Prime Minister

Chapter 234, Section 233: [Grand Scholar]

Imperial City, Royal Study.

Emperor Jiang Chen of the Great Yan sat behind his desk, holding a memorial in his hand. Han Qian, the commander of the Jing'an Division, stood solemnly below and reported: "Your Majesty, according to the information Ye Qing has found, there is indeed a demonic cult and rebel force hiding behind the Jimin Hall in Jiangnan. I have now assigned Ye Qing more capable men to assist Xue Huai, the assistant prefect of Yangzhou, in investigating this case."

A cold glint flashed in the emperor's eyes.

Throughout history, there has never been a shortage of such delusional rebels, and the Great Yan Dynasty was no exception. However, the emperor was still furious when he truly realized the existence of this force.

These rebel parties are completely different from corrupt officials. Although the latter will cause great harm to the people, the actions of corrupt officials are fundamentally traceable. However, those rebel parties are only thinking about overthrowing the country and the state, and their actions cannot be predicted by common sense.

"This matter must be thoroughly investigated."

The Emperor said in a deep voice, "But you must avoid alerting the enemy, especially before capturing the key figures. Do not cause a great uproar. Xue Huai did a good job this time by starting by dismantling the enemy's internal forces, which will not cause turmoil in the court and among the people. Have your subordinates cooperate well."

Han Qian solemnly replied, "Your subject obeys the decree."

"You may leave now."

The Emperor put down the memorial presented by Xue Huai, and after Han Qian bowed and withdrew, he looked at the middle-aged civil official standing in the Imperial Study and slowly asked, "What is your opinion on this matter, Minister Shen?"

Shen Wang had been summoned to the palace half an hour earlier. The emperor summoned him mainly to inquire about the palace repairs. Just then, Han Qian brought an urgent report from Jiangnan to the palace. Shen Wang originally wanted to avoid the situation, but the emperor insisted that he stay and listen in. This shows the emperor's trust and high regard for him.

After a moment's thought, Shen Wang calmly said, "Your Majesty, I believe there are three dangerous aspects to this case. First, the rebels, under the guise of practicing medicine and helping the people, are secretly manipulating public sentiment. This is a deep-seated resentment, more profound and violent than the scourge of corrupt officials. Second, according to the Jing'an Division, the rebels are colluding with local officials, using the guise of benevolence to gather power. Such deeply rooted actions are like a malignant tumor, impossible to eradicate without swift and decisive action. Third, the rebels' influence may have already quietly infiltrated the Grand Canal, thus extending beyond the southern region and threatening the very foundation of the nation, even the imperial power."

The emperor's expression grew increasingly grave. Shen Wang, through Han Qian's report, quickly deduced the potentially disastrous consequences of the rebels.

Seeing this, Shen Wang calmly said, "Your Majesty is quite right. Xue Huai's response is like a good medicine for the disease. To deal with such hidden rebels, we should proceed step by step, gradually weakening their wings to force them to the surface. We must not make a big show of it and throw ourselves into chaos. In my opinion, the threat of the rebels lies in their hiding in the shadows. As long as we cut off their connections, find a clue, and follow the clues, we can throw them into complete chaos."

"good."

The emperor's brows and eyes gradually relaxed. What he admired most about Shen Wang was his composure, which remained unchanged even when Mount Tai collapsed before him.

Looking at the calm face of the middle-aged civil official, the emperor smiled slightly and said, "I recall a rumor. Recently, there has been much discussion in the court and among the people, saying that Minister Shen has made outstanding contributions and should be given the heavy responsibility entrusted to him by the Ministry of Works, and should be allowed to enter the Privy Council to share my burdens. I wonder if Minister Shen has such a wish?"

This seemingly casual question actually carries immense weight.

Entering the cabinet and becoming a high-ranking official is the pinnacle that almost every civil official strives for in their lifetime.

The fact that the emperor himself has made it clear that he is inclined to acknowledge Shen Wang's achievements and abilities.

