Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 500: Aftermath (Part 1)

"Shao Hua!"

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng anxiously grabbed Jiang Shaohua’s hand, looking her up and down: "Are you alright? Were you injured by the assassins?"

Jiang Shaohua’s dark robe was splattered with some bloodstains, drying in the night wind and emitting a faint bloody scent. Her expression was quite calm: "Rest assured, Great-aunt, I am not injured. All eight assassins have been killed!"

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng gritted her teeth and said angrily: "Well done in killing them! They deserved to die! Those scoundrels with the audacity of bears and leopards dared to attempt to assassinate the Da Liang Princess. Killing them with one stroke is too lenient for them. They deserve a thousand cuts!"

The anger of the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was not feigned. In recent years, Jiang Shaohua had always been generous in her filial duties and often alleviated worries for Jingyang Palace. In her heart, Jiang Shaohua’s importance had long surpassed that of an ordinary junior, ranking equal to her legitimate grandnephew Zheng Chen.

Moreover, Jiang Shaohua was inspecting the Six Ministries on behalf of the Emperor. Encountering an assassination attempt was akin to an attempt on the Emperor’s life. Such an incident occurring right in front of the government offices of the Six Ministries was undoubtedly a grave provocation to imperial authority,

Fortunately, Jiang Shaohua was unharmed, for any misfortune befalling her would immediately plunge the Capital City into panic and dread.

The more the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng thought about it, the more terrified she became. She tightly held Jiang Shaohua’s hand: "Until the identity and origins of the assassins are clarified, you must not leave the palace. Avoid inspecting the Six Ministries to prevent any mishap."

Jiang Shaohua gripped the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s hand in return, speaking softly: "No, I must continue the inspections. Otherwise, it would appear as if I fear the assassins, and the officials would mock me as cowardly and weak, diminishing the prestige of the Imperial Family."

"It’s too dangerous!"

"Tonight was unexpected, yet I returned safely to the palace. Those who truly should be terrified are the real culprits behind the scenes!"

"But..."

"Please trust me, Great-aunt." Jiang Shaohua’s gaze was bright and resolute: "I am not recklessly showcasing my abilities, nor seeking to gain attention from this incident. Interrupting halfway is not an option; I must continue inspecting the Six Ministries on behalf of the Emperor, thwarting the conspirators’ schemes."

Finally, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was persuaded, letting out a long sigh: "You, this stubborn girl, are quite willful. Very well, I shall heed you this once. However, starting tomorrow, you must be accompanied by the Imperial Guard when entering or leaving the court."

Jiang Shaohua did not reject the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s goodwill and nodded in agreement.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng further whispered: "The Emperor retires early every night. I’ve kept this assassination attempt hidden, not allowing anyone to disturb the Emperor. We’ll inform him first thing tomorrow morning."

Jiang Shaohua replied softly: "Great-aunt, your consideration is thoughtful."

After a pause, she added: "It’s already late at night, and you must be tired, Great-aunt. Please rest early. Whatever needs to be discussed can wait until after a good night’s sleep."

After listening to the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s long-winded and irrelevant chatter, Jiang Shaohua personally attended to the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng until she fell asleep, then went to bathe and change clothes.

Yin Zhutu Bai had remained in the palace, unable to stay by their mistress’s side, causing both pairs of eyes to turn red from crying.

"Princess, let’s return to Nanyang County!" Yin Zhu choked and whispered: "You’ve been working tirelessly every day, exhausting yourself to stabilize the court’s morale and ease the Emperor’s worries. Despite your hard work, no one understands your difficulties. Now even assassins have emerged. What if there’s a next time, and you get hurt?"

Tu Bai, with red eyes, chimed in: "Such troublesome matters have little to do with you in the first place. You’ve done all you can, and there’s no reason for you to risk your life for this. It would be better to return to Nanyang County and live a peaceful life behind closed doors."

