The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 451: Chapter 451: Supervising the State

Jiang Zhao Yuan frowned deeply. ”Your Majesty is gravely ill, and we are all deeply concerned. It is our duty as his subjects to share the burden of his duties. For you to do this, Eldest Princess... do you not trust the Cabinet?!”

The Eldest Princess, however, smiled.

”Elder Jiang, why are you so upset? Like you, I am devoted to His Majesty and the realm. His Majesty is unwell and needs to rest; it is not right to burden him with matters of state. I am merely proposing that, effective immediately, all memorials be sent to Qiyuan Hall for the Cabinet Ministers and me to discuss together. Is that... not acceptable?”

Jiang Zhao Yuan felt a knot of anger tighten in his chest.

’What a fine-sounding proposal!’

’Discuss with her?’

’This is a blatant attempt to seize control as regent!’

But the Eldest Princess had an exalted status and held considerable prestige at court. Even if Jiang Zhao Yuan objected, he couldn’t afford to openly antagonize her.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions.

”Eldest Princess, please do not misunderstand. I mean no offense, it is simply... this matter is of grave importance, and we dare not make such a decision on our own—”

”If you cannot decide on your own, then place the responsibility on me.” The Eldest Princess cut him off, her gaze sweeping slowly across the room, perfectly calm and composed. ”If His Majesty finds fault with this later, I will bear the full responsibility!”

Jiang Zhao Yuan was practically fuming.

’The Eldest Princess was clearly acting with impunity!’

’After all, who was she?’

’His Majesty himself treated her with the utmost respect. Even if something did go wrong, he would never blame her!’

’In the end, he would just take his anger out on subordinates like them!’

’More importantly, once she got involved... it would complicate any plans they had.’

Of course, Jiang Zhao Yuan was unwilling to have someone else infringe on his power.

He was the head of the Cabinet. Thanks to Emperor Muwu’s deep trust and his vast network of allies and protégés, his influence was immense.

It was no exaggeration to say that he held absolute sway over the Cabinet.

’Now the Eldest Princess wants to meddle. Who knew how much trouble that would cause!’

Just then, Chen Songshi, who was standing in the back, spoke up unexpectedly.

”Actually, I believe the Eldest Princess’s proposal is excellent.”

Jiang Zhao Yuan’s frown deepened as he shot a look at Chen Songshi.

Chen Songshi, however, acted as if he hadn’t noticed the glare and continued, ”A state cannot be without its ruler for even a single day. With His Majesty currently indisposed, it would be a great boon to have the Eldest Princess step forward to oversee matters.”

He glanced toward the main hall, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

”In my opinion, starting today, the Cabinet should also assign one minister on a rotating basis to attend to His Majesty day and night. That way, any urgent matters that require his attention can be reported to him promptly. What do you think, Eldest Princess?”

The Eldest Princess considered this for a moment, then nodded. ”That would be ideal.”

The hand inside Jiang Zhao Yuan’s sleeve was already clenched into a fist.

He and Chen Songshi had never seen eye to eye, but in the past, they had always stayed out of each other’s way. By doing this, Chen Songshi was making it clear that he was openly challenging him!

The Eldest Princess’s gaze swept over the other ministers.

”Do any of you have any objections?”

The ministers exchanged uncertain glances.

Jiang Zhao Yuan and the Eldest Princess were locked in a struggle. Chen Songshi was obstinate and wasn’t afraid of offending anyone, but the rest of them were not the same.

’In a situation like this...’

”We will abide by the Eldest Princess’s decision.”

The Eldest Princess was not surprised by this result.

In the past, they would never have dared to offend Jiang Zhao Yuan so easily. But with Xiao Chengxuan’s fall from grace, Jiang Zhao Yuan’s own prospects had dimmed.

She said at once, ”Very well. Then let us begin today.”

Her gaze shifted slightly, falling on Jiang Zhao Yuan.

”Elder Jiang, you should have several memorials with you. Hand them over.”

She paused for a moment.

”We shall begin with—Su Wei’s memorial.”