Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 752: Sovereign and Minister (Part 1)
At this point, Duke An exhaled a long sigh of relief.
Chen Sheren fully observed Duke An’s relief, a cold smile forming in his heart.
The Emperor was right. Such a colossal family as the Zheng Family, with the Grand Empress Dowager in the palace, and people in both the court and the army, with silver and private soldiers, is not easy to uproot. By cutting piece by piece, and bleeding out slowly, the Zheng Family will naturally weaken over time.
Having said everything that needed to be said, Duke An bowed his head and pleaded, "Your Majesty, the guilty subject has not seen the Grand Empress Dowager for more than half a year. I humbly request Your Majesty’s grace to allow this guilty subject to visit Jingyang Palace and pay respects to the Lady."
Jiang Shaohua did not stop him: "Very well. Chen Sheren, accompany the Lord on this visit."
After a pause, he added two meaningful sentences: "The Grand Empress Dowager is quite old, and in the past few months, she has fallen ill twice intermittently, fearing she cannot withstand any more bad news."
Duke An immediately understood: "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will only take a look to comfort the Lady. I will not speak out of turn."
Currently, the person most concerned about Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s health is Duke An. With the Grand Empress Dowager as a protective tree, the Zheng Family has room to maneuver. Otherwise, under the grave crime of treason and rebellion, what right would he have to plead with the Emperor to spare the Zheng clan?
Duke An nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Chen Sheren accompanied Duke An as they left.
Jiang Shaohua reviewed the list Duke An brought again and then sent for Chief Historian Chen.
"Chief Historian Chen, this is the list Duke An presented."
Chief Historian Chen took the list, glanced at it, furrowed his brow slightly, then quickly composed himself: "Compared to the previous list, there are six more names."
These six military generals are stationed at various garrisons. If unrest breaks out, it will cause great trouble for the court.
The Heroic Guard Camp did quickly suppress the Yu State Rebel Army. However, once the court’s army is mobilized, it consumes a lot of money and provisions. After the war, a generous amount of pension silver must be given out. Moreover, in Yu State, ravaged by war, the number of innocent civilians who perished is unknown. The court must send officials again to console and stabilize livelihoods, and to clean up the aftermath. Each and every one of these tasks is a significant headache.
Therefore, using more moderate methods to prevent rebellion is the most cost-effective.
What does sparing the members of the Zheng Family mean now? In a few years or a decade, once the Grand Empress Dowager passes away, it won’t be too late to deal with the Zheng Family then.
The Emperor is young and has both time and patience.
Jiang Shaohua said to Chief Historian Chen: "The Left General quelled Yu State with thunderous force, deterring all the restless garrison troops, marking significant achievement. When the Left General returns to court, I shall reward him generously!"
Chief Historian Chen, being experienced, immediately discerned an underlying meaning: "The Emperor intends to fully win over the Left General."
Jiang Shaohua nodded: "Yes."
"Zuo Feng is indeed skilled in commanding troops. Under my command, Qin Zhan Meng Dashan can only lead a few thousand soldiers. Liu Hengchang is talented, but his practical experience is far less than Zuo Feng’s. Such a formidable military general, I must bring into my service."
Chief Historian Chen stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, then said: "Zuo Feng rose with the help of Prime Minister Wang and is very loyal to him. As long as Prime Minister Wang does not step down, Zuo Feng will always hold and support him."
Speaking of the Left General, this is indeed admirable. Other members of the Prime Minister Faction, some are like Minister Zhang, who diverge, or like Minister Zhou, who act discreetly. Only the Left General, unashamedly, often visits Prime Minister Wang, acting openly and honestly.
Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly: "Minister Dai is a smart man, voluntarily retiring with grace. I will spare his dignity, not investigating past matters, allowing him a full retreat."
"If Prime Minister Wang is stubbornly unyielding, holding the position of Prime Minister and unwilling to step down, I naturally have ways to deal with him."
Dealing with the Wang Family is different from dealing with the Zheng Family.
The Zheng Family is an external relation, supported by the Grand Empress Dowager, yet also her weakness. She uses Zheng Chen to restrain the Zheng Family, forcing the Grand Empress Dowager to retreat step by step. As the Grand Empress Dowager weakens, the Zheng Family becomes an easier target to squeeze. Gradually weakening them with subtle methods; in less than a year, the colossal Zheng Family is already faltering.
The Wang Family’s hidden power and influence surpass even the Zheng Family. Prime Minister Wang is a senior official serving four emperors, with protégés and allies spread throughout the court and country.
Moreover, Prime Minister Wang maintained his stance during the palace coup. Even though he is an ambitiously greedy powerful minister, he has a bottom line. This alone allows Prime Minister Wang to stand tall and firm.
More importantly, on the day she successfully ascended to the throne, Wang Jin’s staunch support played a crucial role. Most of the Prime Minister Faction officials supported her alongside Wang Jin. Without a legitimate reason or excuse, she certainly should not move against the Prime Minister Faction.
Prime Minister Wang also noticed this point, residing steadily in the Wang Family study. Whether big or small, he keeps a close eye on court matters, intervening through Wang Jin to influence court politics.
This is her true internal threat, surpassing even the Grand Empress Dowager and the Zheng Family.
Chief Historian Chen perceived the tone was off, and advised in a low voice: "Weakening the Wang Family is not a small matter achievable overnight. Your Majesty must not be impatient."
"Moreover, Wang Zhongshu Ling is utterly loyal to Your Majesty. Considering Wang Zhongshu Ling’s loyalty, Your Majesty should extend some leniency towards the Wang Family."
Wang Jin, as a minister, is indeed above reproach, loyal, diligent, and capable, privately restraining clan members and organizing the Prime Minister Faction officials. The stability Jiang Shaohua enjoys on the Dragon Throne owes a thirty percent credit to Wang Jin.
Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "Wang Jin privately reported to me, advising Prime Minister Wang to retire to make room for Chief Historian Chen. It’s just that he hasn’t convinced him yet."
Hearing this, Chief Historian Chen felt a warm glow in his heart and quickly smiled: "This minister working in the imperial court, assisting Your Majesty to solve problems is enough. Whether the title of Prime Minister is there or not, it doesn’t matter."
"How can that be the same?" Jiang Shaohua looked at Chief Historian Chen: "In my heart, you are the Da Liang Chancellor. I must give you an official position, ensuring all ministers treat you with respect and deference."
Chief Historian Chen, at over fifty years, felt his eyes heat up, his nose tingle upon hearing such words: "Your Majesty..."
"Minister Zhang prides himself on being a senior official with a high position, disregarding Chief Historian Chen. Minister Zhou and others also lack due respect. Even Ministers Dong, Ding, and Yang may not be fully convinced. This is due to a lack of rightful title and proper reason," Jiang Shaohua said sternly: "I will tolerate Prime Minister Wang for a maximum of three years. After three years, whether he retires or not, he will have to."
"By that time, Chief Historian Chen will be the Chancellor of Empress Zhaoping. Whoever dares disrespect Chancellor Chen, I will simply banish them far away."
The former words were domineering, yet the last sentence revealed a rare touch of willfulness.
Such an attitude from Jiang Shaohua was only shown in the presence of Chief Historian Chen.
Chief Historian Chen’s heart was warm: "With these words from Your Majesty, this minister will devote myself endlessly, serving faithfully until death."
