Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

In this way, one can gain substantial benefits without affecting political alignment.

Before Lady Lü could say anything, Old Madam Wang waved her hand and scolded, "A mere woman confined to the inner quarters should not interfere in state affairs."

Lady Lü sighed and slowly lowered her head.

"Shiping, remember to do as your mother says," Old Mrs. Wang instructed.

As the wife of the Grand Tutor, she witnessed his rise through the ranks and considered herself to be somewhat knowledgeable in politics, a true "expert."

Jiang Zichuan was stingy, but she was determined to extract some benefits from him.

The Grand Tutor's connections will not be taken away by Jiang Zichuan for nothing!

"Yes." Wang Shiping nodded.

The following day, at the Wende Hall.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying stroked his knees and said:

"All internal and external departments may immediately submit their reports."

Holding his tablet, Wang Shiping stepped forward and said, “Your subject hereby recommends Wang Shiping, the eldest son of Wang Youzhi, who was awarded the titles of Grand Tutor, posthumously honored as Wenjian, and granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. He has recently entered the capital and has been appointed as a co-signatory of the Privy Council. He opposes the deposition of the Empress.”

A series of titles attracted the attention of many people.

Even Jiang Zhao, who was attending court for the first time since the imperial examinations, was no exception.

Holding his scepter, Jiang Zhao glanced back and spat inwardly.

Depend on!

The title is so long, it scared the hell out of me.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying curled his lip.

It must have been a terrible sin for Grand Tutor Wang to have such a son!

However, it must be said that Wang Shiping's titles are indeed quite impressive.

The main hall fell silent.

After a few breaths, someone stepped forward, holding a scepter, and said:

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

A chorus of agreement rang out.

Zhao Ceying scanned them carefully, memorizing each face.

Chapter 221 To establish a heart for heaven and earth, to establish a destiny for the people, to continue the lost learning of the past sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations!

"Retreat—"

A sharp cry echoed throughout the hall.

The civil and military officials all withdrew one after another.

At the end of the line, Sheng Hong, holding his jade tablet, was about to turn around.

He hesitated for a few moments, then couldn't help but glance back and whisper, "Lord Wang."

Wang Shiping was taken aback and walked over.

"Uncle, are you aware of the political situation in the court?" Sheng Hong asked in a low voice.

Originally, if it were merely a dispute between the Jiang and Wang families, Sheng Hong, with his cautious nature, would never have uttered a single word to Wang Shiping, given his support for his son-in-law.

But who would have thought that Wang Shiping would "high-profile" submit a memorial, openly opposing the abolition of the empress.

It's important to understand that this was a strategic miscalculation, not just a minor skirmish between the Jiang and Wang factions.

If one is not careful, it could lead to demotion or exile.

Even the reputation that Grand Tutor Wang has built up over decades could be completely destroyed.

Having received favors from the Wang family, Sheng Hong considered himself to have some conscience, yet he couldn't help but ask this question.

The conflict between the Jiang and Wang factions ultimately boils down to private grudges.

Openly supporting the Empress signifies a political stance, which carries a completely different meaning.

"I don't know." Wang Shiping frowned and shook his head.

The Wang family had not been to the capital for two or three decades, so it was impossible for them to know about the political situation at the imperial court.

"If that's the case, why did you openly oppose deposing the empress?" Sheng Hong asked, looking puzzled.

How dare you take sides without knowing anything about the political situation?

The key point is that the act of deposing the empress must have been authorized by the officials.

With the Emperor's instructions and Jiang Zhao, the son-in-law, in charge, Han, the Grand Chancellor, was eyeing the situation covetously, while the Empress had no foundation.

This is practically a done deal – she's going to be deposed!

They dare to stand on the opposite side and oppose the abolition of the empress?

Wang Shiping frowned but did not answer.

Sheng Hong glanced at her and immediately understood. He tentatively asked, "Mother-in-law?"

Wang Shiping hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"oops!"

Sheng Hong was startled and realized something was wrong.

My mother-in-law is at it again, scheming and planning everything!

"How could my mother-in-law, a woman confined to the inner quarters, be knowledgeable about court politics?"

Sheng Hong cautioned, "The attempt to depose the empress is almost certainly successful. Uncle, please don't go astray!"

"Is Mr. Sheng so certain that he has gone astray?" Wang Shiping countered.

From a purely strategic standpoint, the old mother's plan was flawless and without the slightest problem.

At least, that's what he thinks.

Sheng Hong was taken aback, his brows furrowing slightly: "What is Uncle thinking?"

