Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 484 Ascension to the Throne (Part Two)

Jiu Que was initially surprised by Chen Zijin's request, but quickly realized it was indeed a good solution for Chen Zijin in her current situation. However, she didn't immediately agree.

"It will be difficult for you to stay by my side. You will have to endure a lot of hardship, travel a lot, and in the end you may find that you have nothing. Even so, are you still willing to stay by my side and work for me?"

"I'm willing!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Zijing readily agreed. She knew how honorable it was to serve the Crown Princess; without her previous merit in presenting the silver mine, she wouldn't even have had the chance to make this request. That's precisely why she wanted to seize the opportunity. Having been captured and imprisoned in the Southern Feather Kingdom's court for so many years, achieving nothing in the Great Jing Dynasty, she wouldn't want to return alone, even if her family were willing to accept her wholeheartedly. She wasn't returning to her hometown and family to live in poverty and listen to gossip. She wanted a life ten times better than before! Only then would those rumors stay out of her and her family's ears.

Chen Zijin was perfectly clear-headed. She made no attempt to hide anything and sincerely analyzed herself.

“Your Highness, I am not a simple-minded person. If I were, I wouldn’t have survived this long in a foreign land. I want to live well, at least much better than before. Otherwise, what has been the point of enduring humiliation and living a life of ignominy for so many years?”

This is an ambitious person with the courage to put their ambitions into action. Jiu Que doesn't dislike such people, because she herself belongs to this category.

"You have done a good job in revealing the location of the silver mine, so I will give you this opportunity, but whether you can stay depends on your own ability."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Chen Zijing suddenly kowtowed, tears welling in her eyes. She did indeed have endless ambitions to realize, but even more so, she longed for and yearned for this Crown Princess.

She had never been a docile woman; having survived such a calamity, she naturally wanted to plan for her future. But she genuinely admired this prince. How wonderful it would be to one day follow him, or even go further, to stand behind him! After all, her prince was the first Crown Princess in history, and would be the first Empress of the Great Jing Kingdom—a fact no one could deny!
How could I not be excited to witness the birth of history with my own eyes?

Regardless of Chen Zijing's thoughts, the attack on Nanyu was a victory they had envisioned. Having successfully located the silver mine and discovered piles of already smelted silver ingots taller than houses, Jiu Que finally smiled. From the establishment of the navy until now, all these years had been spent—wasn't this what they were aiming for?
Hearing the deafening cheers behind him, Jiu Que couldn't contain his joy. Several months had passed at sea; it was time to return, especially with his father's letters arriving one after another. He always brought back gifts for his father after his travels. This time was no exception, but this time there were quite a few gifts…

A month later, the Great Jing army returned in triumph, and Her Highness the Crown Princess naturally led the naval commanders back to the capital to receive their rewards. Prior to this, there had been some opposition in the court to Her Highness the Crown Princess personally leading the expedition. They were not against Jiu Que as a person, but rather against her rash and dangerous actions.

After all, a rich man's son shouldn't sit under a dangerous roof. And Jiu Que's current status is far more than just that of a rich man's son.
Therefore, everyone was putting in their best effort, preparing to impeach Her Highness the Crown Princess upon her return. Especially after seeing their colleagues who had gone to war with Her Highness and were now grinning foolishly at the grand court assembly, the bitterness in their hearts was hard to conceal! Why were you allowed to go to war with Her Highness the Crown Princess?!
Not only were they allowed to go out for fresh air, but they also won a great victory, which will surely be recorded in history. Meanwhile, they had to stay in the court and continue to deal with all sorts of complicated matters.
Surprisingly, Emperor Jingtai stood out the most among this group. Over the years, it was clear to everyone that Emperor Jingtai intended to have the Crown Princess inherit the throne. In addition, only one of the four princes was still half-dead. There was no one else to support besides the Crown Princess, so everyone stopped caring about merit in supporting the new emperor and instead focused on their respective duties, maintaining the court very well.

Perhaps because life was going smoothly and the golden age had arrived, Emperor Jingtai had become increasingly childlike, and now he looked at Jiuque with obvious displeasure. After so many years of working together, the ministers naturally didn't believe that His Majesty was disappointed in the Crown Princess. Sure enough, the next moment, everyone heard Emperor Jingtai's disgruntled voice: "The Crown Princess has been gone for almost half a year, truly living a carefree life. But what about your elderly father at home? Your poor father waits for you every day, while the Crown Princess is out there enjoying herself. Tell me, what crime should you be punished for?"

The ministers acted as if they were deaf and blind, unable to see or hear anything, and strictly adhered to their duties as ministers.

Jiuque skillfully stroked the hair.

"Father, please forgive me. It is all my fault."

Emperor Jingtai had initially intended to throw a small tantrum, but seeing Jiuque kneeling on the ground, he couldn't bear it and quickly told her to get up. Why was this child so honest? He was only complaining a little; how could he truly be angry with her?
All these years have passed, but this child still retains the same innocent heart.

Seeing this, Jiu Que took the opportunity to present her own gift. Before returning, she also reported to Emperor Jingtai about her many gains in Nanyu. However, in order to give her father a surprise, she did not mention the specific amount, but only presented many jewels and treasures.

"...We have seized 1.7 million taels of silver. I hope Father Emperor will be overjoyed."

"Hmm, you came back safely, that's all I need! How much? How much do you want?!"

The officials below initially wanted to pretend not to hear, but upon hearing the number, many officials of the second rank and above couldn't help but cough, nearly choking to death.

How much? How much did Her Highness just say? Are they getting old and hard of hearing and eyesight? Is this number accurate? And what did Her Highness say? This is just the amount of cash seized; she also discovered a huge silver mine in the Southern Feather Kingdom?

Emperor Jingtai smacked his lips, still reeling from the shock, when he saw his usually cold and aloof Minister of Revenue, who seemed like a greedy and ruthless creature, now beaming like a romantic old chrysanthemum, showering him with praise and compliments that left everyone stunned.

Well, cough, oh dear, the Minister of Revenue is now shameless in order to bring this batch of silver, as well as the silver that will continue to be produced in the future, into the Ministry of Revenue.

But! Which of the six ministries in the court—Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works—is not short of money? Everyone has to work together; only what's in your own bowl counts!