Chapter 44: Difficult to Manage
Meanwhile, upon hearing the news of Gong Xu’s predicament, Consort Song rushed to her brother’s house without delay.
At that moment, Song Xiang was at home, training horses with a few people in the back courtyard.
Ge Shi, Song Xiang’s wife, seeing her sister-in-law’s urgency, immediately sent a maid to fetch Song Xiang.
“What happened?” Song Xiang asked as he entered, wiping sweat from his brow.
“My Master has been summoned to the Ministry of Justice,” Consort Song said. “And our Old Madam and Eldest Master are both away. Brother, you must think of a way!”
“Is that so? Don’t worry yet,” Song Xiang said, as he and Consort Song had relied on each other since childhood and he doted on his sister. “Do you know why?”
“Chang Shun returned and told me that Yu Fengchen, the superior official my Master served under when he was in the Salt Administration, has been found guilty of corruption and dereliction of duty. The Ministry of Justice has also detained my Master,” Consort Song said, on the verge of tears. “They say it won’t be cleared up anytime soon…”
“That was years ago. Your Master transferred to the Ministry of Revenue three years ago and has had no connection with the Salt Administration!” Song Xiang said. “But Yu Fengchen did embezzle a lot; it was a lucrative position after all!”
“That’s true, but my Master was a chief clerk under him back then, and many documents and funds passed through his hands. How can he be so easily cleared?” Consort Song’s worries were not unfounded. “Moreover, I heard that the chief judge for this case is Zhu Hui. Everyone knows he’s the most stubborn and unreasonable person in the world. He prides himself on being an upright official and believes in eradicating evil completely. He is especially harsh towards families with noble titles…”
“It’s him presiding over the case?!” Song Xiang was also surprised. “That’s not good.”
“Otherwise, why would I be so anxious? If it were someone else, I could delay, plead, and bribe my way through.” Consort Song cried anxiously. “But it’s Zhu Hui…”
Zhu Hui could be described as a unique figure in the officialdom of the Great Zhou.
He had an extremely foul and stubborn temper; if he felt something was unjust, he would argue vehemently, even shouting insults.
From the Emperor down to the eunuchs in the imperial court, no one escaped his wrath. He had no friends in the court but countless enemies.
However, his reputation as an official was excellent; he was upright, unyielding, and advocated for the people, earning him great love from the populace. Because he was incorruptible and diligent, it was difficult to find fault with him.
Furthermore, he had no parents, wife, or children. Although he had several relatives, they were all beyond the fifth degree of kinship.
His fearlessness was precisely like the saying, “The barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes.”
Although the officials were resentful, none were willing to confront him directly, as it could lead to widespread condemnation and a lasting stain on their reputation in history books.
Officials, especially those in high positions, have always cherished their reputation immensely.
For once a bad name is acquired, their descendants would also be scorned and unable to hold their heads high, even affecting their future careers.
One must consider the long-term prospects for one’s family and descendants.
Moreover, the Emperor had always highly valued him, considering him a loyal minister who dared to speak his mind and fear no power.
Therefore, although Zhu Hui offended almost everyone, he remained unharmed.
“Sister, you shouldn’t be too anxious, you’re pregnant!” Ge Shi advised. “Don’t let your worry cause any trouble before anything even happens.”
She then said to Song Xiang, “What if we ask Prince Zhao or the Princess Consort to intercede with the Emperor?”
“Others might be manageable, but this old ox Zhu is difficult. He accepts no gifts and shows no mercy; he’s a solid block of iron.
Besides, the Emperor entrusted this matter to him, indicating he has no intention of showing leniency,” Song Xiang sighed. “However, I will still consult the Prince about this matter! See what his esteemed opinion is.”
Consort Song could only endure her anxiety upon hearing her brother’s words.
Song Xiang, knowing her distress, quickly changed his clothes and went to Prince Zhao’s Mansion.
He returned two hours later.
“Brother, what did the Prince say?” Consort Song asked, her eyes fixed on him with anticipation.
“Sister, at this point, we can only think for the best,” Song Xiang said, looking at Consort Song with heartache. “The Prince said it’s best not to provoke old ox Zhu. For now, we can only wait and see.
If something does happen, it’s unlikely to be too severe. After the judgment is passed, we can think of a way to gradually rectify it.”
Although Song Xiang was close to Prince Zhao, he was, after all, a servant. While his plea might carry some weight, it couldn’t put his master in a difficult position.
Prince Zhao would not confront Zhu Hui over his matter, as it was not worth the trouble.
Even with his words, Consort Song’s heart was heavy. If Gong Xu were truly punished for this, at best he would be demoted, at worst dismissed from office, and his career would be stalled for years. What hope would she have then?!
He said to gradually rectify it, but how could Zhu Hui, who personally handled cases and dealt with people, stand by and watch Gong Xu be reinstated?
It was impossible, at least for the next few years.
And if Gong Xu was unsuccessful, she would naturally lose face as well.
How would she face people in the future? Wouldn’t her competitive spirit be crushed?
It would be best if he were spared punishment, but that possibility was extremely slim.
These were Consort Song’s thoughts, which she did not voice. She merely nodded and said, “If there’s truly no other way, I’ll go back and wait!”
Her sister-in-law, worried, insisted she eat before leaving.
Consort Song had no appetite. She simply said she wasn’t hungry and left to return home.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ma had also returned with the news she had inquired about.
“Zhu Hui is still alive,” Zhang Ma said with a smile. “It’s good to have such a person in the imperial court, but unfortunately, there are too many corrupt officials, and Zhu Hui alone cannot manage them all.”
“Officials protect each other, and the connections are too deep. Even the Emperor is wary. Zhu Hui can only trim a few small branches; he cannot touch the roots,” Wen Mingqian sighed.
“Should we get involved in Gong Er’s matter then?” Zhang Ma asked.
“Naturally, we should, but now is not the time,” Wen Mingqian said.
“When I returned from the front, the one in the West Courtyard also returned. Judging by her appearance, she likely found no hope. If someone else had handled the case, there might have been a way,” Zhang Ma said.
“Yes, how many people in this world would refuse Prince Zhao’s favor?” Wen Mingqian smiled. “So, it seems the Song siblings are quite good at finding powerful patrons.”
“And what of it?” Zhang Ma said disdainfully. “They’re just using the skills of a dog.”
Just as she finished speaking, Granny Zhu entered and said, “The messenger has arrived. He says the Old Madam and the First Madam will be back the day after tomorrow.”
Wen Mingqian and Zhang Ma exchanged a glance, thinking that these two were returning at a rather opportune moment.
Consort Song naturally also received the news.
Granny Yang said, “If the Old Madam finds out about Second Master’s situation, she will surely be anxious.”
Consort Song, in a bad mood, said harshly, “She should be anxious; he is her son!”
Old Madam Gong did not particularly like Wen Mingqian, feeling her background was not high enough and her temperament was not gentle.
However, she also disliked Consort Song, finding her lacking in every way.
No matter how Consort Song humbled herself, she was not favored.
In the past, when Consort Song brought her son to pay respects at home, Old Madam Gong would only speak to her grandson.
Consort Song would stand to the side, and she wouldn’t even give her a proper glance.
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