Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 178 Subtly Accusing

However, judging from His Majesty's words, he is determined to promote Ying Jiuque. Although these ministers may not be willing, perhaps those who have reached their current positions are not so narrow-minded. Besides, His Majesty has already made his decision; what can they do even if they object? It's better to go along with His Majesty's wishes now, so that the ruler and his ministers can live in harmony.

"How about we promote her to a higher official rank?"

"That was the position of Imperial Inspector of the City. Is he no longer in office? It's a pity. Ever since Lord Ying became the Imperial Inspector of the City, the atmosphere in the entire capital has been completely renewed. Even those naughty boys have become much more well-behaved when they go out."

If those spoiled brats knew their own fathers and grandfathers were discussing this, they'd be ashamed to death. Besides, would they dare to misbehave? What if that shrew found out and easily broke their arms and legs?
Although they prided themselves on their martial arts skills, what kind of reputation did they have fighting a woman? If they won, they were stronger than a woman; if they lost, wouldn't they be inferior to her? Moreover, some of them had personally witnessed Ying Jiuque's innate superhuman strength, easily breaking arms and legs. How could their pampered bodies, nurtured since childhood, compare to that woman?

Emperor Jingtai was somewhat disappointed, but this matter paled in comparison to Jiu Que's future official career. With so many talented people in the world, he refused to believe he couldn't find someone willing to serve as the Imperial Inspector.

"Why don't we get her into the Ministry of Rites? It's full of upright gentlemen, and I'm sure the young men there will treat her with respect."

With time and exposure, perhaps that woman's personality can be changed. Although she is indeed very capable, her temperament is not gentle and submissive enough. If she could be a little more submissive, it would be best if she married my son.

The Minister of Rites had a good plan, but the other ministers weren't fools either. If they were previously unwilling to let female officials like Ying Jiuque enter their departments, now that His Majesty clearly intended to promote her, wouldn't it be foolish to push such a person away?
Putting everything else aside, if one's own department had someone like that—someone trusted and valued by His Majesty, someone who always greeted them with a smile—even if they were just treated as a mascot, everything they wanted to do in the future would be much easier and smoother. Moreover, Ying Jiuque possessed more than just this one advantage. Thus, after their earlier avoidance of the topic, everyone was now vying for the position again.

This is the effect of power.

It's strange, really. Every official in the court wants to gain His Majesty's trust and be given important positions. But His Majesty's benevolence and power extend to all corners of the land, and his mind is full of deep thoughts. Let alone these officials outside the capital, even those imperial relatives and members of the royal family, it's just a matter of maintaining appearances and being tolerated.

With his reign over the years, His Majesty's prestige has grown exponentially, to the point that even the princes dare not be disrespectful in his presence. Under such circumstances, it would be strange if a young girl were to receive such high regard from His Majesty, suggesting a connection between them. However, compared to the previous scandalous speculations, people now focus more on the idea that Ying Jiuque is a hidden gem of His Majesty. Otherwise, why would His Majesty trust her so much?
Hmm, speaking of which, Ying Jiuque is indeed General Ying Chongming's daughter, right? So, what about the color on that Lord Lin's head...?

Eh! I dare not speak, I dare not speak. How could His Majesty have made a mistake? It's just that Lord Lin is a bit pitiful. Not only did he marry a wife who was more powerful than him, with a higher official position, but even his daughter wasn't his own. He's truly a pathetic wretch among men!
In short, after much discussion, no solution was reached that satisfied Emperor Jingtai. Several senior officials simply wanted to place Ying Jiuque in a position that didn't require real involvement, a position of nominal importance. But Emperor Jingtai wanted the boy to do more. After all, the boy was capable; it would be a waste to leave him idle. Yes, in His Majesty's eyes, gender didn't matter; as long as you had ability, you had to work for him.

Seeing that these old ministers were truly incompetent and couldn't even discuss official positions, Emperor Jingtai lost interest in speaking to them. He waved for them to leave, but Minister Chen hesitated before leaving, clearly wanting to say something to His Majesty. Emperor Jingtai pretended not to know, and sure enough, not long after the group left, Jiufu came to report that Minister Chen had something to discuss with His Majesty.

"Speak, what do you want to ask me?"

Minister Chen cautiously observed the Emperor's expression, unsure of what to ask. He couldn't very well bluntly ask the Emperor how he planned to handle the situation next, could he?
The commotion in Qianzhou was immense, with cinnabar-based elixirs practically saturating the court and the countryside. Yet His Majesty's response was merely indifference? This was completely out of character for His Majesty. Perhaps His Majesty was about to take something even bigger. Minister Chen and Emperor Jingtai shared a somewhat ambiguous blood relationship, which explained their closer relationship. Although the court officials didn't say anything, the atmosphere grew increasingly strange each day. Minister Chen had endured it for several days, but finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"Your Majesty, regarding the officials in Qianzhou, what are you preparing for..."

Emperor Jingtai suddenly smiled. This smile startled Minister Chen, who immediately knelt on the ground and begged for forgiveness.

"Old Chen, I remember you used to be a man of your word. Why are you becoming more and more cautious now? I think what you really want to ask isn't those few audacious ministers who deceived the emperor and concealed the truth, but rather what will happen to the princes involved?"

"This, Your Majesty, would not presume to speak."

Emperor Jingtai didn't really mind the petty thoughts of his officials. After all, in such a large court, it was only natural that some people would have their own ideas and consider their own interests. But Old Chen, who shouldn't have any connection with the three remaining princes, was rushing to the front lines in such a hurry.
Minister Chen hesitated for a moment, finding it difficult to speak, but finally said it with some embarrassment.

"Your Majesty, as you know, I have five sons but only one daughter, born in my old age. Because of her young age, she is inevitably favored, and has become quite spoiled and willful. A few days ago, at the garden party hosted by Consort De, my daughter was somewhat disrespectful in front of the First Prince. His Highness, being kind and benevolent, did not mind her lapse and even offered to take her as a concubine. My whole family is deeply grateful; otherwise, what good family could a girl with such a tarnished reputation find? However, Your Majesty, you know me well. I am a military man, and my family's upbringing is somewhat rough. My daughter has been pampered since childhood, especially by my wife, who dotes on her like the apple of her eye and wants her to have a few more years of comfort at home. But Consort De has also said that the succession of the imperial heir is of utmost importance. I am in a dilemma. If you don't believe me, you can see the fingernail marks my wife left on my neck; she didn't hold back at all..."

(End of this chapter)