Pri Minister Wang served as the Da Liang Chancellor for over twenty years, having monts of arrogance and forming factions—he also had control over court affairs. Not exactly a good person, yet his vision and outlook surpassed the ordinary, and he was both pliable and resilient. By showing willingness to step back, he secured a position of invincibility.
No matter how many past grudges might exist, after Jiang Shaohua’s accession, turning hostile to settle old scores was not possible. Instead, they had to be grateful to Pri Minister Wang for his graceful resignation from office, yielding the chancellor’s position.
This old fox!
Jiang Shaohua inwardly scoffed, yet outwardly appeared moved: "It’s too early to discuss this now. Pri Minister, rest and recover; perhaps in a year or so, you might be back to full health. The Da Liang Court cannot do without you, Pri Minister."
This was an assurance that Pri Minister Wang would be allowed to retire honorably.
The wise need not spell things out; speaking part of one’s mind leaves room for mutual consideration and understanding.
Pri Minister Wang sighed again: "This old minister is aging, half buried in the earth, unsure of when the end cos. In the future, young people must carry the Da Liang Court. It’s a pity that Li Boyuan died tragically, and Zheng Chen’s whereabouts are unknown. After the Commandery Princess ascends, there may be no one available to use."
Jiang Shaohua responded with a composed smile: "Pri Minister overthinks, all the civil and military officials in court are loyal subjects. Moreover, with Wang She Ren present, how could there be no one usable?"
The last sentence was the key point.
Pri Minister Wang indeed perked up, humbly expressing discontent about the "useless rebellious son," effectively probing the Commandery Princess’s stance on what position could be granted to Wang Jin.
Jiang Shaohua had already pondered this and imdiately spoke: "Today, I have co to the Wang Family specifically to visit the Pri Minister and secondly, to discuss the use of personnel with you."
"Given the successive changes in Da Liang, hearts are unstable, and further upheavals in official circles should be avoided to prevent unrest. I believe, beyond necessary vacancy fillings, other official positions should remain unaltered—at least, not within the next three years."
This ant Jiang Shaohua had no imdiate plans to elevate officials from the Nanyang Prince Mansion after ascending. The major ministers of the court had no imdiate fears of being stripped of office or dismissed. This allowed for court stability and the continued operation of court affairs.
As for whether one could keep their position in the future, it depended on the performance and aptitude of the ministers themselves.
Pri Minister Wang sighed quietly to himself. For this broad-mindedness and farsightedness alone, Jiang Shaohua had the qualifications to sit on the throne.
"Commandery Princess, you are wise." Pri Minister Wang opened his mouth to praise: "Governing a country is like cooking a delicate dish, requiring attention to timing and asure. The most pressing task for the Commandery Princess upon ascending is not drastic reform but calming the hearts of the court."
Jiang Shaohua responded with a slight smile: "With the Pri Minister’s support, my heart is more settled."
Then, she ntioned several important vacancies: "Among the Six Ministers, with the passing of Minister Li, the Minister of Rites position is vacant. I propose Vice Minister Dong to fill this vacancy. What does the Pri Minister think?"
Pri Minister Wang nodded slightly: "Vice Minister Dong has served in the Ministry of Rites for many years, displaying integrity and being well-versed in Ministry of Rites affairs. He is the most suitable for the position of Minister of Rites."
Then ca the candidate for Minister of War.
"Duke An has injured his right leg, likely leaving a permanent impedint, hindering his movent." Jiang Shaohua slowly stated, "Moreover, Zheng Chen colluded with Jiang Yi, and they remain fugitives with no news. Even if Duke An’s leg fully recovers, he should not continue to command the Ministry of War."
This hinted at removing Zheng Chen and implicating the Zheng Family?
Pri Minister Wang’s eyes flickered, giving Jiang Shaohua a deep look: "Duke An is not a concern; after the Commandery Princess ascends, you can punish the Zheng Family per Da Liang law. However, the Commandery Princess should also consider the Grand Empress Dowager. The Zheng Family is her maternal family, and if the Commandery Princess acts too heavily, she may not accept it."
Earlier today in Jinluan Palace, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng had staunchly supported Prince Ping and vehently opposed Jiang Shaohua’s accession, ultimately fainting from anger.
One could say, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was the biggest obstacle on Jiang Shaohua’s path to the throne.
Now, with Jiang Shaohua intending to move against the Zheng Family, what if the Grand Empress Dowager causes a scene?
eting gazes with Pri Minister Wang, Jiang Shaohua calmly stated: "Treason is a grave cri warranting the extermination of entire families. Prince Gaoliang and Prince Dongping Mansions face extinction because of treason. The Zheng Family, for bringing forth Zheng Chen, is fortunate not to be implicated. If they think they can maintain their court splendor, they’re too greedy."
Concessions to pacify the Grand Empress Dowager may allow the Zheng Family to remain untouched for the mont, but Duke An’s position as Minister of War must be relinquished.
Pri Minister Wang couldn’t help but admire the Commandery Princess’s shrewd thods again, openly stating: "If Duke An retires, whom does the Commandery Princess intend to promote? Will you choose one of the two vice ministers, or appoint soone else to manage the Ministry of War?"
"I am deliberating this matter." Jiang Shaohua maintained a humble appearance, seeking guidance: "Please offer your advice, Pri Minister."
Pri Minister Wang hesitated briefly: "Since the Commandery Princess values stability and wishes to avoid large-scale turbulence, it would be best to select one of the two vice ministers to temporarily occupy the Minister of War role. Vice Minister Wang is familiar with the Ministry of War’s affairs but is prone to impulsiveness; Vice Minister Ding is a veteran of the Ministry of War, cautious and ticulous but indecisive in major matters. They both have strengths and weaknesses; whom to use depends on the Commandery Princess’s preferences."
Is further thought necessary? Vice Minister Wang is part of the Pri Minister Faction, while Vice Minister Ding appears neutral but actually aligns with the Nanyang Prince Mansion. For such a crucial position like Minister of War, the Commandery Princess would naturally prefer her own people.
Wang Jin, who was listening on the side, wanted to speak but held back.
However, Jiang Shaohua’s answer surprised Wang Jin: "Let’s choose Vice Minister Wang!"
Wang Jin was taken aback, instinctively looking up at the Commandery Princess.
But Chief Historian Chen inwardly nodded. The Commandery Princess was using a strategy of advancing by retreating; if Pri Minister Wang agreed, the Commandery Princess would essentially be rewarding Wang She Ren with the Minister of War position. Now, it depended on whether Pri Minister Wang was willing to expend such a great favor on Vice Minister Wang...
Sure enough, Pri Minister Wang wasn’t so noble, quickly stating: "This old minister believes Vice Minister Ding is more suitable."
Jiang Shaohua understood internally, smiling: "We will discuss this matter later."
Then, she casually ntioned an arrangent for Wang Jin: "Wang She Ren has served three years as a secretary, familiar with governntal morials. In future, he can continue handling docunts in Zhaohai Palace, and his position should be promoted to Secretary of the Secretariat!"
The secretary is involved in drafting decrees and participating in confidential matters, being closest to the Emperor. Calling this position with low status and heavy power is inadequate; it could be considered the Emperor’s trusted confidante.
During Emperor Taihe’s reign, there were four secretaries of equal standing. Now, with one statent from Jiang Shaohua, Wang Jin was promoted four ranks to Secretary of the Secretariat, a fifth-rank office.
Serving a few years as Secretary of the Secretariat, accumulating experience, one could transition to an Imperial Censor or a position in the Six Ministries. This was a prestigious career path favored by the Emperor.
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