Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 790: Exit

Prime Minister Wang’s expression was fluctuating unpredictably, torn between the anger of lashing out with raised hackles and scolding his son fiercely.

Wang Jin, clearly the person who understood his father the best in this world, softened his tone after some bickering: "We’ve reached this point now. Being able to retire peacefully, repair a hundred miles of riverbanks, and exchange for a hereditary Duke title, what’s wrong with that?"

"There’s a big bunch of envious ministers in the court, and the Emperor doesn’t even care. It shows that this favor is reserved for Father."

"It would be wise for Father to submit a memorial tomorrow to earn a reputation for being in harmony with the monarch. Isn’t that the best deal? Does Father really want to wait until the Emperor loses patience and draws out his spear?"

"The Grand Empress Dowager was formidable all her life; what is her current situation now?"

"No matter how powerful our Wang Family is, we are still subjects. Father has always been a loyal subject of Da Liang, even standing firm during last year’s palace coup, not bowing to the rebel. Before the Emperor ascended the throne, he personally visited once, and Father expressed support that day, contributing to the Dragon’s success. In the future, Father will surely be remembered in history and revered by descendants. Don’t let a moment of emotion push Father down the wrong path."

Prime Minister Wang let out a deep breath of murky air.

Indeed! He, Wang Rong, had been the powerful Da Liang Chancellor for decades. Perhaps he had some bad habits of greed and manipulation, but his major principles had remained unharmed. Not to mention the chances of the Wang Family succeeding in causing chaos, just himself, he was unwilling to reach that point.

Unable to advance, the only option was to retreat.

Wang Jin walked to the desk, prepared a blank sheet of paper, and calmly ground the ink.

Prime Minister Wang took another deep breath, walked over, picked up the pen, dipped it in ink, and then began writing.

Wang Jin didn’t look around randomly; he concentrated on grinding the ink.

It had been a long time since Prime Minister Wang had personally written a memorial. After finishing, he read it once, feeling somewhat dissatisfied: "I’m getting old, my pen feels weak. You write, copy a new one."

Wang Jin responded, took the pen from Prime Minister Wang, laid out a new sheet of paper, and quickly copied it.

However, Prime Minister Wang was still dissatisfied, criticizing that his son’s calligraphy was mediocre. He pushed Wang Jin aside and wrote a new one himself. This went on until nearly the fourth period of night.

Wang Jin felt stifled from all the fussing with Prime Minister Wang.

In the end, the father still cared for his son. Prime Minister Wang said, "It’s so late now, quickly go sleep for an hour."

Every morning when it’s light, there’s a small court session. Considering the time spent on the road, there’s only another hour left to sleep.

Wang Jin nodded, taking away the memorial written by Prime Minister Wang himself. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

As he reached the door, Prime Minister Wang’s voice suddenly sounded from behind: "Wait a moment."

Wang Jin stopped and turned to look.

Prime Minister Wang said, "Leave the memorial. Tomorrow, I’ll personally go to the palace and present it to the Emperor."

Under the bright candlelight, Prime Minister Wang’s face suddenly looked much older, as if this memorial had drained all his energy: "With the Duke title obtained, it’s time for this Chancellor to take the initiative to resign."

Wang Jin felt somewhat pained for his old father, turned back, and handed the memorial to his father, speaking softly: "When does Father plan to go to the palace? I will report to the Emperor early tomorrow morning."

Prime Minister Wang, full of suppressed anger, glared over: "Old man acts on his own; don’t meddle. Get back!"

Wang Jin had no choice but to leave swiftly.

Prime Minister Wang stared at the tightly closed door for a moment in frustration, then let out a long sigh.

...

The next morning, at dawn, Wang Jin entered the palace.

After all, he was young, staying up most of the night, still energetic.

Before the small court session started, Wang Jin first went to see the Emperor and reported that Prime Minister Wang would go to the palace to see the Emperor today.

