Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 530: Fury (Part 3)

The Vassal Kings of Wuzhao are forbidden from entering the Capital City, a rule established since the founding of Da Liang. Yet Emperor Taihe’s gracious decree broke this rule, granting Jiang Shaohua the freedom to leave the vassal territory at will.

This honor and privilege are rewards for Jiang Shaohua’s diligent loyalty.

Jiang Shaohua did not refuse, standing and saluting to express her gratitude: "The Emperor favors me so greatly that I am endlessly grateful, and shall accept it with thick skin."

Emperor Taihe nodded slightly, feeling uneasy as he looked at Jiang Shaohua’s slightly red eyes: "Who is it, that repeatedly makes moves against you? Now they even extend their hand to Nanyang County! I will order a thorough investigation!"

Although lacking evidence, Emperor Taihe clearly understood that the mastermind must be in the Capital City.

Cui Du was personally granted the title of Elder Changning by the Emperor, having made great contributions to Da Liang, and he was also Jiang Shaohua’s fiancé. For the past few years, Cui Du had quietly stayed in the field manor, cultivating new grains and growing crops, at peace with the world and never holding grudges.

The one who attempted to assassinate Cui Du clearly had Jiang Shaohua in their sights.

Jiang Shaohua remained silent for a long time before speaking softly: "The court has just stabilized, and cannot consequently be stirred by this matter. The Emperor should not make a grand commotion. I will take revenge for Cui Du myself in due course."

Emperor Taihe’s brows furrowed deeply, as he intently watched Jiang Shaohua: "Have you begun to suspect someone?"

Jiang Shaohua neither affirmed nor denied it, she only said: "I have no evidence."

However, for matters such as this, evidence is not needed.

She knew who had acted.

The suppressed flames of wrath burned fiercely within her chest. Yet, when Jiang Shaohua spoke, she remained calm: "I reiterate my request for the Emperor to be wary of those around him."

Emperor Taihe’s brows knitted into a knot.

Jiang Shaohua spoke no further, rising to bid farewell and departing.

After leaving the Emperor’s bedroom, she happened to encounter a few secretaries rushing over.

"Shao Hua!" Jiang Yi expressed his worried concern, hurriedly speaking: "I’ve just heard that Elder Changning encountered an assassin at the field manor and was badly injured!"

Li Boyuan also inquired with concern: "Is Elder Changning greatly harmed?"

Wang Jin said nothing, his eyes filled with worry.

Even Zheng Chen presented an expression of disbelief: "The Commandery Princess reformed the court, offending many. As they fear her power, they dare not speak, instead sending someone to assassinate Elder Changning in secret. Fortunately, Elder Changning’s fate spared him from disaster."

Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept over them one by one, finally resting on Zheng Chen’s handsome face.

Zheng Chen did not flinch, meeting Jiang Shaohua’s gaze for a moment: "What does the Commandery Princess intend to do now? Should the Ministry of Justice investigate thoroughly, capture the real culprit, and avenge Elder Changning?"

Jiang Shaohua did not heed Zheng Chen, but turned to Wang Jin and the others: "I’ve already bid farewell to the Emperor, and will depart for Nanyang County tomorrow."

Everyone was taken aback.

"You’re leaving so soon, Commandery Princess?" Wang Jin blurted out: "Isn’t this just playing into the hands of the mastermind?"

Jiang Shaohua’s face showed little expression: "Even without this matter, I should return. As a Vassal King, I must stay in the vassal territory. The Capital City is not a place for prolonged stay."

"But, the Emperor has already graciously allowed me to come to the Capital City anytime. Should anything happen, I will immediately leave for here. Those who cause trouble in secret, I will not spare them."

Given Jiang Shaohua’s current royal favor and influence, she indeed has the qualification and confidence to be so formidable.

The secretaries looked at each other, each silent.

