Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 694: Establishing Authority (Part 1)
The Empress ascended the throne through a court assembly and was elected by the courtiers with the support of Empress Dowager Li and Grand Empress Dowager Zheng. In terms of righteousness, it was done openly and aboveboard, without a single point worthy of criticism.
After sitting on the Dragon Throne, the Empress acted justly, only dealing with the corrupt Doctor Wan and appointing a Jiang Extraordinary Minister, with the highest position for her confidants no more than fifth-rank.
Of course, this does not mean that the Empress is soft. On the contrary, compared to the feeble Emperor Taikang who had to rely heavily on Prime Minister Wang, and the gentle and hesitant Emperor Taihe, this Da Liang Empress is astute and decisive, her methods ruthless, not making a move easily, but once she does, it’s shocking and awe-inspiring.
This also made the court officials genuinely revere her in their hearts.
As soon as Jiang Shaohua spoke, the four or five officials opposing the female examination immediately weakened in momentum. Apart from one imperial censor who persisted in his opinion, the others no longer dared to speak out.
Jiang Shaohua said passionately to Imperial Censor Qian, "Imperial Censor Qian opposes the female examination because the court has no precedent. There’s also no precedent for a woman ascending the throne as emperor. I became the first, so why can’t I promote female officials?"
Imperial Censor Qian retorted with his head held high, "How can these two be equated! Prince Ping is too young and ignorant to bear heavy responsibilities. That day, both Prince Huaiyang and Prince Wu’an had suspicions of plotting against Prince Ping and were imprisoned. The courtiers elected the Commandery Princess as emperor out of no better option..."
Minister Dong immediately became angry, stepping forward: "Nonsense! How dare you speak wildly against the Son of Heaven in the Jinluan Palace!"
"I request the Emperor to charge Imperial Censor Qian with the grave crime of disrespect!"
Those who serve as imperial censors all possess sharp tongues.
Imperial Censor Qian immediately sneered back, "Minister Dong, as the Minister of Rites, is more familiar with national ceremonies than anyone. Today, in front of the court ministers, I want to ask Minister Dong, is the establishment of a female examination beneficial to the country, or is it only advantageous to you, Minister Dong?"
What an offensive tirade! He almost pointed at Minister Dong’s face, calling him the Empress’s loyal lapdog!
Minister Dong was so furious that his face turned black, pointing at Imperial Censor Qian’s nose and loudly cursed, "This selection criteria for the female examination was decided by the Ministry of Rites after half a month’s discussion, to select talents for the country and bring wise individuals to the Emperor. It is also an unprecedented initiative! You, with your narrow-mindedness and shortsightedness, are messing around just because you fear female officials becoming a trend, thinking that there will no longer be a place for you in the future court!"
"Well said!" At a critical moment, the Empress on the Dragon Throne spoke to support Minister Dong: "The matter of setting up a female examination is my intention, and the Ministry of Rites set the selection criteria under my decree. Minister Dong is doing his job with dedication, he is my right-hand man, how can an imperial censor slander him so easily!"
"Someone, escort Imperial Censor Qian out! I do not wish to see him today!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Commander Song Yuan strode forward and effortlessly "supported" Imperial Censor Qian.
Imperial Censor Qian, a mere civil servant, usually relies on his sharp tongue to make waves in the court. When it comes to real action, not even three of him could withstand one punch from Song Yuan. He was immediately escorted out against his will.
Being thrown out of the grand court assembly is a great humiliation for an official.
Imperial Censor Qian, overcome with anger, shouted with all his might, "Female rule! Reckless and willful! This position as an imperial censor, I will not hold any longer. I resign today!"
Even as Imperial Censor Qian was dragged far out, his angry shouts still echoed in the Jinluan Palace.
Jiang Shaohua did not even furrow her brow, and said calmly, "If Imperial Censor Qian wishes to resign, let him do so. The court is full of loyal and capable ministers; we do not lack a seventh-rank imperial censor like him."
"Minister Zhang!"
Minister Zhang was suddenly named, causing a momentary jolt in his heart.
There were certainly reasons behind Imperial Censor Qian making a scene at the grand court. However, as the Minister of Personnel, he had not personally intervened, only discreetly passed a message to Imperial Censor Qian... Could it be that the Emperor has already noticed his trickery and plans to expose him in court?
"I am here!" Minister Zhang steadied his mind and stepped forward.
Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept over Minister Zhang’s composed face: "Imperial Censor Qian wants to resign, this matter is to be handled by the Ministry of Personnel. The vacancy left behind should also be filled by the Ministry of Personnel."
Appointing officials below the third-rank was originally the duty of the Ministry of Personnel. Jiang Shaohua’s prior direct appointments of Ma Yaosong and Tang Youyin to the Six Ministries were, in fact, slightly out of order.
Minister Zhang showed some difficulty on his face and responded with cupped hands, "Your Majesty, candid words may be unpleasant to the ear, please allow me to say something."
"The position of an imperial censor may not be high, but it has the power to impeach. Across the civil and military officials of the court, imperial censors can impeach anyone. If imperial censors believe the Emperor has inappropriate words or actions, they can also speak out in court."
"Today, Imperial Censor Qian’s behavior was indeed somewhat intense, but he acted with a public mind and had no personal agenda. His talk of resignation was also a spur-of-the-moment outburst."
"With your Majesty’s broad mind, there’s no need to take offense against a seventh-rank imperial censor. It may be better to set this matter aside for now and deal with Imperial Censor Qian after the heat of the moment has passed."
This shows Minister Zhang’s shrewdness.
By not personally appearing, but instead inciting an imperial censor to embarrass the Emperor and make things difficult for Minister Dong, he now takes the moral high ground and authenticates Imperial Censor Qian’s public intent. This way, he neither directly angers the Emperor nor conceals his stance and attitude.
Jiang Shaohua pulled the corner of her mouth, revealing a trace of sarcastic smile: "Minister Zhang, are you implying that if I insist on dealing with Imperial Censor Qian, then I lack a broad mind?"
Minister Zhang remained neither submissive nor arrogant, "I dare not!"
"You dare not, yet you said it." Jiang Shaohua said coldly, "Minister Zhang, your beating around the bush is nothing more than dissatisfaction with my decision to establish a female examination. I am making it clear today, the selection for the female examination is imperative. Those who oppose it are free to resign like Imperial Censor Qian."
"The Da Liang court does not lack a seventh-rank imperial censor. I have plenty of ministers to use!"
"If Minister Zhang is unable to handle this task, the Ministry of Personnel has plenty of people who can."
Minister Zhang: "..."
In the court, the power of the emperor is supreme. Ministers naturally hold a disadvantageous position. However, with Emperor Taikang’s weak health and Emperor Taihe’s gentle methods, the ministers became increasingly powerful, gathering behind Prime Minister Wang to form a force strong enough to influence the court.
But now, the one sitting on the Dragon Throne is the Nanyang County Princess who personally led troops to eliminate rebels like Jiang Yi and is decisive and domineering enough to suppress the Six Ministries, Jiang Shaohua.
More importantly, Minister Zhang has gradually deviated from the Prime Minister Faction, and at this moment, neither Minister Dai nor Minister Zhou spoke to support him. Officials who wanted to support him either held positions too low or were intimidated by Imperial Censor Qian’s earlier commotion, leaving no one standing up.
The Jinluan Palace was silent.
Minister Zhang stood alone in the middle of the hall, meeting the calm and authoritative gaze of the Empress.
Jiang Shaohua did not speak further, merely looking coldly at Minister Zhang.
