Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 502: Aftermath (Part 3)
Jiang Yi suddenly laughed again, "Why are you looking at me like that, Cousin? Surely you’re not suspecting me, are you! If you say such things, the whole court would take it as a joke."
Prince Gaoliang, having had his brain damaged when young, hasn’t even visited his vassal territory in years, staying in the Capital City instead. He holds the nominal position of Minister of Rites, but it’s really just a title. The Heir of Prince Gaoliang, Jiang Yi, is known for his playful idleness, growing up in the palace, always near the Emperor, yet has never accomplished anything.
"I was just joking earlier, no need to be nervous, Cousin Yi." Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "What we do is watched by the Heavens. As long as one’s conduct is upright, there’s nothing to fear."
Jiang Yi sighed with relief, grinning, "You’re right, Cousin. I, Jiang Yi, may not have many strengths, but I still possess the virtues of earnestness and sincerity."
Jiang Shaohua smiled and continued to ride forward.
At this moment, the two Vice Ministers of the Ministry of War had gotten off the carriage, standing outside the Ministry of War office to welcome them.
Jiang Shaohua shifted from the affable demeanor she had when visiting the Ministry of Rites and the gentle approach at the Ministry of Industry, assuming the stance of a Commandery Princess on an outing. She dismounted only after the two Vice Ministers had paid their respects: "Vice Minister Wang and Vice Minister Ding, please rise."
Heir of Prince Gaoliang, Jiang Yi, promptly dismounted his horse. Behind them were dozens of trusted aides, along with two hundred Imperial Guards from the palace accompanying them. Each Imperial Guard was clad in soft armor and wielded weapons, exuding an air of severe austerity under the bright daylight.
With so many people, it was inconvenient for all to enter the Ministry of War. At Jiang Shaohua’s command, the Imperial Guards remained stationed outside the office of the Ministry of War, while dozens of trusted aides followed her inside.
Vice Minister Wang tidied up his inner reluctance and braced himself, saying, "Our Ministry of War office is divided into four departments: the Military Selection Department, the Geographical Department, the Chajia Bureau, and the Military Arsenal Department. Each department has a doctor and an Extraordinary Minister, as well as a Chief. The entire Ministry of War office has a total of forty-nine graded officials."
The officials of the Ministry of War arranged themselves in order according to their ranks and collectively cupped their hands in salute.
These officials, unqualified to attend small court meetings, have all participated in grand court meetings. They have, to varying degrees, witnessed Jiang Shaohua’s imposing presence and heard of her formidable reputation. To continue the inspection today after encountering an assassin last night demonstrated a bravery and audacity worthy of admiration. Therefore, the officials were very respectful when they saluted.
Jiang Shaohua, accustomed to such spectacles, casually said, "Please rise and dispense with formalities, everyone."
"We thank the Commandery Princess for her grace," the officials responded in unison, acknowledging her kindness, and then rose.
In the bright light cast by the Nanyang County Princess, the presence of Jiang Yi, the Heir of Prince Gaoliang, was naturally overshadowed.
It wasn’t surprising that the officials neglected him. Jiang Yi held no official rank, dealing mainly with the duties of a secretary. Following behind the Nanyang County Princess today, he was clearly just tagging along.
What Jiang Yi was thinking was unknown to anyone. Maintaining his harmless smile, he followed Jiang Shaohua, first going to inspect the Military Selection Department.
Among the four departments of the Ministry of War, the Military Selection Department is responsible for the selection, promotion, transfer, succession, and rewards of soldiers. It can be said to be the most important department in the Ministry of War. Duke An spent years managing it, focusing his efforts primarily here. Unfortunately, Vice Minister Wang launched a surprise attack, striking at the heart. An Extraordinary Minister within the Military Selection Department also submitted a memorial denouncing Duke An’s corrupt practice of selling offices.
From this, one can see the immense influence of Prime Minister Wang, with his cronies spread across the Six Ministries.
