Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 25: Tearing Off the Mask

Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Tearing Off the Mask

As soon as Lu Xuan finished speaking, the expressions of the officials varied.

Chen Zhuo’s gaze flickered, while Feng Wenming frowned.

Yang Zheng showed approval in his eyes, and Qiu Yuanshang stroked his handsome beard with his right hand, clearly thinking it a good idea as well.

Wen An looked at Lu Junma, then at the Commandery Princess, and quickly averted his gaze. Shen Mu, being a man of few words, found no place to interject as an eighth-rank minor official and directly shut his mouth.

But it was Song Yuan who couldn’t help but speak: "Lu Junma, that’s not right. The Commandery Princess was born and raised in the Prince Mansion, she’s more familiar with here than anywhere. Moving to the Capital City would only leave her bewildered."

"Moreover, the Commandery Princess has her father, siblings of the same blood, and a group of loyal officials with her. She is not a lonely little girl with no support, what need does she have to enter the palace?"

All the officials sat, only Song Yuan stood firmly behind Jiang Shaohua, his gaze keen, the bright long knife at his waist particularly glaring.

At least, it was glaring in Lu Xuan’s eyes.

Lu Xuan looked up towards him, sighed softly: "Commander Song’s words are not without merit. However, as a parent, one must consider their child’s long-term future. The Commandery Princess is ten this year, a time when she needs the guidance of female elders. I, as a father, find myself at a disadvantage in every respect."

"Mrs. Zhang is loyal, yet she is ultimately a servant, suitable for attending to daily life but not for taking on the role of instructor."

"Empress Dowager is the Commandery Princess’s biological grandaunt and the Empress Dowager of Da Liang, her status is of utmost honor. If the Commandery Princess could receive guidance from the Empress Dowager, it would surely be beneficial."

Song Yuan could neither claim that Mrs. Zhang was as good as a half elder nor speak ill of Empress Dowager Zheng, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Even the eloquent Chen Zhuo couldn’t pick a fault in what Lu Xuan had said.

Inwardly, Jiang Shaohua sneered continuously, yet outwardly, she showed not a trace, continuing to watch Lu Xuan’s performance.

"The bond of blood between father and daughter is thicker than water. Indeed, parting with Shao Hua is the most difficult for me," Lu Xuan sighed again, with a glimmer in his eyes, portraying the image of a father who loves his daughter as his life: "But for Shao Hua’s future, no matter how much it pains me, I must steel my heart."

"Shao Hua, listen to your father and go to the palace with Mr. Zhao. Learning a fraction from the Empress Dowager will benefit you for life."

Mr. Zhao wholeheartedly agreed, interjecting: "Lu Junma speaks the truth. The Commandery Princess is young, and must have an elder’s careful guidance. In this world, only the Empress Dowager has the qualification to guide her."

Chen Zhuo coughed lightly and said: "The Commandery Princess is the ruler of Nanyang. Once she leaves, Nanyang County will be without its master, turning into scattered sand."

"Although Lu Junma is the Commandery Princess’s father, his surname is Lu, not Jiang, and cannot govern the Prince Mansion on her behalf. I ask the Commandery Princess to think thrice!"

Lu Xuan hates nothing more than being reminded of his status as a son-in-law living with his wife’s family, and being struck at his sore spot by Chen Zhuo, he was filled with anger, but outwardly he echoed: "Chief Historian Chen’s concerns are not without reason. I can temporarily manage on Shao Hua’s behalf for a few years, sending urgent messages to the palace as needed. Once Shao Hua grows up and returns, she can take back control of the Prince Mansion."

Just as the words fell, Jiang Shaohua’s voice rang out: "Not feasible! Father has always been a student and knows nothing of governance. How can the Prince Mansion be entrusted to him?"

Lu Xuan: "..."

The feeling of having his face peeled was back again!

This time, all the Prince Mansion officials were present, along with Mr. Zhao, sent from the palace!

