The Emperor on the Dragon Throne seems very distant to the common people.
The citizens living in the Capital City only knew that three Emperors had changed within a few years. The instability caused by the changes in the throne would soon calm down.
Jiang Shaohua, as a Commandery Princess, succeeded the throne, an unusual event that kept the people talking for a while. Afterward, it was the bustling ti where many nobles and officials were beheaded and their properties confiscated. The commoners didn’t quite understand the intricacies, but as those at the bottom, they naturally harbored resentnt towards the luxurious high officials. Seeing the corrupt officials et such fate, they couldn’t help but clap their hands in joy.
The na of Empress Zhaoping was thus repeatedly ntioned. Recently, the Yellow River floods had inundated six counties, and such news spread quickly through the streets. In the past, encountering such natural disasters, the court would also send relief. However, this ti, the court’s response was particularly swift. The Empress Dowager even personally saw off the officials who were sent for relief, showing utmost attention.
In the hearts of the people, this is a wise ruler of the Da Liang Dynasty.
The shouts were like waves, continuous and unending. Jiang Shaohua heard them and couldn’t help but smile slightly.
Such scenes reminded her of her ti back in Nanyang County. Every ti she left the Prince Mansion, there would always be citizens lining the path, watching and cheering.
After a year’s ti, she again experienced the long-lost feeling of relaxation and joy.
The Dragon Throne of the Da Liang Dynasty, she had managed to sit on it steadily, though barely.
However, Pri Minister Wang in the Pri Minister’s Mansion was not in such a pleasant mood.
Jiao’s advisor went out several tis to gather information, and each ti the news he brought back left Pri Minister Wang restless: "Pri Minister, the Emperor personally went to see off Chief Historian Chen."
"In front of all the officials, the Emperor personally entrusted the relief of the disaster victims to Chief Historian Chen."
"The Emperor has returned to the palace, and many citizens were on the roadside, each vying to shout long live to the Emperor..."
Public opinion is sothing invisible and intangible, seemingly not that important. When vying for the throne, no one asked the citizens about their choice for the Emperor.
Yet, for an Emperor to sit firmly on the Dragon Throne, public opinion is indeed of utmost importance.
Jiang Shaohua, only a year into her reign, had gained the support and recognition of the people. The Zheng Family had already been abolished, not worth ntioning. Even the Grand Empress Dowager was confined in Jingyang Palace, never to stir up trouble again.
Everything was moving in a positive direction.
However, for Pri Minister Wang, this was clearly not good news. The more firmly the Empress sat on her throne, the weaker his power as Pri Minister beca, and his influence over the court grew ever weaker. How could he be content?
Jiao’s advisor noticed the Pri Minister’s stern expression and cautiously said, "The disaster relief is being fully managed by Chief Historian Chen. If any mistake occurs, Chief Historian Chen’s prestige will greatly diminish, losing the Emperor’s favor. Otherwise, secretly make so small moves to show Chief Historian Chen a thing or two."
Pri Minister Wang ca to his senses, glaring: "General Liu is accompanying with ten thousand elite soldiers. If we tamper at this ti, once discovered, it would be a readily available handle. The Emperor lacks an excuse to deal with the Wang Family, and you’re handing the knife to the Emperor!"
Jiao’s advisor hurriedly showed remorse: "I was thoughtless, I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn."
Pri Minister Wang grunted unhappily: "Enough, regarding major issues, I am well aware. At this ti, we must not drag the court down. Besides, Wang Jin, that scoundrel, has donated all our private savings to the court, and most officials of the Pri Minister’s Faction have also offered money and grain. If the disaster relief is successful, the Pri Minister Faction will inevitably be credited."
Jiao’s advisor quickly agreed with a smile and flattered: "Pri Minister, you are wise and magnanimous; you truly are the Da Liang Chancellor."
Pri Minister Wang tugged at his lips, suddenly feeling tired, and waved his hand, signaling for Jiao’s advisor to leave.
As the Da Liang Pri Minister, he had an injury on his shoulder, one side higher than the other. Unable to appear in the court, he was forced to confine himself within his study. To participate in state affairs, he had to rely on his rebellious son who didn’t share his mind.
Chief Historian Chen was a capable minister and had the trust and support of the Empress Dowager. The court officials were gradually getting accustod to Chief Historian Chen’s presence. Who among them still thought of him, the Pri Minister?
Power is like water; no matter how tightly grasped, it still flows away slowly.
How could this not fill his heart with sadness?
Wang Jin, the unfilial son, cared not a bit for his old father’s hardships. In an extravagant manner, he donated money and grain without hesitation, leaving him with headaches for days.
Despite his anger, after dark, Pri Minister Wang still couldn’t resist ordering the gatekeeper that as soon as Wang Jin returned to the mansion, he should co to see him in the study.
It wasn’t until 9 p.m. that Wang Jin returned.
Wang Jin was a peculiar fellow; earlier, he had a heated argunt with his father over the donation of money and grain, and then went ahead and emptied his private coffers.
A day later, as if nothing had happened, he continued returning to the mansion every night, bringing back challenging state affairs from the court to consult with Pri Minister Wang.
No matter how angry Pri Minister Wang was, he didn’t expel his son but pointed out several matters with a stern face.
Wang Jin attentively took notes: "Tomorrow, I’ll enter the palace and report these to the Emperor for his decision."
Pri Minister Wang sneered: "You have only the Emperor in your heart, no regard for your father; you are truly a loyal minister like no other before or after."
Wang Jin replied calmly: "Loyalty and filial piety cannot coexist. Loyalty cos before filial duty; as a son, I must be a loyal minister and can only occasionally fail my father."
Pri Minister Wang, his blood surging, shouted in anger: "Get out!"
Wang Jin bowed and withdrew promptly.
Pri Minister Wang smashed a set of his usual writing tools, still feeling very vexed. One night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep well. The next day, the Imperial Physician ca to check his pulse and diplomatically advised: "Pri Minister, your internal heat is strong; I will prescribe a cooling decoction for you to drink for a few days."
Pri Minister Wang pinched his nose and drank several days of the decoction, whose main ingredient was coptis, extrely bitter. Every ti he drank the decoction, he would curse his son. Whether the decoction actually worked remained uncertain.
This bit of humor about the Pri Minister quickly reached Jiang Shaohua’s ears.
Jiang Shaohua instinctively wanted to make so jokes with her attendants but, looking up, didn’t see the familiar face of Chen Jinyu, only Lu Zhen, Wang Shu, and Li Fangfei were nearby.
Jiang Shaohua swallowed back the words that had reached her lips.
Lu Zhen, quick-witted, softly suggested: "Emperor, now that the palace is peaceful, should Chen Sheren and Princess Bao’er return to the palace?"
Jiang Shaohua hesitated briefly, then shook her head: "No rush. Go to the Nanyang Prince Mansion and deliver my ssage. Tell Chen Sheren to stay at the Prince Mansion without concern, and let Bao’er remain there as well."
The cleansing of the court cannot be achieved overnight. So thorns are deeply rooted; such dangerous individuals must be identified and completely eliminated. It wouldn’t be too late for Bao’er to return once the palace is fully secure.
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