Upon hearing Zheng Liang's cold and intimidating words, no one dared to lift their heads or voice concerns against His Majesty's decision. The ministers who opposed Yang Lingxin and her supporters anticipated that the Crown Prince, with his seemingly adversarial relationship with Prince Zheng Xiang, would align with them and support their resistance to His Majesty's decision.
However, no one expected Zheng Liang to not only support His Majesty's decision but also speak highly of Prince Zheng Xiang and openly support him.
With Prince Zheng Xiang's return, Zheng Liang's position could be threatened by the revival of the supporters of the ex-Empress Yang Lingxin. Even so, how could he remain so calm and collected in the face of Prince Zheng Xiang's impending return?
After Zheng Liang's stern warning, no one dared to question His Majesty's decision, and the court session proceeded with the discussion of other resolutions. Throughout the session, everyone was intimidated by Zheng Liang and his cold expressions, preventing anyone from daring to voice any opposition. The court session concluded hastily.
Witnessing these events unfold, the supporters of Zheng Xiang were pleased, while the others had no choice but to keep silent and reluctantly accept the decision.
...
In the following days, Yang Ning was immersed in her duties as she had to prepare for the return of Prince Zheng Xiang to the palace after many years.
As the Crown Princess and in the absence of the Empress, she took charge of all the preparations, including selecting maids and staff to serve Prince Zheng Xiang upon his return. After finalizing the choices for the maids and servants to be assigned to Prince Zheng Xiang's residence, Yang Ning decided to inspect his residence to ensure everything was in order before his arrival.
Yang Ning visited Prince Zheng Xiang's residence, known as the Jade Pavilion. She had heard from Xiaowei that when Prince Zheng Xiang was born, His Majesty had bestowed upon him a precious gem, a unique jade gifted by a foreign king. This rare and valuable jade, a one-of-a-kind find, became the namesake of his residence—Jade Pavilion.
Intrigued by the story, Yang Ning explored the residence to ensure it was ready for Prince Zheng Xiang's return.
Yang Ning chuckled at the audacity of the man. He didn't even do his previous work properly and was now asking for more budget. Has he taken her for a fool? She shook her head in helplessness at the man's ignorance and sighed. "At first, I wanted you to take responsibility for your mistakes and fix them. However, not anymore.
I can see that the place was not well-maintained not because it was empty, but because you did not do your work properly. Instead of apologizing and owning up to your wrongdoings, you're making excuses."
"You can go to the Department of Personnel and get your dues from them. From now on, you will not be able to work at the palace. Go ahead and send the other officer inside," Yang Ning said coldly.
The man's eyes widened in shock. Even though he never fulfilled his duties properly, the former Empress had never expelled him from the palace because of his status and connections. Apart from his business, where he was known to have countless important connections, his family hailed from a reputable business background.
If the former Empress never questioned him about anything, how could the Crown Princess dismiss him from the Palace over such a small matter?
"Princess, I apologize for not maintaining the Jade Pavilion. It was my negligence, and I should have checked on it more carefully. However, please reconsider your decision. I have been working at the palace for years, and even the previous Empress never said anything to me. Don't you think it is unfair to kick me out suddenly without any notice?" he pleaded.
Yang Ning raised her brows at the man's bold and brazen comments and scoffed, "That was the former Empress; however, I am not the same. I do not keep people around just because they have connections or may be of use in the future. You're at the palace for a job, and if you cannot perform it properly, it is only right to give this position and responsibility to someone else.
Now, kindly go back and send the other officer inside, or should I have guards escort you out forcefully?" She asked in a polite yet firm tone, her gaze unwavering and stern.
The officer gulped nervously and left the study chamber, bearing a sense of shame and humiliation. No doubt, many things at the palace had changed since the Crown Princess took charge of the management. She didn't shy away from firing people who were not doing their work properly, even if they came from valuable family backgrounds.
After the man left, the new officer arrived. After discussing her requirements and the changes she wanted in the Jade Pavilion, she entrusted him with the responsibility of maintaining the Jade Pavilion, relieving the previous officer of his duties.