Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C211 – Prunus Armeniaca Thunb

Lu Zheng’s delivery of the imperial report occurred earlier than Zhan Yuanfeng had anticipated, accompanied by the formidable captives of the pirates. However, Lin Zhihao wasn’t transported to the capital with them; instead, his fate awaited His Majesty’s decree.

During the morning assembly, Zhan Yuanfeng had Lu Zheng present the imperial reports he had received, one scribed by Zuo Shaoqing and the other endorsed by Liang Qi.

Zuo Shaoqing’s report laid bare the stark realities of the sea skirmish. Despite the recent establishment of the Great Yang navy, they suffered the loss of over a hundred elite soldiers and two costly battleships. The remaining vessels sustained varying degrees of damage.

The Minister of War winced at the mention of the hundred valiant soldiers and the exorbitant pensions and ship maintenance costs. Similarly, the Minister of Revenue seethed at the thought of his painstakingly crafted vessel being marred so soon after deployment.

Minister of Personnel Jiang Che pondered the recent selection of the capital’s governor, inwardly resolving to dispose of the gifts sent by Lin Zhihao upon returning home.

The Minister of Justice’s mind churned as he delved into the affiliations of the Crane City Prefect, anticipating further tasks after the morning assembly.

He sighed inwardly. Another fool who had clashed with an insurmountable obstacle! Why did everyone insist on provoking Duke Zhen? Was the infamous butcher so easily trifled with?

The Minister of Rites, however, remained unaffected. Contemplating Duke Zhen’s eradication of the largest pirate band, he pondered the suitable rewards to be bestowed by the Emperor. Yet, Duke Zhen cared naught for higher positions or material wealth, posing a challenge in rewarding him.

“Excellent! Remarkable! To barter Great Yang’s citizens for funds is commendable. This official’s annual performance rivals that of the Ministry of Personnel!” Zhan Yuanfeng tossed the imperial report to Jiang Che.

Zuo Shaoqing’s memoranda provided insights surpassing received intelligence. Notably, Prefect Lin’s illicit association with Hai Kui, permitting rampant coastal piracy in exchange for bribes.

“Lin Zhihao, condemned to death! Lin Family members, men exiled to the Northern Frontier, women relegated to commoners’ status for five generations, barred from official positions! Lin Family assets to be seized!” Zhan Yuanfeng swiftly dispatched a Fifth Grade official for the first time.

Inhaling deeply, he issued a string of directives. Investigations were to be thorough, corruption eradicated, and meritorious actions duly rewarded.

Surveying the room, he bellowed, “Jiang Hanlin, step forward!”

Jiang Hengzhou hesitated briefly, then hastened forward, bowing in anticipation of orders. Emperor Tianfeng’s repeated morning mentions had never before singled him out.

“You are appointed commanding officer, tasked with searching the Lin Clan’s residence in Crane City, documenting all their possessions, and reporting them to the royal treasury!”

All eyes fixated on Jiung Hengzhou’s departing figure. Nobody anticipated this young man’s audacity in securing such a prominent position. To usurp a coveted role within a household was a well-known practice among officials.

Jiung Hengzhou, too, found himself taken aback. Despite his modest rank, the emperor’s marked attention to him implied a special regard. His appointment to such a pivotal role underscored the emperor’s favor.

Amidst envious glances from his peers, he knelt to receive the decree, articulating his intentions before rising to his feet.

Zhan Yuanfeng noted the expressions around him. Regarding Jiung Hengzhou’s competence, there existed no doubt. As a top graduate of Yin University, his knowledge and popularity were commendable, yet Zhan Yuanfeng sensed a lingering deficiency.

Escorting Jiung Hengzhou out, Zhan Yuanfeng pondered. Firstly, Jiung Hengzhou, newly inducted into the government, still upheld the integrity and rectitude befitting a scholar. Secondly, Zhan Yuanfeng harbored intentions to test him.

One after the other, they entered the imperial study. Once the doors closed, Zhan Yuanfeng broached the subject, “I recall in your recent report, you recommended Lin Zhihao as the capital’s successor.”

Jiang Che had anticipated this inquiry and explained, “Your Majesty, due to my oversight, the subordinate’s report was unclear. Lin Zhihao’s accomplishments during his tenure have been duly acknowledged. However, I did not anticipate this revelation.”

Jiang Che knelt before Zhan Yuanfeng, devoid of guilt.

