CHAPTER 188: CHAPTER 188: THE LAWSUIT

This matter soon reached Prime Minister Wang’s ears.

Several aides carefully chose their words and cautiously advised, "Prime Minister, the promotion of the plow has been delayed repeatedly. It’s a matter of great importance to the people’s livelihood, if further obstructed, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager might be displeased."

Prime Minister Wang sneered, "The matter of Zuo Zhen was seized upon by the Empress Dowager, causing me great embarrassment, forcing me to personally handle it. If I don’t reclaim this situation, the court may think I’m afraid of the Empress Dowager."

"The unity of minds must not scatter. Otherwise, where will my authority come from in the future! This matter need not be discussed further, proceed according to the previous arrangements."

Prime Minister Wang made decisions with authority, the aides dared not argue further and had no choice but to comply.

Days later, Duke An’s men returned crestfallen.

"What? The plans were stolen?" Duke An was furious, pointed angrily at the leading guard and cursed, "Useless! You can’t even handle such a small task! The plans are crucial, you should have been watching night and day, how could you let thieves steal them?"

The head guard knelt with a grim face to plead guilty, "We knew the plans were important, so we split into two groups to watch them closely. The journey was peaceful without incident, but unexpectedly, the post house caught fire last night and amidst the chaos, some thieves stole the plans."

"We realized the gravity of the situation, searched the post house inside and out, offended everyone staying there, but still couldn’t find the plans."

"We failed the task miserably, had no choice but to return and report. Please punish me, Lord Duke!"

Duke An, with a livid face, kicked the guard in the chest. The guard was immediately knocked to the ground, dared not utter a sound, struggled to get up, and knelt again.

Duke An gritted his teeth and angrily said, "Get out, each receive fifty lashes."

After venting his anger, he had to enter the palace to apologize to the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zheng.

Duke An, looking gloomy, entered the palace, and outside Zhaohai Palace, he met Minister Zhou from the Ministry of Industry, who was also waiting outside.

Minister Zhou was short in stature, dark-skinned, lacking any grace of a civil servant.

Minister Zhou was a legitimate Imperial Examination graduate, served as a River Official for over ten years, later recommended by Prime Minister Wang to the Ministry of Industry as an Assistant Minister. After the late Emperor passed and Emperor Taikang ascended the throne, Minister Zhou was promoted to Minister of Industry.

It could be said that Minister Zhou was the backbone of the Prime Minister Faction, and the Ministry of Personnel controlling official promotions has long been under Prime Minister Wang’s control.

The Prime Minister Faction was powerful. In comparison, the Empress Dowager Faction that had risen in recent years was far inferior. Take Duke An for instance, while he was indeed the Minister of War, the Border Army Commander Left General stationed at Yanmen Pass was Prime Minister Wang’s man, and of the two hundred thousand troops stationed in the Capital City, more than half of the commanders came from Prime Minister Wang’s faction.

The extent to which he, as the Minister of War, could actually command was uncertain.

"Minister Zhou," Duke An changed his usual arrogant manner, politely cupped his hand.

Minister Zhou expressionlessly returned the gesture, not speaking a word.

Duke An, knowing his guilt, had no choice but to smile apologetically, "On that day, I sent people after Minister Zhou, also to quickly complete the task assigned by the Emperor. Those incompetents did poorly and offended Minister Zhou, I hope Minister Zhou will forgive."

Minister Zhou calmly replied, "Lord Duke was carrying out the Emperor’s orders, I have no words. However, there is indeed one matter I must discuss before the Emperor with Lord Duke."

"Lord Duke sent people for the plans, I handed them over, and they returned to the capital together. The matter of dredging the river is naturally not as important in Lord Duke’s eyes as promoting the new-style plow."

"But last night the post house caught fire, and the plans were stolen. How should this be explained to the Emperor?"

Duke An looked embarrassed, about to explain, Mr. Qi had already come out, "The Emperor has decreed, inviting Duke An and Minister Zhou to enter."

Inside Zhaohai Palace, Emperor Taikang sat upon the Dragon Throne, Prime Minister Wang was granted a seat, along with Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Personnel and Minister Li of the Ministry of Rites.

Minister Li was a typical turncoat, recently aligning closely with Prime Minister Wang. Minister Zhang was a staunch supporter of the Prime Minister Faction.

Duke An felt a chill in his heart.

Today is doomed!

"Minister Zheng urgently seeks an audience," Emperor Taikang asked, "What matter do you wish to report?"

Duke An, steeling himself, cupped his hands, "I come to the palace to apologize."

...

An hour later, Empress Dowager Zheng hurried in, once again barging into Zhaohai Palace.

Poor Duke An was being jointly berated by Prime Minister Wang, Minister Zhang, and Minister Zhou, his body and dignity thoroughly dismantled. Sitting on the Dragon Throne, Emperor Taikang looked displeased, his words laced with reprimand.

Empress Dowager Zheng was also quite annoyed.

How could there be such a coincidence in the world, a fire and then a thief, perfectly aligning to steal the plans! This was clearly a set trap, Duke An fell right into it without realizing, now unable to defend himself, looking pitiful and disgraced.

However, this matter couldn’t be argued too much. Otherwise, it would become unreasonable. Even though she was the Empress Dowager of Da Liang, she couldn’t be partial.

Empress Dowager Zheng held back her anger, pleaded for Duke An, "Minister Zheng failed to accomplish the task, indeed deserves punishment. The Emperor should deduct half a year’s salary from him, let it be a lesson."

The face of one’s own mother cannot be ignored.

Emperor Taikang gratefully complied.

Prime Minister Wang, using this incident to diminish Empress Dowager Zheng’s influence, suppressing Duke An, felt satisfied, but showed none of it, "The plans are lost, please decree for Nanyang County to send another copy. In my opinion, these plans needn’t be sent to the Ministry of Industry, but directly to Duke An’s Mansion, let Duke An undertake the replication and promotion of the new-style plow."

Minister Zhou quickly chimed in, "I also agree. I’ll be busy with the river dredging in the coming months, truly have no spare time. Just as Minister Zheng has time and energy, let Minister Zheng handle this task!"

A Minister of War snatching a Ministry of Industry task, it’s truly humiliating to say aloud.

Duke An was jointly pressured by Prime Minister Wang and Minister Zhou, feeling a burning sensation on his face.

Empress Dowager Zheng watched from the side, he couldn’t retreat now, could only press forward and volunteer, "I shamelessly request the Emperor’s approval."

...

Following the incense burning, Empress Dowager Zheng, with a stern face, exited Zhaohai Palace, and without a word, returned to Jingyang Palace.

Duke An anxiously followed behind Empress Dowager Zheng.

Inside the inner hall of Jingyang Palace, Empress Dowager Zheng waved her hand, and all palace attendants retreated.

Duke An immediately prepared himself to be scolded, his practiced movements evoking sympathy.

Empress Dowager Zheng saw his appearance, even more frustrated, and scolded him thoroughly.

Having scolded, the problem still needed a solution.

"I will immediately write a letter to Jiang Shaohua," Empress Dowager Zheng herself didn’t realize the affectionate tone when using Jiang Shaohua’s maiden name, "These plans were offered by her, have her promptly offer another."

"Once the plans arrive in the Capital City, you must immediately gather the Hanlin Scholars to replicate the plans, if this task is still not done well, you might as well leave the court early!"