Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey

Chapter 832: The Crown Prince – Extra

In the blink of an eye, it’s already the ninth year of Zhaoping.

This is the ninth year since Her Majesty the Empress ascended the throne, and almost all of the key ministers in the Da Liang Court are close confidants of the Emperor, ensuring smooth governance. All the armies are diligently training, competing with one another, creating a satisfying atmosphere.

This year, Her Majesty the Empress is twenty-five, at the prime of her youth.

Princess Bao’er has turned eight years old, and has grown into a spirited little girl.

Princess Bao’er has four Grand Tutors, two of whom are learned Hanlin Scholars responsible for teaching her the classics. Chancellor Chen and Minister Feng also serve as Grand Tutors, dedicating half a day every five days to instruct Princess Bao’er in matters of governance and taxation.

Princess Bao’er’s Military Grand Tutor is Song Yuan.

Her Majesty the Empress is indeed busy and has no time to personally instruct her daughter in martial arts, so she entrusted this important duty to her most trusted Commander Song. Occasionally, when she finds some free time, Jiang Shaohua will spar with her daughter.

Princess Bao’er shows outstanding martial talent, even surpassing Jiang Shaohua in her youth. Unfortunately, Jiang Shaohua’s divine power was not passed on to her daughter. However, as the Da Liang Princess and the future heir to the Da Liang throne, Princess Bao’er is surrounded by masters, so she need not become an ultimate expert herself.

More commendably, young Bao’er shows great interest in governance. Jiang Shaohua reviews memorials each night, and Bao’er often stays by her side, grinding ink for her mother and listening in on her consultations with Chancellor Chen about state affairs.

Chancellor Chen privately joked to Her Majesty the Empress, "The young surpass the old. Princess Bao’er is intelligent and perceptive, and will certainly achieve greatness in the future."

Jiang Shaohua was very satisfied with her daughter, smiling as she said, "Bao’er is already eight. I plan to establish the Crown Prince this year."

According to Da Liang customs, a child who reaches eight is considered raised. However, establishing a Crown Prince at this age is still somewhat early.

Chancellor Chen thought for a moment and quietly asked, "Is Your Majesty certain there will be no more children?"

Chancellor Chen expressed his meaning indirectly.

If Jiang Shaohua only had Princess Bao’er, establishing Bao’er as Crown Prince is only natural. But Jiang Shaohua is still young, and if she were to have a son in the future, the world would expect the throne to be passed to him, placing Princess Bao’er in an awkward position.

Therefore, such a matter requires careful consideration before any decision is made.

Jiang Shaohua looked at Chancellor Chen and said, "I will not give birth again; having Bao’er is enough."

Chancellor Chen nodded in understanding, saying, "I will prepare for the establishment of the Crown Prince."

Jiang Shaohua acknowledged, "Let the Ministry of Rites submit a memorial first."

This meant having Minister Dong take the lead and generate momentum for the establishment of the Crown Prince. Over the years, Minister Dong has tirelessly promoted exam reforms and has almost been criticized into isolation. Yet, Minister Dong remains visibly favored by the Emperor, his high status unshakable.

Chancellor Chen personally visited the Dong Family and had a long, private conversation with Minister Dong.

A few days later, at the Grand Court Assembly, Minister Dong submitted a memorial requesting the establishment of the Crown Prince. Minister Dong, well-versed and eloquent, composed a most inspiring and impassioned memorial that stirred the hearts of many.

The ministers’ reactions were subtle. On one hand, they had prepared themselves mentally. After giving birth to Princess Bao’er, Her Majesty the Empress had no further good tidings. Princess Bao’er had been studying and training in martial arts since the age of four, and her treatment had always mirrored that of a Crown Prince in training. Now that Her Majesty the Empress wished to establish a Crown Prince, who else could it be but Princess Bao’er?

On the other hand, they felt somewhat uneasy. With a female Emperor on the Da Liang Dragon Throne and a Crown Prince in the form of Princess Bao’er, wouldn’t that mean Da Liang would be ruled by women for decades to come?

Currently, Nanyang Schools are opening across Da Liang, with more and more young girls receiving education. Every three years, the imperial examinations see many female scholars emerging. Among officials nationwide, the number of female officials has grown from a handful to a notable number.

If this trend continues, the Da Liang bureaucracy is likely to see a large influx of female officials. The customs and trends of Da Liang seem poised to revolutionize.

The ministers were, at heart, displeased.

Yet, Minister Dong, as Minister of Rites, had every right to submit the memorial for the Crown Prince’s establishment. Moreover, Ministers Yang, Ding, and others supported it. Thus, there was no room for ministerial opposition to the establishment of the Crown Prince.

Imperial Censor Cao even jumped up and bluntly stated, "His Highness the Princess is naturally talented, excelling in both literature and martial arts. I request that Your Majesty establish Her Highness the Princess as Crown Prince."

Minister Dong couldn’t help but glance at Imperial Censor Cao.

This same Imperial Censor Cao once spent fifty thousand silver to buy his office, becoming a censor. When Minister Zhang fell out of favor, Imperial Censor Cao wasted no time distancing himself, always aligning himself with the Emperor’s vision over the years—a lackey of sorts.

Sometimes, a petty person is more useful than a gentleman.

Her Majesty the Empress smiled at Imperial Censor Cao and said, "What Imperial Censor Cao said aligns with my intentions."

Feeling invigorated by the praise from the Emperor, Imperial Censor Cao praised Princess Bao’er further. In his words, Princess Bao’er’s talent in academics and martial arts was unparalleled, understanding memorials at an early age—a prodigy unlike any before. It was heaven’s blessing upon Da Liang, gifting Da Liang with such a treasure. Such a Princess Bao’er was naturally destined to be Da Liang’s Crown Prince.

Minister Dong’s mouth twitched slightly. When it comes to shamelessness and brazenness, he falls far short of Imperial Censor Cao and needs more practice.

With Imperial Censor Cao leading the way, the ministers gradually voiced their support for the establishment of the Crown Prince.

The major affair of establishing the Crown Prince was thus settled.

After the Grand Court Assembly dispersed, Jiang Shaohua returned to Zhaohai Palace in high spirits.

Princess Bao’er approached with sparkling eyes, first paying her respects, then throwing herself into her mother’s arms: "Mother, am I really going to be the Crown Prince?"

Jiang Shaohua, though strict about her daughter’s studies, had her moments of tenderness and love in private, smiling as she hugged her daughter’s small form: "Mother is the Emperor, and you are my only child, so you must become the Crown Prince."

Princess Bao’er was delighted, but after a moment, seemed to recall something and asked, "Is it because I’m the only child that you have to make me Crown Prince, or am I sufficiently excellent to be worthy of the position?"

Jiang Shaohua bent down, making eye contact with her daughter: "Establishing a successor is a significant matter and cannot be done whimsically. If you were mediocre and incapable, I would rather choose a successor from the Jiang Family, and would not establish you as Crown Prince."

"From the day you began studying at four, I have been closely observing your conduct and behavior. After four years of observation, I decided to make you the successor."

"To wear the crown, one must bear its weight. Being the successor is far more demanding than being simply Princess Bao’er. After the Crown Prince’s inauguration, you will join me in attending the court and listening to official matters."

Princess Bao’er, with a courageous spirit, replied: "Don’t worry, Mother, I will diligently listen and learn, ensuring the ministers do not mock me and you are not disappointed."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, holding her daughter’s hand: "Good."