Chapter Eight: Jiang Dun Resigns from Office

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Although the Empress Dowager had ordered him to enter together with Prince Jing, there were still distinctions between men and women, and respect and rank had their order.

Jiang Zhuo carried her pipa, quietly slowing her pace, stepping slightly behind Zhao Mingjing as they entered the Palace of Longevity.

From the gilded bronze incense burner drifted the faint scent of sandalwood. The hall’s furnishings were serene and elegant, without lacking in grandeur.

Jiang Zhuo lowered her eyes, afraid to look around indiscriminately.

She stopped before a zitan screen intricately carved with entwined lotus blossoms. Through the gaps in the screen, she could faintly see the Empress Dowager reclining on a cushioned divan.

“You have good discernment,” the Empress Dowager’s lazy voice carried an air of authority. “Since you have brought your pipa, play a piece to relieve my weariness.”

Seeing that no particular song was requested, Jiang Zhuo lightly plucked the strings, choosing to play “Six Tones” on her own initiative.

This piece was adapted from Buddhist ritual music and carried a strong Zen essence.

Even if the Empress Dowager did not like it, she would not take offense.

The music was elegant and refined. The Empress Dowager did not focus on Jiang Zhuo but instead turned to speak with Zhao Mingjing.

From daily necessities to studies and politics, the Empress Dowager asked very specific questions.

Zhao Mingjing replied respectfully to each.

After many twists and turns, the topic finally circled back to the main point.

“Now that the Jade Blossom Banquet is over, have you chosen a bride for Prince Jing?”

“There is someone…” Zhao Mingjing glanced awkwardly at Jiang Zhuo, who was quietly plucking the strings, “but I think it best to establish my career before starting a family. Since my achievements are yet unmade, if I indulge in romantic affairs now, I fear I would fail the expectations of my elders.”

“If you only seek beauty in a wife, that would truly be a hero’s weakness. But if you marry a virtuous woman, she might well aid you in achieving your ambitions.” The Empress Dowager’s gaze shifted to Jiang Zhuo. “Miss Jiang, what do you think?”

“I, your servant, dare not speak presumptuously.”

Upon hearing her name, Jiang Zhuo paused her playing, stood, and bowed.

“If I ask you to speak, then speak,” the Empress Dowager waved her hand. “Since you also attended the Jade Blossom Banquet and have met many young ladies, tell us who might be suitable as Prince Jing’s consort.”

“Miss Shangguan Xue, daughter of the Secretary of the Central Secretariat, is noble and refined, with a family fit for His Highness. As for my close friend Shen Guanzhi, she is intelligent and gentle by nature; I believe their temperaments would harmonize well.”

Jiang Zhuo recalled that in her previous life, after the Jiang family fell from grace, the candidate for Prince Jing’s consort was not Shen Guanzhi but Shangguan Xue.

Unfortunately, Shangguan Xue was headstrong, and before the marriage was even consummated, she abused her status as the designated consort, ultimately facing censure by the ministers.

The engagement was broken, and her father was demoted.

Indeed, anyone who crossed Shen Guanzhi seemed destined for misfortune.

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Despite originally being designated a secondary consort, Shen Guanzhi was elevated to official spouse before marriage at Prince Jing’s insistence.

Jiang Zhuo felt a slight shame.

Prince Jing’s expression, however, gradually darkened.

“You never mention yourself,” the Empress Dowager sneered. “Truly the daughter of Vice Chancellor Jiang—able to clear herself entirely when it matters most.”

Jiang Zhuo’s forehead began to bead with cold sweat.

“My father has already expressed his wish to retire to the countryside last month. If Your Majesty consents, I will leave the palace gates far behind, separated from Prince Jing by the clouds and the abyss. Moreover, my nature is stubborn and unyielding, truly making me an unsuitable match.”

“He is willing, but Jiang Dun’s current prominence is merely a guise to force the Emperor to implement new reforms.”

The Empress Dowager’s casual remark left Jiang Zhuo puzzled.

New reforms? What new reforms?

In her previous life, Jiang Zhuo’s status was low, and she never involved herself in court affairs, knowing nothing of politics.

For a moment, she was at a loss for words.

“The reforms benefit the people. Vice Chancellor Jiang only considers the welfare of the nation. Grand Empress Dowager, please do not take offense or let it harm your health,” Zhao Mingjing softly comforted.

Seeing Zhao Mingjing defend her father, Jiang Zhuo gave him a grateful glance.

In her past life, after the Jade Blossom Banquet and her pipa performance, she had little contact with Prince Jing. When the Jiang household was investigated and destroyed, she even suspected the prince disliked her and her family, causing their misfortune.

Now, Jiang Zhuo’s doubts about Prince Jing had largely dissipated.

“A hundred-year plan cannot be overturned lightly by Jiang Dun. Besides, as a minister, he should put loyalty and reason first, focusing on relieving the Emperor’s worries. What is this then?”

Mentioning the reforms, the Empress Dowager’s tone seemed filled with displeasure toward Jiang Dun.

As the mood grew colder, she nodded slightly, signaling Jiang Zhuo to continue. Jiang Zhuo resumed plucking the strings, finishing the unfinished melody.

“Shangguan Xue’s family background is indeed good and would benefit you, but her temperament is difficult. The Shen girl is gentle and talented but her family background is too humble. Look at the other names at the end of the list.”

Still reclining on the divan, the Empress Dowager spoke casually with Zhao Mingjing about the choice of bride.

“In my opinion, family background is not so important. Grand Empress Dowager just said a wife must be virtuous, not necessarily noble.”

Zhao Mingjing answered one by one but kept his gaze on Jiang Zhuo as she played.

If it came to beauty, talent, or family background, Jiang Zhuo was clearly the more suitable candidate for Prince Jing’s consort.

Zhao Mingjing could not understand why, if the Grand Empress Dowager favored Jiang Zhuo, she had summoned her into the palace only to serve as a lady-in-waiting.

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As they spoke idly, a palace maid hurried inside the screen, whispering something to the Empress Dowager.

“Has he really resigned?” The Empress Dowager sounded surprised.

Seeing that the Empress Dowager intended no secrecy before her attendants, the maid openly relayed the news.

“Your Majesty, Vice Chancellor Jiang submitted his resignation yesterday. The Emperor, seeing his sincere words and firm intention, approved it. At this moment, the Jiang household is likely packing to leave the city.”

Ding—

Jiang Zhuo was momentarily distracted; a string suddenly snapped, and the pipa cried out mournfully.

Unable to endure the sting at her fingertips and conscious of her breach of etiquette, Jiang Zhuo quickly knelt in apology.

“Grandmother—”

Zhao Mingjing rose swiftly, about to plead for her.

“Enough. Do you think your Grandmother is a heartless, cruel woman?” The Empress Dowager glanced at Jiang Zhuo, her expression complex but her tone much gentler than before. “You must be tired from playing. Go rest.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness.”

Suppressing tears, Jiang Zhuo bowed and quickly left the Palace of Longevity.

Zhao Mingjing was about to follow and take his leave when the Empress Dowager called him back.

“Jing’er, stay a while longer. I have something to discuss with you.”

Though age had lessened her vigor, the Grand Empress Dowager’s former majesty and strength remained. Even the Emperor often had to heed her wishes.

“As you command,” Zhao Mingjing replied, bowing low.

He seemed obedient and gentle but faintly sensed Jiang Zhuo’s footsteps growing more distant and faint.

Any noble lady he had seen at the Jade Blossom Banquet could become his consort.

Zhao Mingjing belatedly realized:

Only Jiang Zhuo could not.