Had he known the extent of the other party’s audacity, he wouldn’t have dared to endorse Lin Zhihao. His consideration for Lin Zhihao’s appointment wasn’t solely due to the gifts bestowed upon him.

Following his father’s appointment as tutor, many officials were dispatched. As Lin Zhihao hailed from a regional post, he had yet to reveal his affiliations. Nonetheless, given his official status, he was unlikely to align with Lu Zheng. Hence, Jiang Che endeavored to sway him.

The opportunity presented itself when the Crane City Prefect’s transfer to the capital was deemed a minor promotion. It was a move open to minimal scrutiny.

Zhan Yuanfeng silently rapped the desk, fully cognizant of the complexities. Even he had no intelligence regarding Lin Zhihao’s treason, thus absolving Jiang Che of negligence.

Little did they know, this marked Lin Zhihao’s first betrayal of his country. Prior events were orchestrated by Zuo Shaoqing Qiang.

“Rise,” Zhan Yuanfeng uttered in a more relaxed tone. “Despite the apparent tranquility post-war, expenses remain exorbitant, depleting the treasury. Do you comprehend what is required?”

Meeting Zhan Yuanfeng’s significant gaze, Jiang Che paused before understanding dawned. “This humble subject comprehends.”

Zhan Yuanfeng nodded approvingly and inquired casually, “I’ve heard that your Jiang’s Mansion is experiencing some domestic turbulence. Ensure that your family matters don’t interfere with your state affairs.”

Jiang Che’s heart skipped a beat, and he bowed deeply, “Yes, Your Excellency, this humble servant is aware.”

It came as no surprise to Jiang Che that Zhan Yuanfeng was informed about his family’s situation. After all, news had circulated widely within the capital and was impossible to suppress.

It transpired that the Jiang Family had recently become the subject of ridicule. His legal wife had fallen victim to a scam, and the one who exposed it was Zuo Shuhui.

Naturally, Jiang Che knew this was linked to Zuo Shuhui. Fuming with rage, he felt as if his lungs would burst. That woman, thinking herself clever, had shattered his most crucial alliance.

Initially, their marriage had been a strategic alliance between their families. Following their union, harmony had prevailed.

Unexpectedly, chaos ensued in the household after his marriage to Zuo Shuhui. The discord between the two women not only disrupted their home life but also jeopardized his political connections.

To maintain equilibrium within the Yue Clan, Jiang Che had sacrificed much in terms of reputation and benefits. Now, this foolish woman had caused a scandal, jeopardizing the Jiang’s Mansion’s reputation.

Despite the irreversibility of the situation, even if nothing illicit occurred between him and that man, he couldn’t spare his wife for the sake of Jiang’s Mansion’s dignity.

He had already penned the letter, which had subjected him to threats and insults from the Yue Clan in recent days.

Adding to his fury, within half a day, this woman had managed to spread the news throughout the capital. Now, everyone knew that Minister Jiang wore a metaphorical green hat.

Jiang Che narrowed his eyes. He refused to believe that Zuo Shuhui and her cohorts were solely responsible. There had to be another player involved. But who?

The first suspect to cross Jiang Che’s mind was the Zuo Family and Zuo Shaoyan. Perhaps he had underestimated his hapless brother-in-law.

Little did Jiang Che know that the mastermind behind the scenes wasn’t Zuo Shaoyan’s family but Zuo Shaoqing, who had always had a strained relationship with Zuo Shuhui.

Zuo Shaoqing, having hastily departed from Jing, had not forgotten this matter upon arriving at Crane City. He had even planted spies within the capital.

The cunning and ruthlessness displayed by a woman in the domestic skirmish often earned her newfound respect from men. Jiang Che had indeed underestimated Zuo Shuhui.

Observing Jiang Che’s pallor, Zhan Yuanfeng remarked, “I understand that women may not be your priority, but now that you’re married, treat her well. Ensure that she remains discreet in her chambers.”

As Zhan Yuanfeng spoke, a sudden realization dawned on him. Were there also women in his imperial harem who trespassed beyond his knowledge?

The two men exchanged a knowing glance. Once Jiang Che departed, Zhan Yuanfeng summoned the Minister of the Imperial Household, instructing him covertly to monitor the activities within the harem.

He couldn’t allow any scandals from his harem to tarnish his reputation or spread beyond the palace walls.