Jiang Shaohua’s brows relaxed a bit, and he smiled: "I haven’t seen Prime Minister Wang for over a year either. This time when the Prime Minister enters the palace, I must have a good talk with him."

Wang Jin cupped his hands in agreement, not saying much.

There’s no need to say more about what both parties already understand.

As long as Prime Minister Wang is willing to retreat, the power transition in the Da Liang court can proceed peacefully, and the Emperor will naturally give Prime Minister Wang dignity.

Halfway through the small court session, Meng Sanbao reported: "Your Majesty, the Prime Minister has come to the palace for an audience."

Jiang Shaohua feigned surprise: "The Prime Minister has been recuperating quietly at home, why has he suddenly come to the palace today?"

The courtiers cooperated well, all expressing surprise and joy. Minister Dong, understanding the situation, proactively proposed to pause the small court session for a moment and to go outside Zhaohai Palace to welcome the Prime Minister.

There is a distinction between monarch and minister; Jiang Shaohua, as the Emperor, should not lower his status to welcome the ministers. It was more appropriate for Minister Dong and others to go forward.

Jiang Shaohua nodded with a smile.

With Chief Historian Chen absent, the ministers, led by Minister Dong, all went out of Zhaohai Palace to greet.

It had been over a year since Prime Minister Wang last entered the palace. Walking alone into the palace now, he slowly advanced, his gaze falling on the familiar faces of old colleagues, feeling as if it was a lifetime ago.

When Prime Minister Wang dominated the scene, Minister Dong was just an Assistant Minister of Rites, and Ministers Yang and Ding were yet to show themselves. Now they were each a Minister of a department, exuding calmness and showcasing the stability and gravity of major officials in the court.

Prime Minister Wang did not show the emotion in his heart, offering a salute to everyone: "Why did you all come out; you’re making me feel overwhelmed with honor."

Minister Dong hurriedly returned the salute with a smile: "The Prime Minister’s entry to the palace today makes us incredibly delighted; coming out to greet you is as it should be."

"The Emperor is inside the hall; please, Prime Minister," Minister Yang respectfully took over the conversation.

Ministers Ji and Zhang couldn’t get a word in.

This shows that the Emperor’s Faction truly occupied the court. Minister Zhang was repeatedly marginalized, while Minister Ji wisely refused to vie with Ministers Dong and Yang.

Prime Minister Wang sighed internally, showing nothing on his face, and composedly stepped into Zhaohai Palace.

The first sight he encountered was the Empress in her Dragon Robe.

Jiang Shaohua, having gone to the Wang family before ascending the throne, had stayed in the palace since then. Prime Minister Wang’s dealings with the Empress were mainly through Wang Jin shuttling messages back and forth.

This face-to-face encounter was the first time.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t stand up, just stared steadily at Prime Minister Wang.

Prime Minister Wang appeared as usual, walked forward, and cupped his hands in salute: "Your Majesty, this old servant greets you."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, got up, and personally came over, supporting Prime Minister Wang: "It’s heartening to see Prime Minister Wang in such good health, finally able to enter the palace. It brings great comfort to my heart."

Prime Minister Wang used this support to get up, slightly lowered his head, and kept his eyes down, maintaining the deference of a subject to the sovereign: "This old servant’s injury left a chronic condition; now I can’t lift my left arm. Moreover, this old servant is getting on in years, with thoughts moving slowly, unable to bear the responsibility of the Prime Minister any longer."

"This old servant entered the palace today to meet the Monarch for two matters. The first is to resign from the position of Prime Minister. Please, Your Majesty, choose another capable minister to serve as the Da Liang Prime Minister."

"The second matter, this old servant has heard that the Ministry of Industry’s budget for riverbank repair is too high, leaving the National Treasury insufficient. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager generously donated, and both the Lu Family and the Cui Family have each pledged funds for fifty miles of riverbank. The remaining hundred miles are entrusted to this old servant. This old servant wishes to alleviate Your Majesty’s concerns! Please, Your Majesty, fulfill this old servant’s last act of loyalty."