Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 641: Governing Affairs (Part 3)

"Are you dissatisfied because the Commandery Princess hasn’t promoted you?" Vice Minister Yang, being astute, immediately discerned his nephew’s thoughts.

Yang Zheng seemed somewhat embarrassed, but there was no reason to hide such thoughts from his own uncle.

He simply nodded and candidly admitted, "Yes. Both Chief Historian Chen and his descendants are close confidants of the Commandery Princess, unlike me. Even Elder Changning continues to cultivate crop varieties, something I can’t match. But now, even Ma Yaosong has been promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Yet, I’ve gained no benefits whatsoever."

The more Yang Zheng spoke, the more indignant he became. "I was indeed reckless before, lacking diligence in my duties. However, in recent years, I’ve corrected these flaws. I’ve put my heart and soul into my work, obeyed the Commandery Princess in everything, and have taken the blame for many things on her behalf. Why can’t the Commandery Princess see my merits?"

"And as for you, Uncle, you’ve always served the Commandery Princess faithfully. It’s not fair that she hasn’t promoted you either."

Vice Minister Yang chuckled lightly, "You’re being too impatient. The Commandery Princess hasn’t officially ascended the throne, how can she indulge in favoritism and promote her own people when the Dragon Throne hasn’t even been stabilized? Such actions would sow disruption and restlessness in the court. With the Commandery Princess’s wisdom, she’d never commit such foolishness."

"Gradual strategy is the correct approach."

"Minister Dai is already in his seventies, how much longer can he sustain himself? The position of the Minister of the Ministry of Justice will surely be mine sooner or later. Even now, the task of thoroughly investigating the major treason case is mine. Minister Dai is merely a figurehead."

"I’m not in a hurry; the one truly anxious is you."

Yang Zheng: "..."

Vice Minister Yang’s face turned stern as he began to admonish, "Back when you went to Nanyang County as a Judicial Officer, it was I who arranged the job for you. Once there, you messed around thoughtlessly, showing no diligence. After the Commandery Princess gained power, you disregarded her, speaking recklessly in private. If I hadn’t risked my reputation to write to the Commandery Princess, you’d have lost your position long ago."

"The Commandery Princess values diligence and capable ministers, not pedigree. If you want to be trusted, you need to do your job well."

"Don’t underestimate Ma Yaosong. The Ma Family has wholeheartedly raised horses for the Commandery Princess, even secretly donating money and supplies. After serving the Commandery Princess for several years, Ma Yaosong has both achievements and efforts. He’s also married into Chief Historian Chen’s family, becoming the Commandery Princess’s trusted confidant. The Commandery Princess is now promoting Ma Yaosong and will also value the Tang Family and Nanyang Officials in the future. If you work diligently, won’t you have a promising career ahead?"

"It’s fine to murmur to me, but if you dare show dissatisfaction outside, you won’t need to wait for the Commandery Princess to get angry, I’ll deal with you first."

Yang Zheng was scolded thoroughly, not daring to utter a word.

After the scolding, Vice Minister Yang softened his tone, "The Commandery Princess has tasked you with investigating cases. You should give your best effort to uncover the truth behind the Emperor’s attempted assassination and the rebel treason case, and show the Commandery Princess your loyalty and ability."

Yang Zheng nodded compliantly in response.

...

For five consecutive days, Jiang Shaohua rose early to enter the palace, each day first visiting Jingyang Palace only to face a closed door, then proceeding to pay respects to Empress Dowager Li, before attending to governance in Jinluan Palace.

In over a month, accumulated administrative matters were efficiently processed with exceptional speed.

Jiang Shaohua spoke warmly, "These days, everyone has worked hard. Starting today, each morning, enter the palace, and once discussions conclude, you may each return to your offices."

Minister Dong immediately responded, "I shall return to the Ministry of Rites and immediately gather the ministers to discuss and select an appropriate date for planning the coronation ceremony."

Minister Zhang inwardly sneered at this flattery.

Minister Dai, Minister Zhou, Minister Ji, and others concurred, "The country cannot be without a ruler even for a day; the Commandery Princess truly should ascend the throne soon."

This led to Minister Zhang’s silence.

Minister Zhang: "..."

Without giving Minister Zhang any chance to cover, Jiang Shaohua calmly stated, "The National Treasury is empty, and public unrest prevails. There is no need for extravagance during the coronation ceremony; simplicity should suffice."

Minister Dong bowed and accepted the mandate.

Minister Zhang touched upon a sensitive matter, "I heard the Commandery Princess visits Grand Empress Dowager daily; I wonder how her health is?"

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Minister Zhang, "The Grand Empress Dowager is unwell and dislikes seeing visitors. Everyone is aware of this. Mentioning it specifically, Minister Zhang, are you perhaps eager to see the Commandery Princess falter?"

Minister Zhang faced a tough rebuke and offered a forced smile, "I absolutely meant no such thing."

In reality, it wasn’t just Minister Zhang alone anticipating the spectacle. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s strong opposition significantly impacted palace attendants and eunuchs. With Jiang Shaohua residing at the Nanyang Prince Mansion instead of the palace, whispered rumors circled that it was due to precautions against Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s secret maneuvers.

This was certainly detrimental to calming the masses.

Lacking the support of Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, Jiang Shaohua’s coronation effort undoubtedly felt incomplete.

Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept across the ministers’ faces, "Everyone should rest assured; I will sincerely persuade the Grand Empress Dowager. Until she speaks, the coronation ceremony won’t be held."

Upon hearing this, the ministers were astonished.

An Emperor’s word is golden. Publicly stated words cannot be rescinded. Jiang Shaohua’s declaration cornered her significantly.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s overbearing nature is well recognized. How Jiang Shaohua will persuade her to change her stance and support the coronation remains a challenging task. If unsuccessful, will the ceremony be postponed or even canceled? 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Minister Dong cautiously advised, "The Commandery Princess’s filial piety toward the Grand Empress Dowager is noted by all of us. However, she is elderly and inevitably stubborn. There’s no need for the Commandery Princess to clash with her."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "Minister Dong need not worry; I know what I am doing."

Minister Dong briefly exchanged glances with Vice Minister Yang and suppressed his doubts.

Once the ministers departed, a tall trusted aide entered, carrying a thick stack of letters.

Jiang Shaohua relaxed her expression, "Qin Hu, it’s been a tiring journey for you during these times."

Qin Hu replied with a smile, "Serving the Commandery Princess doesn’t feel burdensome at all. These letters were all uncovered from a secret chamber. Please review them, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua nodded and began examining the stack of letters one by one. Among over thirty missives, she selected five and headed to Jingyang Palace again.

Mr. Zhao came out enthusiastically to greet her, "Salutations to the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua produced a letter from her sleeve, "Please, Mr. Zhao, present this to the Grand Empress Dowager. I’ll wait for her audience here."

Mr. Zhao’s brow twitched as he regarded the Commandery Princess intently.

Jiang Shaohua gave the slightest nod.

Mr. Zhao took a deep breath and entered the Grand Empress Dowager’s bedroom, holding the letter.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng thundered with fury, "Tell Jiang Shaohua to leave! I won’t see her!"

Mr. Zhao hurriedly whispered close, "The Commandery Princess brought a letter today, asking Your Highness to review it."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng sneered coldly, "I shall indeed see what this letter contains!"