Chapter 472 - 307: Scuffle with Duke Wang of Song
Lady Xiao fell into silence for a moment, then said, "The Emperor’s will is unfathomable. Jiulang is not yet of age, who knows if the Emperor would use bold measures with the young? It must be taken into consideration."
Dugu’s heart leaped with joy. Even being taken into consideration was good enough, after all, it meant the Emperor recognized Xiao Song as capable. Even if he didn’t rise in rank this year or the next, as long as he didn’t make any major mistakes, was there any reason to fear that he wouldn’t be promoted in three to five years?
Lady Xiao nodded, "Hmm, the court is full of talent. Many officials of the same generation as Shi Wen are eligible for the position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice. The Emperor considers Jiulang partly because he has the capability, and partly as a consolation to Shi Wen."
Shi Wen was the courtesy name of Duke Song, Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu’s demotion was not due to a political misstep—on the contrary, he was a capable man who had not done anything foolish in politics. It was his disagreements with Fang Xuanling and Wei Zheng, leading to physical confrontations in the court, that earned him the charge of causing disorder, and the Emperor saw him as impetuous and intolerant, leading to his removal from his position and exile from Chang’an for reflection.
Xiao Yu was a founding hero who had fought alongside Li Yuan, while Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, and others were core supporters of the Prince of Qin’s household and trusted by Li Shimin. In dealing with this matter, Li Shimin inevitably showed bias. Perhaps after much deliberation, he felt guilty towards Xiao Yu, thus attempting to appease him in this indirect manner.
"I understand now," Dugu said. Presumably, Lady Xiao had long known that Xiao Yu, upon hearing the drum sound at the fifth watch, would remember frustrations and feel discomfort, and intended to have her provide comfort through Dugu.
No matter what, the Emperor still valued Xiao Yu in his heart.
"Shi Wen understands everything. He who has grown old cares less for power and position than before, but he can’t accept the Emperor’s decision and is hurt. You speak to him with gentle words when appropriate," Lady Xiao sighed.
Dugu responded and helped Lady Xiao into the courtyard.
While it was rare for mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to be at peace, the sisters-in-law looked at each other without a word, the atmosphere cold as autumn winds sweeping fallen leaves.
Two individuals of high status who always maintained their dignity were naturally not going to lower themselves immediately in front of a new wife of lesser birth. And Ran Yan herself never held much regard for social hierarchy. She was always proud, and even though Liu Qingsong had trampled on her several times, she would not deliberately ingratiate herself with others.