CHAPTER 478: CHAPTER 478: NEGOTIATIONS (PART 2)

Prime Minister Wang couldn’t help but twitch his eyebrows.

It had been a long time since anyone had spoken to him like this.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was at odds with him, and Duke An was his political rival, with whom he exchanged sarcastic remarks in court. Emperor Taihe, seated on the Dragon Throne, was dissatisfied with him, yet had to maintain respect for the Prime Minister of the dynasty. The Nanyang County Princess, Jiang Shaohua, in front of him, was calm and imposing, casually giving him two days’ notice.

Hm!

Jiang Shaohua did not say more, just kept smiling in focus.

After a long while, Prime Minister Wang finally said blandly, "Please inform the Emperor after returning to the palace, this old minister will enter the palace to see the Emperor in two days."

His entering the palace was to see the Emperor, and it had nothing to do with her, the Nanyang County Princess.

Jiang Shaohua did not argue with Prime Minister Wang, instead, she smiled happily and said, "With such good news, it will certainly bring comfort and joy to the Emperor."

Having said that, she got up to take her leave.

This crisp and neat approach, despite the different camps, made Prime Minister Wang inwardly appreciative.

Fortunately, Jiang Shaohua is only a woman. Were she a man, with such courage, vision, talent, and decisiveness, Emperor Taihe might not sit so securely on the Dragon Throne.

It is precisely because Jiang Shaohua is a woman that her entry into the Capital City to visit the sick, or even acting for the Emperor to visit the Prime Minister’s Mansion, didn’t meet much resistance. The Heir of Prince Gaoliang, Jiang Yi, who grew up in the palace, did not receive such treatment.

Such thoughts flashed quickly through Prime Minister Wang’s mind.

After sending off the Commandery Princess, the advisor Jiao returned, whispering, "Are you really planning to enter the palace in two days, Prime Minister?"

Prime Minister Wang said blandly, "The Nanyang County Princess said something right. Everything in moderation. This Prime Minister feigned illness to avoid conflict, intending for the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor to realize that the Da Liang Dynasty cannot manage without this Prime Minister. Now that both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor have retreated, asking this Prime Minister to return to the court, and also agreeing to restore Zuo Feng, they will not excessively pursue Wang Yi’s case either."

"Strike while the iron is hot; now is just the right time to return to the court."

Jiao’s advisor could not help but sigh, "The Commandery Princess doesn’t say much, yet her words are sharp and hit the mark, closely aligned with the art of war."

She reveals her edge without being overwhelmingly aggressive, leaving room for maneuver. The balance of timing is ingeniously handled.

Prime Minister Wang’s eyes unexpectedly showed some regret, "Such an outstanding girl, no wonder Fourth Young Master is preoccupied and unable to let go. Were she willing to marry into the Wang Family, this Prime Minister would be willing to let bygones be bygones and gladly accept her as a daughter-in-law."

Unfortunately, Jiang Shaohua insists on marrying in from her husband’s side, and the Nanyang Prince Mansion has already arranged a marriage with the Boling Cui Family. Wang Jin’s deep affection is destined to be in vain.

...

"Did the Commandery Princess complete this task?"

In the carriage, Chen Jinyu asked somewhat nervously.

Jiang Shaohua went alone to meet Prime Minister Wang, while Chen Jinyu waited at the gatehouse, unaware of the situation.

Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow and smiled at Chen Jinyu, "It’s done."

Chen Jinyu breathed a sigh of relief, his eyebrows relaxing as he smiled and said, "That’s good. Returning to the palace, there will be an explanation to the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor."

Jiang Shaohua tugged at the corner of her mouth, a hint of irony flashing in her eyes, "Everyone knows Prime Minister Wang is pretending to be ill to force the Grand Empress Dowager to yield and the Emperor to endure. When the Grand Empress Dowager sent palace attendants, naturally Prime Minister Wang wouldn’t pay attention. Today I came personally, so he took the opportunity to step down. Otherwise, if things truly became unrecoverable, replacing a Prime Minister would only create chaos for a year or half."

