Quick Transmigration: Underdog Turns out to be Untouchable

Chapter 1238: Chapter 1148: Lady Chancellor 86

Wang Zhongxuan has been somewhat dispirited recently. After all, having fallen from the high position of Prime Minister to his current status, his heart could not be without feeling.

During this time of interaction, Wang Zhongxuan has treated his granddaughter very well, and her two cousins, Wang Ruiqi and Wang Ruibo, have also cared for him greatly, which made Yin Shuangshuang develop some affection for these relatives she had originally not known well.

Last time, to dissuade Wang Zhongxuan from contemplating suicide, Yin Shuangshuang had spoken rather harshly, and afterward, she felt somewhat uneasy and regretted it.

Yet Yin Shuangshuang didn’t know how to resolve this conflict. At the end of the day, she still harbored some resentment towards Wang Zhongxuan for abandoning his daughter for his career and reputation.

Thus, the matter remained unresolved, leaving a small knot in Yin Shuangshuang’s heart. She believed that this matter likely left a thorn in Wang Zhongxuan’s heart as well.

But neither of them would touch upon this knot. Although they were close relatives, they had not lived together for a long time, so there was not enough intimacy, leaving the knot to be worn away by time.

When Yin Shuangshuang went over, Wang Zhongxuan had not yet gone to bed. He was reading by candlelight, and there were many candles lit in the room, making it bright enough not to strain the eyes.

Seeing Yin Shuangshuang come to find him so late, Wang Zhongxuan was somewhat surprised: ”Shuangshuang, why have you come over so late?”

Yin Shuangshuang took out the secret decree in her hand: ”I am here to convey a secret decree from the Emperor to you, Grandfather. Please rise and accept the decree!”

According to protocol, a secret decree from the Emperor still required the subject to kneel and accept it, though there was no need to prepare incense or change into formal attire, as it was a secret decree meant to remain undisclosed.

Upon hearing Yin Shuangshuang say she came to convey a secret decree, Wang Zhongxuan was only surprised for a moment, then promptly stood up and knelt, raising his hands: ”Commoner Wang Zhongxuan accepts the decree.”

Yin Shuangshuang placed the secret decree into Wang Zhongxuan’s hands and bent over to help him up: ”Grandfather, please rise.”

Upon opening the secret decree, what met his eyes were strong and forceful characters, unmistakably the Emperor’s handwriting.

After carefully reading the decree, Wang Zhongxuan’s face showed an excited expression. He knelt toward the Hot Spring Palace’s direction: ”The guilty minister thanks the Emperor for willing to employ me again. I am deeply grateful and will serve the Emperor with utmost loyalty until death.”

Wang Zhongxuan was truly moved, feeling gratitude from the bottom of his heart that the Emperor was willing to employ him again—an emotion Yin Shuangshuang could never entirely understand.

After expressing his gratitude to the Emperor, Wang Zhongxuan contemplated deeply while looking at Yin Shuangshuang.

”Grandfather knows that what I have today is surely due to you. Grandfather knows your ambitions; this path is full of thorns and not easy. But remember, no matter when, Grandfather will be by your side. Perhaps, there may be something that could help you.”

As he spoke, Wang Zhongxuan took out a list from a small pocket in his garment and placed it in Yin Shuangshuang’s hand.

”In here are some of Grandfather’s students and old friends. Though their official positions are not high, they cannot help with major events, yet for some smaller matters, they can alleviate your concerns.”

After spending so much time with Yin Shuangshuang, Wang Zhongxuan understood both the situation within her family and her own ambitions.

Wang Zhongxuan’s political acumen was not low; he had long known the Emperor would unlikely employ him again, as he had violated the greatest taboo in the Emperor’s mind.

Yet, the Emperor suddenly employed him, and combined with this secret decree which was evidently for reform preparations, a little analysis led Wang Zhongxuan to realize his granddaughter was remarkable—she had begun aiding the Emperor with reforms!

This trust was something he hadn’t even achieved during his tenure as Prime Minister; it was obvious his reappointment must have been a reward for the insights and strategies his granddaughter had provided to the Emperor.

Wang Zhongxuan originally thought that the last bit of his influence could only wait to dissipate, or be passed to his grandson when he entered officialdom.

Unexpectedly, his granddaughter really had the capability to enter the political arena as a woman, so he might as well hand his remaining influence over to her. After all, once she gains power, she would surely elevate her cousins; his granddaughter was someone who deeply valued relationships.

Yin Shuangshuang was also somewhat surprised that Wang Zhongxuan entrusted his remaining influence to her, and inevitably felt a bit touched inside.

Unable to resist, she cautioned: ”Grandfather, Mr. Nameless is quite easy to get along with, and the Emperor has always kept Mr. Nameless in his thoughts.

The world might think the Emperor cares for Mr. Nameless due to the Empress’s affection, but the truth is opposite; His Majesty’s respect for Mr. Nameless led him to show greater favor to the Empress.

The Emperor repeatedly bestows favor upon the Empress to make it known that even if Mr. Nameless is no longer Prime Minister, he still is the royal father-in-law and cannot be moved lightly.

Grandfather, when working with Mr. Nameless, do not act beyond him. When the academy is established, Grandfather should teach more students the path to governance.

If in the future Grandfather’s students are spread across the world, earning a reputation as a distinguished scholar can ensure the family legacy, as a cultured household would draw less imperial notice than nobles or aristocratic families and be easier to pass down.”

Yin Shuangshuang knew that Wang Zhongxuan wanted an achievement associated with following the dragon, merely to pass the family legacy down akin to an aristocratic family, yet Wang Zhongxuan chose the wrong path; the current Emperor would never allow another aristocratic family.

Wang Zhongxuan nodded, agreeing earnestly.

This reasoning he had understood recently, only after being demoted, and experiencing great ups and downs did he come to realize it.

Yet his granddaughter had already understood this at the onset of her promising political career, indeed surpassing him.

Since he accepted the secret decree, Wang Zhongxuan could no longer remain in the Capital City. He took the decree straight to Yin Shuangshuang’s home to find Mr. Nameless, and then together to execute the Emperor’s secret decree.

...

Reform is not achieved overnight, nor is it merely a simple affair; various details must be considered, and trusted confidants of the Emperor are few. Therefore, he has only been discussing reform with Yin Shuangshuang and General An.

For convenience in discussions, Yin Shuangshuang and General An have been staying at the Hot Spring Palace for the past few days.

This was a sign of Imperial favor for General An, arousing envy but not gossip. However, for Yin Shuangshuang, it did not bode well for her reputation.

Yin Shuangshuang did not mind this; the Emperor treated her as a subject, so she must fulfill a subject’s duties.

Having stepped into a man’s domain as a woman, she had already considered all she might face and had long since relinquished those things a woman traditionally valued.

In truth, Yin Shuangshuang didn’t care for those rules and reputations created only to oppress women. Whether they exist or not is unimportant to her; achieving her desires is what matters most.