Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 493: Inspection (Part 2)

Jiang Shaohua returned to Jingyang Palace, still needing to deal with the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

The harem was the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s domain, nothing could escape her notice. Who Jiang Shaohua met with in the afternoon and what was discussed were all known to the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng. Yet, she still had to wait for Jiang Shaohua to return to the palace and ask her again.

Jiang Shaohua pretended not to know and elaborated meticulously. When it came to Empress Dowager Li pleading for Minister Li and Emperor Taihe’s soft-heartedness, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng coldly snorted: "Minister Li has a filial daughter and a considerate grandson. The Ministry of Rites draws salaries every day but does nothing."

How sharp-tongued these words were. Although the Ministry of Rites is leisurely, it’s not to the extent of doing nothing.

Jiang Shaohua did not argue with the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and followed the conversation: "I merely report what I see and hear to the Emperor, how to decide still depends on the Emperor’s intentions."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng snorted again: "The Emperor is young, easily influenced and deceived. Necessary reminders must still be delivered."

The death of Eunuch Lan and Eunuch Xiao Yuan, rumors circulated within Jingyang Palace, pointing directly at the Li Family. The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng deeply resented the Li Family, eager to find an excuse to reprimand Minister Li.

Jiang Shaohua was prepared, softly whispering: "The Li Family, for their disrespect to Aunt, will inevitably face punishment sooner or later. However, right now the Emperor’s health is paramount, we cannot afford to provoke him any further. Aunt, too, should exercise forbearance, it’s not too late to act after the Emperor regains his health."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng resentfully said: "If not for the Emperor, I wouldn’t have endured for so long."

With kind words and persuasion, Jiang Shaohua finally managed to appease the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng continued: "Setting the Ministry of Rites aside, tomorrow you go inspect the Ministry of Industry without reservation. That Minister Zhou, breathing in sympathy with Prime Minister Wang, repairs the riverbanks yearly. Large sums of money and resources are spent, yet parts of the riverbanks collapse annually. Go and thoroughly examine the Ministry of Industry. I will be your support."

Jiang Shaohua nodded in agreement.

She didn’t need the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s reminder, she too intended to scrutinize the Ministry of Industry.

...

"Commandery Princess, are you really going to the Ministry of Industry tomorrow?"

After returning to her chamber, Chen Jinyu softly inquired.

Jiang Shaohua gave a light hum of acknowledgment.

Chen Jinyu frowned, reminding her: "Your intentions are good, easing the Emperor’s burden. But don’t overdo it, being used as the Grand Empress Dowager’s blade."

Jiang Shaohua nonchalantly replied: "The Grand Empress Dowager values me because I am a sharp and reliable blade. The Emperor supports me because I assert my dominance to suppress the ministers. Deep down, I too wish to reform the complacency and shirking in the Da Liang Court."

"But in doing so, Commandery Princess, you offend people everywhere, making enemies and creating disadvantages for Nanyang County in the future." Chen Jinyu anxiously and quietly warned: "Commandery Princess should also cherish yourself."

Jiang Shaohua looked at Chen Jinyu: "Everyone cherishes themselves, reluctant to exert effort or take responsibility. That’s why Da Liang’s officialdom has decayed to such an extent."

"I decided to come to the Capital City to achieve something. Otherwise, I could have remained in Nanyang County forever, taking care of myself."

Chen Jinyu fell silent.

"Don’t worry, I know my limits." Jiang Shaohua slowed her tone: "In these short three months, what I can do is limited. The ministers’ silent forbearance and retreat are because they know I will return to Nanyang County in three months. They are not confronting me, hoping to endure this period. Even with significant abilities, I can’t rectify official administration in such a brief time."

"What I can do is trim some rotten branches and leaves, intimidating the ministers with diverse thoughts. Slightly improving the Da Liang officialdom’s atmosphere might allow the common people a brief respite."

Genuinely radical reforms would bring chaos and unpredictable consequences; now is not the time, nor is it her place as the Nanyang County Princess to try.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t say this last sentence, but Chen Jinyu understood.

After a moment of silence, Chen Jinyu sighed: "The Capital City is far inferior to our Nanyang County. In Nanyang County, everyone unites as one, following the Commandery Princess’s orders. United efforts form a strong bond. Here, however, everyone bears selfish desires; every day I accompany the Commandery Princess, witnessing the court heavyweights’ deceitful faces. Watching the Commandery Princess engage in courteous deception with them is truly wearying."

"So many people, so much time and energy, it’d be better spent governing the nation. Why must they compete endlessly, disregarding the populace, dismissing the court’s big picture, neglecting national stability! Da Liang’s court is disappointing."

Chen Jinyu grew more passionate, her pretty face flushed with anger. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Jiang Shaohua said coolly: "Perhaps, in their eyes, I am the one fighting for power and profit, by any means necessary!"

"It’s best not to speak of this. Complaining in private is fine, but don’t reveal even a hint in public."

Chen Jinyu nodded gloomily.

...

The following day, after the morning assembly, Jiang Shaohua brought up inspecting the Ministry of Industry once more.

With five days of buffer, coupled with the precedented innocuous inspection of the Ministry of Rites, Minister Zhou wasn’t as apprehensive, bowing: "This minister will lead the way for the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua smiled: "I’ll trouble Minister Zhou then."

At that moment, an unexpected voice spoke: "Is it wise for the Commandery Princess to inspect the Ministry of Industry alone? I dare to volunteer to accompany."

It was Zheng Chen.

Clearly, Zheng Chen’s accompanying to inspect the Ministry of Industry was the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s idea, approved by Emperor Taihe.

Jiang Shaohua calmly glanced at Zheng Chen: "Zheng Sheren wants to tag along; that’s fine, but once in the Ministry of Industry, follow my arrangements. No rash actions."

Zheng Chen bowed and accepted his orders.

Minister Zhou naturally understood the implications of Zheng Chen’s presence, feeling a sudden weight, casting a quick glance at Prime Minister Wang. Prime Minister Wang gave a barely noticeable shake of the head, so Minister Zhou swallowed back his retort.

The Six Ministries’ government offices are located alongside the Imperial Road outside the Imperial Palace. The Ministry of Industry happens to be directly across from the Ministry of Rites, with identical structures and gateways.

However, inside, it was vastly different.

The Ministry of Rites is elegant and serene, exuding the reserved demeanor of civil servants. The Ministry of Industry is spacious and open, with no excess plants or trees, boasting more than twice the number of officials compared to the Ministry of Rites. There were also many craftsmen who knelt in the distance to pay respects.

Minister Zhou explained: "Recently, the Ministry of Industry has been busy with riverbank repairs, summoning numerous craftsmen skilled in this area to draft plans. Inevitably, there are more people, all rough men unfamiliar with etiquette. The Commandery Princess’s noble self should not let them approach, lest they inadvertently offend."

Jiang Shaohua, however, smiled: "I am quite interested in the riverbank construction and wish to understand it thoroughly." Then she turned and instructed: "Zheng Sheren, select two craftsmen who are articulate."

Zheng Chen, regardless of his feelings, could not display them, swiftly obeying the command.