A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 259 Headless Female Corpse (47)

Royal study room.

Song Shuyu presented the written document to the emperor for his perusal.

After hearing about Song Shuyu's extortion scheme and its intended purpose, the emperor was both amused and annoyed. "Minister Song, how did you come up with such a despicable trick?"

"Because I am intelligent," Song Shuyu said shamelessly, without a trace of humility.

The emperor burst into laughter, almost losing his composure.

Song Shuyu suddenly remembered something else and decided to report it as well: "Your Majesty, I wish to build a small school in the Jingzhao Prefecture."

He explained in detail the specifics, purpose, significance, and required financial resources.

He always reported any new measures to the emperor first, in order to avoid being impeached by the censors.

After listening, the emperor was pleased but also worried for Song Shuyu. "Minister Song, building a school is a good thing, but once it's in use, the expenses will be endless. How long can you support it privately? Also, you can't stay in this position of Prefect of the Capital forever, can you? What if you are transferred?"

“Your Majesty, I haven’t thought about the future. Let’s focus on the present. The Duke’s mansion has had no female relatives for many years, and my grandmother has lived a simple and frugal life, so we have saved a lot of money. If we are still short of funds later, then I will shamelessly ask Your Majesty for some rewards to help us out.” Song Shuyu said, a slight smile appearing on his lips.

"Alright, I'll prepare it for you. Come and ask me for it whenever you need it."

The emperor laughed heartily, completely unlike his intimidatingly serious demeanor in court. He and Song Shuyu were the same age and had known each other since childhood. They had both experienced dark pasts and were close friends who had supported each other to this day.

Song Shuyu bowed respectfully: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I have another request, and I hope Your Majesty will grant it!"

The Emperor's smile faded, and he narrowed his eyes, staring at Song Shuyu. "Minister Song, are you going to ask me to bestow a marriage upon you and that female coroner again?" Song Shuyu replied, "Your Majesty, it is certain that I will request an imperial decree to grant us a marriage, but it can be postponed until my father returns to the capital and the important matters are settled. Right now, I would like to request leave to leave the capital on official business."

"Official business trip outside the capital?" The emperor was taken aback. "What matter requires your personal attention?"

Song Shuyu gave a brief retelling of the case.

The Emperor said with a deep gaze, "Although this case is of great importance, it is not appropriate for you to leave the capital at this time of year. Minister Song, there is something you do not know yet: the Prince of Zhongshan has requested permission to return to the capital to visit the Empress Dowager, and I have granted his request."

"The Prince of Zhongshan?" Song Shuyu was taken aback, his brows immediately furrowing into a deep frown. "The Empress Dowager and the Prince of Zhongshan have always had a close relationship. His return to the capital at this time is probably for ulterior motives!"

The emperor nodded, his eyes revealing a chilling intent. "Yes, that's why I said you cannot leave the capital now!"

Song Shuyu was caught in a dilemma.

He pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will make proper arrangements."

The Emperor sighed softly: "Minister Song, I know what you're thinking. You're worried about your female coroner, but since you intend to let her enter officialdom, you can't always rely on her and cover for her. You have to give her the opportunity to work independently!"

“Your Majesty is right.” Song Shuyu smiled bitterly. “However, understanding the principles is one thing, but being unable to put them into practice is another. To me, Qingcheng is as important as my life, and I dare not take the slightest risk.”

Seeing this, the emperor joked, "Really? What if Mu Qingcheng doesn't want to marry you?"

(End of this chapter)