However, Shen Wang did not show any elation. He bowed deeply to the emperor and said respectfully, "Thunder and rain are all imperial graces. Your Majesty's inquiry makes me extremely humble. I come from a humble background, and Your Majesty has not abandoned me and entrusted me with the important task of the Ministry of Works. I am already deeply grateful and have always thought of doing my best to repay Your Majesty's great kindness. Entering the cabinet is beyond my ability and ability, and it is not a place that I dare to covet and seek."

This response was the proper course of action. Regardless of Shen Wang's inner thoughts, he had to give this attitude; it was the standard of conduct for a subject.

The emperor was not in a hurry. He looked at this important minister on whom he had placed high hopes with a smile and said gently, "Minister Shen, do you not wish to join the cabinet?"

Shen Wang slowly straightened up and continued, “If Your Majesty has any requests, I dare not refuse. As a minister in the Ministry of Works, I only know to fulfill my duties and strive to handle the construction of the palace, water conservancy projects, and various crafts properly, so as not to fail Your Majesty’s grace. As for the important responsibility of the Grand Secretary, this is the foundation of governing the country and the balance of power, which cannot be undertaken by anyone but those of great talent and virtue. Although I am dull-witted, I am well aware of the immense weight of this responsibility and would never dare to be presumptuous. My only ambition is to serve the people and be a stepping stone. I only hope that my work will be successful, and that I will not have lived in vain!”

Upon hearing this earnest and simple remark, the emperor couldn't help but sigh softly, deeply moved.

Shen Wang's attitude was very clear: he would not go against the emperor's will and forcefully decline the offer, but from the bottom of his heart, his wish to enter officialdom was to devote himself to the country and the people of the Great Yan.

"I understand your intentions."

The emperor gave a brief response, making the atmosphere in the imperial study even more harmonious.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and glanced at the huge "Ten Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" scroll hanging on the wall. He spoke casually, "Now that the princes are growing up, their styles of doing things are not entirely the same, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. You have always had a keen eye, and I would like to hear what you think of the princes' personalities."

Shen Wang felt a chill run down his spine.

Judging princes has always been a major taboo in the imperial court. When the emperor takes the initiative to ask a minister for his opinion on a prince, it is both a sign of trust and a heavy pressure and test.

If his answer is even slightly off, offending a prince or even getting involved in the struggle for the throne, he will face utter ruin.

But he couldn't remain silent.

At this moment, besides the emperor and his minister, only Zeng Min, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, was in the Imperial Study. In this situation, Shen Wang had no room to pretend to be stupid.

The emperor was well aware of the difficulty of this issue, and if it were any other important ministers standing before him, he would not have brought it up at all.

Shen Wang was a recognized leader of the upright officials, and had been practicing integrity for nearly thirty years. Therefore, the emperor wanted to see his true character—not because of his upcoming appointment as a cabinet minister in the next year or two, as a mere cabinet minister would not warrant such a difficult position from the emperor, but to see if he could shoulder the responsibility of the future chief minister.

Both Ning Hengzhi and Xue Mingzhang had been questioned by the emperor on different topics, but the latter died young, leaving the emperor with only regret and sorrow. Perhaps to the world, the emperor was being cunning and manipulative, but Shen Wang knew in his heart that this was the real test.

After much deliberation, Shen Wang cautiously replied, "Your Majesty's question concerns the very foundation of the nation and its people. I fear that my limited understanding may fail to meet Your Majesty's expectations. However, Your Majesty has commanded me to speak frankly, and I dare not shirk my responsibilities. Based on my limited knowledge and experience, I will venture to speak."

The Emperor nodded slightly and said, "Speak freely."

Shen Wangdao said, “His Highness Prince Liang is still young, but he has already shown great intelligence and is also simple and kind. I have had little contact with him, but I have heard that he studies diligently and respects his teachers. Under Your Majesty’s earnest guidance, he will surely become a great talent for the country in the future. His Highness Prince Dai is in his prime, but his temperament is rather unrestrained. Perhaps because he is still young and impetuous, his words and actions sometimes show the impetuousness of a young man. This is the sign of a rough gem yet to be polished, and he truly needs strict instruction to guide him onto the right path.”