Wang Shiping remained silent.

"Ugh!"

Sheng Hong glanced at it heavily, sighed deeply, and shook his head repeatedly.

"It wasn't easy for my father-in-law to accumulate such wealth; he even enabled my maternal uncle to wear a purple robe."

"But that's precisely why we should cherish it all the more."

Sheng Hong bowed respectfully: "Uncle, in the officialdom, the worst thing is to be ambitious but lack practical skills!"

"You'd better take care of yourself!"

After saying that, he strode away.

While the Jiang and Wang families were vying for power, he sought out Wang Shiping alone, explaining a few words to avoid any misunderstanding from his son-in-law.

Unfortunately, the father-in-law was confused for a moment and did not take his mother-in-law with him when he passed away!

The main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

At the head of the table, a glint of light flashed in Old Mrs. Wang's eyes, and she clapped her hands repeatedly.

"Okay, okay!"

"Sheng Hong's advice to you must have been at Jiang Zichuan's behest."

Grandma Wang believed she had everything under control and slowly said, "If it doesn't work the first time, they will definitely try to dissuade me two or three times. After a while, when Sheng Hong's attempts to dissuade me fail, Jiang Zichuan will take the initiative to dissuade me."

"In this way, we can use this as an excuse to set a price, so that your career can be smooth and your sister and brother-in-law can come to the capital together."

Wang Shiping nodded and let it be.

May 11th, Wende Hall.

"Retreat—"

The civil and military officials all withdrew one after another.

Wang Shiping, holding his scepter, consciously slowed his pace.

However, ten breaths passed without anyone calling out "Lord Wang".

Wang Shiping had a bad feeling and quickly walked to the end.

Upon closer inspection, one could see Sheng Hong walking slowly alongside several officials in red robes, having already walked over a hundred steps, showing no intention of offering a second "dissuasion."

The main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

Old Mrs. Wang, Wang Shiping, and Mrs. Lü gathered together.

"Mother, Uncle Sheng did not call me back," Wang Shiping reported anxiously, bowing with his hands clasped.

Something is wrong!

"You didn't try to stop her?" Lady Lü was startled and quickly said, "My lord, please support the deposition of the empress immediately."

The mother-in-law's "remote control" is truly unsettling.

At the head of the table, Old Mrs. Wang concealed the slight surprise in her eyes, appearing calm and composed, and slowly said, "Don't rush."

“Your father was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Tutor by the late Emperor, a person qualified to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and receive offerings from the emperor.”

"In over a century of imperial rule, only nine people have been granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Jiang Zichuan, do you really think you can ignore the Wang family?"

When Grand Tutor Wang was mentioned, Grandma Wang immediately gained a lot of confidence.

Even his voice grew stronger and stronger, at one point becoming incredibly powerful.

After all, that person is entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple!

During the more than one hundred years of the dynasty's reign, only nine officials were granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

In terms of sheer numbers, they were even fewer than the noble families who received pardons from the dead.

How could Jiang Zichuan dare to ignore the old Grand Tutor's achievements, political accomplishments, contributions, and prestige?

Wang Shiping nodded.

On May 16th, no attempt was made to dissuade them.

"Mother, let the husband openly support the deposition of the empress!" Lady Lü said anxiously, her heart filled with panic.

This is a matter of political stance; the slightest misstep could lead to the confiscation of property and the extermination of the entire family!

"Don't worry," Grandma Wang reassured her.

"Mother, how can I not be anxious?"

Lady Lü quickly offered her opinion: "Don't take sides, don't compete with Grand Secretary Jiang. Your Excellency is a dignified third-rank official!"

"With the eunuch entering the cabinet and holding the rank of third-grade official, and two generations in a row wearing purple robes, this is already a first-class family."

"Humph!"

Grandma Wang snorted and retorted, "And what about your sister-in-law?"

“It would be just as good to send Lord Kang to serve as an official in a prosperous place, so why must he come to the capital?” said Lady Lü.

Grandma Wang's face darkened; she truly hadn't expected her daughter-in-law to be so "opinionated."

After being challenged several times, and feeling that her authority had been provoked by her daughter-in-law, Old Mrs. Wang couldn't help but scold her: "I've told you not to talk about politics, but you won't listen to a word I say."

Startled, Madam Lü realized something was wrong and quickly bowed, saying, "Mother, please forgive me."

"Go," said Old Mrs. Wang, waving her hand. "Go to the ancestral hall and kneel for an hour as punishment."

Lady Lü bowed her head, not daring to utter a sound.