"Even though Minister Ji or Minister Li has their shortcomings, regarding qualifications and prestige, they barely suffice as Prime Minister. The Emperor does not want to see the court continue in chaos, unwilling to reach this point. This point, that old fox Prime Minister Wang understands very well."

Therefore, before I came, I was 80% sure. If Prime Minister Wang was willing to see me, it would be a complete certainty.

Chen Jinyu’s eyes were filled with astonishment and admiration, "Commandery Princess, you have piercing insight, seeing clearly and thinking thoroughly, this minister is far inferior, and must study diligently under you in the future."

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "Why are you suddenly flattering me today, Commandery Princess?"

Chen Jinyu smiled with pressed lips, "I speak from my heart, there’s no flattery in that." Pausing briefly, he said softly, "Once Prime Minister Wang returns to the court, the court should soon stabilize. How long does the Commandery Princess plan to stay in the Capital City?"

Jiang Shaohua pondered, "Now that I’m here, I should stay for a while. At least until the Emperor recovers enough to attend court."

She then laughed teasingly, "Don’t worry, it won’t delay your wedding with Ma Dianshan."

Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong’s wedding is set for the end of the year.

It is late August now, four months from the year’s end!

Chen Jinyu’s cheeks showed no blush, smiling he replied, "Thank you, Commandery Princess."

By the time they returned to the palace, it was already evening.

This half day, Jiang Shaohua had been bustling around with no pause, yet she remained energetic upon entering the palace. Even far from Zhaohai Palace, someone had come out to greet her.

Wang She Ren, eighteen years old, dressed in official attire, with a handsome and gentle disposition, elegantly saluted, "Minister Wang Jin, greets the Nanyang County Princess."

Jiang Shaohua swept her gaze over him and said flatly, "Wang She Ren, no need for formalities."

After Wang Jin stood up, she continued, "I just visited the Prince Mansion and met with the Prime Minister. In two days, he will enter the palace to see the Emperor."

Wang Jin’s eyes flickered with guilt, and he sighed softly, "I have repeatedly advised my father, but he wouldn’t listen. As a son, there’s nothing I can do, it’s truly shameful."

In their past life as husband and wife, Jiang Shaohua understood Wang Jin well. He wasn’t pretending; his guilt was sincere.

He did not agree with Prime Minister Wang’s methods but couldn’t influence his own father. Their political stances were not fully aligned; Prime Minister Wang was driven by personal desires, while Wang Jin leaned more towards Emperor Taihe, genuinely loyal.

Moreover, over the past half year, Wang Jin had spoken highly of Nanyang County to Emperor Taihe and had written many letters privately. Though she need not respond to these letters, she must acknowledge this favor.

Jiang Shaohua looked at Wang Jin and said, "Everyone has their own stance, and different stances lead to different thoughts and actions. If Wang She Ren stands upright and is faithful to both the Emperor and his conscience, there is no need for shame."

Wang Jin hadn’t expected Jiang Shaohua to comfort him and was a little surprised but even more delighted.

The brilliant sunset enveloped the sky, and the setting sun emitted warm light. The young girl standing before him was the one who occupied his thoughts, day and night.

She was looking at him.

At least, at this moment, her eyes saw him.

Emotions surged in Wang Jin’s heart, a thousand words reached his lips but remained unspoken. Yet in his dark eyes, a deep, heartfelt emotion flowed.

"I suppose you’ve heard, I’m engaged to Elder Changning." Jiang Shaohua spoke, breaking the silence of their mutual gaze.

Wang Jin’s smile froze, a touch of bitterness emerging, "I heard about it, congratulations to the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua nodded in acknowledgment, then said, "Is the Emperor awake now? I wish to see the Emperor."

Wang Jin composed himself: "The Emperor is waiting for you, please follow me into the hall, Commandery Princess."