Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 580: Heaven Collapses (Part 3)

The youth did not turn, still facing away from Jiang Shaohua, speaking in a haunting voice, "Shao Hua cousin, I’m leaving now."

"I’m useless, not a qualified Emperor. Three years on the Dragon Throne without any achievements; the court is in chaos, the official administration is corrupt, natural disasters and war plague the North, while floods often afflict the South. The people haven’t had a good day. The courtiers are not afraid of me, and even the eunuchs and palace attendants listen more to the Grand Empress Dowager. I’m truly useless."

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes felt warm, but her voice remained calm as she spoke, "Cousin, you appeared in my dream, there must be something important you want to entrust to me. Please turn around and look at me."

The youth finally slowly turned around.

Jiang Shaohua was mentally prepared to see a face with bleeding eyes and ears or a hideously dead visage. To her surprise, Emperor Taihe, Jiang Song still had the same appearance as before, with the familiar tiredness and faint resignation between his brows.

It was as if he was just on a long journey and was saying goodbye before departing.

Jiang Shaohua felt a deep sorrow in her heart, gazing intently at Jiang Song, as if to engrave his appearance forever in her mind and heart: "Cousin, who harmed you?"

Confusion flashed in Jiang Song’s eyes, he murmured softly, "I don’t know."

Even at the moment of death, still a muddled soul.

So pitiful, and also lamentable and sigh-worthy.

Jiang Shaohua swallowed the bitterness in her throat and said softly, "When I get to the Capital City, I will avenge you."

Jiang Song looked at her and slowly said, "Shao Hua cousin, I’m leaving. From now on, I entrust Da Liang’s realm and court to you."

Even knowing this was just a dream, at that moment of meeting Jiang Song’s gaze, Jiang Shaohua’s heart trembled: "Cousin, I’m a woman."

"What about being a woman? Your nature is resolute, your actions decisive, hundreds of times better than mine. You care for the people with benevolence, have measures to quell the court, and possess the fierce ruthlessness of a Monarch; you lack nothing."

Jiang Song met her gaze: "You are the most outstanding bloodline of the Jiang Family. Da Liang is at a critical moment, only you can turn the tide, stabilize the throne, uphold Jiang Family’s realm, and let the people live peaceful lives."

"This throne should be yours."

Jiang Shaohua did not avert her gaze, locking eyes with Jiang Song for a long time before speaking, "The courtiers at court will not support me as the Nanyang County Princess."

"Then display your means, win them over one by one. Make them bow their heads to your command, willing to be wholeheartedly devoted. Shao Hua cousin, I know you can do it, you definitely can."

Jiang Song’s figure suddenly began to dissipate, like a watercolor painting, gradually vanishing before her eyes.

Only that resolute voice continued to echo in her ear.

Shao Hua cousin, you can do it, you definitely can.

...

Jiang Shaohua suddenly opened her eyes, sitting up from the bed.

Cui Du had been awake, keeping vigil by her bedside. Startled by her sudden movement, he quickly reached out to steady her shoulders, "What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"

Jiang Shaohua sniffled, her eyes moist: "Cousin appeared in my dream."

After a pause, she spoke softly, "It wasn’t a nightmare. Cousin came to say goodbye, wanting to entrust the realm and people to me."

"Cui Du, as I head to the Capital City, I will face storms like never before. Even I do not know if I can return safely. You should stay behind! If something happens to me, you can guard Nanyang County on my behalf..."

The remainder of her words were stifled.

After a moment, Cui Du raised his head, his eyes shining with determination, "I know what you intend to do. So, I must accompany you."

"If you succeed, I’ll be your King’s Husband. If we fail, I will join you as a rebel. In any case, you cannot leave me behind alone."

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes warmed. Not wanting to shed tears, she turned her head to the side. After calming her emotions for a moment, she turned back, "Alright, I won’t say words like these again in the future. We are husband and wife, we’ll share blessings and face hardships together!"

Only then did Cui Du feel satisfied, kissing her forehead softly, coaxing, "Your emotions have fluctuated greatly today, and it’s still only the fourth period of night. Please sleep a bit longer. Gather your energy to deal with the complex situations that lie ahead."

Jiang Shaohua murmured in agreement, "Also, don’t just keep watch over me; come to the bed and sleep with me."

Cui Du responded softly, lying beside Jiang Shaohua with his clothes on. Only after she closed her eyes for sleep, did he open his eyes to quietly watch over her until dawn.

...

Going to the Capital City for mourning is a matter that should be done quickly, the sooner the better.

The next day, Jiang Shaohua led her retinue back to the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Within a single day, she prepared all necessary luggage. Traveling light, they rode swiftly ahead.

Governor Xue of Jingzhou only received the news three days later.

At this time, Jiang Shaohua and her entourage had already ridden swiftly out of Jingzhou, galloping along the official road towards the Capital City.

The shocking news of the Emperor’s death spread rapidly from the Capital City as its center. Everywhere they went, everyone they saw was in mourning with white clothes, faces full of grief.

Emperor Taikang passed away three years ago, leaving the young Emperor Taihe to sit on the Dragon Throne for just three years. He hadn’t even married or had heirs before departing this world.

The frequent changes in ruling were definitely not beneficial to the court. Moreover, Emperor Taihe left no sons, and there was only an eight-year-old Jiang Hao in the palace, rumored to be a fool.

Is Da Liang’s Emperor to be a foolish boy? With powerful external enemies watching eagerly, and ministers scheming against one another, can a boy Emperor unable to govern maintain stability in Da Liang?

Those with foresight worried greatly for Da Liang’s future. Ordinary people without such insight also mourned deeply for the sudden death of the Emperor.

Officials from various places hurried to the Capital upon hearing the bad news; Jiang Shaohua’s convoy encountered two groups on their way. However, she had no desire to dismount and engage them, merely instructing Chief Historian Chen to greet them.

More officials were still preparing to come to the Capital after receiving the news. Jiang Shaohua aimed to gain time and reach the Capital as swiftly as possible, traveling a hundred miles daily.

Even then, she considered Chief Historian Chen and Cui Du; otherwise, they could have traveled even faster.

The newly developed military rations came in handy during this time. With the weather growing hotter, consuming cold food was acceptable. When they had time, they boiled hot water and prepared bowls of steaming mushy noodles, a gourmet meal for those hastily on the road.

After ten days of relentless travel, the familiar city gate finally came into distant view.

"Commandery Princess, we’ve finally arrived at the Capital City."

Chief Historian Chen, whose bones felt nearly broken from the bumpy ride, sighed deeply. Looking at the Capital City from which he had been separated for decades, his mind wandered, unable to restrain himself.

Jiang Shaohua halted her horse outside the city gate and gazed at it from afar.

Capital City, I, Jiang Shaohua, have returned.