CHAPTER 425: CHAPTER 425: INSPECTOR (PART 2)

The small court session adjourned, and all the ministers took their leave.

Emperor Taihe looked exhausted and reached up to massage his forehead.

The few secretaries beside him, who previously had no opportunity to speak, now started to debate fiercely.

Li Boyuan thought that the guilty ministers shouldn’t be pardoned lightly, Jiang Yi nodded in agreement. Wang Jin spoke in support of Nanyang County Princess, but Zheng Chen said that Prime Minister Wang’s concerns were quite reasonable; Pingzhou was Da Liang’s territory, and appointing Lu Cong as Inspector was essentially handing Pingzhou over to the Nanyang County Princess.

Emperor Taihe felt a headache coming and glanced over: "Secretary Wang supports Nanyang County Princess, but Secretary Zheng and Prime Minister Wang have the same opinion. This matter is indeed quite interesting."

Wang Jin was not embarrassed, he responded: "Prime Minister Wang is my father. Nonetheless, between father and son, there is also the matter of ruler and subject. As a subject of the Emperor, it is proper for me to stand with the Emperor and consider this issue. For the court’s stability and Pingzhou’s peace, it is most appropriate to appoint Lu Sheren, recommended by the Nanyang County Princess, as Inspector."

Zheng Chen maintained his composure and spoke slowly: "I have no personal grievances with Prime Minister Wang. We share the same opinion on this matter because I am concerned for the Emperor. Opening this precedent would create an adverse impact among the Vassal Kings. If there’s a natural disaster in the future, and Prince Huaiyang, Prince Dongping, and Prince Wu’an also sent people to help, how should their contributions be calculated? Should the places also be handed over to the Vassal Kings like this time?"

Jiang Yi, being the Heir of Prince Gaoliang, was very sensitive to this topic and promptly voiced his stance: "I have no such ambition. This is the Emperor’s realm; I follow the Emperor’s instructions on how to govern and provide relief. Without the Emperor’s orders, I would not do anything."

Wang Jin felt a slight sinking in his heart and quickly glanced over.

Zheng Chen and Jiang Yi were playing good cop and bad cop, implicitly attacking Nanyang County Princess. This wasn’t the first time such occurrences happened in the past half year...

Since when did those two become so familiar?

And, has Zheng Chen truly turned from love to resentment? Constantly setting up obstacles for Jiang Shaohua!

Zheng Chen raised his eyes to meet Wang Jin’s gaze: "Why is Secretary Wang always looking at me? I only have loyalty in my heart; nothing surpasses the importance of the Emperor."

Wang Jin responded calmly: "Everyone is aware of Secretary Zheng’s loyalty. I, Wang Jin, am the same; always considering everything from the Emperor’s perspective."

Zheng Chen smirked and said sarcastically: "Today, my eyes have been opened. So considering for the Emperor means persuading him to hand Pingzhou over to others."

Wang Jin said: "Everyone knows Nanyang County Princess’s loyalty to the Emperor. Secretary Zheng’s words seem to have antagonistic implications."

Zheng Chen said: "Is it antagonistic, or have I spoken to the true intentions of Secretary Wang? Secretary Wang understands best what is in his heart."

Emperor Taihe rubbed his forehead again: "Enough, all of you stop talking and leave for now. I need some time alone to think."

The secretaries responded and withdrew.

Emperor Taihe sat on the Dragon Throne for a long time, his expression constantly changing, and finally let out a long sigh.

Emperor Taihe gathered his spirit and picked up the pen to write a letter back to Jiang Shaohua. As the Emperor, he couldn’t act merely on personal preferences. It’s still uncertain who would be assigned as Inspector of Pingzhou.

...

With the Da Liang Court’s efficiency, the dispute over the Pingzhou Inspector won’t be resolved anytime soon.

Jiang Shaohua was already mentally prepared. However, after receiving several letters from the Capital City, Jiang Shaohua frowned.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng is easy to appease. Every year, the generous tributes sent from Nanyang County keep her satisfied, considering her as the most considerate and filial junior. A mere position of Pingzhou Inspector is indifferent; with Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s support, it means Duke An and others will speak for her in the court.

Prime Minister Wang’s opposition was also anticipated. Vice Minister Dong and Vice Minister Yang stepping forward was to counter Prime Minister Wang.

What truly surprised and alerted her was Zheng Chen’s frequent private maneuvers and exchanges with Jiang Yi... from love to resentment? That would underestimate Zheng Chen; he must have another agenda!

Looking at the name of Wang Jin on the envelope, Jiang Shaohua’s eyebrows moved subtly.

This was yet another unexpected occurrence. In the past half year, Wang Jin spoke for Nanyang County several times. He also wrote her a few letters in private, which contained nothing inappropriate—mostly simple greetings and reminders about keeping an eye on court movements.

She reached out to open the letter and quickly read through it. This letter was similar to the previous ones, gentle and courteous. Only the last two lines revealed a slight tender sentiment.

"...I will do my best to help appoint Lu Sheren as Inspector of Pingzhou. Please rest assured, Commandery Princess, and take care of your health."

After reading the letter, Jiang Shaohua remained silent for a moment before placing it aside, with no intention of writing back.

Chen Jinyu glanced and whispered: "Fourth Young Master Wang has already written four letters, doesn’t Commandery Princess plan to reply?"

Jiang Shaohua said indifferently: "Since there’s no intention, it’s better not to be involved."

Chen Jinyu didn’t say anything further, and instead, brought up matters regarding Pingzhou: "The epidemic in Pingzhou has been controlled, and Doctor Sun and his son are planning to return. What about Lu Sheren? Should he come back?"

"No need." Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow with a smile: "The court is embroiled in endless debates over the position of Pingzhou Inspector. Who knows how long it will take to reach a conclusion? So let Lu Cong remain in Pingzhou, managing civil governance affairs."

Chen Jinyu hesitated briefly and quietly asked: "If the court sends someone else to Pingzhou as Inspector, how would Commandery Princess respond?"

Jiang Shaohua said leisurely: "Pingzhou is a long journey away; the road is not safe, and there’s a chance of encountering bandits along the way. Even if arriving safely, taking over the governance of Pingzhou smoothly is not guaranteed. The future’s uncertain; let’s wait and see!"

Chen Jinyu seemed enlightened and said no more.

Jiang Shaohua personally took up a pen to write a letter to Emperor Taihe.

In the letter, Jiang Shaohua implicitly mentioned a dream that Prince Nanyang allegedly had, speaking vaguely so anyone unaware wouldn’t understand what she was saying. Emperor Taihe, of course, should comprehend. She was reminding him to be vigilant against those around him.

Unfortunately, she was far away in Nanyang, too distant from the Capital City. Such a distant reminder couldn’t compare to the influence of those closely accompanying him and whispering in his ear.

This couldn’t be helped. I just hope Emperor Taihe can be aware and avoid being taken advantage of by those of ill intentions.

After sending this letter, Jiang Shaohua felt somewhat frustrated and decided to go ride her horse to the field manor.

Internal and external matters of the Prince Mansion were handled by Chief Historian Chen Feng; as the Nanyang County Princess, she spent half of the year inspecting and couldn’t stay in the Prince Mansion the other half, frequently going to the field manor.

Chief Historian Chen Feng was accustomed to it. Anyway, the Commandery Princess couldn’t sit still; after staying in the Prince Mansion for ten days to half a month, she needed a change.

A fourteen-year-old girl, it’s the age when romantic feelings begin to stir. If she wants to see Elder Changning, she can go!

...