Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 504: Methods (Part 1)

Vice Minister Wang had his jaw dislocated! He can no longer speak recklessly!

Jiang Yi was dumbfounded, his mouth subconsciously gaping wide.

Can things really be done this way?

Deliberately provoking, inciting Vice Minister Wang to speak insolently, and then capturing him on the charge of disrespecting the Emperor. The entire sequence of actions was incredibly smooth. It was as if a pit had been dug in advance, and Vice Minister Wang cooperated nicely by jumping right in... This method is truly impressive.

"Commandery Princess, please calm your anger!" Vice Minister Ding finally snapped out of his shock, hastily stepping forward two steps, bowing to apologize on behalf of Vice Minister Wang: "Vice Minister Wang was impulsive today and misspoke. However, Vice Minister Wang was only focused on his duties and made no major mistakes. I ask the Commandery Princess to pardon him this once."

A dignified Assistant Minister, being taken to the Ministry of Justice would be utterly disgraceful.

Jiang Shaohua said indifferently: "Vice Minister Ding saw everything that happened today. I, the Commandery Princess, wanted to see the military registers and records, but Vice Minister Wang evaded at every turn, claiming ignorance, speaking disrespectfully towards the Emperor and Grand Empress Dowager. I don’t mind suffering some grievances, but I cannot allow anyone to offend the royal dignity or be disrespectful to the Grand Empress Dowager."

"Vice Minister Ding, there’s no need to say more. Vice Minister Wang must make a trip to the Ministry of Justice and await the Emperor’s disposition."

After speaking, she waved her hand.

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao, among other trusted aides, immediately "escorted" Vice Minister Wang out.

Vice Minister Wang’s eyes were about to burst, his face flushed red. Unfortunately, with his jaw dislocated, he couldn’t speak, and his arms were tightly restrained. Only his legs could move, so he struggled to stop his steps.

Qin Hu, somewhat impatient, simply struck with a palm, knocking Vice Minister Wang unconscious. Then, he and Meng Sanbao easily "supported" Vice Minister Wang and left.

Vice Minister Ding was so anxious that beads of sweat appeared on his forehead: "Commandery Princess..."

Jiang Shaohua looked over: "Vice Minister Ding, I ask you, why has the military funding for the border army not decreased this year but increased instead?"

Vice Minister Ding, managing the records, dared not claim ignorance. After a brief hesitation, he answered in a low voice: "The Left General was questioned, and the border army was handed over to General Fan. Minister Zheng specifically allocated ten percent more military funds so that General Fan could fully pay the soldiers, thereby reducing some resistance in the army."

As expected, this was the idea of Duke An.

No one knew if the military pay was fully issued to the border army. Instead, General Fan could gain a significant amount upon taking office. This favor is significant.

Jiang Shaohua mockingly tugged at the corner of her mouth: "I’ve heard that Duke An’s Mansion and the Fan Family are discussing a marriage alliance. Minister Zheng is indeed very generous."

Vice Minister Ding pretended not to hear the sarcasm, continued to stand respectfully, waiting for the Commandery Princess’s inquiries.

Jiang Shaohua continued to flip through the records, asking from time to time: "This year, only half of the military pay for the stationed troops has been issued?"

"Yes."

"How much of this half do you think actually reaches the soldiers’ hands?"

Vice Minister Ding, being a clever person, answered in a low voice: "Each main general has different temperaments and styles. From what I see, probably thirty to forty percent reaches them. After all, there’s the precedent of the Pingzhou rebel army, so they can’t embezzle too much."

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Vice Minister Ding.

Nanyang Prince Mansion and the courtiers also chose their associates selectively. The Six Ministers each have their own factions, and their positions are too high to easily befriend. Those with too low positions are of no use. Therefore, the focus of Nanyang Prince Mansion’s connections is on officials between the fifth and third ranks.

For example, Vice Minister Dong of the Ministry of Rites holds the highest position among them. According to court traditions, when Minister Li retires, Vice Minister Dong, as the Vice Minister, would be the best candidate to succeed as Minister of Rites.

