Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: The Struggle of the Powerful Ministers

In fact, long before the late Emperor Qian passed away, the Lin family already controlled much of Qian’s business—salt, tea, textile shops, taverns—almost spanning the entire realm! It could be said that under the leadership of Lin Shian, the Lin family held the very lifeblood of Qian’s economy.

If the Lin family’s enterprises were to collapse, the entire Great Qian would likely plunge into a desperate winter, causing the realm to never recover. Such was the strength of the Lin family.

Lin Shian was an undisputed elder statesman of the previous dynasty, with deep roots and widespread influence. By this generation, the Lin family could already subtly sway the court’s affairs. Were it not for the balancing power of the Right Chancellor, even the reigning Empress of Qian would find it difficult to command Lin Shian; the Lin family might well control the imperial government outright.

Last summer, when the Empress sought to strike at a clan linked to the Lin family, it triggered a partial backlash from them, unsettling the political landscape of Great Qian. It was only through Lin Shian’s intervention that the situation gradually calmed. His “intervention” was in truth a warning to the Empress—to think carefully before acting. The Empress’s subsequent compromise proved the Lin family’s maneuver was highly effective.

Moreover, many members of the Lin family held prestigious positions and often caused trouble around the realm when idle. Naturally, Gong Yuyan found the Lin family a constant headache, wishing she could eliminate them swiftly. Their boldness had even set sights on her.

Lin Shian had long harbored a desire: to have the Lin family’s eldest son—now a marquis and his most beloved—Lin Zheng, wed the Empress herself, thereby binding the Lin family irrevocably to the throne. To this end, Lin Shian offered generous terms, including transferring numerous commercial ventures to the imperial treasury, even to serve as the Empress’s private coffers. The Lin family could easily afford projects worth tens of thousands in gold.

Yet, the Empress had lofty standards and rejected every proposal. After several attempts, the matter was shelved. As a result, since her ascension, Gong Yuyan remained unmarried, still single. Rumors circulated that she already had a young princess, and some claimed to have seen her, but without evidence, these were just whispers. The Lin family and other clans naturally refused to believe such rumors, dismissing them as idle gossip spun by those with ulterior motives.

True statesmen would never give credence to baseless rumors. Often, the strength of the nation corresponded with that of the clans; without certainty, they would not be swayed.

Thus, having a distinguished scion enter Gong Yuyan’s favor and become her first consort was the ambition of many clan members. As long as she remained unmarried, their hopes burned unabated.

Furthermore, the Empress’s five-year reign without a marriage was a thorn in the side of many censors. Every court session saw at least one censor rise to remind Her Majesty to consider producing an heir. Without a prince or princess, what dignity did the throne hold? This was the Empress’s greatest vexation during court assemblies.

In truth, most officials, both civil and military, had been infiltrated by the clans. Few remained untouched. Those without clan ties rarely rose to high office. Even mid-level positions were difficult to secure without clan connections. Those who held senior ranks—above the third grade—were almost invariably allied with a clan, effectively forming unified factions.

“Lord Lin’s words seem to overlook the reality,” Right Chancellor Lu Yunqing spoke up while Gong Yuyan remained silent, then respectfully gestured toward her before sneering, “Your Majesty recently lamented the empty treasury, urging recovery and rest. Now you seek war. Who will pay for this war? Surely not you, Lord Lin, who offers such generosity?”

Lu Yunqing, Right Chancellor of Great Qian, hailed from one of the realm’s most powerful clans, much like Left Chancellor Lin Shian. The Right Chancellor’s faction was predominantly military, deeply entrenched, and wielded decisive influence over the appointment and dismissal of officers.

Together, the Left and Right Chancellors balanced civil and military power. The former controlled the economic lifeline, the latter commanded the armed forces. Even with the imperial command token, Gong Yuyan found it difficult to challenge them. Any attempt would risk severe backlash.

These two men nearly controlled the entire court.

If the situation were not so dire, how could Gong Yuyan have entrusted her child to a mere peasant family?

Apart from the Lin and Lu families, the other great clans stirred little upheaval. Many clever clans maintained some ties to these two powerhouses.

In other words, they were a single entity—pull one strand, and the whole body trembles.

“Are the border peoples not subjects of our vast Great Qian? Shall we watch helplessly as they are slaughtered by those northern barbarians? Perhaps Lord Lu fears war because he has many sons in the army and dreads their harm? With such cowardice, you are unfit to command troops. Better to retire and leave the army to those with vision. If you dare not confront a mere nomadic tribe, how can we face the states of Qi and Chu? It is shameful!” Left Chancellor Lin sneered, striking back without restraint.

“You—” Lu Yunqing opened his mouth to retort.

At that moment, Empress Gong Yuyan finally raised her hand. All officials turned their gaze upon her.

Today, she had remained silent amid the clamor below the throne, refusing to dismiss court. What did she intend to say? Was she merely listening to the two chancellors bicker?

Usually, she had no interest in such quarrels and would leave court at the first sign of discord. Yet today, she allowed the argument to continue.

At last, the Empress spoke softly, “What you say, my dear ministers, I have considered. Yet the silver in the treasury has been allocated to relief efforts for the recent snow disaster. Our funds are indeed scant. If you two are willing to provide the silver, I would gladly send forth our sons of Great Qian to punish the ungrateful northern nomads and uphold our national honor...”

Though her tone was dignified, a subtle sorrow lingered beneath it.

To be an emperor and yet lack even this money.

To beg ministers for funds.

Such an emperor truly bore great frustration.