She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 536 - 534: Can We Still Live Through These Days?

Chapter 536: Chapter 534: Can We Still Live Through These Days?

Jinrong thought to himself that the generals stationed in the borderlands and military key points were all confidants of the emperor, and as an assistant manager, his life must be easy and inconspicuous, just muddling through the days.

He glanced at the emperor again and ventured, "How about giving the Ministry of War a try?"

The emperor was really at a loss with this unruly kid and couldn’t help but chuckle, "Giving the Ministry of War a try? Now that the Four Seas are at peace, do we need you in the Ministry of War? Or perhaps, you could tell me, why did you choose the Ministry of War? Maybe you have some grand ambitions of your own to fulfill."

Jinrong was left rolling his eyes. Join the Ministry of War to execute grand ambitions? He wasn’t tired of living yet.

While inwardly criticizing, Jinrong said somewhat helplessly, "Imperial Father, are you mocking your servant? Your servant merely feels that the affairs of other departments are too complicated, and someone as slow-witted as I am wouldn’t handle them well even if I tried. The Ministry of War... isn’t it relatively idle now that the Four Seas are at peace?" Imperial Father, you’re thinking too much; I just think the Ministry of War is easier to get by in.

"Such a reckless train of thought," the emperor scolded. "The Four Seas are at peace and you think it’s okay to be negligent? What happened to all that ’be prepared even in times of peace’ you were taught from a young age?"

Jinrong sat back down on his brocade stool, bewildered. Just a moment ago everything was fine, and now his Imperial Father’s mood had soured. This was just looking for fault no matter what he said.

"Imperial Father," Jinrong said, feeling exasperated, "just look at you, all worked up over nothing. I’ve never been involved in governance before, so isn’t it normal to start with the simpler tasks? As long as there’s no warfare, it’s true that the Ministry of War has somewhat fewer tasks, and I haven’t said anything wrong. Besides, even if there were warfare, I wouldn’t be able to contribute much. With my capabilities, how could I dare give orders in military affairs? At best, I would only coordinate the supply of provisions and materials. Don’t you agree?"

The emperor stared at Jinrong, his frown unwavering, though his anger seemed to subside slightly.

"The Ministry of War is not an option," the emperor declared. "Since there is no warfare and you are aware that you have no right to be commanding in military affairs, and there’s currently no warfare to coordinate, you will start by assisting the Ministry of Personnel."

Jinrong just managed to raise his head to look at the emperor. What did this mean? The Ministry of Personnel had always been under the Cabinet’s oversight. Every appointment or dismissal of a government official, no matter how trivial, had to be proposed by the Ministry of Personnel with reasons, submitted to the Cabinet for review, and then decided by the emperor. Ever since the emperor’s accession, he never allowed the royal relatives to interfere with the Ministry of Personnel, let alone the princes, for fear that the royal relatives would cultivate personal factions and engage in the buying and selling of offices.

Why would he suddenly allow a prince to assist in the Ministry of Personnel? Especially this prince who had never been involved in political affairs?

Seeing that Jinrong didn’t respond for a long time, just looking at him with a face full of reluctance and indecision, the emperor couldn’t help but ask coldly, "What now? Can’t my commands stir you into action?"

With a pained expression, Jinrong thought for a long time, then simply knelt on the ground, pleading, "Imperial Father, please spare your servant. Look at how indolent and unstable I am, how could I meddle in the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel? Besides," Jinrong stole a glance at the emperor, lowering his voice a bit, "with Second Brother and Seventh Brother already serving commendably in the court, it’s quite sufficient. Adding your servant to the mix really wouldn’t be appropriate."

Emperor Qianqing could hear the implication in Jinrong’s words—the Imperial Court already had the Crown Prince and Prince Fu forming cliques, creating enough tension as it was. If another prince were to get involved with the Ministry of Personnel, wouldn’t it be even more chaotic.

The emperor pinched the bridge of his nose.

