Chapter 130 (No further information)
The faint scent of incense and candles from the Chuigong Hall drifted into the room, making the already tense atmosphere even more anxious.
Grand Secretary Wei's two thick, white eyebrows were furrowed so deeply that they formed a line, which would break off and then rejoin.
"Your Majesty the Empress..."
Grand Secretary Wei spoke, but was interrupted by Jiang Ling, who said unhurriedly, "It is the Empress Dowager."
Everyone finally looked at Jiang Ling. She nodded slightly to show her attitude, her voice neither loud nor soft, but very firm: "The late emperor has passed away. In any case, she should be called Empress Dowager."
Grand Secretary Wei hesitated for a moment before finally changing his tune: "Your Majesty, what Prince Xian said earlier makes sense. The rules set by Emperor Taizu stipulate that the empress dowager must not interfere in politics. The new emperor is young, and Your Majesty should assist him and watch over him as he grows up. State affairs should still be handled by the court officials."
The usually taciturn Privy Councilor, Peng, spoke up in agreement: "I think Grand Academician Wei is right. Whether the Empress Dowager is assisting the new emperor or making a decision, a clear plan must be established."
Zheng Xiang said, "Even if we follow the rules and etiquette, Empress Dowager Xiaoxian assisted Emperor Wenzong before, and there were no rules or regulations at that time. Why do we need to follow the rules and regulations now that it's the Empress Dowager?"
Privy Councilor Peng replied, “In the past, Empress Dowager Xiaoxian was virtuous and managed the inner palace without ever getting involved in important state affairs. Her Majesty arranged everything from reviewing memorials and dealing with disasters in Wuzhou and other places to the appointment and transfer of officials in the court. When she was a concubine, she was already interfering in politics, which violated the rules of our ancestors. Her Majesty once said that times have changed and that this situation is different from the past. We should not compare her to Empress Dowager Xiaoxian.”
Zheng Xiang said with a forced smile, "Privy Councilor Peng has quite the eloquence. He is truly an upright gentleman. Even in the struggle for power and profit, he can still expound such profound principles."
When Peng, the Privy Councilor, was mocked by Zheng, he immediately retorted, "When Zheng went to carry out his mission with the Empress Dowager's decree, how could I dare to compare myself to him?"
Seeing that another argument was about to break out, Jiang Ling raised his voice and said, "Privy Councilor Peng's use of Empress Dowager Xiaoxian as an example is not a random comparison."
Prime Minister Zheng was stunned. Privy Councilor Peng's expression softened, and he glanced at Prime Minister Zheng.
Jiang Ling continued, "Privy Councilor Peng, Grand Secretary Wei, and Prince Xian all cite the rules set by Emperor Taizu. So I ask you, do you really intend to follow Emperor Taizu's rules in all of this?"
At the beginning of the dynasty, the situation was unstable, and in times of chaos, harsh laws were used. The laws established by the founding emperor were severe. The powerful officials left over from the previous dynasty were all exterminated by the founding emperor, with most of them killed. New officials from humble backgrounds rose to prominence in the new dynasty.
Later, during the reign of Emperor Taizong, the country was stabilized, and many of the laws from the time of Emperor Taizu were revised.
One of the rules was that any court official who embezzled one hundred taels of silver would be punished with caning and exiled.
Peng, a member of the Privy Council, was a former official of the previous dynasty. Years ago, Peng sent a young lady into the palace, and thanks to Consort Peng giving birth to a prince, Peng was protected.
If we follow the rules set by Emperor Taizu, Lady Peng survived by relying on her status as a concubine, which would be considered interference in politics.
Moreover, if corruption of one hundred taels of silver results in the confiscation of one's property and exile, a thorough investigation would likely result in the complete purging of all officials in the country, just as it did during the reign of Emperor Taizu.
The Great Yin Dynasty had enjoyed a long period of peace, holding the imperial examinations every three years, resulting in a surplus of candidates. The scholars and examinees waiting in Houguan would certainly offer their full support.
With each official position filled by a single person, this was a golden opportunity for them to bring down these officials.
As soon as Jiang Ling spreads the word, they will face an overwhelming attack.
The room fell silent again; everyone was terrified and dared not speak again.
They do look down on women, but that's not the main reason. The main reason is that they want to seize power from women.
Jiang Ling asked, "How is the disaster situation in Wuzhou Prefecture being handled? Who among you could do a better job?"
Because the household registers needed to be checked, the officials of Wuzhou Prefecture were particularly concerned about being honest and incorruptible in order to keep their official hats and be promoted.
Natural disasters are unavoidable, but the man-made disasters that follow are well contained. The Ministry of Works sent officials to Wuzhou Prefecture to build dikes, construct irrigation canals, and clear riverbanks. Through this work-for-relief program, the disaster relief grain reached the affected people, and Wuzhou Prefecture saw very few displaced people. Although life was difficult for the people, at least they survived.
This year, Wuzhou Prefecture has enjoyed unusually favorable weather, and Jiang Ling ordered that half of the tax revenue be used for water conservancy in Wuzhou Prefecture. This measure, intended as a precaution, is more effective than storing grain in granaries.
