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 Pri Minister Wang valued his youngest son greatly. To win Pri 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, Pri Minister is truly fortunate."
Pri 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 so 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 Pri Minister Wang, "Wang Fourth Young Master is nearing adulthood, yet he hasn’t adopted the ways of the officialdom; his temperant is straightforward, and he speaks frankly."
Pri 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 temperant, if it weren’t for having as his father to protect him, he would have been battered long ago."
Prince Wu’an really couldn’t read expressions well and continued, "Pri Minister must take good care to recover soon. The Da Liang Court cannot do without the Pri Minister, and the Wang Family needs him as their backbone. Wang Fourth Young Master is still too young to bear heavy responsibilities!"
Pri Minister Wang: "..."
A thought suddenly crossed through Pri Minister Wang’s mind. Considering Prince Wu’an’s character and personality, if the day truly ca when he ascended the throne, how much benefit would he give the Wang Family? Would he let Wang Jin beco Pri 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 Pri Minister Wang, Prince Wu’an realized sothing and imdiately said, "Pri 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 sothing, I will surely fulfill it."
"As long as Pri Minister Wang supports 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 Pri 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 rit and future of his descendants.
Prince Wu’an’s promise indeed touched the heart of Pri Minister Wang.
Pri Minister Wang did not imdiately agree but pondered for a mont 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 co to seek the Pri Minister’s support."
Pri Minister Wang deliberated for a long ti and said, "Give so ti 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 Pri 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 so worry in his eyes, and more heartache. He whispered sothing 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 sothing important to convey, so he braced himself and approached, speaking softly, "I have sothing 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 ca 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 statent, "Last night, Prince Huaiyang went to et Minister Zhang."
Prince Huaiyang’s daughter, Jiang Yuehua, married Minister Zhang’s son. Having beco in-laws, it was natural to have so interactions. However, eting late at night during these sensitive tis, what could be the reason for Prince Huaiyang eting 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 beco active."
Minister Zhang was a core mber of the Pri Minister Faction. Now that Pri Minister Wang was down, Minister Zhang was obviously eager to move, clearly aiming to succeed Pri 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 sotis, tumultuous at others, and occasionally co 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 supre throne, who wouldn’t be tempted if they had the power to contend?
Wang Jin raised his eyes to et Jiang Shaohua’s. Her gaze seed 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 seed 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."
...
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 surna 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!
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