Jiang Zhao Yuan frowned deeply. "Your Majesty is gravely ill, and we are all deeply concerned. It is our duty as his subjects to share the burden of his duties. For you to do this, Eldest Princess... do you not trust the Cabinet?!"
The Eldest Princess, however, smiled.
"Elder Jiang, why are you so upset? Like you, I am devoted to His Majesty and the realm. His Majesty is unwell and needs to rest; it is not right to burden him with matters of state. I am merely proposing that, effective immediately, all memorials be sent to Qiyuan Hall for the Cabinet Ministers and me to discuss together. Is that... not acceptable?"
Jiang Zhao Yuan felt a knot of anger tighten in his chest.
'What a fine-sounding proposal!'
'Discuss with her?'
'This is a blatant attempt to seize control as regent!'
But the Eldest Princess had an exalted status and held considerable prestige at court. Even if Jiang Zhao Yuan objected, he couldn't afford to openly antagonize her.
