Chapter Five: The Youngest Chancellor

On the other side, Song Zhiyuan settled his father back into his own courtyard before returning to his own rooms, his face etched with exhaustion. The Lady of the Song household approached to help him out of his official robes, replacing them with comfortable home garments. She took a warm cloth from the maid and handed it to him, every movement practiced and natural.

After a while, the couple sat by the window on the luohan couch, each nursing a cup of tea. Their confidante, Mama Fang, retreated with the maids, sending them off to their tasks and taking her own place under the eaves, ready to answer any summons.

Song Zhiyuan took a sip of tea, his gaze gentle as he looked at his wife seated at the other end of the bed-table. “You’ve worked hard these past days. Now that Mother is awake, take some rest yourself. If you need anything, have the servants do it. You look so worn—don’t let Mother recover only for you to fall ill.”

His gentle gratitude warmed the Lady’s heart. She smiled over her tea, saying, “It’s no hardship; this is what I ought to do. We’re fortunate that Mother has awakened—whatever toil there was, it was worth it.”

Song Zhiyuan nodded in agreement. “Indeed.”

Since joining the official ranks at nineteen, he had served through two reigns, risen to the highest ranks, and become the youngest Grand Chancellor since the founding of the dynasty—all in twenty-one years. Yet, just as he reached this pinnacle, his mother, upon receiving her honorary title, suddenly collapsed before everyone’s astonished eyes. Anyone would call it a case of joy turning to sorrow.

During the two days she was unconscious, the entire Song household was in turmoil, anxiously fearing she would not wake again. If fate demanded he leave office so soon after taking his seat, it would be most unfortunate. Although he could return to duty after the mourning period, who knew what circumstances might then prevail?

Now that his mother had awakened unharmed, the weight had finally lifted from his heart.

The Lady said, “While Mother was unconscious, we sent word to Second Uncle, Third Uncle, and Great Aunt. Should we recall those we dispatched?”

Song Zhiyuan set down his teacup. “Recall those sent to the second branch—his business must be settled by now. As for the third branch and Ziniang, even if they learn Mother is awake, they’ll surely return. Third Brother cannot stay away, and his wife will return as well—after all, Zhou’er is six now and must start clan school.”

The Lady smiled. “Even if not for clan school, they would come back. My lord—no, I must call you Chancellor now—with your promotion, they’ll come to celebrate.”

Song Zhiyuan only smiled in response.

“Speaking of celebrations, Chancellor, are we truly not hosting a banquet? Now that Mother is well…”

Song Zhiyuan shook his head. “At my age, holding this position already invites envy. We must proceed with caution, lest we give others grounds to criticize or appear reckless in His Majesty’s eyes. There will be plenty of time for banquets once I’m firmly established.”

The Lady felt a chill of caution and quickly said, “It was vanity on my part.”

The title of Chancellor’s wife had stirred her pride to its height—she almost forgot that her husband’s position was not yet secure.

Song Zhiyuan said, “Xiangyi, the higher we stand, the more vigilant and clear-headed we must be. We both must remember this.”

The Lady nodded gravely.

“We won’t host a banquet for now, but isn’t your birthday in May? We’ll have a joyful celebration then.” Song Zhiyuan reached over and took her hand. “As the Chancellor’s wife, you may hold a splendid birthday banquet.”