Zeng Min, who was standing to the side, silently praised him and memorized every word with utmost seriousness.

The emperor smiled, clearly satisfied with Shen Wang's answer.

As Shen Wang said, although the Eighth Prince, Prince Liang, has come of age, he still has the temperament of a boy and needs to be carefully tempered. His evaluation of the Fifth Prince, Prince Dai, was already quite harsh. Although he is a rough gem, he needs to be strictly taught.

If Shen Wang were not a loyal and upright minister, he would never have spoken frankly about the faults of the Prince of Dai.

Shen Wang took a light breath and continued, "His Highness Prince Wei is calm, quick-witted, and studious, and treats people with kindness and gentleness. He is well-read, reasonable, and dutiful, often serving as a model for the princes of the imperial family. However, his nature seems to be too quiet and reserved. His Highness Prince Chu is naturally intelligent and decisive. He acts swiftly, values ​​promises, and upholds integrity, closely resembling His Majesty's character. However, his sharpness is too great, and he needs to temper and cultivate it to become as flexible and resilient as fine steel."

He stopped there.

The emperor stared intently at Shen Wang; this response had actually exceeded his expectations.

Shen Wang did not blindly praise the princes, but his words were substantial and reasonable. Most importantly, his views on the princes were genuine, which is what the emperor cares about most.

If Ning Hengzhi or Ouyang Hui had answered today, the emperor would never have heard such earnest and heartfelt words.

After a long silence, the emperor said with satisfaction, "What you say is exactly what I think."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wang bowed deeply and said with utmost solemnity, "Your Majesty, it is truly presumptuous of me to presume to comment on the imperial descendants. The princes are all of noble birth and possess the bearing of imperial lineage, which I have only glimpsed in a few aspects. The princes' virtues are bestowed by Heaven, and their future growth depends on Your Majesty's guidance. I am deeply terrified by my arrogant words today, and if there has been any inappropriateness, I beg Your Majesty's punishment!"

The Emperor shook his head slightly and said, "What crime have you committed? However, just now you only mentioned the four princes and did not mention the Crown Prince. Why is that?"

These words, though seemingly light, carry immense weight.

Zeng Min couldn't help but tense up, thinking to himself, "Minister Shen, please be careful. I don't want to be caught in the crossfire."

This time, Shen Wang did not hesitate. He said frankly and sincerely, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince is the heir apparent. How dare I presume to speak on this matter?"

The crown prince is also a ruler. Before the emperor deposed the crown prince, he was different from the other princes. This is the core of the emperor's inquiry today.

In other words, no matter who the crown prince is, as long as the emperor allows him to live in the Eastern Palace, Shen Wang will abide by the proper relationship between ruler and subject.

After a brief silence, the emperor's laughter rang out.

The laughter was not unrestrained at all, but Zeng Min was all too familiar with the comfort it contained. At this moment, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion—no wonder this Minister Shen was able to enjoy the emperor's favor and remain unmoved despite the storms that had swept through the court and the country in the past two years.

"Today is a day of rest and recuperation, and you, my dear minister, should be resting and recuperating, yet you still have to worry about state affairs. I cannot bear it. Zeng Min."

"The servant is here."

"Order the Imperial Kitchen to prepare several dishes and send them to Minister Shen's residence."

"The slaves obey the order."

Zeng Min respectfully agreed.

Shen Wang calmly expressed his gratitude, then bowed and took his leave.

Watching him leave, the emperor's smile grew even wider.

Zeng Min kept his head down, standing silently to the side, when suddenly Xue Huai's young and handsome face appeared in his mind.

This master and apprentice pair are truly remarkable.

My disciple has repeatedly rendered meritorious service in Jiangnan, and it will probably not be long before he returns to the central government. His Majesty will certainly not treat him unfairly, and his mentor...

Zeng Min sighed inwardly. After today's imperial questioning, no one in the court could stop Grand Secretary Shen's meteoric rise, not even the powerful Grand Secretary Ning.

(End of this chapter)