Chapter 263: Chapter 263

The Crown Prince suppressed the anger in his heart and went to Jingyang Palace with Zheng Chen.

Empress Dowager Zheng had been ill, her vitality greatly diminished, showing a weary and aged demeanor. With the palace maids attending to her, she barely managed to sit up. As soon as she opened her mouth, she inquired about the military campaign to quell the unrest.

"Grand Empress Dowager is still ill, just rest well, don’t worry about the court affairs." The Crown Prince, feeling gloomy and troubled, really wasn’t in the mood to talk, but forced himself to comfort Empress Dowager Zheng: "The court has already dispatched General Wei with twenty thousand elite soldiers to quell the unrest, Grand Empress Dowager just await good news from General Wei."

Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes flashed with anger: "That Wang Rong used to promote his close confidants with at least a semblance of propriety. Now it’s blatantly obvious, not even slightly concealed."

"When it comes to leading troops in battle, General Song is much stronger than General Wei. He insists that General Wei lead the troops out of selfish interests. If anything goes wrong, how could he bear the consequences?"

She held the Crown Prince’s hand and earnestly advised: "Crown Prince, among the court officials, who is loyal and who is treacherous, you must discern carefully. Some speak of loyalty and righteousness with full mouths, yet harbor ulterior motives. Some ministers, though not eloquent, are first-class loyal subjects."

"Now your father can’t even speak, all matters depend on you. You must sharpen your discernment when employing people."

Following this, it was unavoidable to recommend a few ’useful’ individuals.

The Crown Prince secretly curled his mouth, soothing Empress Dowager Zheng with fine words. Only after an hour did he manage to withdraw, feeling utterly exhausted.

The army mobilizes, the provisions must proceed. Even if the National Treasury is drained, military resources must be squeezed out.

There is already a precedent of rebellion in the stationed troops, the Ministry of Revenue can no longer withhold military expenses, thus the matter of relief for disaster victims had to be set aside temporarily.

In such circumstances, a few states in the North reported news of the big grain merchants in Nanyang County selling new grain, which was simply insignificant.

Even if Prime Minister Wang was aware, he had no mood to fuss, casually waving his hand: "The people being able to buy grain is not a bad thing, whether used as seed or to fill their stomachs. Just leave it alone."

The advisors said no more.

But Wang Jin couldn’t help but ask upon hearing this: "Is Nanyang County Princess seizing the opportunity to promote new grain?"

Prime Minister Wang glanced over: "What if she is?"

Others feared Prime Minister Wang, but Wang Jin was not afraid in the least, immediately saying: "A few months ago, Nanyang County Princess submitted a memorial to offer the seeds of new grain. If the court had accepted and promoted it back then, perhaps the North could have a bountiful harvest next year. The people wouldn’t starve anymore."

"Sounds easy enough." Prime Minister Wang sneered: "Not to mention how much yield new grain can actually produce, if this succeeds, Lady Empress Dowager’s power would soar, and could not be suppressed. Then, the court officials would all side with the Empress Dowager. Where would I, as Prime Minister, have a place to speak?"

The court struggle, is it that crucial? More important than the life and death of the populace?

Wang Jin silently gazed at Prime Minister Wang.

No one knows a son better than his father. Prime Minister Wang evidently understood what Wang Jin was thinking, calmly said: "The officialdom is like a battlefield, it’s either you die or I live. If you want to do things, you must first gain power. Merely having zeal will only lead to hitting a wall, and you’ll end up with a bloody head."

"You’re already fifteen this year, after the New Year you’ll be sixteen, at this age you should start to mature and understand things."

Wang Jin replied softly.

Prime Minister Wang continued: "Today I’ll teach you some more. You are most distinguished in the palace, the Crown Prince relies heavily on you. Do you think it’s because you, Fourth Young Master Wang, are exceptionally talented?"

"Under this sky, there are plenty of talents, the Crown Prince heavily relies on you, and other officials treat you courteously. That is because you are my son, you are Wang Rong’s son. I am the Da Liang Chancellor, the head of officials. As Fourth Young Master Wang, who dares not to give way?"

"Look at Zheng Chen, a year younger than you, his city and cunning are much deeper than yours. Every time he sees me, he is exceptionally respectful."

"His father and I are political enemies, opponents. No matter how much resentment and anger he holds towards me, he mustn’t show the slightest disrespect. What is this? This is power!"

"A man in the world must stand tall. Otherwise, you must endure humble retreats."

Such words, Wang Jin has heard not for the first time. But every time he hears them, he is still shaken.

He was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up: "Father, I want to meet this Nanyang County Princess."

Prime Minister Wang raised an eyebrow, looked Wang Jin up and down, then suddenly chuckled: "Why? Have you moved your heart?"

Wang Jin’s fair and handsome face flashed a hint of red, coughed and said: "Father, don’t joke. I have no connection or acquaintance with Nanyang County Princess, where would there be any thoughts? I... I am simply curious, this Nanyang County Princess, younger than me by three years, how is she able to accomplish so many things."

Little knowing, curiosity often marks the beginning of feelings.

Prime Minister Wang thought for a moment, then laughed: "It’s actually not difficult. Find an opportunity, ask the Emperor or Crown Prince to issue an edict, summoning Nanyang County Princess to the Capital City."

Wang Jin was startled: "But, Lady Empress Dowager sent Mr. Zhao to Nanyang Prince Mansion, and Zheng Zixi personally went once. Even then, Nanyang County Princess did not come..."

"That’s because they used the wrong strategy." Prime Minister Wang smiled faintly: "Directly issue a decree, summoning her. She cannot refuse."

What about Nanyang County Princess? Could she dare defy an imperial edict?

Wang Jin hesitated: "This kind of act looks like bullying with power, isn’t it not that good."

"This is the advantage of having authority." Prime Minister Wang raised his eyebrow: "Don’t just talk about her as a Princess, even Crown Prince himself must obediently listen when I, as Prime Minister, speak."

Wang Jin was long accustomed to his father’s powerful and tough demeanor, and he remained silent.

Indeed, he was very curious about the Nanyang County Princess.

She had not entered the palace, nor shown herself, yet seemed to be omnipresent.

Eradicating bandits, striking fiercely. Handling Zuo Zhen, both ruthless and precise. Introducing new-style plows, and intending to offer seeds of new grain, clearly she is a kind and passionate girl. She spent a substantial sum to buy off Mr. Zhao, sent generous gifts annually to Jingyang Palace, many influential ministers in the court had dealings with Nanyang Prince Mansion. Mentioning her, some praised, some scorned, some admired, some dismissed...

These contradictory traits, strangely concentrated on one person.

He really wanted to meet her.

Three days later, at Zhaohai Palace, an imperial edict was issued, summoning Nanyang County Princess to the Capital City for audience.

This openly issued imperial edict was drafted by the Hanlin Scholar, sealed with the Emperor’s Imperial Seal, and personally delivered to Nanyang County by Doctor Zhu from the Ministry of Rites. Updates are released by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮※𝓷𝓮𝓽

Even if everyone knew that the Emperor was currently bedridden unable to speak, this edict clearly bore the intent of Prime Minister Wang.

However, this was still an edict possessing the supreme imperial authority, not allowing anyone to refuse.

Doctor Zhu, carrying the edict, with a team of Imperial Army guards, set off from the Capital City heading toward Nanyang County.

The imperial envoy had only reached halfway when this news was delivered to Nanyang Prince Mansion, presented before Jiang Shaohua.