The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

"Father, what Imperial Censor Wang and my third brother said are all for the sake of the court's system, and I admire them greatly."

She first affirmed the other person's statement, then changed the subject.

"However, my request is based on my own unavoidable difficulties and legal principles."

"According to our dynasty's ancestral system, princes and dukes can establish their own offices and appoint their own subordinate officials. Those below the rank of chief secretary and military commander can also appoint their own officials, as long as they report to the Ministry of Personnel for record-keeping."

This is clearly stated in the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty" and the "Collected Statutes".

Your son is deeply grateful for the Emperor's great favor in granting him the right to establish the residence of the Princess Zhenguo, a position above all other princes. It is in accordance with the established system to establish a residence and appoint officials. What is wrong with that?

The individuals I have listed, such as Li Gang, are either officials appointed by the court, meritorious generals, or talented individuals. They are all of impeccable character and capable of fulfilling their duties.

The matter was reported to the Ministry of Personnel for record-keeping, which is in accordance with procedure. How can there be any talk of "favored advancement"? Could it be that Imperial Censor Wang believes that the Emperor's bestowal of the power to establish his own office by imperial decree violates ancestral rules?

She brought up the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty" and the "Collected Statutes," which are the fundamental laws of this dynasty and carry immense weight.

He further pointed out that he was "above all the princes," implying that his right to establish his own government was more legitimate than that of a prince.

The final rhetorical question cleverly returned the accusation of "violating ancestral rules" to the defendant.

Imperial Censor Wang's face stiffened: "This... the princess establishing her own residence is naturally a favor from His Majesty. However, the person appointed..."

"What about the person you appointed?"

Yun Jin interrupted him, her gaze sweeping over the officials in the hall. "Chief Secretary Li Gang is a descendant of a veteran minister of the late emperor. He passed the imperial examination twice and served in various prefectures and counties. He was well-regarded for his political integrity but was dismissed because of his uprightness, a fact known throughout the land."

"Is appointing such a respected scholar as the chief secretary of the princess's residence an insult to him, or an honor to me?"

"Sima Zhoubo fought a bloody battle on the northern frontier and made meritorious contributions in defending the pass. He was promoted to garrison commander. This time, he was transferred to the position of commander of the Imperial Guards. This is a reward for his merits and is in line with the court's system of 'rewarding those who have made merits'!"

Furthermore, his expertise in border affairs greatly benefited the training of the Beijing garrison. What is the reason for Imperial Censor Wang's obstruction of meritorious officials from receiving rewards?

Do they think the blood of the soldiers guarding the pass was shed in vain?!

Her tone turned sharp, carrying a murderous aura honed on the battlefield, which made the Imperial Censor Wang tremble and subconsciously take half a step back.

"As for the Royal Guard Battalion,"

Yun Jin turned to the emperor, his tone becoming earnest, "Father, I am deeply grateful for your trust and the great power you have entrusted to me. However, I am now in a position of suspicion, with countless people who covet and resent me. If I do not have reliable guards to protect me, I fear I will fail your trust and also damage the dignity of the court."

The personal guard battalion will be established, and all its provisions, equipment, and supplies will be raised by my own household without costing the national treasury a single penny. The Ministry of War will only need to provide the necessary organization and approval.

This was merely a matter of self-preservation and a necessity to uphold the dignity of the royal family. How could it be considered "infringing on military power" or "establishing separate factions"?

"Am I, the dignified Princess who protects the nation, so incapable of even recruiting hundreds of guards to ensure my own safety?"

Her explanation was reasonable, well-founded, and measured.

He invoked ancestral laws and regulations, emphasized the reward for meritorious officials, and used his own safety and the dignity of the royal family as reasons, making it difficult for anyone to refute him.

In particular, the clause on "self-financing of food and supplies" and "not spending the national treasury" blocked the possibility for many people to make a fuss about "wasting national funds".

The hall was completely silent.

Many officials who were originally neutral also found it reasonable.

Yes, the princess established her own residence and paid for hundreds of guards herself. So what?

Isn't it only right that Zhou Bo was promoted?

The Third Prince Yun Huan frowned slightly, not expecting Yun Jin to respond so sharply.

Just as he was about to speak again, the emperor on the throne slowly opened his eyes.

Those cloudy eyes swept downwards, lingering for a moment on Yun Jin's calm yet resolute face, then swept over the grim-faced Imperial Censor Wang and the deep-set gaze of the Third Prince. Finally, they spoke slowly, their voice weak yet carrying an undeniable resolve:

"The request from Princess Jingguo... the one who protects the nation, is approved."

"Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of War, proceed accordingly without delay."

"Zhou Bo and others have rendered meritorious service to the country and should be promoted and rewarded. The Imperial Guard Battalion... is approved for establishment, with a quota of... 500 men. All regulations shall be drafted by the Princess Zhenguo's Mansion and submitted to the Ministry of War for record."

"Dismiss the court."

Having said that, as if he had used up his last bit of strength, the emperor closed his eyes again, and with the help of the eunuchs, he rose shakily and went into the inner palace.

"Dismiss the court!" the eunuch in charge of ceremonies announced loudly.

The officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!" but with differing thoughts, they withdrew from the Wenhua Hall.

Yun Jin stood there, watching the emperor's departing figure, feeling little joy, only a deeper heaviness in her heart.

Father is using his last strength to pave the way for her, and also to... make enemies for her.

She could feel the icy, knife-like gaze that the Third Prince Yun Huan was casting at her from not far away.

"Congratulations, Your Highness, your wish has come true."

Yun Huan's voice rang in her ears, still gentle, but devoid of any warmth, "I hope that my royal sister's residence can continue to operate peacefully."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty." Yun Jin turned around, her expression calm. "Your Majesty's residence will naturally be as secure as Mount Tai. As for Your Majesty, with so many affairs of state to attend to, you should also take good care of your health."

Their gazes met again in mid-air, and the silent clash of swords had already taken several turns.

Yun Huan chuckled lightly, said no more, and turned to leave.

Yun Jin also stepped out of the Wenhua Hall. The sunlight outside the hall was just right, but it couldn't penetrate the deep chill in her heart.

She knew that the struggle for establishing a government was just the beginning.

The real storm is yet to come.

And from this day forward, her Princess Zhenguo Mansion will officially set sail amidst these turbulent waves.

"Your Highness," Night Owl, who had been waiting in the shadows outside the palace, whispered, "Li Gang, Zhou Bo, Zhao Jianing, and the others have received the news and are waiting outside for an audience. Pang Xiaopan has also begun to take over a suitable residence in the west of the city as a temporary base for the Imperial Guard. Han Lie is organizing the blueprints for military equipment."

Very efficient.

Mr. Su is indeed an extraordinary person.

"Return to the manor," Yun Jin uttered, stepping towards the waiting sedan chair.

The procession of the Princess Zhenguo slowly began, passing through numerous palace gates, and headed towards the mansion that had become the newest and most eye-catching power center in the capital.

Behind her, in the shadows of the Wenhua Hall, countless eyes continued to follow her closely.

There was anticipation, jealousy, fear, and... a chilling murderous intent.

On the chessboard, the white piece has already been placed, aggressively pressing forward.

This game of chess, which concerns the fate of the Jiangqiong Kingdom, has entered a more dangerous and intense mid-game struggle with the official opening of the Zhenguo Princess's Mansion.