CHAPTER 697: CHAPTER 697: PRIME MINISTER SONG’S LETHAL POWER IS VERY STRONG

Song Zhiyuan felt that the Emperor Chu was particularly irritable during the early court meeting, as if provoked by something. He issued several directives, disregarding the ministers’ opposition, insisting on building the navy, establishing the Marine Department, eliminating pirates, and clearing waterways in preparation for opening maritime trade routes.

This could be overlooked, as the maritime trade routes had been proposed long ago. It was just last year that the Tea and Horse Road was realized, and the courtiers opposed it, causing delays. But everyone knew that once the Emperor decided on something, it was basically set.

For this matter, the supporters and opponents argued fiercely this morning, veins bulging on their necks. If the timing weren’t off, those military generals would have loved to grab some melon seeds and watch the spectacle, appreciating the power of the scholars’ verbal battles.

Regarding this, Song Zhiyuan calmly held his tablet, half closing his eyes. After all, he was a supporter of the Emperor, closely following the Emperor’s steps. Whatever the Emperor said, he would comply.

However, he didn’t expect that someone would drag him into the open, no, drag his mother onto the stage to speak.

Song Zhiyuan opened his eyes, somewhat surprised, and looked at Prince Min, who was speaking.

Was Prince Min opposed?

On the contrary, he supported it and listed several benefits of his support, echoing what Song Ci had said in the trading house, and concluded, "Even an old woman knows that being complacent is detrimental to the development of Great Qing’s national power. Amazingly, all of you are no better than an old lady?"

As Prince Min spoke, he clasped his hands and bowed to Song Zhiyuan, sincerely saying, "The old Madam has extraordinary insight and far-reaching vision. I am impressed."

Song Zhiyuan: "..."

I don’t feel your admiration at all, but instead a strong sense of malice, openly setting my mother up, putting her on the spot.

Sure enough, some old-school people got even more agitated, muttering about how the harem shouldn’t interfere in government, and similarly, women of the household shouldn’t whimsically discuss state affairs, as women’s kindness would lead to the downfall of the nation.

Song Zhiyuan’s veins bulged at his temples, but he smirked slightly as he looked at the minister who was excessively boisterous.

Minister: "..."

I sense danger!

Damn it, I was too enthusiastic in my jumping around.

Prime Minister Song’s gaze has such strong killing power, I’m a bit panicked.

Prime Minister Fan, save me.

Everyone also paused for a moment, no longer jumping, watching the drama for now.

"I, the Prime Minister, am unaware that an old woman of the household merely raising children and grandchildren at home, offering a few personal opinions, could ruin the nation. Minister Du speaks of my mother as if she were capable of extraordinary feats, you truly flatter her greatly!"

Minister Du: "..."

Do you think I don’t understand that you’re insulting me?

"The Emperor is a wise ruler, who never forbids the scholars from discussing state affairs among the people, nor has he issued a decree prohibiting women from discussing politics. Even if such a decree existed, I dare ask Minister Du, when has my mother ever discussed politics?"

"Well, as Prince Min said..."

"What Prince Min said was merely something heard during women chatting while shopping for jewelry. Oh, it seems that was yesterday’s matter. Are you implying that my mother knew yesterday what we would discuss in court today, possessing foresight to speak in advance? Minister Du, you seem overly knowledgeable about my mother’s abilities. I, her child, was unaware of such immortal powers, which is indeed my oversight."

Minister Du was so embarrassed that his face turned red, wishing he could crawl into a crack in the ground.

Whimper, whimper, Prime Minister Fan, if you don’t speak up now, I’ll truly dig a hole and hide.

Prime Minister Fan finally opened his old eyes and said blandly, "Prime Minister Song, there is no need to be agitated. Minister Du is merely concerned for the future of Great Qing."

Prime Minister Song smiled faintly: "Am I agitated? I was simply discussing the matter calmly."

Everyone: "..."