"Jiang Shaohua went to the Wang Family and also to the Li Family?"
Inside the sleeping chamber of Jingyang Palace, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng fainted for a half day and only slowly woke up. As soon as she opened her eyes, the first thing she heard was the news of Jiang Shaohua leaving the palace. Her first reaction was, "Did she go to the Zheng Family?"
Mr. Zhao, who was attending beside the bed, replied cautiously, "That I haven’t heard. I will send soone to inquire right away."
No need to ask!
The anger surged in Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, and she gritted her teeth in resentnt, "She goes to the Wang Family to appease and win over Pri Minister Wang; that way, most officials in the court will remain calm. She goes to the Li Family as a show for Mrs. Li. Mrs. Li suddenly appeared at the grand court eting today, supporting her ascension to the throne. How could she not reward the Li Family generously?"
So, Grand Empress Dowager vehently opposed the Princess’s ascension. Why should the Princess give face to the Zheng Family? Not to ntion that Zheng Chen was an accomplice of the rebels. The Zheng Family, not being exterminated, was considered lucky. How could they still want glory? It’s too greedy!
Mr. Zhao cursed wildly in his heart, but on the surface, he gently comforted, "Lady has just awakened. It’s better to rest well. Let the Princess handle these trivial matters."
The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng still showed a face full of anger, "As long as I don’t give my nod, she can forget about ascending to the throne!"
Mr. Zhao thought that the entire court supported the Princess’s ascension. With Empress Dowager Li endorsing her, the ascension of the Princess is unstoppable. Why are you so stubborn, Grand Empress Dowager?
Of course, the truth could never be spoken directly. Otherwise, it might anger the Grand Empress Dowager to death.
Mr. Zhao, having served his master for decades, understood Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s temperant thoroughly. He first followed her tone and denounced "the heartless, ungrateful, overly ambitious" Nanyang County Princess ruthlessly. After Grand Empress Dowager Zheng vented so of her rage, he gently advised, "In the current situation, it seems not much different from what Lady had envisioned."
"Prince Ping is young and ignorant. Even if he sits on the Dragon Throne, he’s rely decorative. The handling of state affairs still falls to the Princess. Due to her lack of prestige, doesn’t she rely on Lady for everything?"
"Now, with Lady opposing so fiercely, it might harm your relationship with the Princess. This isn’t beneficial for Lady at all."
Once the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng cald down from her anger and thought carefully, she regretted it a little.
In the past few years, Jiang Shaohua rose to prominence step by step with her backing. It can be said that Jiang Shaohua was the most useful pawn in her hand. Now, this "pawn" is ambitious, demanding not just real benefits but also grand titles and righteousness.
With her dispute with Jiang Shaohua, Empress Dowager Li profited from the chaos.
It felt like she had diligently grown peach trees for several years, only to have the fruits picked by Empress Dowager Li when ready. How could one not grit their teeth in anger?
Of course, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng stubbornly refused to acknowledge this aloud, "It was Jiang Shaohua who first failed my trust and expectations. Why should I bow to her?"
"I want to see how many tactics she has to deal with next!"
Understanding the right ti for persuasion, Mr. Zhao stopped speaking further today. Instead, he decided to wait for three or five days until the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng completely cooled down, before saying more.
...
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, waiting for Jiang Shaohua to co and bow to apologize, was destined for disappointnt.
After leaving the Li Family, Jiang Shaohua did not enter the palace but instead went to Nanyang Prince Mansion. Her entourage also returned to the Prince Mansion with her.
Jiang Shaohua gathered her confidants in the study for a short eting, confird the plans for entering the palace tomorrow, then had a simple supper and retired early.
The couple only found ti until now to converse alone.
Cui Du gently massaged Jiang Shaohua’s calf. Being attended to so tenderly, Jiang Shaohua felt much relieved from fatigue and softly said to Cui Du, "Today at the grand court eting, I was prepared for the possibility of failing in the struggle for the throne and being expelled from the palace by Grand Empress Dowager. I even thought about being ordered for pursuit and had planned for a fast horse ride back to Nanyang County."
"Unexpectedly, things went far smoother than I imagined."
Recalling the thrilling scene at today’s grand court eting, Cui Du couldn’t help but let out a long sigh, "Much thanks to Wang She Ren, who first spoke in support of the Princess’s ascent. Also, Empress Dowager Li’s appearance was utterly unexpected."
Vice Minister Dong was initially of the Princess Party. After the initial shock, he quickly made a decision, which was expected.
The true turning point ca with Wang Jin’s stance, causing the Pri Minister Faction to turn abruptly, weakening Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s support for Prince Ping.
Empress Dowager Li’s tily appearance was also exquisitely tid. Holding the pain of losing her son, father, and nephew, she supported Jiang Shaohua, making even Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s moral authority sowhat inferior.
To achieve greatness, one must not only have strength but also opportunity. Evidently, Jiang Shaohua indeed has fortune in ascending as Empress.
Jiang Shaohua raised the corners of her mouth, softly said, "Despite appearing calm and composed today, I was actually quite panicked internally."
Cui Du chuckled, "The Princess commanded like a seasoned leader, exhibiting the deanor of a wise ruler. Hardly any signs of panic were visible."
Jiang Shaohua was amused, leaned her head into Cui Du’s embrace, whispered, "It’s good if you couldn’t tell. I had to at least appear full of confidence."
Cui Du gently replied, "You have an early court session tomorrow to manage matters, best to sleep early."
Jiang Shaohua responded softly, closed her eyes, and quickly fell asleep.
Whereas Cui Du, though ntally invigorated, kept massaging Jiang Shaohua’s legs until late night before sleeping.
The next morning, Jiang Shaohua rose at the fifth hour, clad in plain clothes, and entered the palace.
The Imperial Guards stationed at the palace gate opened it from afar, and Jiang Shaohua stepped through, greeted with bows from the Imperial Guards, displaying respect.
The matter of the ministers supporting Jiang Shaohua as the new Emperor at yesterday’s grand court eting spread like wildfire. To the Imperial Guards, such significant matters were beyond their participation; they pledged loyalty to whoever sat on the Dragon Throne.
Besides, compared to the capricious and ignorant Prince Ping, the capable and decisive Nanyang County Princess was much more reliable. They welcod serving the Princess.
After entering the palace, Jiang Shaohua first went to greet Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng refused visitors.
Mr. Zhao ca out looking troubled, spoke softly, "Lady is still angry and unwilling to see the Princess. Please wait patiently for so days."
Jiang Shaohua gave Mr. Zhao a deep look, "Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for kindly comforting Lady."
Mr. Zhao responded respectfully.
Jiang Shaohua then went to Anning Palace to see Empress Dowager Li.
Empress Dowager Li was aware of Jiang Shaohua visiting the Li Family, feeling very gratified. She had wounds on her neck, speaking with difficulty, managed to say, "Go to Jinluan Palace and handle governnt affairs! Your cousin will watch over you from the heavens!"
Jiang Shaohua responded earnestly.
Under the morning light, Jiang Shaohua stepped into Jinluan Palace.
The ministers waiting inside all bowed in unison, "The ministers welco the Princess!"
The sound was neat and loud, echoing continuously in Jinluan Palace.
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