Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 513: Favor

The next morning, Wang Jin saw his brother Wang Yi off as he left the Capital City.

In just one night, the Wang Family’s servants had prepared over a dozen carriages with luggage, complete with food, clothing, and daily necessities. A few beautiful maids accompanied them to ensure the eldest son of the Wang Family would not feel lonely on the journey.

In addition, the convoy included a hundred highly skilled house servants.

"The roads are not safe these days, so bring more people for safety," Wang Jin quietly advised his brother, "Be discreet on the road, and don’t reveal your true identity unless necessary." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

After a night’s rest, the marks on Wang Yi’s face had mostly faded, and the pain on his back from the beating had lessened considerably. Moreover, with the Prime Minister Wang not present, his tone became firm again: "Why shouldn’t I reveal my identity? I am not only the Inspector of Jiangnan but also the eldest son of Prime Minister Wang. Who would dare neglect me!"

Wang Jin swallowed a sigh, patiently explaining, "In the case of your embezzlement, the Emperor did not punish severely and only stripped you of your office. It was already a gesture of respect for our father and the Wang Family. If you flaunt yourself on the way back to your hometown, accepting valuable gifts under the banner of the Prime Minister’s son, people will target and impeach father for it."

"The political situation at court is complex these days, and father is in a difficult position. Brother, please restrain yourself!"

Wang Yi pursed his lips, reluctantly agreeing. Before departing, he did not forget to hand Wang Jin a bunch of silver notes, telling him to spend as he wished.

Wang Jin, unable to help but chuckle, tried to return the silver notes, but Wang Yi waved his hand dismissively: "Just keep them. I have been an Inspector in Jiangnan for over a decade and have amassed a solid fortune. Even if I have to give back some this year, what’s left will be enough for me to live leisurely for several lifetimes. If I don’t give it to you, should I leave it all to my incapable descendants!"

Wang Jin: "..."

Wang Yi had three sons and two grandsons. The grandsons were still young, so it was hard to tell how they would turn out. The three sons, however, were known for being all talk and no skills, only good at enjoying life’s pleasures.

Now that Wang Yi was returning to his hometown, the entire main branch of the family would follow. While they had no worries about their livelihood, their future careers and achievements were a concern. In the future, it would all rely on Wang Jin.

Therefore, Wang Yi was not foolish at all, only exceptionally perceptive and aware.

Wang Jin had no choice but to accept his brother’s goodwill, repeatedly urging Wang Yi to act low-key and not draw attention. Wang Yi impatiently agreed, and the carriages set off, leaving the Capital City.

Wang Jin stood in place for a long time, his mind a whirl of thoughts. Sometimes he thought of the illustrious yet burdensome position as Family Head of the Wang Family, sometimes of the weight of the future responsibilities, and occasionally the beautiful image of Jiang Shaohua’s faint smile flashed in his mind. Ultimately, it all transformed into a long sigh.

...

At this moment, the minor court meeting had concluded.

Officials gradually became accustomed to the high-efficiency minor court meetings, and once they ended, everyone hurried back to their respective government offices, preparing for the Commandery Princess to inspect at any time.

Prime Minister Wang purposefully stayed behind, cupping his hands in thanks to Jiang Shaohua: "Thank you, Commandery Princess, for your mediation in getting Wang Yi released from the Ministry of Justice Prison yesterday."

Jiang Shaohua smiled warmly and said, "Prime Minister Wang overestimates me. The Emperor had already intended to do so; I merely spoke a few words and cannot take credit."

Prime Minister Wang replied solemnly, "In any case, the favor from the Commandery Princess, this old minister will remember in his heart. In the future, should the Commandery Princess need assistance from this old minister, just ask."

One must acknowledge a favor when received and return it at a suitable opportunity later. As the distinguished Da Liang Chancellor, one must have such grace and openness.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, "Since Prime Minister Wang puts it that way, this Commandery Princess will be frank. There is indeed a matter I wish to discuss with the Prime Minister."

