CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 98: BACKING (PART 2)

The memorial from the Nanyang County Princess was submitted first.

Zuo Zhen can’t be a fool, can he? He doesn’t even know how to seize a favorable moment when lodging a complaint.

The ministers inwardly criticized, ridiculed, or watched coldly in silence.

Prime Minister Wang was indignant at heart, but outwardly composed: "Since the Nanyang Prince Mansion has submitted their memorial first, I ask Your Majesty to have it read aloud."

Emperor Taikang nodded slightly: "As the Prime Minister proposes!"

Under the watchful eyes of the ministers, the eunuch brought the memorial into the hall, where the secretary received it and loudly proclaimed Zuo Zhen’s ten blatant offenses.

Each phrase was incisive, every word striking at the heart. Such penmanship was sharp, unparalleled.

As the reading went on, not only did Empress Dowager Zheng’s face fill with rage, but Emperor Taikang also wore a stern expression.

Suppressing Nanyang County behind the scenes was one matter, but openly allowing someone to so contemptuously affront Princess Jiang was another! It was as if the dignity of the Imperial Family had been trampled upon.

Prime Minister Wang was furious.

Zuo Zhen, this idiot, some things are harmless if done secretly since everyone is tacitly aware. Saying things like "I’m a loyal dog under the Prime Minister’s wing, unafraid of the County Princess nor the Emperor,"—how could such words be spoken carelessly?

Now, caught by that old fox Chen Zhuo in his words, he crafted such a memorial. In front of the Emperor and the ministers, and also an Empress Dowager who persistently favors the Nanyang County Princess and seizes the opportunity to make trouble, how could he, the Prime Minister, protect his subordinate?

Indeed, in Prime Minister Wang’s view, this whole affair was orchestrated by Chief Historian Chen Zhuo. He never believed that a ten-year-old girl could achieve such a feat.

Even Emperor Taikang and Empress Dowager Zheng thought so in their hearts.

Empress Dowager Zheng, seeing Prime Minister Wang’s slightly unsightly expression, felt greatly delighted, glanced at him with a cold smile, and said, "This memorial accuses Zuo Zhen of ten crimes, I wonder what the Prime Minister thinks?"

Prime Minister Wang rarely found himself at a disadvantage and was temporarily unable to respond. Fortunately, Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Personnel stepped forward: "We should not jump to conclusions based on a one-sided statement. It might be best to wait for Left General’s memorial to arrive and then discuss."

Emperor Taikang swallowed his displeasure and nodded: "Minister Zhang is right, let’s wait a bit before making a determination."

Then, speaking warmly to Empress Dowager Zheng, he said, "Mother, I understand your affection and kindness toward the younger generation. Shao Hua is the sole bloodline of Uncle Prince Nanyang, and I will not allow anyone to disgrace her. Please rest assured."

Empress Dowager Zheng, having struck a blow against Prime Minister Wang, was in high spirits, and said leisurely, "With those words from the Emperor, I am relieved. I, as a woman, do not understand state affairs. I only know that this is Jiang’s world. All ministers must be loyal to the Emperor."

"The Emperor must also keep a clear eye and discern who are the loyal ministers and who are the treacherous ones manipulating state affairs. Do not let sentiment cloud judgment."

After giving Prime Minister Wang a hard time, Empress Dowager Zheng left with a triumphant air.

Prime Minister Wang swallowed his anger and bowed to escort the Empress Dowager out.

...

That evening, the Wang family study was brightly lit.

Prime Minister Wang wore a cold face: "Has Zuo Zhen sent word?"

The clerk responsible for correspondence replied in a low voice: "No message has come yet."

Enraged to the point of laughter, Prime Minister Wang said, "If he seeks his own demise, then I, the Prime Minister, needn’t stop him."

The other clerks all sought to advise Prime Minister Wang to calm his anger.