Jiang Shaohua glanced at the Extraordinary Minister without revealing any emotion, then said, "I want to see the military register of the Military Selection Department."
Cao Yuanwailang was taken aback, instinctively looking toward Vice Minister Wang. Vice Minister Wang indeed frowned, "Commandery Princess, Da Liang has dozens of military units with 400,000 soldiers. The military register comprises over a hundred books, taking up half a storage room. Which specific military register does the Commandery Princess wish to see?"
Jiang Shaohua replied casually, "I want to see the military register of the border army."
"The border army has 100,000 men, with a register for every 5,000, totaling twenty volumes. This is too much..."
"If the Ministry of War lacks the manpower, my trusted aides can help," Jiang Shaohua raised her brow, unceremoniously, "Whether it can be finished or not is my concern. There’s no need for Vice Minister Wang to worry."
Holding back his frustration, Vice Minister Wang received the order with an unpleasant expression, instructing people with a stern face. Cao Yuanwailang promptly led people to find the registers. The speed was indeed fast, within a stick of incense’s time, the border army’s military registers were brought over.
Each register was quite bulky, with twenty volumes stacked on the table, reaching a height of two feet.
Jiang Shaohua remained silent while Vice Minister Wang couldn’t leave, standing by to watch as the Commandery Princess slowly picked one up and began to read.
"Cousin Yi, take notes," Jiang Shaohua instructed without lifting her head.
Jiang Yi, having previously served as a notetaker in the palace, was prepared and, after taking out paper and pen, sat to the side. As for the contents of the records, from that moment, whatever Jiang Shaohua and Vice Minister Wang said had to be recorded word for word. After returning to the palace, it would be presented to the Emperor.
Vice Minister Wang had already experienced the impact of this tactic in the past few days of small court meetings, feeling frustrated but having no retort.
Jiang Shaohua did the same at the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Industry; one couldn’t say it was intentionally targeting the Ministry of War... In reality, it was a deliberate challenge.
At the Ministry of Rites, it was merely a casual glance; at the Ministry of Industry, there was no difficulty posed to Minister Zhou and others. Once at the Ministry of War, she directly attacked him.
As expected, Jiang Shaohua soon began inquiring, "Vice Minister Wang, this military register looks rather outdated; how many years ago is it from?"
Vice Minister Wang’s heart sank slightly, "In response to the Commandery Princess, this is the military register from three years ago." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦
Jiang Shaohua looked up, her gaze sharp, "This year, the Rouran Cavalry invaded en masse, and the border army suffered heavy casualties. Why doesn’t the register reflect any reduction in numbers?"
Sweat subtly formed on Vice Minister Wang’s forehead as he cupped his hands and replied, "Updating the military register is quite tedious. After the border army’s defeat, they did submit a list of the battle losses. Due to the Ministry of War’s recent busyness, the register hasn’t been updated yet."
Jiang Shaohua asked calmly, "So was this year’s budget for the border army allocated based on the previous military register?"
Sweat began to form on Vice Minister Wang’s back as well. He forced himself to maintain composure, meeting her gaze directly to show sincerity, "This year’s border army budget was allocated three months ago by Minister Zheng himself. I’m not aware of the specifics. If the Commandery Princess wants detailed information, she could inquire further at the Zheng Mansion."
"There’s no need for such trouble," Jiang Shaohua replied coldly, "Bring out the Ministry of War’s financial records, I wish to have a look."
"By the way, I’ve heard most offices maintain two sets of accounts, one genuine and the other for outsiders. Does the Ministry of War also keep two sets of accounts?"
Vice Minister Wang’s face turned red, whether out of anger or guilt was unclear, "The Commandery Princess jokes. Our Ministry of War wouldn’t engage in such deception, there’s no such thing as two sets of accounts."
Jiang Shaohua responded with an "oh," "It seems Vice Minister Wang is only willing to show me the false accounts. Very well, I’ll consider it an eye-opener."
Vice Minister Wang: "..."
