Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 520: Marriage Alliance (Part 3)

Jiang Shaohua’s words were quite invigorating.

Princess Bao Hua lifted her spirits to respond: "Thank you, cousin, for your comfort and guidance. I do not understand the great affairs of the state, much less matters of war. I hope everything will be as you said, with the fortune of Da Liang flourishing."

At that moment, a familiar figure appeared before everyone.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes brightened: "The Emperor has summoned you back to court?"

The newcomer was none other than Duke An, the Minister of War.

After receiving the Emperor’s message, Duke An rushed into the palace without delay, his forehead glistening with sweat. He bowed deeply and performed a salute: "Indeed, the graciousness of the Emperor is profound, and I am sincerely grateful." He then greeted the noble young ladies present.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng said: "Since the Emperor has urgently summoned you into the palace, there must be important state affairs to discuss. Go in quickly. Once you’re free, come to Jingyang Palace to talk."

Duke An acknowledged her command with cupped hands and hurried into Zhaohua Palace.

At this time, in the Main Hall of Zhaohua, were Prime Minister Wang and Minister Ji of the Ministry of War, along with several military generals. Emperor Taihe, whose health had yet to recover, sat on the Dragon Throne with a frown.

Duke An approached and knelt, performing a grand salute: "This old minister pays respects to the Emperor."

Emperor Taihe waved his hand, indicating Duke An should rise: "There is no need for formalities. A major event has occurred at the court, and I called you into the palace to discuss strategies to address it. Attend the seat."

Duke An, teary-eyed with gratitude, took his seat, gesturing respectfully to the other officials.

Prime Minister Wang opened his mouth to recount how Rouran Khan Fu Mingdun had sent a national letter requesting marriage with a princess.

Hearing this, Duke An was incensed, angrily condemning the shameless Rouran Khan while feeling suddenly enlightened.

No wonder the Emperor summoned him urgently back to court. Preparations needed to be made for potential Rouran aggression, requiring the Ministry of War to swiftly organize a response. Vice Minister Wang and Vice Minister Ding lacked the reputation and capability; the Ministry of War still needed him to oversee.

The previous accusations of selling official positions would naturally not be mentioned. Even the Left General could return to command the army, Wang Yi was fine leaving prison and returning to his ancestral home. As the reappointed Minister of War back in court, he was no longer out of place.

"Minister Zheng, have the Ministry of War immediately send documents to the border army, ordering them to fully prepare for battle," Emperor Taihe said sternly. "Also, redistribute forces to support the border army as needed."

Duke An solemnly complied with the directive.

The Left General wanted to volunteer, but Prime Minister Wang subtly glanced over, slightly shaking his head. The Left General had to reluctantly remain silent.

As expected, Duke An suggested having the Brave Camp prepare to support the border army.

The Brave Camp was the elite of the Capital City troops, with half consisting of cavalry. The main general, General Song, was a seasoned, prudent veteran. Deploying the Brave Camp for reinforcement was indeed appropriate. Most importantly, General Song was one of the few neutral factions at the court, a loyalist to the Emperor.

Emperor Taihe pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement.

General Song showed not the slightest fear of the Rouran cavalry, even seeming somewhat pleased by the prospect of battle, as he cupped his fists and loudly received the order: "This lowly general accepts the decree."

...

An hour later, the officials dispersed.

Emperor Taihe, having been strained for half a day by now, looked weary and weakly said: "Please ask my Grandmother and Elder Sister to come in."

Eunuch Ge, looking on with concern, softly suggested, "The Emperor is lacking strength. Perhaps it would be better to rest for a bit before seeing the Grand Empress Dowager and Princess."

Emperor Taihe sighed: "It’s one thing with Grandmother, but my Elder Sister must be unsettled hearing about the marriage alliance. I need to properly comfort her. Enough, say no more; let them in. I can manage."

Reluctantly, Eunuch Ge took the order and withdrew. Moments later, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and her entourage entered the main hall.

Jiang Shaohua, whose eyesight was the sharpest and most perceptive, immediately sensed something was amiss: "Is the Emperor excessively fatigued and unwell?"

Emperor Taihe, with a pale face, forced a brave front: "I am fine..."

Before he could finish his words, his body swayed slightly.

Everyone was startled. Jiang Shaohua reacted the fastest, taking a leap forward to steady Emperor Taihe by his arm. With her support, Emperor Taihe managed to barely regain his balance, then grimly smiled: "My body truly is disappointing."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and Princess Bao Hua gathered around in great concern, and Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua also hurriedly approached to care for the Emperor.

Jiang Shaohua nonchalantly withdrew and stepped back.

Doctor Ji rushed in with a medicine kit, administering acupuncture to Emperor Taihe, and remarked: "The Emperor is temporarily not in grave danger, but should avoid excessive worries and ideally rest in bed."

Eunuch Ge and two other eunuchs helped Emperor Taihe to the bedchamber to lie down. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, still uneasy, accompanied him into the room with Princess Bao Hua. Clearly, the three had intimate matters to discuss.

Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua, being sensible enough, did not intrude, and upon noticing Jiang Shaohua also staying out, felt reassured.

Indeed, with everyone having similar status, they should act together... wait!

"Cousin Shaohua, where are you going?" Jiang Wan Hua was somewhat surprised: "It’s already noon, aren’t you joining us for lunch?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled gently: "Today I plan to visit the Ministry of Revenue, coincidentally to have lunch there. My two cousins don’t have to wait for me."

With that, Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua watched Jiang Shaohua leave, each feeling a suppressed pique, though it’s needless to detail it.

Jiang Shaohua neither had the time nor the inclination to bicker with them.

For more than a month, she had visited the Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of War, and Ministry of Justice for inspections, effectively enforcing a mix of hard and soft tactics. Naturally, she couldn’t quit halfway.

...

"What? The Commandery Princess has come to the Ministry of Revenue?"

Upon returning from the palace and barely having warmed his seat, Ji Shang heard that Jiang Shaohua had arrived.

Ji Shang, taken aback, couldn’t help but mutter a few words: "How can a young lady be so formidable, leaving no one a moment’s peace?"

After voicing his complaints, he nonetheless had to courteously greet her.

Known for his irritable temperament, Ji Shang found it hard to maintain composure given the taxing responsibilities of watching over the Ministry of Revenue. It was similar to Chief Historian Feng of the Nanyang Prince Mansion, whose tirades even Chief Historian Chen had to sidestep.

Jiang Shaohua politely, with respect, addressed Ji Shang, smiling: "I know the Ministry of Revenue is the busiest. I’ve visited other ministries, but must not neglect the Ministry of Revenue. Today I’ve come to simply look around, so Minister Ji need not be concerned, just continue with your work."

Could Ji Shang not be concerned?

Which government office has no shady dealings?

The Ministry of Revenue, managing the National Treasury, distributes enormous funds and supplies annually; the account books piled within the ministry are mountainous. Even Ji Shang himself couldn’t clarify how many figures in those records were genuine or falsified. It was an undeniable fact that every official within the Ministry had wealthy families.

If the Nanyang County Princess were to adopt an uncompromising stance and rigorously investigate the Ministry of Revenue, the entire ministry would not withstand it.

Ji Shang squeezed out the friendliest smile he could muster: "From where would the Commandery Princess like to begin her inspection? Shall I have the accounts of the past year brought forth for review?"