Under the hospitable invitation of Chief Historian Chen, Doctor Zhu spent a pleasant few days at the Nanyang Prince Mansion.
The Commandery Princess had been convalescing in her chambers, inconvenient to et guests. It wasn’t until Doctor Zhu was about to leave that she showed her face once: "These days, I, the Commandery Princess, have been unwell and couldn’t attend to Doctor Zhu, which is truly discourteous."
Doctor Zhu quickly replied that he dared not, yet he was secretly astonished.
As the saying goes, seeing is believing. This much-rumored Nanyang County Princess, who was only about to turn thirteen by the New Year, possessed raven hair, snowy skin, bright eyes, and white teeth—a picture of beauty.
The Nanyang County Princess, still "ill," made a brief appearance and after sitting for a mont, coughed a few tis. Another elegant and charming young girl imdiately stepped forward with concern: "The Commandery Princess’s health isn’t yet good, it’s better to return to the chamber and rest early!"
This was Chief Historian Chen’s granddaughter, the rumored Chen Sheren.
There has never been a precedent for won working in the court. However, the Commandery Princess’s decision to employ a woman as the housekeeper was not considered a big deal. After all, the Ministry of Personnel did not recognize it, and there was neither an official declaration nor a rank.
Doctor Zhu thought discreetly. Then he saw the Commandery Princess cough again, and with the assistance of Chen Sheren, she stood up: "Doctor Zhu, you’ve traveled far and worked hard. When you return to the Capital City, please report my illness to the Emperor. I believe the Emperor will also understand my youth and frailty, illness not suitable for traveling, and will not bla ."
One who accepts favors obliges. Doctor Zhu had been enjoying good food and drink in recent days, and also carried generous gifts from Chief Historian Chen, so it was difficult to refuse now. He bowed and answered: "Please, Commandery Princess, rest assured and recover. When I return to the Capital City to report, I will certainly inform the Emperor truthfully."
The Nanyang County Princess softly expressed her gratitude, and with the assistance of Chen Sheren, returned to her quarters.
Chief Historian Chen and a group of officials respectfully saw off the party of imperial envoys leaving Nanyang County.
Half a month later, Doctor Zhu returned to the Capital City and first went to the palace to report.
Lying on the sickbed, Emperor Taikang not only hadn’t lost weight, but had grown plumper. Drinking various nourishing soups and dicines every day and not getting up to move naturally caused him to gain weight.
The plumper Emperor emitted a sickly and dying person’s unique sll of decay, and even the most expensive incense burning in the chamber couldn’t suppress the unpleasant odor.
This Emperor of Da Liang, one wonders how much longer he can endure.
The increasingly arrogant and domineering Pri Minister Wang exclusively wielded power, taking advantage of the Emperor’s limited days ahead, knowing he must support the young Crown Prince.
Doctor Zhu, his mind filled with thoughts, respectfully made his grand salute: "Minister sees the Emperor."
Strictly speaking, Doctor Zhu was not part of the Pri Minister Faction. Doctor Zhu had always been loyal to the Emperor, making him a political fence-sitter. He would lean toward whichever side had more power, a common stance among court officials.
Emperor Taikang made only a faint sound of acknowledgnt.
The face of the Crown Prince beside the Dragon Couch showed worry as he spoke: "Doctor Zhu, please rise."
Pri Minister Wang, standing on the other side, glanced lightly at Doctor Zhu: "Doctor Zhu, as an imperial envoy, went to Nanyang County to deliver the decree. Why did you return alone?"
Daring to reprimand a Minister of the Ministry of Rites in front of both the Emperor and the Crown Prince showed Pri Minister Wang’s formidable power and arrogance.
Doctor Zhu internally criticized but remained increasingly respectful outwardly: "Minister is about to report this matter to the Emperor and the Crown Prince, as well as the Pri Minister."
"When Minister went to Nanyang County, the Commandery Princess was convalescing in bed. Chief Historian Chen received the decree on her behalf. The Commandery Princess, weak in health, couldn’t endure the journey, so Minister returned first to report."