The two maids had grown up with her, attending to her daily needs like half a family.

However, they were not knowledgeable about political affairs, having too narrow a perspective. If it were Chen Jinyu, who understood her aspirations, he wouldn’t persuade her to go back.

This assassination attempt, if managed well, is a great opportunity. She could seize this chance to display her talents, further rectify the chaotic conduct within the officialdom, and earn greater trust and regard from the Emperor.

Jiang Shaohua reassured the two maids with a smile: "Don’t worry, didn’t I come back safe and sound? We will surely return to Nanyang County, but just not now."

Unable to persuade the Princess, Yin Zhu and Tu Bai each wiped their eyes and saw to their mistress’s rest.

As Jiang Shaohua closed her eyes, the scene of the previous assassination attempt flashed through her mind.

Who exactly were the attackers?

...

Emperor Taihe slept soundly throughout the night, learning only upon waking that Jiang Shaohua had encountered an assassination attempt outside the Ministry of Industry last night. His expression suddenly turned grim: "Were all the assassins captured?"

Eunuch Ge quickly replied: "Your Majesty, all eight assassins were dispatched on the spot, not one escaped. Their bodies have been taken to the Ministry of Justice, where Vice Minister Yang has already filed a case to investigate the assassins’ identities and origins."

"How is my cousin, Shao Hua?" Emperor Taihe asked with a frown.

"The Princess is waiting outside for your summons."

"Then what are we waiting for? Quickly let Shaohua come in!"

A moment later, Jiang Shaohua entered the Emperor’s bedroom. Accompanying her was the housekeeper, who had also been present during last night’s assassination attempt. Zheng Chen, Li Boyuan, and Jiang Yi also followed along.

Emperor Taihe hurriedly looked over: "My cousin, are you unharmed?"

"Indeed not!" Jiang Shaohua replied: "Your servant-sister is fine, though two of my trusted aides died, and three were injured."

"As long as you are unscathed." Emperor Taihe clearly paid little heed to how many trusted aides of the Nanyang Prince Mansion were casualties, expressing relief as his eyes flared with anger: "To ambush outside the government offices of the Six Ministries, this hidden culprit possesses great audacity! I must uncover the origins of these assassins and capture the mastermind, providing an explanation for you, my cousin."

The wrath of the Emperor can lead to rivers of blood.

No matter how gentle Emperor Taihe is, he is still an emperor. These few short sentences are sufficient to incite a storm of blood and upheaval, sending countless heads rolling.

Jiang Shaohua showed no sign of obstructing his intentions, only gently reminding: "Let’s not cause undue panic. The Six Ministries should operate normally; we mustn’t delay national affairs."

"Additionally, the inspection of the Ministry of Industry is complete, and today I plan to visit the Ministry of War."

Emperor Taihe was taken aback. Even the few secretaries exchanged looks of astonishment.

Having encountered assassins last night, she intends to visit the Six Ministries again today! What immense courage and confidence!

Jiang Shaohua maintained a composed demeanor: "Housekeeper Wang was busy all day yesterday and was frightened at night, so there’s no need for him to accompany me today."

Zheng Chen stepped forward, but before he could speak, Jiang Shaohua said: "Cousin, let Yi accompany me to the Ministry of War!"

Emperor Taihe was somewhat surprised: "I initially planned to have Secretary Zheng accompany you."

After all, the Ministry of War is Minister Zheng’s domain. Zheng Chen is particularly familiar with the affairs of the Ministry of War.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Currently, Vice Minister Wang is acting in charge of the Ministry of War because of the impeachment involving Minister Zheng. It’s quite awkward for Vice Minister Wang and Secretary Zheng to meet. It would be best to avoid that."

This reasoning made sense. Emperor Taihe didn’t hesitate much and quickly nodded in agreement.

The sight of Emperor Taihe listening and following Jiang Shaohua’s suggestions did not escape Zheng Chen, leaving a shadow in his heart.