Xiao Chengjing signaled with his eyes for Zhao Yande to put the painting away.
"The southwest is remote and prone to unrest. Transferring Song Qiming there will inevitably be dangerous; it cannot be compared to other places."
Xiao Rongyan quietly took a deep breath.
He had to take this perfect opportunity to get rid of Song Qiming and make them roll out of the capital.
"It is precisely because the position of Suining Prefect is difficult that it requires a fearless young official like Compiler Song to govern it."
"As a minister, one should be loyal to the sovereign, love the country, and take the world as one's responsibility. To be able to share Imperial Father's burdens is Compiler Song's honor."
Xiao Chengjing thought about it and felt it made sense. As an emperor, why should he have so many reservations about the transfer of a single official?
But as the words reached his lips, a hint of hesitation arose in his heart.
"County Princess Linghui has contributed greatly. If I transfer Song Qiming to the southwest, I worry she will harbor resentment."
Xiao Rongyan furrowed his brows slightly, a look of strong disapproval on his face.
"Although County Princess Linghui has made many contributions, Imperial Father has also rewarded her handsomely. From a lowly peasant girl to an esteemed county princess, even Song Qiming was appointed as Tanhua by Imperial Father, and the position of sixth-rank compiler was an exceptional promotion."
"Gold, silver, treasures, and a grand mansion, which of these was not bestowed by Imperial Father? If she harbors a grudge because of this, then she is truly ungrateful."
"Furthermore, the Suining Prefect is a lower fifth-rank official. Jumping two ranks is a major promotion. If Song Qiming were sent out as a regional official in half a year, he would be at most a sixth-rank official. How could that compare to the high rank in Suining?"
As he spoke, Xiao Rongyan suddenly lowered his head and sighed softly.
"But it is not strange for Imperial Father to have such concerns. After all, ever since eldest brother returned from the southwest, his eyes have never been cured. They all say County Princess Linghui possesses superb medical skills. I presume she is dissatisfied with me and my imperial brother, which is why she did not do her best."
Faced with Xiao Rongyan's series of instigations, Xiao Chengjing gradually fell silent.
His expression darkened. Recalling the grievances between Song Jinzhao and his two sons, and then thinking of Prince Qi being reduced to a cripple and sent to Jinzhou to fend for himself, a surge of anger swelled in his heart, growing into deepening dissatisfaction.
"You are right. The Song family has indeed become somewhat arrogant from favor. I had Ye Liangyu flogged, so presumably, Song Qiming is also resentful. He is young and aggressive; he should go to the southwest to gain experience and properly temper his character."
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Xiao Rongyan lowered his head and smiled smugly.
Daring to oppose him, this time he absolutely had to banish the Song family so they could never return to the capital.
This time, Xiao Chengjing did not hesitate. He picked up his brush and wrote the word Approved on the memorial.
After writing, he looked down at the memorial for a few seconds, then puffed out his chest and ordered, "Deliver this memorial to the Ministry of Personnel. Tell them I have approved it. Let Song Qiming work hard in Suining; I think highly of him."
"Yes," Zhao Yande replied, bowing deeply, not daring to breathe loudly.
He had heard Prince Ying's instigations loud and clear. Unfortunately, those involved are often blind while bystanders see clearly. The emperor had likely been blinded and carried away by the other party's provocative words.
However, even if he thought it through later, he probably would have already developed a rift with County Princess Linghui.
One naturally protects one's own son, while outsiders can be dealt with however one pleases.
Although Song Qiming was prepared, when he personally received the appointment documents, he could not help but heave a heavy sigh of relief, feeling a vast sense of finality that the grand scheme had been set.
The departure time was set for three days later.
Song Anhao withdrew from the Dongfang family's school. The servants in the manor gradually loaded all the luggage onto the carriages, while Song Jinzhao took a carriage to the estate outside the city the next day.
In the simple front hall, the doors and windows were tightly shut, and servants guarded outside to prevent anyone from approaching.
Even the managers, Chen Fu and Li Hou, were not allowed inside.
