Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 619: Support
Jiang Shaohua’s attitude was not warm, at least not as enthusiastic as Imperial Concubine Fan had hoped.
Imperial Concubine Fan was not pleased in her heart, but she could not and dared not show it.
Whether it is now or in the future, Prince Ping needs someone by his side who is strong in power, skilled in administrative affairs, and poses no threat. Giving a portion of the royal authority to Jiang Shaohua is far better than having it taken by Prince Wu’an or Prince Huaiyang... These two Vassal Kings have been restless since entering the palace, currying favor and winning over officials with ulterior motives!
Every time she thought of these two, Imperial Concubine Fan’s blood would boil, and she would be filled with anger.
Imperial Concubine Fan tried to subtly imply, "Prince Wu’an is of considerable age, I’m not sure if he can endure the hardship of supporting the coffin to the Imperial Mausoleum."
Prince Huaiyang is in the prime of life and strength, leaving no room for doubt. Prince Wu’an’s hair is half-white, practically signifying old age. If only an excuse could be found to keep Prince Wu’an, it would serve as a minor reprimand for the restless Prince Wu’an.
Jiang Shaohua said indifferently, "As a Vassal King, he should support the coffin. Even if Prince Wu’an cannot endure the hardship, he still has to go."
Imperial Concubine Fan hit a wall, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and said awkwardly, "The Commandery Princess considers things comprehensively, it’s my mistake."
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng finally could not help but glare over, "If you don’t understand, then speak less."
Empress Dowager Li was oppressed by Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, unable to lift her head. Imperial Concubine Fan was even less significant in front of Grand Empress Dowager Zheng. She hurriedly stood up and apologized, "I spoke out of turn, please forgive me, Grand Empress Dowager."
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng snorted coldly, "You are Prince Ping’s biological mother. When Prince Ping ascends the throne, your position as Empress Dowager is assured. Just enjoy your wealth and nobility; for other matters that are beyond your capability, don’t concern yourself, lest you cause trouble."
Imperial Concubine Fan was exposed, her face flushed red, and she responded meekly. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng ignored her and turned to Jiang Shaohua, speaking gently, "Prince Wu’an and Prince Huaiyang are like clowns, jumping around. I have my own ways to deal with them. You don’t need to worry about this, just focus on supporting the coffin to the Imperial Mausoleum, and ensure Prince Ping’s safety—this will be a great contribution."
Jiang Shaohua slightly furrowed her brow and met Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s gaze, "I will remember all of my Grand Aunt’s words."
Speaking with intelligent people is indeed effortless.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng twitched the corner of her mouth, a chilling light flashing in her eyes.
"Reporting to the Grand Empress Dowager," a palace attendant entered the hall, respectfully saying, "A messenger from Ning An Palace has come, the Empress Dowager wishes to see the Commandery Princess."
On the day the rebels rose in revolt, Empress Dowager Li was held hostage by them, her neck wounded by a sharp blade, injuring her windpipe and causing significant blood loss. She has been recovering in Ning An Palace.
Jiang Shaohua has been staying in Zhaohai Palace, with no time to visit Empress Dowager Li in Ning An Palace. Today, upon learning that Jiang Shaohua had arrived at Jingyang Palace, Empress Dowager Li immediately sent for her.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng subtly furrowed her brow, "Very well, Shaohua, go see her."
Jiang Shaohua stood up and agreed.
Imperial Concubine Fan very much wanted to accompany her. Unfortunately, without Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s instruction and Jiang Shaohua’s inclination, she was left unheeded.
...
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Jiang Shaohua stepped into Ning An Palace.
The death of Emperor Taihe was almost a fatal blow to Empress Dowager Li. Ning An Palace was draped in mourning white, exuding a sense of decay and desolation. It mirrored Empress Dowager Li’s tragic life, having lost her husband, son, father, and now even her kin’s nephew has died. The most important men in her life have left her one by one. Coupled with her own severe injuries, describing Empress Dowager Li’s life as shrouded in darkness is an understatement.
Jiang Shaohua stepped into Empress Dowager Li’s bedchamber, encountering an aged woman with a head full of white hair. The once elegant and charming Empress Dowager Li had, in just over a month, endured the greatest suffering, causing her once black hair to turn entirely white.
Her neck was wrapped in layers of white gauze, unable to move, lying there in bed, looking pitiable and lamentable.
Jiang Shaohua and Empress Dowager Li have long been at odds, yet seeing her in this state brought some sighs, and she stepped forward to bow.
Empress Dowager Li’s neck injury was severe enough to prevent movement, but her hands were fine. She trembled as she reached out, grasping Jiang Shaohua’s hand tightly, and forced out a single sentence: "Kill every rebel, avenge the Emperor."
Each word she uttered was an effort. After completing the short sentence, cold sweat beaded on her forehead.
Yet, she persisted in finishing, her eyes fixed on Jiang Shaohua.
Jiang Shaohua looked at Empress Dowager Li and slowly said, "Jiang Yi is dead, Gao Shan Weixiong has been killed by me; only Zheng Chen has escaped."
Zheng Chen!!! That ungrateful villain! Jiang Song treated him like a brother, trusting and valuing him, yet he showed no gratitude. Such treacherous scum deserves to be hacked to pieces and die a miserable death!
Empress Dowager Li lacked the strength to curse, but flames of anger and hatred flickered in her eyes. In her heart, she cursed him a hundred times, a thousand times.
"Do not worry, Lady, I will surely capture Zheng Chen and bring him back to the Capital City, to use his head to honor the spirit of my cousin in heaven." Jiang Shaohua solemnly promised.
Empress Dowager Li’s eyes reddened, tears welling up at the corners.
Jiang Shaohua did not wipe Empress Dowager Li’s tears; they simply did not share that kind of rapport.
A palace attendant stepped forward to wipe Empress Dowager Li’s tears with a handkerchief.
Empress Dowager Li’s emotions slightly calmed, and she squeezed out another sentence: "I will support you with all my strength."
This statement, spoken at this moment, carried an extraordinary significance.
Jiang Shaohua deeply gazed at Empress Dowager Li and suddenly said, "Lady, you don’t know what I intend to do. To claim full support, such words can’t be promised lightly."
Having brushed with death, Empress Dowager Li seemed a changed person, she laboriously repeated: "I will support you with all my strength."
No matter what you intend to do.
As long as you can avenge my son, even if the Da Liang throne is yours, what harm is there?
Jiang Shaohua had not expected her first supporter to be Empress Dowager Li.
She looked at Empress Dowager Li and agreed, "Very well."
...
After leaving Ning An Palace, Jiang Shaohua headed to Princess Bao Hua’s bedchamber.
Princess Bao Hua resolutely went to her death, and after her demise, her remains were interred in a coffin, resting in the bedchamber, with a simple mourning altar set up.
The Palace has too many deaths to mourn over; the untimely end of Princess Bao Hua indeed elicited regret. However, with everyone required to pay respects to the Emperor, it was mostly the concubines from the harem coming to offer their respects to Princess Bao Hua.
Jiang Shaohua had paid her respects once before; today, she came to say her final farewell.
An unmarried princess who has passed away can be interred in the Imperial Mausoleum.
"Sister Bao Hua, tomorrow, I will escort you to the Imperial Mausoleum." Jiang Shaohua walked to the coffin, speaking softly.
Princess Bao Hua lay quietly in the coffin, her expression peaceful, as if she had entered a dream from which she would never awaken.
Outside the door, faint weeping accompanied by the sound of footsteps suddenly approached. Jiang Shaohua frowned and turned, catching sight of a familiar female figure.
