Xiao Che understood the Consort's intentions, and privately, he supported the Yao family's actions.
However, Xie Jiayan's analysis was not without merit.
Minister Qin and Vice Minister Lu had outwardly compromised, but their underhanded tactics continued. In the past two days, letters had been sent out from their residences like falling snowflakes.
Consort Yao had left not long ago. Before Xiao Che could even take a nap, Song Wei entered, his face a picture of indignation, as if he were about to curse him out.
He knew why Song Wei had come. His mother had just mentioned that it would be most appropriate for the Qianniu Guard to head to Liancheng.
The Qianniu Guard were the Emperor's men. He understood the implications. He feared the Yao family had their own people within the Qianniu Guard, and even if Song Wei refused the assignment, he could still find a way to make the Qianniu Guard share the risk.
Song Wei's expression at this moment said it all.
As expected, Song Wei knelt as soon as he entered. The thud of his knees hitting the ground made Xiao Che feel a pang in his own knees.
"Your Highness, there are already garrison troops locally. Why would the Qianniu Guard travel a thousand miles to raid a family's home? Isn't Yao Zhinian being utterly unreasonable?" Song Wei got straight to the point, his purpose clear: to lodge a complaint.
Furthermore, to show his anger, he directly addressed Xiao Che's maternal uncle by name in front of him, showing no hesitation.
Song Wei's demeanor made Xiao Che feel troubled. He quickly ordered someone to help Song Wei up.
He hadn't yet seen Yao Zhinian's competence, but he was certainly skilled at causing trouble.
The Ministry of Personnel had created a mess, and now not even all the officials who were supposed to be in council could be present. It truly had become Yao Zhinian's domain, and now he was extending his reach to the Qianniu Guard.
If he were to succeed to the throne in the future, wouldn't the Yao family act even more outrageously?
"It's not that I'm unreasonable, Your Highness. You know the Qianniu Guard's duty is to protect the imperial palace. With the Sage in a coma and Your Highness overseeing the state, to put it bluntly, if something were to happen to the palace, who would protect it? As long as I am in this position, I must plan for such contingencies. If from now on, the Qianniu Guard is called upon to raid any household, what would the Qianniu Guard become, executioners? I disagree with Yao Zhinian's deployment of troops. He directly ordered Cai Tao to lead his men. How can I continue to be the commander of the Qianniu Guard? I might as well resign today and hand it over to Yao Zhinian!"
Song Wei's words were spoken in anger, but they were also the truth. Yao Zhinian's reach was too long. If he wanted to stir up trouble, he shouldn't drag the Qianniu Guard down with him.
Cai Tao was good at currying favor, but without his official order, he wouldn't be able to leave the capital. Song Wei hadn't been in his position all these years for nothing.
They were not green recruits in officialdom. He understood Yao Zhinian's intentions perfectly.
"General Song has guarded the imperial city for many years and has achieved merit on numerous occasions. He is the Emperor's most trusted man. I know that Your Excellency has been wronged today. If you were to resign in a fit of pique, the Emperor would surely blame me for neglecting you if he were to awaken. Since General Song is the commander of the Qianniu Guard, everything within the Qianniu Guard is naturally under your command. However, General Song must also take this as a warning and ensure that no such disturbances occur under your watch again. This kind of master, I will only tolerate it for you once."
Xiao Che employed both leniency and severity, preserving Song Wei's dignity while also subtly reminding him of his place and the Emperor's favor.
Song Wei immediately knelt to express his gratitude. "Your subject thanks Your Highness for upholding justice on my behalf. Your Highness can rest assured, I will certainly keep a close eye on the Qianniu Guard and protect the imperial palace."
As Song Wei left, he wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. He had indeed relied on his seniority today, believing that Xiao Che was young and he was experienced, and had not shown him proper respect.
He hadn't expected that despite the Seventh Prince's youth, his mastery of imperial tactics, combining leniency and severity, had allowed him to subtly admonish him.
A new ruler brings new officials. If the Sage did not awaken, he didn't know how long he could remain the commander of the Qianniu Guard. His performance today had been a bit too much.