Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 482: Trust (Part 3)
After more than two months of recuperation, Prime Minister Wang finally "recovered" and returned to court.
"This old minister greets Your Majesty." Prime Minister Wang stood in front of the Dragon Couch with a face full of guilt, cupped his hands in salute: "Your Majesty, being ill yourself, still worried about this old minister’s health, which makes this old minister truly ashamed."
Emperor Taihe, unable to leave the couch, was helped to sit on the Dragon Couch, his voice carrying more strength: "Prime Minister Wang, you may dispense with the formalities. Someone, bring him a seat."
Eunuch Ge and another eunuch brought over a chair. After some polite refusal, Prime Minister Wang sat down.
Emperor Taihe, having been ill, had lost much of his original sharpness, and spoke increasingly with gentleness and calm: "The matters of the past need not be mentioned. Speaking of now, court affairs are complex and governmental duties pile up. With me being ill, I cannot manage the heavy tasks, so the burden falls on you, Prime Minister."
Prime Minister Wang naturally expressed his loyalty as a minister. Cliché speeches and insincere words made people weary, no need to detail them.
The monarch and his minister feigned a show of cooperation and soon began discussing official business.
After reviewing Minister Zhou’s memorial from the Ministry of Industry, Prime Minister Wang’s expression became grave: "This matter must be quickly brought to court discussion to reach a decision."
Emperor Taihe nodded: "I have already issued a verbal order, and the Six Ministers and Vice Ministers will soon enter Zhaohai Palace. I am unable to go to the main hall, so let the ministers come to my chamber."
Prime Minister Wang frowned, disapprovingly: "Your Majesty is unwell and should rest quietly, not worry about state affairs. Moreover, with Your Majesty’s current frail condition, it’s inadvisable to let the ministers see. It might undermine your imperial authority. If Your Majesty trusts this old minister, then entrust this matter to me. Once a decision is made, I shall report back to Your Majesty."
When Emperor Taikang was gravely ill, he entrusted all state affairs to Prime Minister Wang. This way, he was neither burdened nor did the ministers witness the Emperor’s weakened state, preserving the Emperor’s dignity.
But in such a manner, Prime Minister Wang held all the power in his hands. Once power is relinquished, reclaiming it becomes exceedingly difficult.
Emperor Taihe weighed his options but struggled to make a decision, as Jiang Shaohua’s voice echoed beside him: "Prime Minister Wang makes a valid point, Your Majesty should not meet the ministers in your current state. It is better if Prime Minister Wang presides over the court session. I, the younger sister, will be your eyes and ears, to see and hear."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Taihe relaxed his brow and agreed with a nod.
Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly.
Prime Minister Wang glanced at Jiang Shaohua without expression, neither opposing her.
Nanyang County was the wealthiest and most prosperous among the vassal territories, and Jiang Shaohua, the Nanyang County Princess, was, in fact, the head among vassal kings. Two years ago, she broke court convention and stood in the court as a woman. She attended all the grand and small court meetings without exception. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
Now, having arrived, it was only right for her to attend the court session. He, as Prime Minister, had no position to oppose.
Thus, the decision was settled.
An hour later, the ministers entered the main hall of Zhaohai Palace.
The Dragon Throne was vacant. Prime Minister Wang faced the ministers to preside over the court meeting. The Nanyang County Princess stood beside Prime Minister Wang, also facing the ministers, giving a semblance of sharing the stage equally.
Minister Zhang had a subtle expression and instinctively glanced at Prime Minister Wang.
Duke An was still in self-reflection behind closed doors. Was the Nanyang County Princess aiming to replace Duke An, becoming the leader of the Grand Empress Dowager’s faction in court?
Prime Minister Wang remained calm and said in a deep voice: "Today’s court meeting is to discuss the repairs of the river embankment. Feel free to present any thoughts you have."
Minister Zhang calmed himself and was the first to speak: "Clearing the river and building the embankment is an paramount matter, and it must certainly be done."