In front of his trusted clerks, Prime Minister Wang did not conceal his fury, saying coldly, "Today, the Empress Dowager barged into Zhaohai Palace, using a pretext to attack directly, targeting me, the Prime Minister. The memorial from the Nanyang Prince Mansion also arrived promptly. Even the Emperor was quite upset."

"If I, as Prime Minister, were to shield Zuo Zhen wholeheartedly, wouldn’t I thus confirm the charge of ’a loyal dog afraid of royal power’!"

"This Zuo Zhen is utterly useless. I, the Prime Minister, gave him a leg up, yet he failed even in such a simple task, bringing disgrace upon me."

"It would not be wise for me to further involve myself in this matter."

In just a few words, Zuo Zhen, far away, was already discarded as a chess piece.

One of the clerks suggested in a low voice: "Prime Minister, the Empress Dowager’s intent to meddle in state affairs is well-known. If you step back now, it might embolden the Empress Dowager’s faction!"

The so-called Empress Dowager faction is a phenomenon of these last few years, with its core strength being Minister of War Duke An, along with Minister Ji of the Ministry of Revenue, whom the Empress Dowager has sought to recruit, among other mid-to-low-level officials. Although not as expansive as Prime Minister Wang’s faction, it is still not a force to be underestimated.

Prime Minister Wang let out a cold laugh: "Let the Empress Dowager enjoy her triumph for a few days."

"For a woman to be content in the harem raising the Princess and County Princesses is fine, but if she insists on meddling in state affairs, she is shortsighted and ignorant, thinking me as her adversary. In truth, the one who truly feels threatened by her is the Emperor on the Dragon Throne."

Despite Emperor Taikang’s gentle nature, he is still the Son of Heaven. Above the imperial power, there is only the lone ruler. Even his own mother would surely be unwilling to share power.

It’s laughable that Empress Dowager Zheng hasn’t seen this.

Knock, knock, knock!

The knocking sound echoed.

Prime Minister Wang furrowed his brows, displeasure in his voice: "Who is it?"

When discussing matters with clerks, guards stood outside the study, not allowing any idlers near.

A clear and pleasant young voice sounded; "Father, it’s me."

Prime Minister Wang’s brows suddenly relaxed, and he ordered the door to be opened. The graceful youth dressed in a moon-white brocade robe entered with a smile and saluted: "This son greets Father."

It was indeed Wang Jin, the youngest son of Prime Minister Wang.

Prime Minister Wang had four sons and five daughters. Wang Jin, born to an elderly wife later in life when Prime Minister Wang was fifty, was dearly loved.

Among the grandchildren of the Wang family, three were already married with children. The Fourth Young Master Wang was only thirteen this year.

Prime Minister Wang’s eldest, second, and third sons were all serving in official capacities outside, while the grandchildren were either with their parents or in school. The only one left to bring joy to him at home was Wang Jin.

Since the age of eight, Wang Jin had been the Crown Prince’s Companion, with a residence in the palace, though he returned home periodically.

Prime Minister Wang’s foul mood dissipated, and he smiled, beckoning: "Come over, Fourth Lang."

Wang Jin walked up with a smile.

The clerks, understanding the situation, tactfully exited the room.

The influential Prime Minister Wang, at this moment, was like any loving father, meticulously inquiring about Wang Jin’s studies. He then specifically advised, "Your health is weak; it’s not suitable for martial arts. Just make a token effort in riding and archery classes, don’t overextend yourself."

Wang Jin, still a young boy, inevitably had a competitive spirit and said, "Otherwise, wouldn’t I be forever overshadowed by Zheng Zixian."

Prime Minister Wang chuckled.

Then, Wang Jin frowned and muttered, "It’s strange. Ever since Zheng Zixian fell ill, he’s been acting odd. He seems to have some inexplicable hostility towards me."

Though it was typical for the Crown Prince’s companions to have competitive skirmishes, they were of similar age and grew up together, so there was some camaraderie.

But these past few days, Zheng Chen’s gaze towards him was especially indifferent.