Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 408: Power Struggle (Part 1)

There’s no need to wait for the future; the exceptional talents are already shining now.

Cui Ping’s eyes flickered; he whispered, "The Commandery Princess is requesting a noble title for him and plans to donate a large batch of military provisions for it. The court is hotly debating this matter. We should patiently wait and see; the court’s reward should come soon."

"At least a baron, and if luck favors him, maybe even an earl. Our Boling Cui Family would also share in the glory."

The Boling Cui Family is a prominent family in the Northern Land, but unfortunately, no truly remarkable offspring have emerged in these past decades. The highest official position currently is that of a third-rank governor. In Cui Wang’s generation, not even an advanced scholar exists. For a family, this is undoubtedly not a promising signal.

Who would have thought that a "Cui family member" recognized halfway through would turn out so successful.

Cui Wang was full of envy and sighed softly, "Cui Du has both talent and luck. If not for the Commandery Princess providing shelter, how would he have the chance to rise up?"

Gold is often at hand, but it’s a true connoisseur who’s hard to find.

Cui Ping sighed as well: "It’s a pity that Cui Du isn’t a real member of the Cui Family. Otherwise, I’d have to bring him back to Boling County."

For now, just basking in a bit of reflected glory is not too bad.

Cui Ping thought for a moment, then advised his son, "Stay close to Cui Du. If the court rewards him smoothly, you should remain by Cui Du’s side in the future."

This was something agreed upon before they came, and Cui Wang did not object, nodding in agreement.

Regretfully, upon passing the imperial examination as a scholar, Cui Ping made no further progress in the path of the Imperial Examination. As for Cui Wang, he barely passed as a scholar, thanks to the family’s efforts behind the scenes. Not having a natural talent for studies is something that cannot be helped. Therefore, one must walk a practical path by taking an alternate route.

The Cui Family was determined to place their bet on Nanyang County and naturally showed sincerity by sending the eldest legitimate grandson of the main branch.

...

Meanwhile, Zheng Chen and Wang Jin’s party finally arrived in the Capital City.

The Imperial Army went to report at the military camp, while Zheng Chen and Wang Jin entered the Imperial Palace without even returning home.

Emperor Taihe personally came to greet them, extending his hand to help the two tired and weary figures, "Stand up quickly. I missed you every day these six months we were apart. You’ve finally returned; come inside quickly to talk."

Friends who grew up and studied together share a bond different from others. Emperor Taihe was full of joy in his eyes and brows.

Zheng Chen and Wang Jin thanked the Emperor for his grace and followed him inside the hall.

Li Boyuan playfully raised his eyebrows at the two and teased, "I returned to the Capital City five days ago. You two, both detouring to Nanyang County midway, delayed your journey."

Wang Jin’s expression did not change, "There was a shortage of provisions on the way. As we passed through Jingzhou, we made a side trip to Nanyang County."

Zheng Chen didn’t bat an eye, "I encountered a gang of bandits on the way back, and several dozen soldiers were injured. So I went to Nanyang County to rest for a few days."

Come on! Who doesn’t know what you two were really thinking!

Li Boyuan thought with amusement but didn’t show it on his face, only smiling slightly.

Beside them, Jiang Yi, the Heir of Prince Gaoliang, asked with a grin, "Hurry and tell us what Nanyang County is like?"

Emperor Taihe also smiled, "I can’t leave the Capital, and I’ve never been to Nanyang County. Tell me about it."

Zheng Chen unexpectedly didn’t rush to speak, leaving the opportunity to Wang Jin.

Wang Jin didn’t hold back at all, opening his mouth to share his experiences in Nanyang. He vividly described the peaceful and prosperous life of Nanyang County’s people and lavishly praised Cui Du’s field manor: "...Cui Du indeed possesses great talent. At the field manor, I saw improved varieties of crops and vegetables and fruits that thrived even in winter."

"The current prosperity of Nanyang County is, above all, thanks to Cui Du."

In this era, having surplus provisions provides a solid foundation.

Zheng Chen gave Wang Jin a sideways glance.

Wang Jin thought that whether Zheng Chen looked or not, he had to speak truthfully. A rival in love was one thing; acknowledging Cui Du’s talent was another.

Li Boyuan and Jiang Yi listened with great interest and kept asking questions. So Wang Jin explained in detail.

Emperor Taihe suddenly sighed after a moment of thought, "You two probably don’t know yet since you’ve just returned. Shao Hua’s cousin wrote a memorial requesting a title for Cui Du, and the court is in heated debate over it, giving me quite a headache."

Zheng Chen took the opportunity to jab at Wang Jin: "Could it be that the Prime Minister disapproves?"

The Grand Empress Dowager wouldn’t oppose, and Emperor Taihe was willing. With that, the Grand Empress Dowager’s faction would surely support it. It follows that the opposition party is, of course, the one led by Prime Minister Wang.

Emperor Taihe subconsciously glanced at Wang Jin and nodded slightly: "Prime Minister Wang believes that while Cui Du has indeed rendered a meritorious service, the court can exceptionally grant him the title of Viscount."

"Shao Hua’s cousin submitted another memorial a few days ago, expressing willingness to donate 100,000 piculs of military provisions and stating in the memorial that Cui Du’s merits are sufficient for the title of Marquis."

Marquis?!

Wang Jin was taken aback and instinctively responded, "Cui Du isn’t even of age. Wouldn’t bestowing the title of Marquis be too much?"

Zheng Chen’s eyes briefly darkened and he said calmly, "Would the promised 100,000 piculs of military provisions from Nanyang County become just empty words if the court doesn’t grant the title of Marquis?"

We all understand these things; there’s no need to say them out loud, alright! Doesn’t the court want to save face?

Emperor Taihe coughed and glanced at Zheng Chen, "100,000 piculs of military provisions is no small number, and Nanyang County will need some time to prepare. However, since Shao Hua’s cousin has agreed, she definitely wouldn’t use this matter to coerce the court."

So, even the Emperor’s heart is inclined. This matter will most likely come to be.

The thought of that particularly infuriating smile on the young boy’s face, soon to be rewarded by the court and becoming the youngest Marquis in Da Liang’s history with the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jiang Shaohua... an indescribable and uncontrollable anger surged in Zheng Chen’s heart.

Yet right now, he couldn’t say or do anything.

He was but a secretary of the imperial court, with Duke An and the Grand Empress Dowager towering over him. The so-called Grand Empress Dowager’s faction wasn’t yet something he could control.

Emperor Taihe’s voice reached his ears: "Let’s not discuss this matter now. You two have come a long way and must be very tired. Go home and rest for a couple of days before returning to the palace for your duties."

Zheng Chen came to his senses, and together with Wang Jin, they respectfully accepted the command.

After leaving the palace, one returned to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, the other to the Duke Mansion. Each went home to see their respective fathers.

Leaving aside Wang Jin’s side for now, speaking of Zheng Chen, upon returning to the Duke Mansion, he was warmly welcomed by the Zheng Family. As the legitimate son of the Zheng Family, returning to the Capital after serving as an imperial envoy for half a year warranted such treatment.

Zheng Chen, in a foul mood, exchanged a few pleasantries with his family before heading to Duke An’s study.

Once the door was closed, the father and son spoke more candidly.

"Why did you go to Nanyang County?" Duke An’s face stern, full of disapproval, "No matter how good Jiang Shaohua is, she can never be a daughter-in-law of the Zheng Family. She’s meant to stay in Nanyang County and bring in a husband. Do you intend to forsake the Zheng Family and your bright future to become her son-in-law?"