The Prodigal Son

Soon, Song Zhuo entered the imperial study with a hunched back, his face showing undisguised exhaustion.

Zhao Luan had already sent the Imperial Physician to treat Song Zhuo personally, but the Imperial Physician's diagnosis was not good.

Song Zhuo's current health condition is very worrying and incurable. It will only get worse as he gets older.

At present, the imperial physician can only try to reduce his pain through recuperation.

Thinking about Song Zhuo's health condition, Zhao Luan felt even more distressed.

He knew that if his body hadn't been so physically exhausted, his mentor wouldn't have been so weak if he had just gritted his teeth and persevered.

He had only been sick for about ten days, but he seemed to have aged several years.

A hint of worry flashed across Zhao Luan's face, and she quickly gave Shangguan Youyi a wink.

Shangguan Youyi understood and quickly went to help Song Zhuo up.

"Your Majesty, this humble subject greets you."

Song Zhuo bowed deeply in greeting.

"My teacher is unwell, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhao Luan quickly stopped him, then asked worriedly, "What about my teacher's health...?"

"After being treated by the imperial physician, he has improved somewhat."

Song Zhuo smiled, feigning ease, "Your Majesty knows this is an old ailment of mine, so Your Majesty need not worry about me..."

Zhao Luan felt a pang of heartache and said softly, "I've heard that Nan Que'er, who serves Qin Yu, is quite skilled in medicine. I'll have her examine my mentor again later!"

She didn't know how good Nan Que'er's medical skills were, but she could ask her mentor to take a look!

If it can be cured, that would be even better.

It can't be cured, but there's not much loss.

Song Zhuo initially wanted to refuse, but considering that she meant well, he readily agreed: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After Song Zhuo sat down with the help of Shangguan Youyi, Zhao Luan slowly spoke: "The case of the Prince of Chengyang has created many vacancies in the court. I summoned my mentor here to discuss the matter of adding officials."

It really is that matter!

Song Zhuo smiled helplessly and said seriously, "I was just about to tell Your Majesty about this matter."

Zhao Luan's eyes lit up. "Does our mentor already have a preliminary list?"

Song Zhuo glanced at Zhao Luan with a complicated expression, then took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it to Zhao Luan.

Zhao Luan quickly took the memorial and opened it.

The next moment, Zhao Luan's pupils suddenly contracted.

Resignation!

This is Song Zhuo's resignation letter!

He wanted to resign from his positions as prime minister and minister of personnel!

Zhao Luan suddenly raised her head, looking at Song Zhuo with a complicated expression.

Actually, she also wanted to talk to Song Zhuo today, asking him to temporarily stop interfering in court affairs and rest for a while.

But she was thinking of Song Zhuo's health and definitely did not want to dismiss him!

Could it be that my mentor guessed my thoughts and misunderstood me?

So, should I submit my resignation in advance?

After a long silence, Zhao Luan asked in a trembling voice, "Is my master going to abandon me?"

No, no.

Song Zhuo shook his head slightly, a weary smile on his face. "Your Majesty is aware of my physical condition. I was hoping to work less and live a year or two longer, so that I could see Your Majesty complete the great undertaking that Emperor Xiaowu and the late Emperor had not finished, and destroy the Yan Kingdom..."

Zhao Luan opened her mouth slightly, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped herself.

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Luan looked down again to examine Song Zhuo's resignation letter.

Following her resignation, Song Zhuo suggested that she recall the disgraced official Gao Yi back to the capital as prime minister and concurrently serve as Minister of Revenue, and that Du Zhiwen, the former Minister of Revenue, be reassigned as Minister of Personnel. At the same time, he recommended Feng Shinan, a Grand Master of the Palace, to succeed him as Minister of Works, and that Song Xian be appointed as Vice Minister of Works.

She had no objections to Song Zhuo's other suggestions.

However, she was strongly opposed to Gao Yi's appointment.

To be honest, if Song Zhuo hadn't mentioned it, she would have almost forgotten that Da Ning had such a person as Gao Yi.

Duke Gao Yi of Anguo was also a veteran official of the Da Ning Dynasty.

His qualifications are second only to Qin Fumeng and Su Yu.