The other ministers also expressed their agreement one by one. Only Minister Ji of the Ministry of Revenue had a deeply furrowed brow: "Last year, we rebuilt two hundred miles of river embankment, conscripted tens of thousands of civilians along the Yan River for labor, and spent millions in funds and resources. As a result, during the flood season, five sections of the embankment were washed away by floodwaters. Many fertile fields and villages were submerged, and nearly a thousand people perished in the floods."
"It’s not that I oppose the embankment repairs, but the money and resources must be spent wisely, and the embankments repaired must be truly effective."
This directly criticized the Ministry of Industry for being perfunctory in embankment repairs, leading to poor quality.
Minister Zhou of the Ministry of Industry’s face suddenly turned grim: "What does Minister Ji mean by this? Many of us in the Ministry of Industry, for the sake of river management and embankment construction, have been busy to the point of not being able to return home. The embankments being washed away by river floods is due to natural disasters. How can it be blamed on us not doing our utmost?"
Minister Ji, with his straightforward personality and fiery temper, immediately retorted expressionlessly: "Whether or not you’ve exerted yourselves, those in the Ministry of Industry know best. If Minister Zhou has a clear conscience, why be so incensed?"
Minister Zhou sneered: "The Ministry of Revenue oversees the National Treasury, Minister Ji is always shouting about an empty treasury. Exactly where does each year’s tax revenue go?"
Minister Ji replied coolly: "If you’re so capable, you should come and be the Minister of Revenue."
Arguments during court sessions were a common occurrence among the ministers. Prime Minister Wang showed no intent to stop them. Just as the familiar scene of blame-shifting and mutual accusations was about to unfold once more, an unexpected voice echoed in the hall.
"If arguments could solve problems, you could shout until nightfall without issue. Now, with time pressing, unnecessary nonsense should be spared."
Her words were sharp and blunt.
It was the Nanyang County Princess, Jiang Shaohua.
Minister Zhou was left speechless, and Minister Ji’s face also looked unpleasant. Zhaohai Palace fell into silence for a moment.
Jiang Shaohua looked towards Prime Minister Wang: "Prime Minister Wang, I recall that court meetings have their own set of rules. Everyone is allowed to speak, however, no one may interrupt while another is speaking. Why have court meetings become so unruly now?"
Wasn’t it because Duke An always opposed the others that court meetings in recent years turned into large-scale bickering scenes among ministers? You accuse me, and I won’t let you.
The truth being what it is, said so publicly by Jiang Shaohua implies a failing on the part of the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Wang had no choice but to cup his hands and apologize: "This old minister is incompetent."
Jiang Shaohua said indifferently: "I, the Commandery Princess, do not understand river management. Today I am here on behalf of the Emperor to listen and observe. Please, proceed."
The ministers did not look pleased. However, losing face is less of an issue when it’s shared equally among everyone.
The court meeting continued.
This time, one minister after another spoke, and no one interrupted. In fact, without Duke An present, there was no argument to be had.
Jiang Shaohua patiently listened and occasionally glanced at Wang She Ren, who was writing furiously: "Has Wang She Ren recorded everything? Later, it will be presented to the Emperor."
Wang Jin acknowledged with a sound and continued writing.
Prime Minister Wang slightly twitched the corner of his mouth.
Previously, there was no such practice in court meetings. It was Jiang Shaohua who advised the Emperor to have the secretary record everything, then present it before the imperial court. In this way, everyone had to be particularly cautious in their speech and stance, lest they inadvertently leave evidence of misconduct.
Jiang Shaohua’s meticulousness was truly unmatched.
What usually resulted in prolonged arguments without resolution during court sessions was conducted exceptionally smoothly today. Within less than an hour, the preliminary plan for the embankment repairs was concluded.
After remaining silent for a long time, Jiang Shaohua spoke again: "There is still time, so let’s also discuss the urgent piled-up governmental affairs!"
