Song Zhiyuan accompanied Emperor Chu on a walk to Cining Palace, followed by a group of eunuchs, palace maids, and guards.
"Emperor, if you think there is something I have not done well, please speak directly. Don't put me on the spot like you did just now."
Emperor Chu, with his hands behind his back, was admiring the snowy scenery of the palace. Hearing this, he turned to look at the person one step behind him: "What do you mean by that?"
Song Zhiyuan said helplessly, "You invited me to accompany you for a meal at Cining Palace. As Prime Minister, even if just for appearances, shouldn't you have invited Prime Minister Fan as well?"
Emperor Chu paused and said, "That was to accompany my mother for a meal; you were invited because your esteemed Madam is also there. The Fan Family doesn't have anyone there, does inviting Prime Minister Fan mean he can eat freely?"