Prime Minister Wang assumed a postured position, ready to listen: "Please speak, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua said, "In Liaoxi County, Prefectural Governor Lu Cong, who has been acting governor for nearly a year, has worked diligently and achieved much, resulting in the stability of Pingzhou and its drastically improved population. I believe that Governor Lu should be officially appointed as Inspector. What is the Prime Minister’s opinion?"

Prime Minister Wang’s brow furrowed slightly as he looked at Jiang Shaohua: "To be frank, Commandery Princess, Governor Tan has been recovering from a leg injury in seclusion. His leg has healed well now, and he even visited this old minister a few days ago. I was about to report to the Emperor to have Governor Tan resume his post."

Jiang Shaohua remained unperturbed, smiling: "Governor Tan broke his leg on the way to his post, suggesting a bad omen with Pingzhou. The Jiangnan Inspector seat is vacant, so why not send Governor Tan there instead? Jiangnan is prosperous and far superior to Pingzhou. I’m sure Governor Tan would be pleased."

The Inspector of Jiangnan was originally Wang Yi. Wang Yi had been in the Ministry of Justice Prison for several months without a resolution, leaving the Jiangnan Inspector position vacant.

Jiangnan is indeed desirable. Numerous officials secretly eyed the position. Jiang Shaohua’s influence was predominantly in the North, with little sway in the southern officialdom, nor did he intend to meddle in the Jiangnan Official.

Governor Tan was Prime Minister Wang’s man, and exchanging Pingzhou for Jiangnan was bound to delight him. It allowed Prime Minister Wang to use Governor Tan to clean up the Jiangnan Official and settle a score for his incapable eldest son. Meanwhile, Jiang Shaohua sought to promote Lu Cong, firmly incorporating Pingzhou into his domain.

This arrangement satisfied everyone involved.

Prime Minister Wang could not oppose such a beneficial proposal, contemplating briefly before agreeing, "The Commandery Princess’s proposal is sound. This old minister will immediately see the Emperor and advocate for it."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "Thank you for the trouble, Prime Minister. I must inspect the Ministry of Justice, so I won’t accompany you to see the Emperor."

With those words, he cupped his hands and indicated his departure.

Resolute and straightforward without a trace of hesitation.

Prime Minister Wang watched Jiang Shaohua’s departing figure, secretly sighing. Such a young lady yet possessing the seasoned tactics of a top statesman.

The matter of Governor Tan visiting the Wang Family could not escape her notice. Following that, she deftly responded by releasing Wang Yi from the Ministry of Justice Prison, granting the Wang Family a timely favor, and subsequently extracting tangible benefits.

An avaricious person would inevitably covet the Jiangnan Inspector position. For instance, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng must be lamenting not having seized the opportunity to claim the post. Little did they realize, Jiang Shaohua’s approach was the most prudent and advantageous.

In official circles, unchecked greed is most taboo. However, how many can truly restrain their greed and balance their decisions wisely?

...

Two days later, the Emperor personally summoned Governor Tan, instructing him to go to Jiangnan to assume his post.

Governor Tan was moved to tears, repeatedly bowing to express gratitude for the Emperor’s grace.

Upon leaving the Imperial Palace, Governor Tan immediately visited the Wang Family to declare his loyalty to Prime Minister Wang, vowing to eradicate wickedness and restore peace to Jiangnan Official once he arrived.

On that very day, the Emperor also issued an edict. Liaoxi County Prefectural Governor Lu Cong, who had excelled in his governance of Pingzhou, was promoted to Pingzhou Inspector.

The Ministry of Rites dispatched a doctor to announce the edict and delivered the official seal and documents to Pingzhou.

This excellent news quickly reached the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng were overjoyed.

"Good, good, good!"

"It’s truly wonderful! Now, Pingzhou rightfully falls into the Commandery Princess’s hands!"