"A scholar must be resolute and persevering, for his burden is heavy and his journey is long. When poor, he should cultivate his own virtue; when successful, he should benefit all under heaven."
Jiang Ling spoke slowly and deliberately, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "After you go back, think carefully. What happened to your ambitions when you were young? Look in the mirror and see how you look now. Ask yourselves, are you worthy of the people under heaven?"
After saying that, Jiang Ling stood up and walked out without looking back.
Everyone stared blankly at Jiang Ling's departing figure, their expressions extremely complex.
Back in his study, Jiang Ling had Wen Juan prepare some cinnabar. She picked up her brush and wrote several imperial edicts in quick succession.
Jiang Ling summoned Huang Liang and handed him the sealed imperial edict, saying, "Go to the Jingji Camp in person."
Huang Liang's expression changed, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will ride out of the city as fast as I can."
The setting sun shone through the window and fell on Jiang Ling, turning her original white coarse linen mourning clothes red.
Consort Lin entered the room, and looking at Jiang Ling's calm profile, she paused, walked forward and sat down opposite him at the desk. "I heard they had a fight."
"They said that the founding emperor stipulated that the empress dowager should not interfere in politics. I had already interfered in the affairs of the previous dynasty when I was a concubine. Now that I am assisting the new emperor, I must come up with rules to limit my power."
Jiang Ling rubbed his temples, leaned back wearily in his chair, and said, "It's not surprising. I expected this day to come. Everyone desires power, and everyone wants to fight for it."
Consort Lin said sarcastically, "These scoundrels, they can't compete with us, so they use rules and etiquette to intimidate us. Bah, a bunch of spineless thieves!"
"Hahahaha." Jiang Ling laughed and winked at Consort Lin. "If I had known, I would have sent you to argue with Prince Xian."
"He's practically half-buried in the ground, yet this spring he took several young girls as concubines. What a disrespectful old scoundrel! The entire Prince Xian's mansion is rotten to the core, worse than a latrine! If it were me, I'd wipe out his entire household!"
After finishing her tirade, Consort Lin pursed her lips sheepishly at Jiang Ling and said self-deprecatingly, "Besides killing, I can't think of any other way. What about you?"
Jiang Ling remained silent for a moment, then said, "I don't have a foolproof method either, I can only give it a try."
She presented the facts and lectured them, attempting to evoke a sense of revenge and integrity in some of the intellectuals.
“I have already asked them whether they really want to implement the rules from the time of the founding emperor.”
Consort Lin paused, her expression slightly startled, and stammered, "The Emperor Taizu's rule can stop a baby from crying at night."
Jiang Ling said, "Yes, the military tally, the imperial seal, and the jade seal are all in my hands. I have transferred troops from the capital region camp into the city to work with the Imperial City Guard to enforce the law."
Consort Lin froze, a chill running down her spine. She thought that by killing the entire household of Prince Xian, she could make an example of them and deter those who were plotting against her.
If the Jingji Camp and the Imperial City Guards really started fighting, the powerful families and officials of the Great Yin Dynasty would probably be completely transformed, just like during the reign of Emperor Taizu!
Compared to Jiang Ling, she was indeed a bit naive.
“Unlike the rules during the reign of Emperor Taizu, there is no need for detailed investigation. Just look at their spacious and grand mansions, their fine clothes, their numerous servants, and their precious horses and carriages. They are all enough to have their homes confiscated and be exiled.”
Jiang Ling said calmly, "This is the final step. When that time comes, I will fully implement the rules established during the reign of Emperor Taizu."
As night fell, the gates of the capital city slowly opened. The cavalry of the Jingji Camp wound their way into the city. Their iron hooves pounded the ground, causing it to tremble.
As the night market dispersed, the vendors and commoners rushing to the morning market watched the cavalry in terror and hurriedly gave way. Those who were more timid ran back home.
The elite cavalry quickly dispersed around the imperial city, where the residences of nobles were located. The lanterns that lit up one after another pierced the dark night sky.
As dawn finally broke, sedan chairs and carriages emerged one after another, crowding the palace gates to the point of being impassable.
The palace guards were all replaced by unfamiliar faces. Regardless of rank, everyone underwent a rigorous check before being allowed to enter the palace.
The familiar square and the road leading to the offices of various government departments were suddenly under heavy guard.
The Imperial Guards acted as guards, not as officials or courtiers, and were able to easily enter government offices and take up their posts.
From the Hall of State Affairs to various ministries, no one could rest easy and spontaneously rushed to the mourning hall in the Hall of Literary Profundity.
The mourning hall was solemn and dignified, with white hair fluttering in the breeze. Xiao Yunzan, Xiao Yunlang, Xiao Jiatong, and Xiao Jiatang, siblings, knelt before the coffin, burning paper money and ingots.
Jiang Ling, dressed in mourning clothes, stood in the center of the mourning hall. Court officials rushed forward, their steps slowing involuntarily. Some lifted their robes and knelt on the ground with a thud. It was unclear whether they were paying homage to Emperor Yuanming or kneeling before Jiang Ling.