Lu Xuan’s handsome, fair face turned red at once, yet he did not anger, showing guilt and self-blame: "I, as a father, am inadequate. Fortunately, there are the two capable and astute Chief Historians Chen and Feng in the Prince Mansion, along with a few loyal and able officials."

"Over the past year, while Shao Hua was focused on mourning, the Prince Mansion affairs were managed by them without mistake. It will continue to be the norm, I would only hold a titular overseeing position; the real decisions and speaking authority will be with Chief Historian Chen."

This was subtly satirical towards Chen Zhuo.

Chen Zhuo had no choice but to rise and apologize to Jiang Shaohua: "Lu Junma’s words do me too much honor. As a Chief Historian, I am solely focused on easing the Commandery Princess’s burdens, with no intent of seizing power. I ask the Commandery Princess to see clearly."

Lu Xuan had been watching Chen Zhuo closely, immediately taking over the conversation: "Chief Historian Chen has tirelessly served with great merit and is widely respected in the Prince Mansion, this is known to all. There is no need for Chief Historian Chen to be humble."

Feng Wenming listened with discontent, and spoke with a bland expression: "Knowing Chief Historian Chen’s hard work, what is the reason for Lu Junma’s constant jibing?"

Lu Xuan was somewhat startled: "Chief Historian Feng misunderstood. I am truly grateful to Chief Historian Chen, with no intention to target or satirize."

"Chief Historian Feng and Chief Historian Chen are close friends. Back then, when Chief Historian Feng joined the Prince Mansion, it was due to Chief Historian Chen’s credit. Over the years, you were deeply esteemed by my father-in-law. Even after he is gone, you remain loyal to your duties. You two work together closely, one handling external affairs and the other internal, managing the Prince Mansion’s affairs."

"With such diligent and capable ministers as Chief Historian Chen and Feng, the Commandery Princess need not worry at all."

Well, even Feng Wenming was included in this subtle rebuke.

It barely stopped short of outright claiming the two Chief Historians were conspiring to seize power, sidelining the young Commandery Princess of Nanyang.

Feng Wenming felt extremely irritated, a flash of anger passing through his eyes.

Chen Zhuo quickly glanced over, signaling him to hold his tongue.

With Mr. Zhao present, there must be no quarrel, for it would mar the reputation of Nanyang Prince Mansion.

Mr. Zhao enjoyed watching the drama unfold. Lu Junma having ambitions was splendid! With Lu Junma so keen and diligent, perhaps they could soon convince the Commandery Princess to go to the Capital City...

Jiang Shaohua subdued her smile, staring directly at Lu Xuan: "Both Chief Historians Chen and Feng are loyal ministers whom my grandfather trusted and whom I too value and trust. What was father implying with these words earlier—questioning my grandfather’s judgment, or belittling me as blind?"

When Jiang Shaohua smiled, she was gentle and pleasant.

In this moment, her brows drew together, an invisible pressure spread.

Watching from the side, Mr. Zhao felt unease. Lu Xuan felt it even more sharply, as if a massive boulder pressed down on him. It was as if his father-in-law had returned...

"From now on, anyone who dares speak ill of Chief Historians Chen and Feng will be accused of spreading rumors and slander." Jiang Shaohua’s face showed no extra expression.

All the officials could no longer remain seated and stood up one after another in agreement.

Lu Xuan was embarrassed, having no choice but to stand up to defend himself: "Shao Hua..."

Jiang Shaohua gave a cold glance.

Lu Xuan’s heart shivered, instinctively changing his address: "Commandery Princess misunderstood. I had no other meaning..."

"If you had no such meaning, then don’t speak carelessly." Jiang Shaohua coolly cut off Lu Xuan: "The key officials of the Nanyang Prince Mansion are not for a husband living with his wife’s family without rank or position to command."

Lu Xuan: "..."

Mr. Zhao sat upright with excitement, his eyes almost shining.

Who would have thought the Nanyang Prince Mansion would feature such a fine drama!

The officials were all staring wide-eyed in astonishment.

A daughter referring to her own biological father directly as a son-in-law! As a father, how does one maintain any dignity!