CHAPTER 317: CHAPTER 317: LOCUST PLAGUE (PART 3)

People’s hearts are biased.

Since Jiang Shaohua arrived in the Capital City, everything she did was in support of Emperor Taihe. In the eyes of Emperor Taihe, Jiang Shaohua is the most considerate cousin. To help her cousin out of trouble, she willingly donated a large batch of grain seeds.

In these times, even with silver, it’s not easy to buy grain, let alone grain seeds. This favor is indeed immense.

Emperor Taihe’s heart inevitably favored his cousin a little more. The former companions of the Crown Prince, now close confidants of the Emperor, have not held official positions yet, and accompany the Emperor closely.

Zheng Chen frequently looked up, watching the slender figure ahead softly conversing with the Emperor, his feelings were extremely complicated.

In his previous life, Jiang Shaohua grew up in the palace, naturally becoming close to the Emperor. However, Jiang Shaohua spent her time in the harem, with few opportunities to meet the Emperor. Now, she accompanies the Emperor daily and her words hold significant weight in front of him.

If this continues, even his position might become precarious...

Emperor Taihe suddenly stopped, turning to Zheng Chen and the others, saying, "I am going to Jingyang Palace for lunch with cousin Shaohua; you don’t need to accompany us."

There, even for lunch, they didn’t need their company.

Zheng Chen twitched his lips slightly, receiving the orders with the other three companions and retreating.

Emperor Taihe has not yet married and temporarily stays in the Eastern Palace instead of the Emperor’s bedroom.

Zheng Chen, Wang Jin, Li Boyuan, Jiang Yi all had residences in the Eastern Palace. Today, the Emperor went to Jingyang Palace, and the four of them returned to the Eastern Palace together. Someone arranged lunch: four cold dishes, six hot ones, a soup course complete with meat and vegetables. They weren’t at all treated poorly.

However, the young ones eating the steaming food still felt out of sorts.

Jiang Yi spoke straightforwardly, "Cousin Shao Hua hasn’t been in the palace for half a year, yet she’s a favorite beside the Empress Dowager and trusted by the Emperor. Thankfully she’s a woman and will soon return to Nanyang County, or there’d be no place for us by the Emperor’s side."

Li Boyuan rolled his eyes, "That Nanyang County Princess is no ordinary girl. Just look at what she’s done and her cunning means. Who dares to underestimate her?"

Wang Jin pursed his lips tightly, quietly lowered his head eating.

Like a sudden emergence, the Nanyang County Princess shone brightly in the Capital City. At the same time, it was the face of his father, Prime Minister Wang, that was stomped on repeatedly.

Especially today at the grand court assembly, Emperor Taihe asked his father to write a formal apology letter... the implied meaning of which, upon deeper thought, sent a chill down his spine.

Behind Jiang Shaohua stood Empress Dowager Zheng and Duke An, along with numerous ministers privately connected to Nanyang Prince Mansion. Now, Emperor Taihe unmistakably showed his political inclinations.

What will happen next?

Wang Jin remained silent, and the emotionally complex Zheng Chen also didn’t wish to discuss the matter, simply saying, "I’m full." He put down his chopsticks and left first.

Li Boyuan shrugged, murmuring, "Zheng Zixi’s temper is getting worse."

Jiang Yi replied with a smile, "Well, Mr. Li, your temper isn’t small either."

Li Boyuan grinned widely.

The Zheng Family relied on Empress Dowager Zheng, basking in glory for decades. Now that the new emperor has ascended, it’s time for the Li Family to shine.

...

In Jingyang Palace, Empress Dowager Zheng was delighted, smiling at Jiang Shaohua, "Today you severely embarrassed Prime Minister Wang. Well done."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and replied, "Thanks to Minister Zheng who spoke timely, and the Emperor favored me, I had the confidence to confront Prime Minister Wang."

Emperor Taihe cleared his throat, coughing slightly, "Let’s end this matter here. After Prime Minister Wang writes the apology letter, we won’t mention it again."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "I’ll listen to the Emperor."

Emperor Taihe found her words pleasing to hear. Contemplating the plague of locusts, his mood suddenly turned heavy; his lifted spirits silently sank.

Empress Dowager Zheng, seeing his gloomy expression, comforted, "Da Liang has been established for years and never lacked natural disasters. In the past two or three years, the North especially suffered. There’s no need to worry day by day. After weathering this year, perhaps the heavens will open up, bringing favorable weather."

Jiang Shaohua knew that enduring this year wouldn’t be easy, but she followed Empress Dowager Zheng’s words, without dampening the mood.

"Let it be so," Emperor Taihe grasped, "Luckily, cousin Shao Hua generously promised to send a batch of grain seeds to Yan County."

Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes gleamed with delight, but she said, "It’s fine to do it once, but don’t continue. The assets saved by your grandfather will become your dowry in the future. Don’t squander them all."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "I’ll listen to Aunt Dowager and be more frugal in the future."

She discreetly instructed Emperor Taihe, "Cousin, if you need anything, as long as I have it, just ask me privately, but don’t let Aunt Dowager find out."

Emperor Taihe and Empress Dowager Zheng were amused, and the luncheon atmosphere was harmonious and cheerful.

...

Not to mention how Prime Minister Wang swallowed his anger to write an apology letter.

Given Prime Minister Wang’s status, it’s impossible for him to personally deliver the letter. Sending it through a housekeeper felt too disrespectful. Hence, the duty of delivering the letter fell on Fourth Young Master Wang.

Two days later, at Nanyang Prince Mansion.

In the morning, Jiang Shaohua had just finished breakfast when Chen Jinyu came to report, "Commandery Princess, Fourth Young Master Wang is here requesting an audience."

Jiang Shaohua slightly raised her eyebrows, "Please have Fourth Young Master Wang wait in the main hall."

As the beloved son of the Prime Minister, having studied for many years in the Upper Study Room and frequently wandered the palace, Wang Jin had witnessed many grand scenes.

Yet today, ever since stepping into Nanyang Prince Mansion, he felt his heartbeat quicken and the inexplicable warmth at the back of his ears.

Sitting poised in a wooden chair in the main hall, he responded adeptly under Ma’s warm greetings, occasionally glancing towards the door.

Footsteps sounded outside.

A beautiful, serene girl in plain attire approached gracefully, her bright black eyes calmly looking over.

The moment their eyes met, Wang Jin’s breath caught.

He clearly heard his heart beating and the sound of blood flowing rapidly.

For months, he almost saw her daily, sometimes from a very close distance. However, it was always under the scrutiny of many eyes. Not to mention speaking privately, even covertly glancing at her required the utmost courage and caution.

Today, he finally met her alone.

Regrettably, their positions were diametrically opposed. In his hand was the apology letter his father, after two days of brewing anger, had torn up four times before finally writing.

Wang Jin steadied himself, stepped forward respectfully presenting the letter, "Princess, this is the apology letter written by my father himself, bearing his private seal."

"It is better to resolve grievances than to retain them. I hope the Princess will accept the letter and let bygones be bygones, maintaining friendly relations with our Wang Family."

What is the feeling of one’s former husband bowing down to oneself?

Jiang Shaohua lifted the corners of her mouth and reached out to take the letter.