Chapter 63: Chief Grand Secretary

He believed his father would never abandon his original aspirations…

No! Jiang Zhimiao would never allow such a thing to happen!

Jiang Zhimiao’s eyes snapped open. Without hesitation, he leaped out of bed. He had to tell his father everything! He couldn’t just stand by and watch his father meet such an end!

Barefoot, Jiang Zhimiao rushed out. Only when his feet touched the cold floor did he come to his senses—his father must have gone to the palace for duty today… He probably wasn’t home…

By now, Jiang Zhimiao had nearly reached the main hall. Well, he might as well turn back and think about how to explain this to his father later to prevent the tragedy…

But why were there faint voices coming from the main hall?

“He has become so depraved now!”

That sounded like Uncle Xie Qinghe’s voice.

Jiang Zhimiao crept forward quietly, hiding by the doorway and peeking inside. He saw Xie Qinghe, still wearing his official robe that he hadn’t had time to change out of, pacing angrily around the main hall.

“That palace maid is fifteen or sixteen years older than him! She was originally assigned to care for his daily needs when he was young, and now he has developed such feelings for her! I heard that the palace maid had long reached the age to be released from service, but the Crown Prince intervened to stop it, even quarreling with the Empress over this! The Crown Prince has never shown much talent since childhood, and now at this critical juncture, he’s stirring up trouble! What was the point of everything we did for him? He doesn’t appreciate it at all!”

Jiang Zhimiao listened with growing trepidation. He had just carefully reviewed the plot and remembered that the newly enthroned emperor in the story did indeed have an inappropriate relationship with a palace maid. It seemed that after ascending the throne, he went against all opposition to make that palace maid—who was over a decade older than him—his Empress. Because of this, the new emperor offended all the noble families. Moreover, that palace maid had ruined her health from years of hard work and couldn’t conceive after becoming Empress. This twisted her mentality, leading her to continuously harm the imperial heirs. Fortunately, the male protagonist stepped forward to protect the young emperor and restore the legitimate succession.

Hearing their conversation, Jiang Zhimiao became even more convinced that he had transmigrated into the book he had read, and his father was that major villain!

Although there weren’t many chapters about Xie Qinghe, he remembered that in the book, Xie Qinghe was Jiang Qingshi’s friend. Because he supported Jiang Qingshi, he was seen as part of Jiang Qingshi’s faction and ultimately met a tragic end.

So in the original story, Uncle Xie and Father were already good friends!

“Rongyu, don’t be so agitated. His Majesty’s health is deteriorating day by day. It’s still uncertain whether the Crown Prince or Xin Wang will prevail. Although the Grand Secretariat hasn’t taken a stance, they certainly still support the Crown Prince’s legitimate status.” Jiang Qingshi remained extremely calm. “If Xin Wang ascends the throne, I’m afraid things will become even more troublesome. Xin Wang was spoiled by Consort Liu since childhood—he still needs palace maids to feed him before he’ll eat… If Xin Wang becomes emperor, he would just become a puppet of the Liu family. The empire would no longer belong to the Li family, but to the Lius.”

“How could I not know? But after all these years of diligently studying the classics, we ultimately lack a worthy successor to support this empire.” Xie Qinghe smiled bitterly. “They grow increasingly absurd, yet it’s the common people who bear the consequences. Nian Chen, I’ve even thought before—if Chengle Princess hadn’t gone for political marriage, what would it matter if she ascended the throne as a woman? The rigid rules and conventions of this world are far too antiquated!”

Uncle Xie’s thoughts were actually so progressive!

Jiang Zhimiao secretly observed from the side.

“Nian Chen, where should we go from here? Must we truly support such rulers?”

“Though the Li family consists entirely of mediocre talents, overthrowing the dynasty would only lead to more bloodshed, and it’s beyond what we civil officials can accomplish. Emperor Taizu prioritized civil over military affairs from the very beginning, fearing military commanders would become too powerful and difficult to control. This has left our Da Liang militarily weak all these years, to the extent that even a small foreign state like Yu Country can make us suffer!” Jiang Qingshi grew somewhat agitated, rising to his feet. “Rongyu, sometimes I think there’s nothing wrong with supporting a puppet ruler. First, we must seize power, so we can eventually do what we truly wish.”

No!

Jiang Zhimiao’s hair stood on end. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he rushed out.

“Father!”

“Miao Ge’er?”

Jiang Qingshi was surprised to see Jiang Zhimiao emerge. Disliking extravagance, Jiang Qingshi kept only two servants at home. Earlier, when Xie Qinghe came to speak with him, he had dismissed both servants.

He had asked the servants and learned Jiang Zhimiao was sleeping soundly today, so he hadn’t disturbed him. He knew Jiang Zhimiao must have stayed up late again working on his own endeavors and had been thinking he needed to talk to the child—he was still young and shouldn’t ruin his health and stunt his growth.

“Father,” Jiang Zhimiao looked timidly at Jiang Qingshi, his emotions complicated, “I overheard what you and Uncle Xie were discussing.”

Jiang Qingshi never treated Jiang Zhimiao as an ignorant child. Hearing this, he simply smiled. “What are your thoughts, then?”

Jiang Zhimiao thought of how the books portrayed his father as an oppressive treacherous official, then looked at how gentle he appeared now. His heart grew heavy, and he stepped forward to embrace Jiang Qingshi.