Jiang Shaohua suddenly called Zheng Chen by name: "I am going to Jingyang Palace to inform the Grand Empress Dowager of my journey, please accompany me, Zheng Sheren."

Zheng Chen nodded without changing his expression, saluted to acknowledge.

Jiang Yi watched the back of Zheng Chen leaving with the Commandery Princess, his brows slightly furrowing.

Wang Jin also furrowed his brows. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Li Boyuan hadn’t yet perceived anything amiss: "With the Commandery Princess gone, we few shall become ever busier. Come, come, no point dawdling here, there are piles of official documents in the Imperial Study Room."

...

The distance from Zhaohai Palace to Jingyang Palace is considerable.

As the day darkened, palace lanterns were lit across various places in the palace, their light mingling with the bright moon and stars, creating a scene of luxurious beauty that made one feel detached from the present era.

Jiang Shaohua walked forward unhurriedly.

Without showing any change in expression, Zheng Chen followed along, after a while realizing something was amiss: "Commandery Princess, this is not the way to Jingyang Palace."

Ahead, not far away, was the place where the Imperial Army guards usually trained.

Jiang Shaohua did not look back or respond, continuing to tread forward.

Zheng Chen’s brow moved repeatedly, a trace of caution flickering in his eyes, but his feet did not halt.

This is within the palace; even if Jiang Shaohua suspected him, she would at most question him in a secluded place. She wouldn’t dare lay a hand on him, would she...

A sudden fist wind bore down.

Zheng Chen reacted swiftly, dodging aside. Before he could grow angry, the second punch followed! In disarray, he continued to dodge while shouting angrily: "Jiang Shaohua! What are you doing?"

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes were icy and her face expressionless, continuing her assault.

Song Yuan and the others had scattered efficiently to keep watch for the Commandery Princess.

In her fury, Jiang Shaohua attacked with full force, a storm of ferocious punches. Zheng Chen, renowned as the top young martial expert, unsurpassed among his peers, found himself utterly disheveled, unable to do more than dodge amidst the overwhelming offensive. After a few punches, he could no longer evade, necessitating direct confrontation.

Bang!

Their fists collided.

Jiang Shaohua’s hand was delicate and fair, appearing to strike Zheng Chen’s sturdy and powerful fist as lightly as tofu.

Zheng Chen’s body trembled violently, retreating repeatedly, as though his fist were swept by an iron plank, causing excruciating pain.

There was no time to admit defeat; indeed, admitting defeat was useless. Jiang Shaohua was resolutely set on beating him today, clearly targeting him.

Zheng Chen, proud and arrogant, though aware he was not a match for Jiang Shaohua, refused to concede. He performed a nimble roll, once again trying to evade. But Jiang Shaohua’s leg struck like a whirlwind, swiftly kicking his leg.

Zheng Chen stumbled backward, barely steadying himself without falling to the ground.

Jiang Shaohua did not pause, continuing her attack.

Zheng Chen struggled to defend, occasionally being punched, frequently kicked. Jiang Shaohua’s divine power was astonishing, each strike causing intolerable pain. Whether any bones were fractured or cracked was uncertain.

Though it seemed lengthy to describe, it was merely the time taken to inhale deeply a few times. The patrolling Imperial Guard quickly heard the commotion and arrived.

Song Yuan, unperturbed, stepped forward, blocking this squad of Imperial Guard: "The Commandery Princess and Zheng Sheren are practicing martial arts here, they will soon stop. You needn’t approach."

The fierce fist winds, Zheng Sheren continuously receiving a beating, his plight miserable. The Commandery Princess’s ferocity showed no signs of stopping! If an unfortunate incident occurred due to their delay, they’d surely be reprimanded.

This squad of Imperial Guard was internally troubled, glancing at their captain. The captain too felt troubled, momentarily indecisive.

At that moment, the Commandery Princess threw another punch, hitting Zheng Chen squarely in the waist and abdomen. The stubbornly proud Zheng Sheren spat out blood.