Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 713: Virtuous and Gentle (Part 1)

Watching the Zheng Family’s drama is truly delightful. If it were to fall upon our family, not even fifty percent, but even taking out ten or twenty percent, would be enough to cause Prime Minister Wang a heartache.

Prime Minister Wang turned hostile and drove people away, and Wang Jin had no choice but to rise and leave. Before leaving, he left behind some provocative words: "While the Emperor has just ascended the throne, offering up part of our estate on our own accord could at least leave us with the dignity to retire. Otherwise, if the Emperor turns against us and decides to settle scores later, our Wang Family will truly be in trouble."

The response to Wang Jin was a thunderous shout to get out and a beauty bottle thrown at him.

Wang Jin couldn’t dodge in time and was struck in the abdomen by the beauty bottle, clutching his waist in pain, unable to rise.

The expensive porcelain bottle fell straight to the ground, shattering into pieces. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Looking at Wang Jin sweating in pain, Prime Minister Wang’s anger was swiftly replaced by remorse: "Someone, quickly go and fetch the Imperial Physician."

After the ground was cleaned up, the Chief Imperial Doctor arrived just in time to examine Wang Jin’s waist and abdomen. Upon confirming that it was merely superficial bruising and not serious, Prime Minister Wang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As a father, there’s no reason to apologize to his son.

Prime Minister Wang awkwardly coughed: "Go back and apply the healing ointment and take a good rest. Don’t go to the palace tomorrow, take leave citing illness, and return to the palace once you’re well."

Wang Jin didn’t make a sound and slowly left with the support of his long-term follower.

Prime Minister Wang let out a long sigh.

However, for him to voluntarily hand over his estate is absolutely impossible. At most, he would restrain himself in the future and refrain from further corruption.

...

Early the next day, Wang Jin still rose early to enter the palace.

One wonders how furious Prime Minister Wang will be once he knows.

These past few days, Jiang Shaohua has been eating and sleeping well, and her stomach has grown a bit larger. Though she walks steadily, Cui Du still worries and follows Jiang Shaohua wherever she goes.

Attending the small morning court, the ministers have all experienced the uniqueness of Elder Changning. Regarding affairs of governance, Elder Changning half-understands but never interrupts or expresses any opinions. He is almost like an invisible person. The only thing Elder Changning cares about is the Empress’s wellbeing.

Walk a bit slower, sit more steadily, drink some water, have some snacks, get up and walk a bit if tired.

Those are often the few words Elder Changning says.

He truly portrays the virtuous image of an Imperial Consort, much better than Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, who loved to meddle with court affairs when she was Empress.

Cui Du supported the Empress into the main hall.

Seated steadily on the Dragon Throne, Jiang Shaohua first glanced at Wang Jin, whose expression was as usual: "Wang Zhongshu Ling, it’s heard that last night you had some quarrel with Prime Minister Wang at home, and you even suffered some external injuries. Why not take leave and rest for a couple of days?

Prime Minister Wang’s reach is extensive, and as the Emperor, Jiang Shaohua is equally well-informed. The father-son dispute that occurred in Prime Minister Wang’s study last night had quickly reached the Emperor’s ears.

Wang Jin replied, "I spoke unpleasant words, and my father, in anger, threw a vase at me, resulting in some external injuries. After applying healing ointment and resting for a night, I’ve mostly recovered. Hence, I entered the palace for court duty."

Ministers Zhang, Dai, and Zhou couldn’t help but look at Wang Jin.

The collapse of the Prime Minister Faction and its significant weakening were all Wang Jin’s ’merit’. With just a casual inquiry from the Empress, Wang Jin ’sold out’ his father, truly a filial son.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Father and son having different stances and conflicting political views, occasional disputes are inevitable. Since you can hold up and don’t wish to take leave, then suit yourself."

Wang Jin bowed his hands, thanking the Emperor for her mercy.

The ministers couldn’t help but glance again at Elder Changning.

As Minister of Agriculture, Elder Changning stood behind the many aged Ministers. In terms of positioning, he wasn’t even as close to the Empress as Wang Jin was! Seeing Wang Jin being favored and lifted by the Empress, exhibiting an aura of a trusted subject, is Elder Changning truly not at all jealous?

Cui Du looked back with some bafflement.

What are they looking at him for?

Putting aside the noble status of the Da Liang Empress, Jiang Shaohua is an exceptionally rare beauty, valiant when bearing arms, decisive, and magnanimous. Who wouldn’t admire such a lady?

Wang Jin’s admiration for Jiang Shaohua is no secret. If Jiang Shaohua had any interest in Wang Jin, he wouldn’t even have a chance.

Since Jiang Shaohua chose him as her husband, it shows she likes him. As the victor, what does he have to envy of a defeated courtship rival?

After the court dispersed, Jiang Shaohua retained Minister Ji, Chief Historian Chen, and Wang Jin for further discussions.

Cui Du also stayed.

Feeling dizzy from the court’s grand affairs, Cui Du decided to empty his mind, focusing solely on his Empress. A slight frown from Jiang Shaohua would make him tense. Taking advantage of the few people around, he thickened his skin to approach the Dragon Throne: "Having been busy for half a day, let’s rest and have lunch before continuing the discussions!"

When Jiang Shaohua is busy, only Cui Du dares to advise her like this.

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "Chen Sheren, go to the Imperial Kitchen and convey for lunch. Minister Ji, Chief Historian Chen, and Wang Zhongshu Ling, stay in the hall to accompany me for the meal."

To dine with the Emperor is indeed a great honor. Minister Ji and others immediately bowed in thanks for their grace.

Cui Du supported Jiang Shaohua to rise, taking a walk outside the hall to enjoy the breeze and sunshine.

Wang Jin silently watched the Empress’s figure, quickly retracting his gaze.

"Do you find it tiresome to listen?" Jiang Shaohua teased casually.

Cui Du laughed: "Indeed tiresome, listening for long even makes one drowsy. The affairs of court are as much as they are tedious, truly a difficult task to sit on the Dragon Throne."

Jiang Shaohua was amused to laughter.

After a walk, a meal, and a half-hour nap, they continued handling state affairs.

Cui Du watched, feeling both heartache and helplessness. Sitting on the Dragon Throne, becoming Emperor of Da Liang, with supreme power in hand, Jiang Shaohua shoulders an immense burden. There’s simply no time to rest.

By evening, she still needed to visit Jingyang Palace.

Since Duke An’s Mansion removed its plaque and offered its estate, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng had fallen ill. Whether genuinely ill or feigning it, as a junior, Jiang Shaohua must make time to visit Jingyang Palace daily.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng lay on the bed, her face pale, eyes dim, with traces of tears not yet dry on her face. Obviously having just cried, she wiped her tears upon hearing of Jiang Shaohua’s arrival.

Besides Eunuch Lin, those serving by the bedside included the recently recovered Mr. Zhao.

Mr. Zhao also seemed thinner, no longer bearing the same exuberance as before, now appearing much more reserved: "Greetings to the Emperor, greetings to Elder Changning."

"Mr. Zhao, no need for courtesy, rise." Jiang Shaohua has always favored Mr. Zhao, speaking gently: "I haven’t seen Mr. Zhao for some time, and have been concerned. Seeing you today looking well, puts my mind at ease."

Mr. Zhao hastened to reply respectfully: "The Emperor is burdened with countless state affairs yet still takes the time to care about a servant like myself, making me feel unworthy of such kindness."

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