CHAPTER 477: CHAPTER 477: NEGOTIATION (PART 1)

Emperor Taihe quickly showed signs of fatigue.

Jiang Shaohua stood up to take her leave, "Cousin, please rest assured. I will now make a trip to the Prince Mansion."

Jiang Shaohua acted decisively, never procrastinating, and she certainly would not waste any time. Emperor Taihe admired Jiang Shaohua’s conduct and said with a smile, "Whether or not you succeed, come back to the palace."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng also said, "During these days, stay at Jingyang Palace and accompany me more often."

Living in the palace was convenient for staying close to this grandparent-grandchild pair, making speech and actions more convenient. If there were any unexpected situations, one could respond immediately.

Jiang Shaohua did not decline and nodded in agreement.

After leaving Zhaohai Palace, Jiang Shaohua headed to the Prince Mansion.

The eldest son of Prime Minister Wang was still detained in the Ministry of Justice Prison. Prime Minister Wang himself was confining himself at home for recuperation. However, the Wang Family’s threshold was not at all cold and quiet, with countless people leaving cards seeking an audience with the Prime Minister daily.

The gatekeeper of the Wang Family held himself haughtily, and generally did not regard even sixth-ranked officials.

Song Yuan came carrying a visiting card, and the gatekeeper arrogantly accepted the card without so much as a glance, "The Prime Minister is closing his doors for recuperation, seeing no one. Leave the card and please take your leave!"

Song Yuan glanced over indifferently, "Our Commandery Princess has come a long way, specifically to visit Prime Minister Wang. Please convey this, perhaps the Prime Minister is also eager to see our Commandery Princess."

Commandery Princess?

In these past few years, the only one whose radiance could not be ignored was the Nanyang County Princess.

The gatekeeper was startled, hastily adjusting to a respectful demeanor, "I’ll report this right away, please let the Commandery Princess wait in the gatehouse."

The gatekeeper dared not delay and personally went to report.

At this time, Prime Minister Wang was leisurely sitting in a pavilion, appreciating flowers and drinking tea, with several dancers gracefully dancing to the sound of silk and bamboo, and his advisors were painting and composing poetry nearby—a scene full of cultured elegance.

"Reporting to the Prime Minister, the Nanyang County Princess is here to seek an audience."

The gatekeeper presented the visiting card with a bowed head.

Prime Minister Wang, well-informed, naturally knew of Jiang Shaohua’s entry into the capital but did not expect Jiang Shaohua to arrive so quickly, and he couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh.

Jiao’s advisor waved a hand, and the musicians and dancers immediately stopped and quietly withdrew. Several advisors looked at Prime Minister Wang together, "The Nanyang County Princess has come to see the Prime Minister, clearly to act as an envoy."

"She and the Prime Minister have had disputes repeatedly, how does she have the face to come to the door now?"

"That’s not the way to put it. Nanyang County is the foremost vassal territory, strong in power. Her visit in person, at least, shows enough respect to the Prime Minister."

"It’s certainly better than the Grand Empress Dowager sending a palace attendant."

So, will the Prime Minister see her or not?

The advisors debated among themselves; ultimately, whether to see her or not depended on the Prime Minister’s decision.

Prime Minister Wang said indifferently, "Since she’s here, if I avoid seeing her, it would be too petty of me. Invite the Commandery Princess over."

Jiao’s advisor was somewhat surprised, "The Prime Minister has been claiming illness and not going out; is it appropriate to see the Commandery Princess right here?"

Wouldn’t this obviously reveal that his illness was feigned?

Prime Minister Wang sneered, "As for the reason of my illness, the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor in the palace are well aware; there is no need to pretend in front of the Nanyang County Princess."

"Today, I want to hear what she has to say."

...

A moment later, the noble and beautiful young lady in her Commandery Princess’s regular attire appeared outside the pavilion.

The advisors all stepped back, leaving only Jiao’s advisor, who made a show of wanting to assist Prime Minister Wang in rising to give a salute.

"Prime Minister Wang is still unwell, physically weak, there’s no need for formalities." Jiang Shaohua acted as if she didn’t see Prime Minister Wang’s ruddy complexion, bending the truth with a masterful skill.

Prime Minister Wang did not rise, "The Commandery Princess took the trouble to visit this old minister; I am overwhelmed by the honor. Please take a seat, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua sat opposite Prime Minister Wang, with concern in her eyes, speaking sincerely, "I had heard of the Prime Minister’s severe illness in Nanyang County, but alas, being far apart, I could not visit in person to offer my regards. Now that I am in the capital, I can finally see the Prime Minister with my own eyes."

Looking at her concerned and pained demeanor, anyone unaware would surely think the two had a very close relationship!

This level of acting and strategy had surpassed ninety-nine percent of the officials in court.

Prime Minister Wang never underestimated Jiang Shaohua, and now he secretly sighed, showing comfort on his face, "The Commandery Princess worries so much for this old minister, I am deeply grateful. I only regret that my body isn’t up to the task, unable to attend court to share the burden for the Emperor."

Jiang Shaohua sighed, "This is not the Prime Minister’s fault. The Prime Minister feels ashamed and guilty over the questioning of the Left General, and is also troubled over the case of Governor Wang. A heart ailment requires a heart remedy. Today, I have brought two great medicines, perhaps they can cure the Prime Minister’s illness."

Prime Minister Wang’s eyes flickered slightly, remaining calm, "Where are these medicines?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "The Emperor asked me to convey to the Prime Minister that although the Left General has erred, he is a rare fierce general of the Da Liang Dynasty. After a period of rest, he should be reinstated to continue serving the Da Liang Court."

"As for the case of Governor Wang, the evidence is conclusive and cannot go unpunished. Losing his position and becoming a wealthy landowner would also be quite carefree and happy."

Prime Minister Wang and Jiang Shaohua exchanged glances for a moment, then said slowly, "These two medications are indeed to the point, this old minister is deeply grateful for the Emperor’s grace. Regarding the impeachment of Duke An for selling offices, what does the Emperor intend to do?"

Truly a greedy and shameless old rogue. Always seeking more benefits after gaining some advantage.

Jiang Shaohua snorted coldly to herself but maintained a calm appearance, replying, "Duke An has been confining himself in repentance, submitting several requests for pardon. The Emperor is currently ill and should not be overly troubled, so the matter is temporarily set aside. Once some time has passed and the Emperor’s health is restored, it will be addressed again."

In other words, Prime Minister Wang, you should return to court sooner to stabilize the court, so Emperor Taihe can rest without worries.

Prime Minister Wang, however, asked, "I wonder how long this period will roughly be?"

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes flickered as she looked straight at Prime Minister Wang, "The Prime Minister should know the principle that too much is as bad as too little. Today, I bring medications from the Emperor to the Prime Minister, and it’s right to cure the disease with medicine. If it drags on too much, leading to uncontainable chaos, you’d regret it when everything’s lost."

The Da Liang Dynasty needs you as the Prime Minister; if you don’t step forward when needed, once the Emperor overcomes this hardest time, you will have no position or prestige in court in the future.

Prime Minister Wang heard the veiled threat in her words, and his mouth twitched coldly, "The Commandery Princess says she’s bringing medication for this old minister, but listening to your words, it seems there’s an undertone of forcing this old minister. I’ve been around longer, eating more salt than the Commandery Princess has eaten rice."

"Rice nourishes people; eating too much salt, however, could harm." Jiang Shaohua responded with a smile, "After taking these two medications, the Prime Minister should soon recover. Just give it two days; in two days, I will wait for the Prime Minister in Zhaohai Palace."