"I will consider the issue of the Polish Duchy thoughtfully!"
Emperor Franz Joseph suppressed the anger in his heart and responded to Empress Dowager Sophie in as neutral a tone as possible.
"As long as you know what to do!" Empress Dowager Sophie nodded in satisfaction. She had not yet realized that her son had become the most exalted being of the Empire, and even as his biological mother, she should not speak to Franz Joseph in such a lecturing tone.
Were it not for Franz Joseph's sufficient filial piety, Empress Dowager Sophie would have long faced the censure of the Habsburg Court.
[PS: Franz Joseph had already shown enough tolerance towards his mother, Empress Dowager Sophie, and his wife, Princess Sisi. However, his tolerance seemed particularly powerless when facing conflicts between his mother and wife.]
"Mother! If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave!" Franz Joseph said, bowing to Empress Dowager Sophie.
