Chapter 160: Fainting - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 160: Fainting
The First Prince had only been involved in court politics for two years, and couldn’t outtalk the seasoned Duke Wei, who had served through three reigns.
Watching the Ninth Prince, who was younger but had more political experience, the First Prince grew increasingly frustrated. His own supporters were neither as brave nor as clever as those aligned with Duke Wei.
The Empress came from the Prime Minister’s family. Prime Minister Pang, highly respected by Emperor Qi, had passed away before his grandson could marry, leading to the decline of the Pang family. With his maternal family waning, the First Prince turned to his wife’s family for support.
The choice of the Li family was based on their reputed virtue and prosperity, with many family members holding court positions. However, a large family also meant many corrupt elements, often caught by Duke Wei, leading to their demotion or dismissal. This hindered the First Prince’s path to the throne.
Seeing the First Prince fall silent, Duke Wei turned to Bai Xiang, who appeared calm and otherworldly, more like a sage than a minister.
“What does the Prime Minister think?”
“Since the Duke has spoken, I have nothing to add. But I’m puzzled. If Feng Hai remains unwell, will this position stay vacant? If problems arise in the Canal Office, will the Duke take responsibility or will we blame the thirteen Inspectors of Liangzhe?”
His calm tone hit Duke Wei’s weak spot. The First Prince, seeing Duke Wei’s darkened expression, felt delighted.
Bai Xiang showed no interest in pushing for his son-in-law to take the position. He neither recommended nor opposed, but his questions made Emperor Qi doubt Duke Wei’s insistence on a Feng family member.
“Enough. Minister Feng is too injured to count on. Duke Wei, stop mentioning him. We’ll find another capable person from the court.”
Emperor Qi’s displeased tone made it clear to Duke Wei that the decision was final. Despite his careful planning, his intended move had to be abandoned, marring the larger strategy.
Quickly adjusting his plans, Duke Wei realized if he couldn’t place his ally, he had to prevent rivals from gaining the lucrative position.
“You are right, Your Majesty.”
As he responded, Duke Wei signaled to one of his followers, Master Yan, who promptly spoke up, “Your Majesty, I wish to recommend someone.”
“Who?”
“Minister of the Supreme Court, Liang Quanbin.”
Liang Quanbin was initially stunned but then bowed respectfully, his eyes gleaming with joy. Could this be Duke Wei’s doing?
Master Yan continued, “Minister Liang has served diligently for over twenty years, with the Supreme Court running smoothly under him. He is meticulous and decisive, qualities needed for the Canal Office. In my humble opinion, Minister Liang is the best choice.”
Vice Minister Wen of the Ministry of Personnel, understanding the implications, knew Liang Quanbin’s excellent performance ratings warranted a promotion. Marrying into the Wei family indeed brought advantages, including career boosts.
“Minister Liang? A good choice. What do the others think?”
“We follow Your Majesty’s will.”
With the Wei and Liang families set to marry in early February, Master Yan’s suggestion likely reflected Duke Wei’s intentions. No one dared oppose such a powerful alliance.
Emperor Qi didn’t doubt Liang Quanbin’s ability, only disliked his son’s marriage to a Wei family woman. Hence, no appointment was made.
Liang Quanbin, anxious but maintaining composure, waited for the Emperor’s decision. Just as Emperor Qi was about to speak, the First Prince cried out, “Prime Minister Bai, what’s wrong?”
Bai Xiang staggered and almost fell. If not for the quick reflexes of the Sixth Prince, he might have collapsed.
Amid the chaos, the ministers gathered around. Bai Xiang, face flushed and eyes closed, seemed seriously ill.
“Could the Prime Minister be overworked worrying about the Feng family?” The comment caught Emperor Qi’s attention. He immediately summoned the imperial physicians and had Bai Xiang moved to a side hall for treatment.
Accompanying him were the First and Sixth Princes, while Duke Wei watched coldly, feeling displeased.
The timing of his fainting was impeccable.
Determined to settle the Canal Office matter, Duke Wei planned to speak again, but was interrupted by a whisper from Eunuch Wang to Emperor Qi. The Emperor’s eyes briefly showed alarm before he suppressed it and declared, “Prime Minister Bai’s collapse is concerning. Court is adjourned, we’ll discuss this later.”
“Court dismissed.”
Seeing the Emperor’s hurried departure, Liang Quanbin fumed. The opportunity slipped away just as it was within reach! Prime Minister Bai’s timely fainting seemed designed to thwart him.
Duke Wei noticed the Emperor’s urgency, suspecting trouble in the harem. He hadn’t considered that Prime Minister Bai, having recently visited the Feng family during their smallpox outbreak, might have contracted the illness. Emperor Qi, fearing for his own safety, left quickly upon Eunuch Wang’s reminder.
The entire imperial medical staff was summoned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to ensure the Emperor’s health.
In the side hall, the imperial physicians struggled with Bai Xiang’s fainting. His pulse was weak and erratic, raising fears he might not recover.
Such an incident in the palace was ominous, so they quickly prepared a carriage and sent Bai Xiang back to his residence.
At the Bai residence, his arrival caused panic. Fortunately, the calm Bai Lin quickly fetched the ginseng sent by the Feng family, stabilizing Bai Xiang.
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