Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 615: Vassal King (Part 2)

Wang Jin, however, was not as obedient as usual and said, "Father’s injuries are severe. The Imperial Physician advised that he needs to rest peacefully and should not be troubled. These past few days, all those who wanted to visit him have been turned away."

"If Prince Wu’an has urgent matters, it’s better to wait until father’s condition improves. In his current state, it is really not suitable for him to worry."

Prince Wu’an did not expect to hit a wall with Wang Jin, which made him quite unhappy. However, he knew that Prime Minister Wang valued his youngest son greatly. To win Prime Minister Wang and the Wang Family’s strong support, he couldn’t afford to fall out with Wang Jin.

Thus, he wasn’t angry and instead said, "Housekeeper Wang is so filial and considerate, Prime Minister is truly fortunate."

Prime Minister Wang sighed, "This son of mine seems obedient, but actually, he has a stubborn temper."

Then, he put on a stern face, "You don’t listen to what I say now? Get out!"

Wang Jin had no choice but to get up and leave. Before leaving, he dropped some words, "As for Prince Wu’an’s intentions, even without you saying, I can guess. I advise the Commandery Prince not to wade into these troubled waters. When His Majesty’s funeral is over and the new emperor ascends the throne, you should peacefully return to your vassal territory and continue being a carefree Vassal King."

These words, Prince Wu’an naturally didn’t take to heart. His mind was filled with thoughts of the throne, not caring about the words of a young lad like Wang Jin.

After the door closed, Prince Wu’an even smiled and said to Prime Minister Wang, "Wang Fourth Young Master is nearing adulthood, yet he hasn’t adopted the ways of the officialdom; his temperament is straightforward, and he speaks frankly."

Prime Minister Wang, who was usually protective of his children, even though he often complained about his son’s shortcomings, didn’t like hearing Prince Wu’an’s mocking tone, and said flatly, "With his temperament, if it weren’t for having me as his father to protect him, he would have been battered long ago."

Prince Wu’an really couldn’t read expressions well and continued, "Prime Minister must take good care to recover soon. The Da Liang Court cannot do without the Prime Minister, and the Wang Family needs him as their backbone. Wang Fourth Young Master is still too young to bear heavy responsibilities!"

Prime Minister Wang: "..."

A thought suddenly crossed through Prime Minister Wang’s mind. Considering Prince Wu’an’s character and personality, if the day truly came when he ascended the throne, how much benefit would he give the Wang Family? Would he let Wang Jin become Prime Minister in the future?

If there weren’t rich rewards, why would the Wang Family exert themselves for Prince Wu’an?

From the assessing gaze of Prime Minister Wang, Prince Wu’an realized something and immediately said, "Prime Minister, you and I have known each other for decades and understand each other’s tempers. My temper is indeed a bit rash, but as long as I promise something, I will surely fulfill it."

"As long as Prime Minister Wang supports me in my quest for the throne, once I ascend, I will grant the Wang Family the entire Jiangnan region. Housekeeper Wang is young now, but in another decade or so, the position of Da Liang Chancellor will be his."

What Prime Minister Wang cared most about was nothing more than two things. One was the dignity and wealth of the Wang clan, and the other was the merit and future of his descendants.

Prince Wu’an’s promise indeed touched the heart of Prime Minister Wang.

Prime Minister Wang did not immediately agree but pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "In terms of lineage, Prince Ping has the greatest advantage. In terms of youth and vigor, Prince Huaiyang surpasses the Commandery Prince, and there is also the ambitious Nanyang County Princess at the side; Commandery Prince, your struggle for the throne is fraught with difficulties."

Prince Wu’an spoke frankly, "Precisely because the difficulties are great, I have come to seek the Prime Minister’s support."

Prime Minister Wang deliberated for a long time and said, "Give me some time to consider."

Without a flat refusal, there was room for negotiation.

Prince Wu’an secretly breathed a sigh of relief and whispered a few words to Prime Minister Wang before quietly leaving. Wang Jin, who had been waiting outside the door, wasn’t sure how much he heard through the thick door panel.

Prince Wu’an intentionally smiled at Wang Jin, showing goodwill.

Wang Jin remained indifferent, neither warm nor cold.

...

The next day at the fifth hour, Wang Jin entered the mourning hall.

The funeral had been ongoing for a month; now the officials knelt during the day and rested at night. There were only a few who truly kept vigil through the night.

Jiang Shaohua slept for two hours during the night. Probably due to inadequate sleep, her complexion was not as rosy as usual.

Elder Changning Cui Du stood by Jiang Shaohua’s side, with some worry in his eyes, and more heartache. He whispered something softly, and Jiang Shaohua slightly shook her head.

Between husband and wife, there was a tacit understanding that others could not penetrate.

Wang Jin had something important to convey, so he braced himself and approached, speaking softly, "I have something to tell the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua slightly nodded.

Cui Du moved a few steps aside, considerately turning his head away.

Wang Jin quickly whispered, "Last night at midnight, Prince Wu’an came to see my father. I don’t know the specifics of what was said."

Jiang Shaohua thanked softly, "Understood, thank you."

Then, she added a statement, "Last night, Prince Huaiyang went to meet Minister Zhang."

Prince Huaiyang’s daughter, Jiang Yuehua, married Minister Zhang’s son. Having become in-laws, it was natural to have some interactions. However, meeting late at night during these sensitive times, what could be the reason for Prince Huaiyang meeting Minister Zhang?

Wang Jin frowned and couldn’t help but sigh softly, "Father is seriously injured and can’t get up. Minister Zhang’s thoughts have become active."

Minister Zhang was a core member of the Prime Minister Faction. Now that Prime Minister Wang was down, Minister Zhang was obviously eager to move, clearly aiming to succeed Prime Minister Wang as the next Da Liang Chancellor.

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Wang Jin and said indifferently, "This is just the beginning."

Succession to the throne can be seamless sometimes, tumultuous at others, and occasionally come with bloody upheavals.

Emperor Taihe’s sudden death and Prince Ping’s situation made it completely normal for the Vassal Kings to have ambitions towards the throne. Even among the courtiers, there were only a few who supported the naive eight-year-old Jiang Hao.

A vast territory and the supreme throne, who wouldn’t be tempted if they had the power to contend?

Wang Jin raised his eyes to meet Jiang Shaohua’s. Her gaze seemed light, yet clearly contained an unprecedented sharpness.

A vague thought suddenly crossed Wang Jin’s mind.

This thought was truly extraordinary!

Even with Wang Jin’s affection and firm support for the Commandery Princess, the possibility shook him to his core.

Jiang Shaohua seemed to have not noticed the shock in Wang Jin’s eyes, "No matter what, let’s first complete the Emperor’s funeral. All other matters can be discussed and decided after the funeral ends."

Wang Jin exhaled deeply, "The Commandery Princess is right." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

...

Inside Jingyang Palace.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was groggy but woke up significantly upon hearing Mr. Zhao’s report, clenching her teeth in anger, "Prince Wu’an! Prince Huaiyang!"

"The Emperor isn’t even buried yet, and those two are already eyeing the throne."

"Bah! As long as I am still breathing, they shall never have their way!"

To courtiers, as long as the occupant of the Dragon Throne bore the surname Jiang, there wasn’t much difference. But to Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, the difference was vast.

The throne had to belong to her grandson Jiang Hao; no one else should dare to covet it!