Chapter 297: Chapter 297

Duke An had been bottling up his anger for over a month. Previously, due to Emperor Taikang’s mourning period, it was inconvenient to act. Now that Emperor Taikang has been laid to rest, Duke An immediately spoke out and exposed Prime Minister Wang publicly.

As soon as Duke An spoke, Minister Li of the Ministry of Rites also stood up, sharply criticizing Prime Minister Wang.

Prime Minister Wang had many allies on his side, with Ministers Zhang, Dai, and Zhou taking turns to counterattack.

Among the Six Ministers, only Minister Ji of the Ministry of Revenue remained neutral, saying nothing.

Among the military generals, the most influential Left General was far away at the border. General Fan was leading troops on an expedition, General Du died tragically, and General Wei was still on his way to the Capital City to plead for forgiveness. Currently standing in the Jinluan Palace were General Bao of the Imperial Army and General Song.

General Bao was loyal only to the Emperor, and now that the Emperor was dead, his loyalty was to the Crown Prince. Since the Crown Prince did not speak, General Bao also remained silent.

The nearly seventy-year-old General Song, with his white hair, seemed weary but had a straightforward temper. He immediately said, "The Heroic Guard Camp’s defeat is partly due to General Wei’s incompetence and partly because General Du’s tragic death demoralized the soldiers, leading to the ultimate rout."

"General Wei will arrive in the Capital City in a few days; we should deal with him as we see fit. As for General Du’s death, the reasons behind it must be thoroughly investigated."

"Prime Minister Wang enthusiastically recommended General Wei and must naturally bear responsibility. However, Minister Zheng’s accusation that Prime Minister Wang should be held accountable for the Emperor’s passing is over the top."

"Da Liang’s northern region is in chaos, and we must recover Pingzhou while staying wary of external enemies. There’s no time for internal strife! Is Minister Zheng trying to have Prime Minister Wang removed from office? If Prime Minister Wang leaves, who will take his place? Does Minister Zheng think he’s capable of governing the court?"

Well, General Song’s words offended both the Empress Dowager Faction and the Prime Minister Faction.

Does this mean only you, General Song, are upright, honest, and concerned for the people, while we are all selfish scoundrels fighting for power?

Duke An scoffed inwardly, making a mental note against the upright General Song.

Prime Minister Wang gave General Song a faint glance, also making a mental note.

Jiang Shaohua, on the other hand, quite admired the outspoken General Song.

This General Song was the Family Head of the Song Family, a military lineage. By terms of seniority, Song Yuan would have to call him granduncle. The Song Family’s current prestige was thanks to the support from Prince Nanyang and the military exploits of General Song.

The Vassal Kings stood in the Jinluan Palace but were all quite low-key. They listened to the courtiers arguing but mostly kept quiet.

The Vassal Kings held prestigious positions but were also feared by the court. Especially during Emperor Taikang’s reign, they suffered suppression at every turn. They could enjoy riches and honor but were forced to keep a low profile.

According to court regulations, Vassal Kings could only have five hundred personal soldiers. Many secretly raised private troops, but no one admitted it openly.

With Emperor Taikang’s funeral concluded and the Crown Prince about to ascend the Dragon Throne, these Vassal Kings could return to their vassal territories. The court’s major affairs were not theirs to decide.

Only Prince Wu’an couldn’t help but speak: "Prime Minister Wang has diligently served Da Liang for decades, contributing significantly. Occasionally recommending the wrong person, should he be severely punished for such a minor issue? Wouldn’t this dishearten all officials? The Crown Prince should be exceedingly cautious."

The Crown Prince sneeringly laughed inwardly but maintained a calm demeanor: "Prince Wu’an makes a fair point."

Prince Wu’an was old, and whether due to inability to read faces or pretending ignorance, he boldly continued from the Crown Prince’s casual affirmation: "From my perspective, upon General Wei’s return to the Capital City, he should be heavily punished. As for Prime Minister Wang, penalize him with a half-year salary reduction, and let this explain things to everyone, and that’s it..."

A mocking voice interrupted Prince Wu’an: "What a spectacle, seeing a Vassal King from the Jiang Family willingly acting as a loyal dog at someone’s door!"

Prince Wu’an’s eyes flared, glaring fiercely: "You brat, sharp-tongued and disrespectful!"

Jiang Shaohua replied leisurely: "Some people, having lived for decades, are dull and unable to discern right from wrong. When trouble arises, they rely on their seniority to muddle through – it’s truly laughable!"

Prince Wu’an angrily pointed at Jiang Shaohua: "Who are you talking about?"

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Prince Wu’an: "Anyone dares to point at me, I’ll make them regret it!"

The scene from a few days ago instantly flashed in his mind. Prince Wu’an was both angry and fearful, unwilling to back down but dared not again extend his finger recklessly.

The Crown Prince coughed to mediate: "Prince Wu’an, there’s no need to get worked up, calm yourself."

Prince Wu’an wasn’t completely foolish and disgruntledly withdrew his hand.

Jiang Shaohua also ceased speaking.

The court assembly ended in discord.

After the morning court session, the Crown Prince had a headache and summoned several reading companions to the study to talk. Prime Minister Wang and Duke An battled, and Wang Jin and Zheng Chen naturally took opposing stances, leading to yet another debate in the study.

As for Jiang Shaohua, she headed to Jingyang Palace after the morning court session to pay respects to Empress Dowager Zheng.

Empress Dowager Zheng, having endured Emperor Taikang’s funeral, had fallen ill.

Once well-maintained, Empress Dowager Zheng now appeared haggard, her age showing clearly. Seeming weak, she lay on the bed and spoke feebly: "Shao Hua, you’re a filial good child. With you in the palace, I feel at peace."

Having such a sharp and useful blade, how could she not feel assured?

Jiang Shaohua silently grumbled inwardly but showed no trace outwardly, speaking softly: "Today’s court assembly saw Minister Zheng accusing Prime Minister Wang, while three of the Six Ministers stepped forward to defend him. Even Prince Wu’an sided with Prime Minister Wang. I couldn’t bear it and mocked him severely."

The events at the court assembly had naturally reached Empress Dowager Zheng’s ears. Official source ıs 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍

Empress Dowager Zheng was well aware and patted Jiang Shaohua’s hand: "Prince Wu’an is a muddle-headed old fool, forgetting his own ancestry. A dignified Vassal King, groveling to a minister. You did the right thing! He needed a lesson!"

Jiang Shaohua showed a hint of hesitation: "I’ve confronted Prince Wu’an several times now, and surely he resents me. Perhaps he’ll secretly sabotage or plot against me in the future."

Empress Dowager Zheng aggressively scoffed: "No worry, I’m here to support you. Who dares trouble you will not escape my wrath."

Jiang Shaohua awaited these words and responded with visible gratitude: "With Lady protecting me , even if it means traversing dangers, it’s worth it."

Empress Dowager Zheng looked at Jiang Shaohua affectionately: "Silly girl, don’t keep talking about facing dangers. You’re still young; good days are ahead."