believe that for a family to flourish, its head must be capable. If a person sits securely in his position solely by virtue of birth, lacking talent, virtue, or ability, then the family is in peril.”

“You are bold, Prime Minister Song!” the Emperor rebuked.

Song Zhiyuan swept aside his official robes and knelt. “I have spoken rashly. I await Your Majesty’s punishment.”

The Emperor was silent.