Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 501: Aftermath (Part 2)
Zheng Chen’s thoughts were a mystery to all.
The Heir of Prince Gaoliang, Jiang Yi, eagerly approached Jiang Shaohua with a smile and said, "Shao Hua Cousin, I’ve never been to the Ministry of War before. Today, I must go with you to broaden my horizons. I’ll also learn how you speak and act, flaunt a bit, and impress those arrogant old ministers."
Jiang Yi was indeed witty and humorous, and his words made everyone laugh.
Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly and said to Jiang Yi, "If you’re interested in the affairs of the Ministry of War, you can accompany me there every day for the next few days. Just don’t complain about the hard work then."
Jiang Yi nodded with a smile in agreement.
"Your Majesty, the ministers from the six ministries have already arrived at Zhaohai Palace. When shall the morning meeting begin?"
Emperor Taihe glanced at Jiang Shaohua, who nodded, indicating she was energetic and unfazed. Only then did Emperor Taihe instruct, "We can begin now. Relay my edict: Today, Nanyang County Princess will attend the court meeting on my behalf."
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
Jiang Shaohua entered the main hall with composure.
Jiang Shaohua’s complexion was rosy, and she appeared calm and unhurried. In contrast, Prime Minister Wang, who hadn’t slept well the night before, looked more like the one who encountered an assassin. Minister Zhou from the Ministry of Industry also looked worried, with dark shadows under his eyes, showing he hadn’t slept well either. The Assistant Ministers from the Ministry of Justice appeared particularly solemn. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
The assassins had all been killed, eight bodies with varied deaths were in the Ministry of Justice, and they needed to uncover their identities and origins to capture the mastermind. Such a case was unprecedented for the Ministry of Justice.
"Your Grace, we pay our respects!"
The ministers had mixed feelings and various expressions, but when they saluted Jiang Shaohua, there was more respect than usual.
With formidable skills and unflinching in the face of an assassination attempt, she attended the court meeting as usual the next day. Such magnanimity and composure are truly admirable.
Jiang Shaohua spoke lightly, "You may rise without ceremony."
"Last night, I heard the dreadful news of the Commandery Princess’s assassination attempt, and I was furious and restless the whole night!" Prime Minister Wang said indignantly, taking the lead, "For safety’s sake, I request the Commandery Princess to suspend her inspections of the six ministries."
Other ministers echoed in agreement.
Jiang Shaohua glanced over the faces of the ministers, whose hearts did not match their words, and said, "I act openly and fear no small threats. I have noted your concerns, but the inspections of the six ministries cannot and will not stop. This afternoon, I will visit the Ministry of War."
The ministers were taken aback. Especially Deputy Ministers Wang and Ding from the Ministry of War, who were particularly astonished and wanted to speak, but Jiang Shaohua no longer wished to discuss the topic elaborately: "For today’s morning meeting, let’s begin with the important state affairs!"
Prime Minister Wang said no more and started the morning meeting.
...
With numerous state affairs, the morning meeting lasted half a day. The Imperial Kitchen sent lunch, which the ministers ate before returning to their offices.
The Minister of War was self-reflecting at home, making Vice Ministers Wang and Ding the highest-ranking officials in the Ministry of War.
Vice Minister Wang was the Vice Minister, formerly a confidant heavily supported by Duke An, holding more power and prestige in the Ministry of War than Vice Minister Ding. Vice Minister Ding, in his fifties, was six or seven years older than Vice Minister Wang. He was gentle-natured, with little ambition, and the two maintained a relatively harmonious relationship, naturally deferring to Vice Minister Wang.
"That ’calamity star’ will come to the Ministry of War; she will surely stir up trouble. You and I must be cautious today," said Vice Minister Wang with a frown, referring to Nanyang County Princess Jiang Shaohua as the "calamity star."
Vice Minister Ding softly reminded, "The Commandery Princess inspects the six ministries on behalf of the Emperor, not a ’calamity star.’
Vice Minister Wang snorted disdainfully, "A woman who cannot stay in her place, meddling in court affairs every day, a hen crowing at dawn. If not for her being a daughter of the Jiang Family, she would become another Grand Empress Dowager in the future."
Vice Minister Ding coughed forcefully, quickly lifting the carriage curtain for a look: "The Commandery Princess and the Princely Heir of Prince Gaoliang are already riding over, Vice Minister Wang, stop talking. If these words reach the ears of the Commandery Princess, it would be disastrous."
Don’t be fooled by Vice Minister Wang’s bravado; deep down, he felt quite intimidated by the formidable Nanyang County Princess. He immediately fell silent after hearing this.
Vice Minister Ding secretly found it amusing.
Several key court officials privately maintained good relations with the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Evident were Vice Minister Dong from the Ministry of Rites and Vice Minister Yang from the Ministry of Justice; as for him, he kept a lower profile, occasionally helping discreetly and sending a favor here and there.
Even Vice Minister Wang was unaware of these. He even hoped to enlist him to deal with the Nanyang County Princess together!
The sounds of hooves clattered as the Commandery Princess’s steed reached the side of the carriage.
Inside the carriage, Vice Minister Ding saluted to the Commandery Princess. High on her steed, Jiang Shaohua nodded and smiled to Vice Minister Ding, exchanging a glance of mutual understanding.
Vice Minister Wang failed to notice and kept calculating how to handle the Commandery Princess’s challenges.
The Ministry of War office was next to the Ministry of Industry. Last night’s bloody assassination attempt had left no trace, and the bright sun had evaporated all the bloodstains.
As Jiang Yi rode past, his gaze paused at a certain spot in the air.
That very spot was where the assassins lay in ambush last night.
"Cousin Yi seems quite familiar with this place." Jiang Shaohua’s voice sounded beside his ear, "The assassins lay in ambush there last night."
Jiang Yi withdrew his gaze and said to Jiang Shaohua, "I glanced randomly, but unexpectedly spotted the ambush site. It seems I have good fortune."
Jiang Shaohua’s eyes flickered, and she smiled at Jiang Yi, "Cousin Yi, your sharp eyes seem to have hidden your true capability."
Jiang Yi cheerfully responded, "Since childhood, I’ve been lazy and fond of play, mediocre in both civil and martial arts. My only strength is good luck. From the moment of birth, I was the heir to the Gaoliang Prince Mansion. Doing nothing, I have a vast family estate and a life of wealth and ease ahead of me. I have no need to hide my strengths."
"If Cousin were a man, with such ability, you would undoubtedly be remarkably talented and stylish. Even as a woman, I, your cousin, pale in comparison and can only admire."
Jiang Shaohua smirked subtly, speaking with a double entendre, "My abilities are all plainly visible for anyone to see. Cousin Yi, your mind and abilities are deeply hidden; others just aren’t aware."
Jiang Yi sighed, "With Cousin praising me like this, why do I not feel happy but rather uneasy."
Jiang Shaohua replied, "Only those with a guilty conscience overthink things. Cousin Yi, where does your unease stem from? Could it be you know the origin of last night’s assassins?"
Jiang Yi smiled bitterly, "Cousin, please don’t jest. I live in the palace, occasionally stepping out once a month to visit the Gaoliang Prince Mansion. You know what my father is like. Our father and son duo lead a low-key life. How could I know anything about the origins of the assassins?"
Jiang Shaohua turned her head, their gazes meeting in the air.
