Chapter 265: A Prime Minister Who Scares Students Isn’t a Good One
Yan Zisheng also felt wronged and speechless, and somewhat regretful. If he’d known earlier, he wouldn’t have gone with Wu Xiuquan to that poetry gathering at Duke Yongchang Mansion, and wouldn’t have brought upon himself such troubles.
Who would have thought that the young lady of the Duke Yongchang Mansion would be so bold, daring to stop him and express her feelings? A dignified lady of a Marquis Mansion acting so absurdly.
The most absurd was Scholar Wu, who, after a few drinks, came to him in a drunken fit, saying quite a number of insulting remarks, and even let the Prime Minister hear them.
Yan Zisheng felt a little unhappy, helpless, and regretful, but did not hide anything, narrating the whole story from beginning to end.
"I did not know, Scholar Wu had intentions towards the ninth young lady of the Duke Yongchang Mansion. This matter indeed makes... me feel ashamed." Yan Zisheng said with embarrassment, "Had I known earlier, I wouldn’t have attended that poetry gathering."
Song Zhiyuan, caressing the teacup, said, "The fair lady, a gentleman’s pursuit, is only natural. However, that Miss Qiu admires you, and Changsheng has no interest?"
Yan Zisheng’s handsome face turned red. He stood up and cupped his hands, saying, "Prime Minister, marriages are decreed by parents and arranged by matchmakers, not, not private affairs."
Song Zhiyuan looked at him meaningfully, "Though the Duke Yongchang Mansion has declined, like the setting sun, a rotten ship still has three nails. Although that young lady is of illegitimate birth, for a son of a poor family to become the esteemed son-in-law of the Marquis Mansion, with such a wife’s family aiding, it would smooth the official path. Otherwise, why would Scholar Wu be so angry?"
Not waiting for Yan Zisheng to speak, he continued, "Just like back then, I too sought the legitimate daughter of the Duke Zhongyong Mansion to marry. That made the domestic affairs smooth, without worries, and with the help of the Yue family, I was able to reach my current position."
Song Zhiyuan was very frank, not in the least afraid to admit he benefitted from the Yue family back then.
Yan Zisheng admired this in his heart and said, "Prime Minister, you are modest. The light from the Yue family helped at first, but your achieving the position of a Prime Minister in your early forties is certainly due to your exceptional talent, not just reliant on the Yue family’s support."