In the past, when Emperor Xiaowu was fighting in the south and the north, Gao Yi assisted the late emperor in handling state affairs and managing logistics and supplies.

Although Gao Yi never went to the battlefield, he made great contributions.

After the late emperor ascended the throne, Gao Yi was enfeoffed as Duke of Anguo and appointed Minister of Revenue for his merits, and later rose to the position of prime minister.

Gao Yi was also one of the five regents left to her by the late emperor.

However, after the late emperor's death, Gao Yi's lust for power grew to an extreme degree. He formed factions in the court and helped the Empress Dowager to check her.

The first thing she did after regaining power was to dismiss Gao Yi from all his official posts. Considering his past achievements, she demoted him to Marquis of Anning and allowed him to return to Fengzhou to retire.

Now, my mentor is actually suggesting that I reinstate Gao Yi as prime minister?

Zhao Luan glanced at Song Zhuo with a puzzled look. "I would like to know why my mentor made this suggestion."

Does he think the court isn't chaotic enough and wants to add fuel to the fire?

"I will not reveal the reason; Your Majesty must figure it out yourself."

Song Zhuo shook his head and smiled, "Your Majesty, I only ask what Your Majesty thinks of Gao Yi's abilities?"

Zhao Luan pondered for a moment before replying, "Gao Yi began managing logistics and supplies during the later stages of Emperor Xiaowu's campaigns. In the past few years, with the court facing internal and external troubles, Gao Yi made outstanding contributions to stabilizing the court and transporting grain. His abilities are beyond doubt!"

Although she disliked Gao Yi, she acknowledged his abilities!

"That's right!"

Song Zhuo smiled and said, "The war to destroy Yan is no small matter! It may even involve a war with Bei Qi! Right now, the court needs capable officials like Gao Yi!"

Although Qin Fumeng and Xue Chengdao are skilled in battle, they would probably be in a real bind if they were put in charge of logistics and supplies.

Moreover, if a fight really breaks out, they don't have the energy to deal with so many things.

Zhao Luan lowered her eyes.

He admitted that Song Zhuo's words made some sense.

But she still refused to reinstate Gao Yi.

Her principle is: once unfaithful, never to be used again!

Zhao Luan remained silent, quietly analyzing the pros and cons of re-employing Gao Yi.

Gao Yi was a prime minister!

Gao Yi had many disciples and former officials, and the Gao family also had many capable people.

These people can fill vacancies in the official ranks.

Now that Gao Yi has been reinstated, we will have to find a way to regain her approval!

Therefore, Gao Yi will definitely work even harder on the phase!

However, the drawbacks of high-quality relics are also obvious.

Gao Yi was overly power-hungry and very domineering in many matters.

Once Gao Yi regains power, it is estimated that he will soon begin to form factions in the court!

At that time...

Ok?

As she pondered, Zhao Luan suddenly had a thought.

Forming a faction?

Zhao Luan seemed to have grasped the key to the problem and continued to ponder it.

After a long while, a look of understanding appeared in Zhao Luan's eyes.

Zhao Luan raised her eyes, looking at Song Zhuo with a complicated expression: "Did my mentor recommend Gao Yi to balance the power in the court?"

Now, the Empress Dowager has completely relinquished power.

If my mentor were to resign from his post again, the power balance in the court would be somewhat disrupted.

"That's one thing!"

Song Zhuo nodded with a smile, "The imperial court is not the court of one person or one party. Regardless of whether His Majesty trusts these officials or not, a balance must be maintained! His Majesty has a long road ahead of him. Even though we old fellows are deeply trusted by His Majesty, we will eventually grow old one day..."

"So, my mentor sent me to practice on Gao Yi, so that even after you are all gone, I can still control the court?"

Zhao Luan understood Song Zhuo's intention, but her eyes began to redden.

This isn't him submitting his resignation!

He was clearly making arrangements for his death!

"right!"

Song Zhuo nodded and smiled, "Furthermore, I have recently discovered that the court is facing a very serious problem!"

"What's the problem?"

Zhao Luan composed herself and asked with a puzzled expression.

Song Zhuo sighed softly and said with a wry smile, "I'm afraid the imperial court's funds are running out..."