Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 492: Inspection (Part 1)
Li Boyuan was still uneasy, not feeling reassured. However, to speak at this point, with the Emperor holding the Commandery Princess in such high regard, anything more he said would seem like attempting to sow discord.
Li Boyuan had no choice but to change the subject and engage the Emperor in casual conversation.
"Your Majesty, the Commandery Princess has returned to the palace."
Before Emperor Taihe could respond, Li Boyuan suddenly stood up: "I shall go to meet the Commandery Princess on behalf of His Majesty."
Emperor Taihe chuckled and nodded. Watching Li Boyuan’s hurried departure, he thought that Shao Hua’s cousin had perceived it perfectly. Inspecting the Six Ministries would not only keep the ministers in line but would also prove useful for several housekeepers around him.
Li Boyuan quickly approached the exterior of Zhaohai Palace. At this time, the sky was dotted with stars, and the palace lanterns hanging under the eaves swayed in the night breeze, creating a beautiful harmony. A beautiful young lady dressed in the Commandery Princess’s usual attire came slowly, like a bright moon illuminating everything before her.
Even though he and his fiancée were deeply in love, encountering such stunning beauty at this moment was still a captivating sight.
"I respectfully welcome the Commandery Princess." Li Boyuan bowed his hands in salute.
Jiang Shaohua smiled knowingly and stepped forward: "I spent most of the day today at the Ministry of Rites and got along well with Minister Li. Tomorrow and the day after, I plan to continue visiting the Ministry of Rites to see how the affairs are being managed within."
Li Boyuan’s smile had not fully spread before it froze: "Will the Commandery Princess return to the Ministry of Rites?"
Jiang Shaohua naturally nodded: "Of course, I must. I need to inspect the Six Ministries on behalf of the Emperor. The Ministry of Rites has over thirty officials, each with their own duties. How can half a day suffice? At least four or five days are needed."
Li Boyuan took a deep breath and spoke softly: "If there are any issues within the Ministry of Rites, please quietly tip me off. My grandfather is old, and being the Emperor’s maternal grandfather, any trouble would indeed be unsightly."
Jiang Shaohua smiled lightly: "Rest assured, I have my limits and will act with discretion."
Whether rest assured or not, it had to be so.
Jiang Shaohua entered the Emperor’s bedroom to report in detail to Emperor Taihe about today’s visit to the Ministry of Rites: "Minister Li always stayed beside me today, and I only had time to walk around the Ministry of Rites government office without looking closely. Tomorrow, I will go again."
Emperor Taihe acknowledged with a sound, diplomatically hinting: "That is my maternal grandfather; if there are issues, do let me know privately."
One must leave some face for Minister Li.
Jiang Shaohua agreed with a smile.
The next day after the small court meeting, Jiang Shaohua again accompanied Minister Li to the Ministry of Rites.
Last night, the officials of the Ministry of Rites stayed up late working overtime, inspecting their own tasks, tidying up when needed, and swiftly fabricating information where necessary.
When the Commandery Princess visited again today, the officials in the Ministry of Rites were much more composed, greeting her with bows: "Greetings to the Commandery Princess."
Jiang Shaohua smiled warmly: "I am merely wandering around; you all continue with your tasks, and there’s no need to particularly attend to me."
The officials dared not move, all looking at Minister Li.
Minister Li nodded to signal, and only then did the officials disperse to their respective signature rooms, in a hurry, presenting themselves as truly busy officials.
Jiang Shaohua spoke to Minister Li: "No need to accompany me, Minister Li; I can wander around by myself."
Minister Li could not feel at ease, his gaze sweeping to vice Minister Dong’s face.
Vice Minister Dong was the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, viewed as the indisputable choice for the next Minister of Rites, naturally loyal to the Ministry. Considering his good relationship with the Commandery Princess and his frequent speeches for her in court, it was only out of respect for Dong that Jiang could not afford to be too demanding.
Vice Minister Dong understood and offered to accompany her.
Jiang Shaohua smiled imperceptibly.
So, how could someone who has mingled in the officialdom for decades to reach the level of Minister be simple? Minister Li had a clear understanding in his heart.
"Where would the Commandery Princess like to start observing?" Vice Minister Dong inquired with a smile.
Jiang Shaohua responded casually: "More than twenty signature rooms, let’s visit them one by one."
She intended to inspect them all, even if superficially. Vice Minister Dong nodded and led the way, ensuring that before entering each room, he clearly stated the officials’ names, ages, birthplaces, imperial examination backgrounds, and even political leanings.
Jiang Shaohua listened and felt somewhat alarmed inside. The three characters for Prime Minister Faction, though spoken lightly, when solidified proved to be an enormous political force.
Logically speaking, the Ministry of Rites was Minister Li’s domain. Yet within it, those openly inclined towards Prime Minister Wang numbered six. This is counting only those in plain sight, how many more might there be hidden?
As for those inclined towards the Grand Empress Dowager, they were far fewer, only two.
Jiang Shaohua silently memorized the names.
...
For five consecutive days, Jiang Shaohua remained at the Ministry of Rites. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞
The officials of the Ministry of Rites were on edge the entire time.
Despite the renowned reputation of the Nanyang County Princess, even though she behaved amiably, the officials dared not slack off. Focused on their duties these days, they now regretted ever desiring leisure.
After observing coldly for a few days, Jiang Shaohua casually remarked: "Though they say government offices are busy, I find the Ministry of Rites to be just fine."
The implication was that the Ministry of Rites had bloated staffing, with those drawing salaries far exceeding those genuinely needed.
Vice Minister Dong quickly smiled and said: "The Ministry of Rites, unlike the other five departments, is busiest during the imperial examination season each year. Other times, duties are indeed a bit sparse."
"Next year the Emperor will complete his mourning period, and preparations are being made for selecting brides and a grand marriage. The Ministry of Rites is already getting started on this."
Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly: "I just casually remarked; no need to stress, Vice Minister Dong. Six Ministries all have their designated numbers of officials; the Ministry of Rites’ many positions imply the necessity of these posts."
Vice Minister Dong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
This relief came too early.
After returning to the palace, Jiang Shaohua spoke to Emperor Taihe: "The Ministry of Rites has many idle positions and personnel, as per my observation, staffing could be reduced by thirty percent."
Emperor Taihe furrowed his brows, speaking somewhat troubled wistfully: "Today my mother specifically came to see me, spending half a day casually speaking. Her words implied I should be lenient with the Ministry of Rites, at least not starting with it."
Minister Li was the father of Empress Dowager Li, and Emperor Taihe’s legitimate maternal grandfather.
With Empress Dowager Li intentionally interceding, Emperor Taihe could not ignore it.
Jiang Shaohua understandingly nodded: "Empress Dowager speaks up, His Majesty has to leave some dignity for Minister Li. I am merely suggesting, as long as the Emperor knows in his heart."
Emperor Taihe exhaled a breath, smilingly said: "Cousin, working hard these few days easing my worries, it has all been noted in my heart."
Jiang Shaohua smiled: "I’ve already said, His Majesty cannot conveniently leave the palace. I shall be His Majesty’s eyes and ears to observe and listen. The decision is in Your Majesty’s hands; I follow the Emperor’s."
But inwardly sighed quietly.
No wonder Emperor Taihe has struggled to control the ministers. Hesitant and easily swayed, unable to stand firm, he lacks both decisive measures and the courage to cut through the tangled issues swiftly.
