Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 32: Hard to Decide

Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Hard to Decide

Qiu Dianshan didn’t sleep all night.

Early the next morning, with dark circles under his eyes and a weary face, Qiu Dianshan arrived on time outside the study.

"Why has Qiu Dianshan come?" Feng Wenming, quick to speak, immediately pierced Qiu Yuanshang’s sore spot with his words: "Didn’t the Commandery Princess ask Qiu Dianshang to write a resignation letter yesterday?"

Qiu Yuanshang felt as if an arrow had struck his chest, his face grew increasingly unpleasant, and he responded in a low voice: "I wrote the resignation letter last night and sent someone to deliver it to the Ministry of Personnel. However, I must wait for the Ministry’s official document before I leave. As long as the document hasn’t arrived, I remain the Chief Steward of the Nanyang Prince Mansion. I cannot neglect my duties."

Feng Wenming glanced at him: "If you had done this earlier, it wouldn’t have come to this point."

It wouldn’t have escalated to such a degree.

Qiu Yuanshang felt a bitter sadness, wishing to cover his face and cry.

Yang Zheng had some personal relations with Qiu Yuanshang, seeing him looking so despondent, he felt both sympathy and alerted caution. The Commandery Princess’s machinations and methods should not be underestimated. He must be careful in the future to avoid ending up like Qiu Yuanshang.

At this moment, a figure in red appeared before everyone.

All the subordinate officials quickly greeted with hands clasped: "Greetings, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua, having eaten well and slept soundly, was in radiant spirits and looked refreshed: "Everyone, dispense with the formalities, and come into the study to discuss affairs."

Her gaze briefly turned to Qiu Yuanshang’s face before quickly withdrawing and stepping into the study, taking the seat at the head.

After several days, the subordinate officials gradually became accustomed to it. Upon entering the study, they took their seats one by one. Then each person took turns reporting on the progress of yesterday’s tasks and discussed what they needed to do today. Some offered suggestions or mentioned difficulties, seeking the Commandery Princess’s decision.

Jiang Shaohua did not speak much, patiently listening to the reports of the subordinates, quickly deciding on matters needing her decision. When she was unsure, she listened to the subordinate officials’ suggestions, particularly trusting Chief Historian Chen Zhuo.

She demonstrated decisiveness, without being authoritarian.

In all fairness, she truly was an excellent ruler.

Except for being somewhat young and a woman, there was almost nothing to criticize.

Once again, Qiu Yuanshang felt deep regret.

"Does Qiu Dianshan have anything to report today?" the Commandery Princess’s voice sounded in his ear.

Qiu Yuanshang pulled himself together and replied: "Reporting to the Commandery Princess, I accompanied Mr. Zhao around Nanyang County for most of the day yesterday. Mr. Zhao is very interested in the people’s livelihood of Nanyang County; he went to restaurants, teahouses, grain stores, wine shops, and fabric shops. He also inquired about the taxes in Nanyang County."

"I excused myself, saying these matters were handled by Chief Historian Feng, and I’m not very clear on them. With that, I managed to cover up."

It wasn’t a cover-up; he really didn’t know!

Feng Wenming silently mocked inwardly. All the subordinate officials had different personalities and temperaments. This Qiu Yuanshang handled his tasks indifferently, loved pleasure, and frequently left the mansion when he had free time. He had favorites in all the famous brothels in Nanyang County. Where would he find time to care about tax matters?

Never mind, he’s already about to be driven away, so let’s leave him some dignity.

Feng Wenming kept silent, while Jiang Shaohua blatantly asked: "Is Qiu Dianshan intentionally evasive, or does he genuinely not know?"

Qiu Yuanshang blushed, lowered his head, and apologized: "I truly do not know."

"Not knowing is fine." Jiang Shaohua said blandly: "In this way, even if Mr. Zhao intends to extract information, he cannot extract anything useful."

Qiu Yuanshang: "..."

Qiu Yuanshang’s face turned alternately green and red.

Jiang Shaohua glanced at him: "If Mr. Zhao wants to see Nanyang County, let Qiu Dianshan accompany Mr. Zhao for a few days. If this task is completed satisfactorily, I will note Qiu Dianshan’s merit."