Vice Minister Yang from the Ministry of Justice is slightly weaker, being the third in command of the Ministry of Justice. However, he can be quite useful in critical moments.

As for the current Vice Minister Ding, whether low-key or cautious, has always kept his interactions with Nanyang Prince Mansion well-hidden, known to very few. This also means that Vice Minister Ding rarely speaks for Nanyang Prince Mansion in public.

It can also be said that Vice Minister Ding is like a fence-sitter, swaying with the wind. If it doesn’t harm his interests, he might help Nanyang Prince Mansion. But in times of trouble, he might not be reliable.

Vice Minister Ding was secretly amazed too.

A teenage girl, exuding such authority, a single glance suppressed everyone from daring to lift their heads. If she were a man, she could easily stir up the court and command the political scene. It’s fortunate she’s a woman; otherwise, how could the Emperor rest easy in recuperation!

...

It wasn’t even an hour before Vice Minister Yang from the Ministry of Justice personally came over.

"Commandery Princess," Vice Minister Yang clasped his hands in salute: "Vice Minister Wang’s disrespectful words offending the Emperor have been formally filed. However, there’s a court convention, officials above the third rank, their crimes do not enter the Ministry of Justice, they need the Emperor’s personal judgment."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "It’s enough for you to file the case. I will report this matter to the Emperor in the palace, and the Emperor will handle it. Remember to choose a clean cell for Vice Minister Wang, and make sure his food and clothing are well taken care of."

The Commandery Princess is using this to establish authority over Vice Minister Wang, rectify the atmosphere in the Ministry of War, and also vent on Minister Zheng’s behalf. The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng would surely be pleased to know. Thus, it achieves multiple goals!

Vice Minister Yang understood and agreed, then reported: "There is one more matter, the eight corpses brought into the Ministry of Justice last night all have old, mottled blade scars on their faces, making their appearances unrecognizable."

These are real death warriors. Regardless of whether the assassination succeeds, they must die as soon as they reveal themselves.

Jiang Shaohua murmured in acknowledgment, and whether intentionally or not, glanced at Jiang Yi: "If the assassins’ appearances cannot be recognized, then start by examining their attire and weapons carefully."

Jiang Yi, having transcribed for half a day, had a sore wrist and was currently rubbing it while resting. Suddenly hearing Jiang Shaohua ask him: "Cousin Yi, in your opinion, in the Capital City, how many people have the capability to raise so many death warriors and assassins and deploy them outside the Ministry of Industry without a trace?"

Jiang Yi looked innocent: "This is not easy to say. Shao Hua Cousin, please don’t make it hard for me."

If I say there are many, there aren’t that many; if I say few, I can still list a few. Speaking out would mean offending people seriously.

Jiang Shaohua fixed her gaze on Jiang Yi: "The Wang Family and the Zheng Family need not be mentioned, they both have such capabilities. Some of the Military Generals’ Mansions can pick out a few families too. As for the Imperial Family, you know them much better than I do."

Jiang Yi was cornered and had to respond: "In the Imperial Family, there are a total of five with the rank of Vassal King. Prince Dongping, Prince Huaiyang, Prince Wu’an, Nanyang Prince Mansion, and then there is Gao Liang Prince Mansion."

Jiang Shaohua said with a half-smile: "Surely, I wouldn’t assassinate myself, so the Nanyang Prince Mansion can be excluded. That leaves four families."

Jiang Yi immediately said: "Shao Hua Cousin is joking. You can’t write ’Jiang’ twice with one stroke, how could family members stab their own in the back."

Jiang Shaohua tugged at the corners of her mouth and turned to Vice Minister Yang: "I was just speaking casually. Vice Minister Yang should investigate normally, no need to particularly probe into the Imperial Clan Court and the Vassal Kings."

Vice Minister Yang respectfully acknowledged.

Jiang Yi: "..."