CHAPTER 93: CHAPTER 93: EMPEROR

"Your son greets Mother."

Emperor Taikang coughed a few times while clasping his hands in greeting.

Empress Dowager Zheng quickly stepped forward to hold Emperor Taikang’s hand, asking with concerned care, "You were fine two days ago, why are you suddenly coughing? Have you summoned the Imperial Physician?"

Emperor Taikang replied while coughing, "Yesterday, I took a walk in the garden, perhaps the wind was too strong, so I’m coughing a bit. I’ve already called Doctor Ji to check on me, Mother doesn’t need to worry."

How could she not worry?

Putting aside Empress Dowager Zheng’s wealth and honor all stemming from Emperor Taikang, just speaking of the bond between mother and son, her concern for her only son is definitely not feigned.

Empress Dowager Zheng looked at Emperor Taikang’s frail figure and his flushed face from coughing, deeply worried, she reached out to pat his back to help soothe his breath.

After coughing for a while, Emperor Taikang steadied himself slightly and asked, "Did Mother ask me to come over for something important?"

Empress Dowager Zheng composed herself and spoke of Nanyang County Princess’s offering of a new type of plow: "...I tried it yesterday, the new plow is indeed very labor-saving, and it’s much faster than ordinary plows."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taikang was greatly pleased and immediately said, "This is a beneficial matter for the country and its people. I will immediately summon Prime Minister Wang to the palace!"

Empress Dowager Zheng advised, "The Emperor should directly summon the Minister of Ministry of Industry to the palace and assign the task of promoting the new plow to them. There’s no need to discuss it with Prime Minister Wang."

Emperor Taikang, with a soft heart, had always listened to his mother’s words since childhood. When he was Crown Prince, Prime Minister Wang also served as his Grand Tutor, and Emperor Taikang held great faith in the capable Prime Minister Wang.

Now that he is seated on the Dragon Throne as the Emperor, he is accustomed to first seeking Prime Minister Wang’s opinion on everything. Hearing Empress Dowager Zheng’s words, he hesitated: "Is it right to bypass Prime Minister Wang like this?"

Empress Dowager Zheng snorted, "Da Liang is Jiang Family’s realm, it is the Emperor’s. What reasoning is there that the Emperor must consult a minister for every decision."

Such words suggested undermining Prime Minister Wang’s position.

Prime Minister Wang was a trusted minister highly valued by the late Emperor, and he is the head among the officials. The late Emperor’s will even mentioned the new emperor to respect Prime Minister Wang.

Could he be considered just an ordinary minister?

Emperor Taikang, seeing Empress Dowager Zheng’s displeasure, softened his tone, "Mother, don’t be upset. What I mean is, this is a good thing, even if Prime Minister Wang knew, he wouldn’t obstruct it."

Empress Dowager Zheng intervened in state affairs, privately reviewing political matters on behalf of the Emperor, and used her influence over Emperor Taikang to promote a number of ministers.

Prime Minister Wang was no easy target either; he had suppressed many of the ministers Empress Dowager Zheng promoted. Within a few years, the court had split into three factions: the Prime Minister Faction, the Empress Dowager Faction, and a faction loyal to the Emperor — the neutral faction.

"Relying on Prime Minister Wang for every affair, over time, the court officials will become subservient to Prime Minister Wang, diluting the Emperor’s authority!"

Empress Dowager Zheng frowned, her tone suddenly severe: "Does the Emperor know that outside the palace, the common people recognize only Prime Minister Wang, not the Emperor!"

Emperor Taikang’s temperament is truly gentle, even receiving such criticism from Empress Dowager Zheng didn’t make him angry, but rather he calmly coaxed, "Mother, do not be upset. Prime Minister Wang is loyal, wholeheartedly dedicated to national matters. His reputation is excellent in both courts and the public, deeply adored by commoners, and he is exceptionally respectful to me, never once disrespectful. It hasn’t reached the extent Mother mentioned."

Empress Dowager Zheng was momentarily at a loss for words.

Indeed, Prime Minister Wang Rong’s reputation was impeccable. The one with a less favorable reputation was her, the Empress Dowager of Da Liang, who didn’t abide by the confines of the harem.

