Chapter 135: The Prime Minister's Residence Is Not a Sieve

When Song Zhiyuan walked in, he saw Madame Song standing up. He smiled and gestured for her to remain seated.

"No need to stand. You have had a long and tiring day, so sit down."

Although pleased by his thoughtfulness, Madame Song did not sit immediately. Instead, she offered a respectful curtsy, helped him settle onto the arhat bed, and then took her place on the other side.

Song Zhiyuan kicked off his shoes, drew one leg up onto the couch, and rested his arm on the small table. He took a sip of tea served by a maid before idly flipping through the stack of gift lists.

"You have been busy all day; why tire yourself out reading these now? There is no rush to catalog them until tomorrow."

Madame Song smiled. "I am just lounging anyway, so reading them is no trouble. Look, Prime Minister, the First Prince sent a pastel-enameled openwork vase decorated with symbols of good fortune and longevity."

She pointed to the entry in the register and added, "And the Fourth Prince sent a 'fire tree and silver flower' ornament. Do you think we should return these?"

There were also extremely valuable birthday gifts from the Second and Third Princes. While these offerings brought her joy and a sense of pride, they also filled her with apprehension. Should they really be accepting them?

Song Zhiyuan carefully examined the list of gifts from the princes and pondered for a moment. "Prepare some equally precious items to send back as return gifts."

Just as she had expected.

Madame Song complied obediently. She took a sip of tea and, noticing Song Zhiyuan idly scanning the list, mentioned a few minor incidents that had occurred during the banquet.

Song Zhiyuan did not even look up. "As long as there were no major mishaps, it is fine. I heard that Fourth Son led Su and the others to keep a tight watch on the front courtyard, even catching a few who had wandering eyes."

"Prime Minister, if Su and the others act this way, will it not make the princes feel slighted?" Madame Song asked, feeling somewhat hesitant.

After all, they were princes. To be treated like suspects, followed everywhere they went while visiting—surely this must have been the most stifling guest experience they had ever had.

Song Zhiyuan cast a sidelong glance at her, his voice calm. "You must remember one thing: the Song Prime Minister's residence is not a sieve that leaks everywhere. Even if they are princes, this is not a place where they can wander as they please, let alone act as if they own the house."

Madame Song’s face flushed with slight embarrassment. "I was only worried that they might complain to the Emperor."

Song Zhiyuan chuckled. "Complain about what? That they arrived uninvited and wanted to stroll through the Prime Minister's residence as if it were their own back garden?"

Madame Song felt even more awkward and quickly lifted her teacup to hide her expression.

Seeing this, Song Zhiyuan continued, "You are the mistress of this house. You know what kind of trouble can arise in the inner quarters. If we are so afraid of offending others that we let them roam the estate unchecked, and something goes wrong, that would be the true laughingstock of the capital."

"Prime Minister..."

"Times have changed. I am now the Prime Minister, and you are a first-rank noblewoman. You do not need to worry about offending anyone at every turn, especially within our own walls. Have more confidence. The inner quarters were managed well today; no trouble came from the young ladies."

Madame Song’s face went crimson. "I have disappointed you, my lord."

Song Zhiyuan took her hand and said, "Xiangyi, you need not feel as aggrieved as when you first returned. I have given you everything I can, and I only hope that we can walk through life together for a hundred years and bring the Song family to even greater heights."

It is no wonder they say the tongue of Prime Minister Song Runzhi could talk the dead back to life. In the imperial court, he could silence a hundred officials with his words. And here, in his own home, he could use his silver tongue to leave his wife so moved she was utterly spellbound.

Look at her now: excited, touched, and filled with self-reproach. Her husband was simply too good, and she felt as if she were the one holding him back.