Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 177 - 164 Old Madam Protects Her Kin_2

Chapter 177: Chapter 164 Old Madam Protects Her Kin_2

The matter of the Xun Family inheriting the title of Duke without interruption was seen by other ministers as excessive favoritism. However, considering that Prime Minister Xun not only achieved military accomplishments but also "rescued" the Supreme Emperor from that great traitor Lu Yuan, they understood His Majesty’s decision.

Zong Zhengxi’s gaze once again fell upon Xun Yu: "Xun Yu, you have repaired canals to divert water, helped the common people cultivate barren lands, and solved the years-long drought in the Western Regions. Your administration at the border has brought great merit. I now appoint you the Princely Heir of Xun Guo. Do you wish to serve in the Cabinet as an assistant minister, or take up a post within the Six Ministries?"

Xun Yu smiled modestly and replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. I am overwhelmed. However, when it comes to governing the nation, I am far inferior to the other officials here. In terms of military affairs, I cannot compare to the generals. As for my efforts at the border, they were merely modest contributions and cannot count as great merit. After traveling afar, I have truly realized my lack of knowledge. Now that I have returned to the Capital City, I only wish to focus on academic research with my teacher. I humbly ask for Your Majesty’s approval."

The teacher he referred to was the Sacrificial Officer Lin Ji.

At the mention of Lin Ji, Zong Zhengxi felt a hint of envy. He too wished to apprentice under Lin Ji, but Lin Ji had stated he would no longer accept students.

Thinking this over, Xun Yu truly was remarkable.

Yet, such an extraordinary person would never seek even a modest official position for himself, treating power and reputation as mere dirt.

Unlike Lu Yuan, whose greed knew no bounds.

As Lu Yuan came to mind, Zong Zhengxi instinctively cast a glance toward the seat behind the curtain.

Today, Lu Yuan claimed illness and didn’t attend court. It’s likely he won’t return to governance from behind the curtain anymore.

Zong Zhengxi furrowed his brows.

He didn’t even know why he frowned.

After court adjourned, Zong Zhengxi went to Taihe Palace.

"Shangfu..."

As soon as he stepped across the threshold, he found the study empty, not a single person there.

Indeed, Lu Yuan was ill.

In the past, after every court session, Lu Yuan would settle in the study and first inspect his coursework. Only if satisfied would he allow Zong Zhengxi to leave; if errors were present, he’d impose severe punishments.

"Your Majesty."

A voice from behind belonged to Prime Minister Xun.

Zong Zhengxi paused briefly, withdrew his foot, and continued walking forward.

Prime Minister Xun glanced at the empty study and followed Zong Zhengxi.

Upon entering the Imperial Study Room, Zong Zhengxi said to the Prime Minister: "Prime Minister, I... have something I wish to discuss with you."

Prime Minister Xun looked at his hesitant expression and asked, "Is it about formal governance? Your Majesty has no need to worry; I have already been planning this matter and will ensure Your Majesty takes full control of governance soon."

"It’s not about that." Zong Zhengxi lowered his gaze and hesitated momentarily before asking, "Can I stop doing coursework from now on?"

Prime Minister Xun asked suspiciously, "Your Majesty still has to do coursework?"

A nearby eunuch seized the chance and immediately lodged a complaint: "That’s right, Prime Minister. You have no idea how Lu Yuan has tormented His Majesty these past years! To prevent him from taking over governance, he forced coursework upon His Majesty daily—constant essays of ’Zhi Hu, Zhe Ye’! If it wasn’t completed, nothing else was allowed. His Majesty has been rising early and exhausting himself, his hands even developing calluses!"

Prime Minister Xun listened calmly and afterward addressed Zong Zhengxi kindly: "If Your Majesty doesn’t wish to do it, then there’s no need anymore. What Your Majesty should focus on is the art of governance. I will assist you in this endeavor."

Zong Zhengxi nodded.

"Your Majesty should first attend to the memorials. I will wait in the side hall."

After saying this, Prime Minister Xun took his leave.

Zong Zhengxi entered the Imperial Study Room.

This was his first time reviewing memorials by himself. In the past, Lu Yuan would screen them first before passing them to him. After Zong Zhengxi completed his review, they would be sent back to Lu Yuan for final approval, and if mistakes were found, he’d be reprimanded.

Zong Zhengxi picked up a memorial and opened it: "Xiao Dazi, what do you think Lu Yuan is doing now?"

"Ah?"

The little eunuch named Xiao Dazi froze in confusion.

Zong Zhengxi shot him a glance: "You were quite chatty just now. Why have you gone silent now?"

Xiao Dazi chuckled awkwardly, stepped forward, nodded and bowed, saying, "Heh, what would the Grand Commander be doing now? Now that the Prime Minister has returned, he must’ve scared himself sick! This servant thinks he’s probably hiding at the mansion crying right now!"

Imagining Lu Yuan weeping dramatically in his courtyard, Zong Zhengxi suddenly felt a sense of satisfaction: "Do you think he’ll come back and plead with me?"

Xiao Dazi laughed and said, "He’s done all manner of evil deeds. Now that the Supreme Emperor and Prime Minister have returned to court, he’s sure to face harsh punishment. If he wants to survive, he’ll have no choice but to beg Your Majesty!"

Zong Zhengxi said coldly, "Even if he begs me, I won’t forgive him!"

Zong Zhengxi started reviewing memorials, occasionally glancing out as he did. He didn’t know how many times he’d glanced before the sky turned dark.

"Honestly, will he come plead with me or not?"

Meanwhile, at the Governor Mansion...

Lu Yuan had just finished a huge quarrel with his rebellious daughter.

The dispute arose from Steward Cen feeding a dog; Bao Shu took advantage of the dog’s distraction to taste its food and discovered the dog’s meal was tastier than her own. She then refused to leave, insisting on eating dog food instead.

In truth, the dog’s meal was fresh. Being Steward Cen’s beloved pet, the cooks didn’t dare skimp on its food, preparing delicacies like braised lion’s head meatballs, meaty bones, and stewed sugary pig knuckles—all cooked to perfection.

But Bao Shu’s food was lightly seasoned, nearly saltless, so she found it bland.

Still, it was dog food.

How could the esteemed Grand Commander’s daughter stoop to eating dog food at home? If word got out, his reputation would be shattered!

What’s worse, the little rascal thought that when he stopped her, it was because he wanted to eat the dog food himself. Feeling distressed, she generously divided half for him and invited him to eat together!

When it came to court battles, Lu Yuan was well-versed; a glance at someone wielding a shovel, and he could predict what trap they were digging for him.

But his little rascal’s antics? Unpredictable, one-of-a-kind traps.

Lu Yuan picked her up and sternly reprimanded: "That’s dog food! Are you a little dog?"

Bao Shu drooped her two tiny "dog paws" and responded, "Woof!"

Lu Yuan: "..."

During the day, Lu Yuan battled wits with his rebellious daughter. At night, he played leaf card games with the Dowager and Meng Qianqian—a four-person table with the Dowager and Steward Cen as one team, while he and Meng Qianqian were another.

Of the four, only Lu Yuan was a novice.

Meng Qianqian said to Lu Yuan: "A beginner’s luck is usually very good. You can play casually and still win. When I was a beginner, I won all night!"

Then, Lu Yuan made an incorrect move.

The Dowager: "I win!"

Meng Qianqian smiled and said, "Let’s go for the next round. You’ll definitely win next!"

Lu Yuan made another mistake, and Meng Qianqian won.

Meng Qianqian laughed awkwardly: "Third time’s the charm."

Lu Yuan caused three simultaneous wins for his opponents.

Meng Qianqian: "..."

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