Immediately afterward, more and more court officials knelt down. In the crowd, Prime Minister Zheng saw the somber-looking Privy Councilor Peng bowing low, and a slight twitch appeared on his lips as he quietly wiped the sweat from his brow.
After the seventh day of mourning for Emperor Yuanming, Crown Prince Xiao Yunzan became the new emperor, and the enthronement ceremony was postponed.
Empress Dowager Jiang Ling served as regent.
The cavalry of the Jingji Camp withdrew from the capital, while the imperial guards of the Imperial City Guard patrolled the capital day and night.
Prince Xian took the initiative to request permission to resign from his position as Minister of the Imperial Clan Court. Jiang Ling accepted his resignation and selected a young and enlightened member of the clan to succeed him.
Privy Councilor Peng and Grand Secretary Wei followed suit and resigned. Jiang Ling rejected their resignations and transferred them to the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Academy, respectively, to serve as Hanlin Academy Academicians and Imperial Academy Chancellors.
Although their official positions were reduced, it was a peaceful end for both of them. Both were quite learned, and their new posts would allow them to make good use of their talents.
Jiang Ling's move sent a signal, demonstrating her magnanimity and broad-mindedness, and the court finally stabilized.
The funeral rites were complicated, and after Emperor Yuanming was buried, Jiang Ling felt as if a layer of skin had been peeled off.
The imperial carriage swayed and wobbled back to the palace. Jiang Ling leaned against the carriage wall, feeling drowsy.
"It's going to snow," Wenjuan whispered to Consort Lin as she gently lowered the carriage curtain.
Consort Lin, who was traveling back to the capital with Jiang Ling, said, "A timely snowfall promises a bumper harvest; it's both good and bad."
Wenjuan said, "That's right, the weather is cold, and it's hard for the poor to endure. In previous years, I was most afraid of winter. My hands and feet would get frostbite and develop sores, which would itch unbearably, but I dared not scratch them too hard."
Jiang Ling was not asleep. He listened to Consort Lin and Wen Juan talking about the hardships of winter and thought about the memorials piled up on his desk.
Seeing Jiang Ling frown, Wen Juan said regretfully, "I'm sorry, I woke up the Empress Dowager."
Jiang Ling shook his head and said, "I'm thinking about something else."
Consort Lin immediately said, "Your Majesty has been busy with state affairs and has worked hard these days. The journey back to the capital is still long, so please rest for a while."
The court officials quieted down and supported her as regent. Unfortunately, the struggle for power, money, and interests never ends.
Jiang Ling had no idea how far she was capable, and she proceeded with trepidation at every step.
The road ahead is rugged and long, but she is not in a hurry and will persevere to the end.
Jiang Ling yawned and closed his eyes to sleep.
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Author's Note: This concludes the main text. The epilogue will follow shortly. Thank you for your continued support.
My next book is "The Emperor and Empress's Road to Exile," which includes a romance. The characters are very distinctive and defy categorization, as everyone changes with their circumstances. The overall tone is lighthearted.
The following is the text, but it's not very good; please save it.
1. Zhou Sui transmigrated into the body of the beloved daughter of a famous scholar in the Dayong Dynasty. The original owner of the body was already engaged and her fiancé was her childhood sweetheart.
Upon meeting him, Zhou Sui recognized him as Xun Du, her husband from her previous life.
In her previous life, she was the Empress of the Great Chu.
The emperor and empress were at odds, hating each other and determined to fight to the death.
Zhou Sui, of course, disagreed with the marriage and decided to kill him.
Unexpectedly, the original owner's father was implicated in the power struggle and his family was confiscated and he was exiled to the Northwest.
No matter, she'll have plenty of opportunities to take his life on the long road of exile.
2. In this life, Xun Du became an orphan without parents. He was raised and taught by his mentor, who also betrothed his only daughter to him.
The moment Xun Du saw his fiancée, he sensed a murderous aura and recognized her as Zhou Sui.
Upon their reunion, Xun Du did not hesitate to kill her.
Even if it means exile, he won't hesitate!
3. Cheng Shang was demoted from Imperial City Envoy to Escort Officer for Exiled Prisoners.
Two years ago, in the spring, Cheng Shang had seen Zhou Sui from afar.
She stood beneath a blooming crabapple tree, smiling sweetly, radiant and lively.
She entered Cheng Shang's dream, but he kept it deep in his heart.
He was the sharpest knife in the emperor's hand, killing countless people, yet capable of stopping a child's nighttime crying.
The court officials deeply feared and hated him to the core; he could not afford to have any weaknesses.
They embarked on the road to exile together, and he treated her like any other prisoner, never revealing a trace of affection.
She already has a fiancé; they are a match made in heaven.
He dared not defile her, nor did he wish to take advantage of her vulnerability.
She took the initiative to approach him and asked, "Do you love me?"
#Those who hate each other to the core are the people who understand each other best in the world#
#How can we make up for mutual indebtedness?#
#GrowthDuringExile#
Reading Guide:
This is a fictional story; please do not take it too seriously.
A chaotic scene, where no one has a perfect personality.
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