In Qiu Yuanshang’s heart, a glimmer of hope arose, and his eyes brightened: "Commandery Princess, may I use my merit to offset my faults? I will wholeheartedly attend to Mr. Zhao, and Commandery Princess allow me to continue staying in the Prince Mansion..."

"Qiu Dianshan wrote his resignation letter last night, and I also wrote a memorial, sending it to the court." Jiang Shaohua’s expression remained unchanged: "This matter cannot be altered. When the Ministry’s official document arrives, as Qiu Dianshan departs, I will give him a generous travel allowance."

What is meant by travel allowance is in fact travel expenses.

Qiu Dianshan’s glimmering eyes dimmed, and he lowered his head to give thanks.

Jiang Shaohua shifted her gaze to Yang Zheng. Yang Zheng immediately became spirited, reporting business in a voice much louder than usual.

...

In the following five or six days, Mr. Zhao went out "playing" every day accompanied by Qiu Dianshan.

Mr. Zhao’s interest in Nanyang County clearly stemmed from Empress Dowager Zheng’s instructions.

During the late Emperor’s reign, Empress Dowager Zheng was a benevolent Empress, managing the palace interior affairs without interfering in politics. After the late Emperor passed away four years ago, Emperor Taikang ascended the throne. Emperor Taikang was extremely filial, following Empress Dowager Zheng’s directions. Empress Dowager Zheng extended her influence beyond the palace.

Nanyang County is the largest and wealthiest vassal territory; four years ago, Emperor Taikang sent people to take control of the Nanyang Army with underlying intentions. Yet, Prince Nanyang was a legitimate uncle with great prestige in both court and the populace, so while Emperor Taikang privately engaged in minor actions, he had to show utmost respect publicly.

Prince Nanyang passed away, leaving a vast mansion with only a ten-year-old Commandery Princess. It’s not surprising that Empress Dowager Zheng thought to exert her influence.

In a previous life, Lu Xuan was able to smoothly control the Nanyang Prince Mansion with Empress Dowager Zheng and her son secretly helping to create waves. After all, an in-law with an unsound status posed little threat.

Jiang Shaohua did not neglect Mr. Zhao, hosting a banquet every other day and discreetly sending gifts through Chen Zhuo. Gold and silver jewelry were too vulgar, as Mr. Zhao was educated, so Chen Zhuo selected two ancient books, packaged them in a box, and sent them.

When Mr. Zhao turned the pages of the ancient books, he found lightweight silver notes. Each worth a thousand liang, totaling ten slips.

Just in this simple manner.

With handsome men accompanying and having received substantial gifts, Mr. Zhao’s words subtly changed.

"Nanyang County is the Commandery Princess’s fiefdom; it’s only natural for the Commandery Princess not to wish to enter the capital."

Jiang Shaohua sighed lightly: "With Mr. Zhao being so understanding, I am immensely grateful. However, for Empress Dowager’s desire to bring me into the palace is an act of goodwill. My refusal may harm Empress Dowager’s feelings. When Mr. Zhao returns to the palace to report, please say a few kind words for me."

Without waiting for Mr. Zhao to refuse, she continued with a smile, "I have heard that Mr. Zhao favors ancient books and paintings, and Chief Historian Chen has a rich collection. When Mr. Zhao leaves, I will have Chief Historian Chen send another box of ancient books and paintings for Mr. Zhao."

Mr. Zhao’s heart beat swiftly.

He was a close confidant of Empress Dowager Zheng, with many eager to curry favor and offer gifts. However, Jiang Shaohua’s generosity was unmatched; another box of ancient books represented ten thousand liang!

Such generous gifts were truly irresistible.

"It’s quite out of line for the Commandery Princess to say such words." Mr. Zhao’s heart stirred, and his tone became more intimate: "It’s just a matter of speaking a few words, I will gladly oblige, though I cannot guarantee it will be effective."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly: "Mr. Zhao’s single word outweighs the words of others by thousands."

Flattered, Mr. Zhao chuckled casually: "I am not significant, in front of Empress Dowager, it’s Young Master Zheng who has the most influence."