Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 687: Background (Part 3)

The Emperor has adopted a forgiving attitude, not demanding the return of the excess military funds, only requiring each army to replenish their forces next year.

Who would dare say they couldn’t do it?

The Left General was the first to express his stance: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. After today, I will immediately recruit new soldiers. In a year, I will ensure Your Majesty sees a full complement of fifty thousand elite soldiers."

Unwilling to fall behind, Generals Sima, Song, and Bao also said in unison, "Please grant us one year as well, Your Majesty."

"After I return, I will immediately recruit new soldiers to fill the vacancies. Furthermore, I’ll ensure they undergo rigorous training to form an elite force."

Jiang Shaohua nodded approvingly: "Good. We will allow a period of one year. After a year, I will personally inspect the troops in the Capital City. At that time, there will also be a competition of military exercises among the armies. The specific plan for the exercises will be drafted by the Ministry of War."

"The one who wins first place in the exercises will receive a generous reward from me!"

All the military generals saluted in unison and readily agreed.

Thus, the matter of certain armies in the Capital City drawing false salaries was lightly yet effectively addressed.

As for the situation of the garrisons in various regions, it will have to wait until each trusted aide reports back to the Capital City.

This is not a matter to be rushed; we can only wait patiently.

Jiang Shaohua summoned Vice Ministers Ding and Wang to the palace, entrusting them with the task of devising the exercise plans. As acting Minister, Vice Minister Ding was the first to accept the task with a salute.

Vice Minister Wang, feeling oppressed by Vice Minister Ding, was not pleased. However, having been admonished by the Emperor multiple times, he did not dare show his emotions openly and followed suit with a salute.

Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept over and landed on Vice Minister Wang’s face: "Vice Minister Wang, I know you’ve always been somewhat dissatisfied."

"In terms of ability to handle assignments, you are not inferior to Vice Minister Ding. Perhaps you’re even stronger. To you, it seems that Vice Minister Ding became acting Minister of War due to my favoritism towards my own people."

"Thinking this way is not wrong. After ascending the throne, any officials I choose to trust must align wholeheartedly with me. If harboring resentment and dissatisfaction in their hearts, murmuring and inciting others against me, no matter how capable, I will not favor them."

Vice Minister Wang: "..."

If words could become weapons, what the Emperor just said was like an arrow straight to the throat.

Vice Minister Wang’s face showed embarrassment, turning red, then pale, only to squeeze out a sentence after a while: "I dare not!"

Jiang Shaohua scoffed: "You do not dare to openly oppose me, yet your private complaints are endless. Without deliberate inquiry, I still hear reports voluntarily coming in."

"I advise Vice Minister Wang to focus more on the assignments. Only by doing your assignments well can you have the confidence to stand here in Zhaohai Palace and converse with me."

"Moreover, Vice Minister Ding’s term as acting Minister will last from a year to three at most. The position of Minister of War will be his. You, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, must fully support Minister Ding. If you cannot, or are unwilling, there are plenty who are ready to take on the role of Vice Minister."

"Do you understand what I have said?"

Vice Minister Wang, thoroughly restrained, nodded with lowered head.

Indeed, the court does not lack people for anything. Not to mention in the Ministry of War itself, there are many eyeing the Vice Minister’s position. The informant to the Emperor must be among them.

Just like every pit must have its radish; if this radish is moved, naturally, another will fill its place.

Vice Minister Ding, showing generosity, did not take advantage to oppress but instead spoke up for Vice Minister Wang: "Please calm your anger, Your Majesty. Vice Minister Wang has a straightforward character and speaks out of turn. Actually, he has always been respectful toward Your Majesty and has shown no act of defiance."

Jiang Shaohua sneered, "I’ve heard that among Vice Minister Wang’s private complaints, it is not I who is criticized the most but you, Vice Minister Ding. You are indeed generous; you bear no grudges and even speak for him here."

Vice Minister Ding smiled amiably: "I am ten years senior to Vice Minister Wang, having joined the Ministry of War several years earlier. Apart from that, there’s indeed not much where I surpass Vice Minister Wang."

"Vice Minister Wang’s dissatisfaction with me is understandable. If I were in his place, I would feel the same."

"Having assumed the role of Minister of War, I must embody the temperance and magnanimity befitting a Minister. Such trivial disputes won’t linger in my mind."

Jiang Shaohua laughed and praised: "Minister Ding truly exemplifies good character."

Vice Minister Wang could hardly lift his head.

The more Vice Minister Ding displayed his magnanimity and tolerance, the more Vice Minister Wang appeared petty and narrow-minded in contrast.

Fortunately, today was neither a grand assembly nor a minor one. Aside from them, only Chief Historian Chen and Secretary of the Secretariat Wang were present in Zhaohai Palace. Otherwise, he would be utterly humiliated today and have no face left in future encounters.

The Emperor’s voice came through: "Alright, if there’s nothing else, both of you may leave after accepting your tasks!"

Together, Vice Ministers Ding and Wang saluted and took their leave.

Chief Historian Chen stroked his beard, laughing meaningfully: "After this incident, Vice Minister Wang should be more subdued and cautious."

Today, with perfect coordination, the Emperor and Vice Minister Ding pressured Vice Minister Wang nearly into a corner.

Jiang Shaohua raised his eyebrows, smiling leisurely: "That depends on whether Vice Minister Wang can come to his senses."

...

After leaving the palace, Vice Minister Wang remained silent throughout.

With Vice Minister Ding sharing the carriage, he too stayed silent. Once they reached the Ministry of War office, Vice Minister Ding gathered everyone to relay the Emperor’s task, asking everyone to draft a plan. Later, they would consolidate ideas into a report.

In the past, Vice Minister Wang would definitely spring up, nitpicking Vice Minister Ding’s arrangements, expressing suggestions or opinions.

Today, Vice Minister Wang was extraordinarily quiet, accepted the task with a salute, and went back to the signing room to get busy.

For the officials of the Ministry of War, it was somewhat unsettling. In private, they winked and whispered: "It’s really surprising; why isn’t Vice Minister Wang arguing today?"

"The sun must’ve risen from the west."

"Frankly, I would be disgruntled too. For the many large and small matters of the Ministry of War, Vice Minister Wang took care of more and was effective. Moreover, he’s the Vice Minister, backed by Prime Minister Wang. Yet, as soon as the Commandery Princess ascends the throne, she promoted Vice Minister Ding to Minister. How could Vice Minister Wang be content?"

"Hah, everyone stop talking. Whether you want to watch the drama between the two Vice Ministers or not, let’s see it unfold. Whoever wins, we will applaud and cheer for them."

These idle remarks would inevitably reach the ears of Vice Ministers Ding and Wang silently.

The Ministry of War’s ground is only so big, and those claiming impartiality and neutrality are speaking nonsense. It’s gossip here, and tattletales there.

Vice Minister Ding listened without showing any emotions: "Enough, I understand. You may leave now."

When it came to Vice Minister Wang, the official tattling on others was startled by his dark face: "Get back. In future, when you receive orders and do tasks, don’t act like gossiping women and spread tongues everywhere."

The gossiping official left crestfallen.

Vice Minister Wang, with a complex expression, held his pen in silence for a long time before resuming his work on the paper.