That night, Chu Yuan was forced to resort to another method.

My hands were so sore the next day.

In the imperial court, after the important matters were concluded, the emperor suddenly looked at Song Tangyin with a smile, "Minister Song, I heard that your wife is pregnant again?"

"Your Majesty, it has been two months." Song Tangyin's voice was filled with undisguised joy.

The other officials in the hall were used to the shocks and were not surprised.

Song, the Vice Minister, was cold and aloof in politics, with a clear sense of right and wrong. Only when he mentioned his wife did his eyes soften with tenderness.

He's the kind of man countless women dream of marrying.

In the past year, several prominent families have subtly hinted at wanting to marry their daughters to Song Tangyin, even if she weren't their principal wife. This includes Song Tangyin's superior, Shangguan.

But Song Tangyin rejected them all.

He said, "My wife has borne my children and worked very hard."

There is something I have always been ashamed to mention.

Actually, my husband and I have been married for many years but have never had children. It was my fault, which was only recently cured.

Back then, my wife didn't look down on me. Now that I'm doing well, you're embracing women on both sides without considering her feelings. Master, do you think this is appropriate?

This is undoubtedly admitting to the whole world that he was incompetent before.

The woman must not be allowed to become pregnant.

Regardless of whether it's true or not, Song Tangyin has already gone this far, so who can force him to do anything more?

Even the Emperor could only laugh it off, pointing at Song Tangyin with a wry smile, "Minister Song, you really are... tsk tsk, what can I say about you!"

But the emperor wasn't angry; after all, it's easier to control a minister with weaknesses.

If Song Tangyin is capable, authoritative, and meticulous, and there's nothing that anyone can use against her, wouldn't that be terrifying?

Emperors are suspicious and will not allow anyone to threaten their position; someone like Song Tangyin is just right.

"Eunuch Gao, here's a reward!" The emperor said with a delighted expression. "Minister Song, does your wife have any particular favorite items? I'll reward her for bearing children for my nephew."

Song Tangyin cupped her hands in greeting, "Your Majesty, my wife lacks nothing, but since becoming pregnant, she has been especially homesick and longing for her family."

"Oh?" The emperor, being a shrewd man, immediately grasped the meaning behind those words and asked the eunuch Gao beside him, "I remember that Lady Chu was also the daughter of an official. Who was her father?"

Eunuch Gao smiled and said, "Your Majesty, it is indeed Chu Ye, the Prefect of Anqing Prefecture."

"It's him."

Clearly, the emperor had heard of Chu Ye; he had a good track record, was fair and impartial, and his performance evaluation at the end of last year was also excellent.

He pondered for a moment, then said, "Alright, isn't the Vice Minister of Rites retired to enjoy his old age? Promote Chu Ye to Vice Minister of Rites, and let him take office immediately!"

Song Tangyin lifted her robe and knelt down, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

This move left all the officials completely stunned.

Is getting promoted really that easy?

Moreover, when others ask for official positions, it is considered forming cliques for personal gain and abusing power. But Song, the Vice Minister, openly sought a promotion for his father-in-law, which is not the case.

The Emperor really has double standards!

Of course, this wasn't the first time everyone had experienced the emperor's favoritism.

Despite the complaints, I felt mostly envious.

Who can blame Song Tangyin for being so quick-witted and shrewd? She has accomplished so much for the Emperor these past few years. Sigh!

After the court session, a group of people surrounded Song Tangyin. Congratulations were secondary; their real purpose was to subtly inquire whether the Chu family still had any eligible young ladies.

If we can't marry Song Tangyin, wouldn't it be the same to build a good relationship with the Chu family instead?

Given how much Song Tangyin dotes on his wife, being his brother-in-law would definitely bring him good treatment!

What happened in the morning had already caused a stir in Chu Yuan's area by the afternoon.

The Marquis's mother came to propose marriage, saying, "Madam Song, I heard you have a younger sister, eighteen years old, exactly one year younger than my youngest son. How about..."

Chu Yuan politely declined, "I'm sorry, Madam Zhou, my sister is already engaged to someone from the Xu family in Anqing Prefecture. They have already exchanged betrothal gifts and will be getting married after the New Year."

Mrs. Zhou said with great regret, "Really? That's really unfortunate. I wonder if Mrs. Song has any younger siblings? It doesn't matter, even if they're younger, our family can wait!"

Chu Yuan had to use all her persuasion to finally get Madam Zhou to leave.

When one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven—is this what they mean by that?

Fortunately, Chu's parents never had any desire to climb the social ladder.

This promotion also meant abandoning the plan to bring Chu Ping to the capital.

With the wedding date approaching, leaving her at the old house to wait quietly is just right; if anyone asks, the reason is sufficient and there's nothing wrong with it.

Everything is moving in the best possible direction.

Suddenly, Song Xiuer arrived at the Song residence with a limp. Eleven-year-old Wei Peng struggled to support her, carrying a huge bundle on his back. As soon as they reached the gate of the Song residence, she fainted.

After all, she was her own daughter, so Madam Song had her carried inside and quickly called for a doctor.

With tears streaming down his face, Wei Peng said that Song Xiuer was beaten by Wei Shaozheng!

“My father… no, I don’t have a father like that!” Wei Peng’s eyes were full of resentment. “Grandmother, can you please take us in for a while? Aunt Hua is pregnant, and all he cares about is Aunt Hua and the little brother in her belly. He doesn’t care about our lives at all. My mother and I are really going to die!”

Madam Song sighed and came to Chu Yuan to discuss, "How about letting them stay in the mansion for a while? Don't worry, if Xiu'er does anything to harm you or Heng'er again, I'll be the first to not let her off!"

As he spoke, he glared at Song Xiuer, who was kneeling on the ground, and said, "What about you? Aren't you going to say anything?"

Two prominent handprints were visible on Song Xiuer's face, and there were even blue marks on her neck from being pinched. Her wrists and ankles were bleeding from being strangled. She was crying so hard she could barely breathe.

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