Chapter 1665: Chapter 1665: Stirring Up a Phoenix’s Nest

Empress Dowager Wang spoke with firmness and authority, clearly expressing genuine anger.

She was not unaware of the rumors outside; they had even spread within the palace. A young noble had alluded to Song Ci in front of her, which made her quite angry, and she rebuked that young noble on the spot.

This matter was reported again at the morning court session today. She couldn’t sit idly by; her old friend was being so humiliated and questioned. How could she let it go?

She heard the ridiculous suggestion about sending Song Ci to pray for rain, and it truly irritated her to the point of humor.

Whenever natural disasters occur, the Imperial Family steps forward to pray, sending concubines or princes and grandsons, or even the Emperor himself might go. But to push an old minister’s mother to do it was unheard of.

This was outright bullying!

Seeing the Empress Dowager’s anger, even Emperor Chu had to get up and try to calm her: "Mother, please restrain your anger."

Seeing this, the officials who had just risen quickly knelt down again: "Empress Dowager, please restrain your anger."

Empress Dowager Wang scoffed: "I wish to restrain my anger, but some people’s actions truly disappoint me. You often say the Harem should not meddle in politics, but is this the scheme? In times of national crises, you quietly push women to the forefront? Have you no shame?"

The crowd was completely chastised by her scolding.

Emperor Chu was helpless: "Mother, that’s not the case."

"If it’s not, then what is it? I don’t understand how a good old lady has become a monster. Why do rumors break without being countered? If she’s slandered, is that Song Tai Madame’s fault? What’s wrong with her? What evil has she done to be called a monster?"

"An elderly woman, not physically agile, does she carry burdens, wield influence, bully the good, or tyrannize the wicked? Not that I say, but all the elderly women in your homes only live in comfort, doing far less than Song Tai Madame. Yet you dare to suggest she pray for rain. Really, spreading rumors on one hand, sending a monster to pray for rain on the other, aren’t you afraid of heavenly retribution?"

Imperial Censor Zhu: "..."

This truly stirred up the hornet’s nest; his career was over.

Empress Dowager Wang took a breath and said: "Moreover, as censor, don’t always be impeaching for this and that. If you have the will, why not focus on collecting evidence against corrupt officials and impeach them relentlessly? Oh, if you’re truly idle, go ahead, impeach me for interfering in politics, say I’m like a crowing hen. And then suggest sending me to the temple to pray for rain."

Imperial Censor Zhu virtually plastered himself to the ground; it was over for him.

Emperor Chu was also helpless; when his mother got angry, he had no options.

He had to look to Song Zhiyuan, signaling him to say something to appease this ancestral spirit.

Song Zhiyuan, receiving Emperor Chu’s signal, finally spoke: "Empress Dowager, please calm your anger. Taking care of your health is paramount; if you become sick, it will trouble my mother deeply. My mother has said, those with a clear conscience have nothing to fear. Throughout her life, she’s remained true to her conscience and the gods in heaven; if the heavens deem her a monster, then heaven shall deal with her."

As his voice fell, Song Lingjie also stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, my grandmother, through the years, has accumulated virtue and kindness. Even if not unparalleled in merits, she is a compassionate person. Her actions seek peace of mind, not reward, yet someone tarnishes her reputation during times of national crisis. I sincerely speak out for my grandmother’s injustice, having taken the accounts from her household for verification. Over the years, the charitable funds she allocated personally are all documented."

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