“Father, don’t be too conspicuous. I’m afraid you’ll face danger in the future.”

What he really wanted to say was, “Father, let’s not play these power games—why don’t we just go home and farm instead!” But this was his father’s aspiration. How could he ask him to abandon his ideals? He knew how difficult this path had been for his father.

Jiang Qingshi froze for a moment before gently placing his hand on Jiang Zhimiao’s head.

“Miao Ge’er, did you have a bad dream? Why are you suddenly saying such things?”

He had to admit, his father was truly perceptive.

“Father, I just had a nightmare and indeed saw many terrible things. I’m very worried about you.” Jiang Zhimiao lifted his small face. “But I know the path you’re walking now is your lifelong dream, so I don’t know what to do.”

Xie Qinghe laughed beside them. “Miao Ge’er, dreams can’t be taken seriously. You’re usually the most clear-headed and rational—why are you believing such nonsense today?”

This was no nonsense at all!

Jiang Zhimiao wore a bitter expression, unsure how to respond to Xie Qinghe.

“I believe Miao Ge’er has his own reasons for concern.” Jiang Qingshi patted Jiang Zhimiao’s head. “Don’t worry, Miao Ge’er. Even if it’s for you and your mother, I’ll proceed with extra caution.”

Jiang Zhimiao wanted to say more, but meeting his father’s steadfast gaze, he obediently nodded.

He trusted his father—not as depicted in the book. Since he had come to this world, perhaps it had already begun changing quietly. Though his father sought power, Jiang Zhimiao knew he always carried the common people in his heart.

His father was merely a minor character in the book, receiving more attention later only due to popularity. There must be hidden depths Jiang Zhimiao didn’t yet understand. With the final outcome still some time away, he was determined to uncover the underlying causes.

Because he believed his father would never abandon his original intentions.

Emperor Jingrui’s health declined daily, while Consort Liu grew increasingly arrogant in the palace. The emperor began subtly cultivating his confidants. In just half a year, Jiang Qingshi rose from Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel to Minister—the Ministry of Personnel being foremost among the Six Ministries, controlling official appointments, evaluations, and promotions. Clearly, Emperor Jingrui placed Jiang Qingshi in this position to better select talents for the Crown Prince’s future reign. Furthermore, the emperor decreed Jiang Qingshi’s entry into the Grand Secretariat to participate in political decisions. At just over thirty, such honors were unprecedented.

Grateful for imperial favor, Jiang Qingshi grew more composed. Xie Qinghe also gained imperial trust with a promotion. In contrast, Chen Qi—who had entered the Hanlin Academy with them and whose uncle was Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet—saw stagnant career advancement, evidently suppressed and balanced by the emperor’s design.

Meanwhile, Consort Liu’s brother grew increasingly negligent at the border. Court rumors even claimed he conspired with Yu Country, apparently pressuring Emperor Jingrui to legitimize Xin Wang’s succession.

Winter arrived swiftly, the first snow drifting lazily over the Forbidden City. Dressed in crimson official robes, Jiang Qingshi gazed up at the swirling flakes, his expression serene as still water.

The crunch of footsteps on snow sounded behind him. Turning, he saw Grand Secretary Chen Yanfeng observing him. Jiang Qingshi bowed respectfully.

“Greetings, Your Excellency.”

“No need for formalities.” Chen Yanfeng dismissed his attendants and took a wax-paper umbrella from one. “Might Minister Jiang have time to accompany this old man for a stroll?”

Jiang Qingshi nodded. “It would be my honor.”

The two walked under the umbrella through fluttering snow—not heavy, but swirling like willow catkins. Their leisurely pace left two distinct trails of footprints.

Neither spoke first.

Jiang Zhimiao maintained his water-like calm, unruffled before this decades-seasoned, imposing Grand Secretary. After some distance, Chen Yanfeng turned to him with a weighty nod. “Reserved yet substantial, neither arrogant nor impatient. You are exceptional, Minister Jiang.”

“Today the Chief Minister instructed me to accompany you, but surely he didn’t merely wish to discuss these trivial matters?” Jiang Qingshi cut straight to the point. He knew that with someone as astute as Chen Yanfeng, there was no need for excessive circumlocution—it was better to lay all cards on the table. “Chief Minister, given the pressing state affairs, why not speak plainly if you have something to say?”

“It seems you’ve already guessed what I intended to discuss today.” Chen Yanfeng looked at Jiang Qingshi. “I must admit, you are quite perceptive. That matter—I thought I had concealed it flawlessly, yet you still managed to catch a glimpse of clues.”

Jiang Qingshi, however, did not respond immediately. His gaze remained steady as he looked at Chen Yanfeng, the falling snowflakes reflected deep in his tranquil eyes.

“Minister Chen, back when Chao Yehhan instructed Yuan Yuexian to frame me, the mastermind behind it was undoubtedly you as well, wasn’t it?”

“Correct.” Chen Yanfeng nodded, his expression showing no trace of discomfort at being exposed. “At that time, I indeed wanted to test your capabilities. You did not disappoint me. Even after all these years away from Fanjiazhuang, even after severing ties with the Jiang Family, you never let your guard down. I am well aware that the Jiang Family remains a latent threat, which is why you constantly monitor their movements—swiftly making judgments and intensifying preparations at the first sign of trouble to confront unforeseen circumstances. Jiang Qingshi, you have done exceptionally well.”

Author’s Note: Just one more week until the story concludes! [Owl]