The Great Undertaking

Jiang Residence

Early that morning, the weather was pleasantly cool. Jiang Tian sat in a reclining chair, dozing lightly.

Beside him was a beautiful concubine who was no longer young but had lost none of her charm.

She gently waved a fan, her eyes full of tenderness as she watched Jiang Tian.

She was the birth mother of Jiang Mingyang's second elder brother, Jiang Nan.

Jiang Nan's mother fanned him slowly, eating fruit as she enjoyed the warmth of the moment.

Just then, Jiang Nan rushed in and shouted, "Father, something's happened!"

Jiang Tian, who had only just drifted off, was jolted awake by Jiang Nan.

Then Jiang Tian said irritably, "Why are you so flustered? When something happens, you need to keep your head!"

Jiang Nan hurriedly nodded in agreement, but the urgency on his face was plain to see.

Jiang Tian frowned slightly. His second son was usually steady; he would not act like this without good reason.

Then Jiang Tian asked, "What's wrong? What major thing has happened?"

Jiang Nan hurriedly replied, "Before this morning's court session, Mingyang sent word. His Majesty has allowed him to... preside over state affairs!"

Jiang Tian's head snapped up. The armrest beneath his right hand shattered in his grip.

Jiang Tian sat up at once, narrowed his eyes, and asked urgently, "How could this happen? Mingyang is acting as regent?"

"That can't be right! If Mingyang were going to act as regent, he would have discussed it with us beforehand so we could prepare!"

Jiang Nan hurriedly corrected him. "It's not a regency. His Majesty is simply unwell today.

"Besides, His Majesty trusts Mingyang.

"So His Majesty decided on the spur of the moment to let Mingyang preside over state affairs for today. In short, neither side has torn off the