In the eyes of the civil servants and military generals, the Empress Dowager’s interference in governance was the real taboo.

Emperor Taikang, seeing Empress Dowager Zheng’s displeased demeanor, felt troubled and thoughtfully said, "This new plow is devotedly presented to Mother by Nanyang County Princess for the benefit of the country and its people. Mother should take the chief credit."

Empress Dowager Zheng’s expression improved significantly, "I’m not competing for credit, I’m thinking on behalf of the Emperor. I am the Empress Dowager, esteemed to the utmost, what use do I have for this merit. I hope for the peace of Da Liang’s court, the tranquility of the people, and that the Emperor becomes a wise ruler not swayed by powerful ministers."

No matter the circumstances, a mother always thinks of her son. One need not weigh how much of her words were for the public interest and how much were private sentiment.

Emperor Taikang smoothly nodded in agreement, "I’ve kept every word Mother has said in mind."

Empress Dowager Zheng finally smiled with satisfaction.

After discussing the important matter, Emperor Taikang casually asked, "Wasn’t Mother planning to bring Nanyang County Princess to the palace? Why haven’t I seen her?"

Last night, intoxicated by Mr. Zhao’s flattery, Empress Dowager Zheng brought up the matter with no anger, "The young girl is reluctant to leave home, inevitably so, let her be for now! After a year or two, I’ll send someone to Nanyang County to bring her to the palace."

Emperor Taikang nodded.

When Prince Nanyang was alive, both mother and son were apprehensive of this influential vassal king renowned in both literary and martial virtues. Dispatching Zuo Zhen to oversee the Nanyang Army was Prime Minister Wang’s idea, which was very much in line with Emperor Taikang’s intentions.

Upon Prince Nanyang’s death, only ten-year-old Jiang Shaohua and the unimpressive Lu Junma remained at the Nanyang Prince Mansion. For Emperor Taikang, the major concern had mostly subsided.

It would be best if Jiang Shaohua could be brought into the palace, she unwillingly choosing to stay in Nanyang County wasn’t a significant issue.

Having finished discussing official matters, Empress Dowager Zheng smiled and suggested, "Would the Emperor like to stay for lunch today? I’ll send someone to the Upper Study Room to bring the Crown Prince over. Also, Bao Hua and the others, let them come as well, the more people the merrier."

Emperor Taikang happily agreed.

...

Emperor Taikang had a weak constitution and few heirs, with two sons and one daughter.

The eldest daughter, Jiang Bao Hua, was born to Empress Ji, aged fourteen this year. The Crown Prince, Jiang Song, was born to Consort Li, and is thirteen this year. There is also a two-year-old young Prince, born to Consort Fan.

Empress Ji passed away three years ago after a severe illness. Empress Dowager Zheng personally raised Princess Bao Hua, and also brought in Dongping County Princess and Huaiyang County Princess to accompany Princess Bao Hua.

As for the Crown Prince, he had been studying in the Upper Study Room since he was five, with four companions of similar age.

One was the legitimate son of Duke An, Empress Dowager Zheng’s direct nephew, twelve-year-old young master Zheng Chen.

Another was the youngest son of Prime Minister Wang, thirteen-year-old Wang Jin, Fourth Young Master Wang.

Yet another, was Consort Li’s nephew, the Crown Prince’s direct cousin, named Li Boyuan, aged fourteen.

Lastly, there was the heir of Prince Gaoliang, Jiang Yi.

Prince Gaoliang was the third prince who had his mind ruined by fire years ago, and after Emperor Taikang ascended the throne, he was titled as Prince Gaoliang. His vassal territory Gaoliang County is far to the south of Da Liang, thousands of miles from the Capital City. Prince Gaoliang, mentally dim, couldn’t manage the vassal territory, so his family remained in the Capital City.

The heir of Prince Gaoliang was a year younger than the Crown Prince and began studying in the Upper Study Room with the Crown Prince from the age of four.

Empress Dowager Zheng sent out word to the Upper Study Room, and soon, a group of finely dressed and attractive young men and women arrived together.

Empress Dowager Zheng scanned them and was a little surprised, "Why hasn’t Zixian come?"