The bedchamber fell silent for a mont.
Convalescing was indeed a suitable excuse. Even knowing Jiang Shaohua was feigning illness, there was no way to expose it. Dispatching an Imperial Physician across the vast distance would seem to make much of it. When Jiang Shaohua eventually declares herself well, she can easily justify it.
Pri Minister Wang appeared displeased and said lightly: "If she needs to convalesce, then let her co to the Capital City once she recovers. In another month or two, Doctor Zhu will make another trip to Nanyang County!"
Doctor Zhu did not imdiately agree, instead looking up at Emperor Taikang on the sickbed.
Emperor Taikang was now finding it difficult to even speak; after gathering his strength for a long ti, he forced out a few words: "Do as the Pri Minister suggested."
Doctor Zhu sighed inwardly and bowed in acceptance.
The silver he received was only enough for those few words. With such overbearing and impressive power from Pri Minister Wang, even the Emperor had to listen to him. From where does the Nanyang County Princess gain her confidence to contend?
...
Full of pent-up frustration, the Crown Prince summoned Zheng Chen to the Eastern Palace: "... there are many pressing issues for the country, and the army that went to quell the rebellion in Pingzhou has yet to send any good news. This worries to the point that I can’t eat or sleep well. anwhile, the gall of Pri Minister Wang to trouble my cousin Shao Hua for Wang the Fourth is truly hateful and annoying."
The Crown Prince held considerable dissatisfaction towards Pri Minister Wang. Partly because of Pri Minister Wang’s excessive dominance, causing him, the Crown Prince, to be subject to his authority, which was frustrating. The other part was due to Zheng Chen constantly instigating and fanning the flas in secret.
Of course, from the Crown Prince’s perspective, Zheng Chen was considering things from his perspective at every turn. Unconsciously, the Crown Prince had co to rely on Zheng Chen as a close confidant.
Zheng Chen’s eyes flickered and he spoke softly: "I know this matter troubles Your Highness. However, such a small affair is truly not worth Your Highness clashing with the Pri Minister over it."
"The Pri Minister’s intent to summon the Nanyang County Princess to the Capital City has legitimate reasons beyond personal ones. For example, the new grains of corn and sweet potatoes, their actual yield, how to cultivate them, and whether they can be promoted. Such details cannot be fully conveyed through reports and letters; it is better to ask face to face."
This was indeed true.
Previously, the promotion of new grains was suppressed during the power struggle between Pri Minister Wang and Empress Dowager Zheng and Duke An. Now that Pri Minister Wang has gained the upper hand, he has again rembered these new grains.
The Crown Prince snorted: "If I were cousin Shao Hua, I would also be unwilling to co to the Capital City to endure this humiliation."
Zheng Chen said calmly: "This shouldn’t be considered humiliation. The court reigniting this matter is beneficial for the country and the people. The Nanyang County Princess, understanding the broader picture, will surely co to the Capital once she understands."
And he was also waiting for that day.
Waiting for Jiang Shaohua to enter the palace and stand before him.
Thus, knowing the Pri Minister’s intentions, he suppressed his anger and quietly pushed this matter forward. Otherwise, how could Empress Dowager Zheng and Duke An remain silent, and how could the Crown Prince tacitly consent?
After venting his grievances, the Crown Prince set aside the matter and turned to talk with Zheng Chen about the Pingzhou campaign: "The road to Pingzhou is long, General Wei has been on the road for over a month, I wonder if they have reached Pingzhou City."
Zheng Chen held a high opinion of General Wei’s capabilities, stating confidently: "Your Highness can rest assured, General Wei is valiant in battle, and the Heroic Guard Camp is the most elite unit. Going to quash the rebellion will surely lead to swift victory!"
The Crown Prince sighed: "Let it be so."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than there was a knock on the study door.
A little eunuch hurriedly ca in to report: "To the Crown Prince, the Heroic Guard Camp has delivered a battle report to the palace."
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