Chapter 231 Madam Song is Very Understanding and Tactful
How could Eunuch Zhou know if it was because both were despised by the aristocratic circle that they felt a mutual sympathy? He said this merely to lessen the Emperor’s suspicion and to evoke his compassion.
Indeed, as soon as he finished speaking, he was ready to kneel down and confess, "This servant was only speculating; as for the truth, this servant does not know. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Emperor Chu chuckled, kicked him lightly, and said, "You old ghost, what are you confessing for? It’s just a few words, get up. But are they really so disliked?"
Eunuch Zhou quickly got up and said, "Your Majesty is not unaware. The nobles pride themselves on their high status, and even the civil servants often look down on women from military families, considering them vulgar and disrespectful for wielding weapons and going to war. Let alone a woman who even goes to the battlefield and mingles with men daily?"
"Those ladies believe only in supporting their husbands, educating their children, managing household affairs, and serving their mothers-in-law as the proper path, unlike Commandery Princess Dongyang who takes up arms and goes to war. If you don’t believe it, you can send someone to inquire; there are many madams of noble families who do not like such women as daughters-in-law."
"And then there is Madam Song. Everyone says she lacks knowledge and is just a farmer’s wife who only got her immense wealth and honor now because of her connection with the Empress Dowager and you, Your Majesty, in the past." Eunuch Zhou added, "But in my view, although Madam Song is a farmer’s wife, she is very well-mannered and perceptive."
"Oh? I’ve never heard you speak so highly of Madam Song before, how much did Prime Minister Song give you, old ghost?" Emperor Chu glanced at him askance.
Eunuch Zhou promptly knelt down with a thud and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, this servant dares to swear to the heavens, there is absolutely no bribery made or favoritism stated, or else let heaven strike me down."