The Crown Prince was already thirty-six this year, having participated in governance for over two decades. He had not gained the experience and understanding of state affairs, nor shown the responsibility the emperor had hoped for due to his early involvement in politics. Instead, he developed a habit of procrastination. Not only was he not diligent in his duties, he also constantly felt that his own power and influence were insufficient.

And the Ministry of Revenue, which managed the lifeline of the court’s finances, was increasingly becoming incompetent. This was still when Jinrong spoke of peace throughout the Four Seas. If there were really warfare and great disasters, the State Treasury wouldn’t even know what to support itself with.

Seventh Prince Jinyi indeed had proven his ability, but after managing the Ministry of Works for not even two years, he showed soaring ambitions, daring to openly compete with the heir to the throne.

Nowadays, the Imperial Court had two factions forming subtly.

Emperor Qianqing was deeply concerned about the current situation, so after much deliberation, he decided to involve Sixth Prince Jinrong in state affairs.

Jinrong was clever and quick-witted from a young age, but perhaps too cunning for his own good, slick and elusive. When other children of his age barely understood anything, he was already making mischief and creating chaos, forging a path of debauchery unlike any other princes.

He was indeed smart, merely indulgent, gathering a few extravagant young men every day to race horses and fight cocks. Although from time to time he caused trouble, he had never created a major disaster. What was good about Jinrong was that he could let bygones be bygones with a laugh, not holding grudges. He never cared about the favoritism or special treatment from the royal family towards the princes, always carefree in his ways.

There were seldom occurrences such as killing family servants or severe family punishments at Prince Yu’s Mansion. Although he participated in fights and brawls when younger, he always relied on his own skills. No matter how much he suffered, he never used his prince’s status to oppress others.

He appreciated the child’s sincerity and did not want him to be blinded by power and wealth, that’s why he allowed him to roam the world freely. But now, he couldn’t let him wander anymore; the Imperial Court needed a new power to break the current situation.

"It’s not like I’m asking for your life, just to do some work. Do you really need to be like this? Stand up and speak!" the Emperor chided, "The court has supported you for so many years; it’s time for you to contribute. Don’t make excuses; your business has always done well, especially with the few things you’ve handled particularly well in the past two years. Clearly, you are a talent worth utilizing. It is decided then, you will assist the Ministry of Personnel."

Jinrong slowly stood up, grumbling, "Imperial Father, this isn’t very kind of you. You are essentially roasting your son over a fire. My peaceful days are ruined because of you, and the Imperial Brothers and siblings must be looking at me with disdain."

"How about this, Imperial Father." Jinrong said with a sycophantic smile to Emperor Qianqing, "I, your son, have a heart of pure loyalty and wouldn’t let the court support me in vain. From now on, I will dedicate all my energy to business and earning money. If the court ever finds itself in a tight spot financially, I can lend Silver to the court to meet emergencies. What do you think?"

The Emperor still did not offer Jinrong a smile, "Business is a minor path. Since you can now settle down, pay more attention to court affairs. Consider it sharing my worries." Emperor Qianqing said, waving his hand impatiently, "Alright, you were just about to leave anyway. You are dismissed."

"I..." Just as Jinrong was about to speak, the Emperor interrupted him with a wave of his hand, "Go on, you still have some time today. Your brothers and mischievous friends don’t yet know you are to take on proper duties. Go indulge one more half a day."

With that said, the Emperor gestured for a eunuch to bring a tray laden with memorials to him, indicating he had no intention of paying any further attention to Jinrong.

"Can I even live like this anymore?" Jinrong glanced disparagingly at the Emperor, pouted, and only then performed the ceremonial bow and retired.

Can I even live like this anymore? His plan was to cultivate his own influence in the shadows, allowing the Crown Prince and Prince Fu to struggle against each other and weaken their powers. With the Emperor’s move, he was suddenly made conspicuously obvious in front of both the Crown Prince and Prince Fu. And assisting the Ministry of Personnel, of all things? Wasn’t that a role guaranteed to attract hatred?