Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 622: Means (Part 1)

This rebellion was far smaller in scale than the palace coup a month ago. The rebels who ’started the incident’ were just over a hundred, previously hidden in the dense forest outside the imperial mausoleum. They took advantage of the darkness to sneak into the mausoleum, killed several guards, and charged in.

A thousand Imperial Army soldiers were stationed inside the imperial mausoleum, along with two thousand Imperial Guards who were there to protect the Emperor’s coffin. After the initial shock and panic, they quickly reacted, promptly cutting off the rebels’ path and surrounding this group of rebels. After slaughtering nearly half of them, the remaining few dozen rebels all knelt down and begged for mercy.

From beginning to end, this group of rebels never even got close to the Emperor’s Mausoleum.

To the courtiers, it seemed like a false alarm.

Rebellion is a grave crime that warrants the execution of the nine clans. The entire families of the Gao Liang Prince Mansion and Prince Dongping Mansion are certainly to be exterminated; could the rebels that emerged at this moment be the remnants of the Gao Liang Prince Mansion or Prince Dongping Mansion?

The Left General and other military generals all shouted angrily: "These rebels need no trial, just execute them directly."

"Please, Commandery Princess, give the order, and I will cut them down immediately!"

"Generals, please remain calm. We must interrogate these survivors to find out where they came from," Jiang Shaohua cast a glance, and the agitation among the military generals quickly subsided.

The civil servants were also filled with righteous indignation, hurling curses at the rebels.

Prince Wu’an also cursed the rebels angrily: "These must be Jiang Yi’s men. Their master was killed, they are unwilling to resign and actually dared to come to the imperial mausoleum to assassinate Prince Ping! Their intentions are punishable by death!"

However, Prince Huaiyang did not join in the curses, his expression unusually solemn.

This near farcical ’rebellion’ was settled too smoothly, even somewhat like child’s play. But it truly happened right in front of him. He suddenly had a foreboding premonition...

Suddenly, the sharp cries of a child rang out.

Prince Huaiyang was startled back to his senses, quickly turning his head, and saw the young Prince Ping suddenly break down in tears and collapse to the ground, rolling around while crying. His white clothing was soon covered in dust.

Mr. Wei, who accompanied him, was anxious and sweating profusely, repeatedly trying to soothe him in a low voice. Unfortunately, Prince Ping, as if trapped in a nightmare, kept rolling on the ground, crying and screaming hoarsely.

Mr. Wei could not help but cast a pleading look at Jiang Shaohua.

Jiang Shaohua slightly nodded and bent down to pick up Prince Ping. Prince Ping had already entered a semi-delirious state, screaming and crying wildly, scratching whatever was in front of him, reaching out to claw at Jiang Shaohua’s face.

Jiang Shaohua frowned, grasping Jiang Hao’s arm: "Commander Song, press his stunned acupoint."

Song Yuan swiftly reached out and pressed a few points on Jiang Hao. Jiang Hao’s cries and screams abruptly ceased, and his arm fell limply.

Jiang Shaohua handed the unconscious Prince Ping to Mr. Wei. Mr. Wei was so grateful that he almost cried: "Thank you, Commandery Princess! Thank you, Commandery Princess! His Highness Prince Ping was frightened during the palace coup and cannot bear the sound of weapons clashing. Even if someone draws a sword from its sheath, His Highness will start crying and throwing a tantrum. This servant really has no solution."

An eight-year-old child, not fully mature mentally, witnessed the bloody scene of officials being killed and was nearly used as a human shield, almost losing his life at the hands of the rebels, leaving a deep shadow in his heart, which is understandable. Usually, it’s not obvious, but at such critical moments, it becomes evident.

The officials did not sympathize with Prince Ping, but sighed deeply for the bleak future of the Da Liang Dynasty.

Although Emperor Taihe’s methods are somewhat gentle, he has gone through over a decade of proper imperial education and managed to become a barely qualified young emperor.

As for the current Prince Ping, apart from his bloodline, he can be said to have no merit at all.

Nonetheless, in the succession of the throne, bloodline is the most important.

Prince Wu’an coughed heavily, deliberately raising his voice: "Prince Ping is still a child, understands nothing. Not to mention now, even in ten or eight years when he grows up, he may not be usable. Prince Gaoliang is the best example."

Prince Gaoliang was perceptive in his youth and became mentally impaired due to a serious illness in adulthood, slow to respond and stuttered when speaking. However, when silent, he could still somewhat intimidate others.

Prince Ping is not even as good as Prince Gaoliang! A fool lacking complete intelligence and inability to discern right from wrong, how can he be the Emperor?

Prince Wu’an’s deliberate remarks revealed a truth everyone was unwilling to face and unveiled his ambition to replace.

Prince Huaiyang, with a heavy heart, initially did not wish to speak much. However, seeing Prince Wu’an in the limelight, he couldn’t let himself be overshadowed.

Thus, Prince Huaiyang also stepped forward before the ministers and stated, "The succession of the throne is not merely the affair of the Imperial Family, but it also concerns the stability of the country’s rule and the welfare of thousands of common people. It should be selected and discussed by the ministers to choose the truly appropriate person to take over the Da Liang Dynasty."

At this moment, Prince Wu’an joined forces with Prince Huaiyang, loudly agreeing: "Prince Huaiyang’s words are very true. Once everyone returns, a court meeting can be held."

So-called court meetings refer to the votes and decisions made by high-ranking officials of third rank and above. This way, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng is naturally excluded.

The ambitions of Prince Wu’an and Prince Huaiyang were thus exposed.

In recent times, both of them were actively maneuvering in private, each persuading and rallying some officials to support them. Now, some gradually stood out to support this proposal. There were medium-ranking officials of the fourth or fifth rank and high-ranking officials of the third rank and above. As for the low-ranking officials below the fifth rank, they simply had no position to speak or express opinions.

Minister Zhang surprisingly spoke in support: "The two Vassal Kings have made valid points."

Jiang Shaohua observed this scene coldly without sarcastic remarks, letting the officials speak one after another. Only when Minister Zhang expressed his stance, Jiang Shaohua mildly responded: "When we return to the palace, we should first consult with the Grand Empress Dowager before proceeding with the court meeting."

Minister Zhang, without the presence of Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, had some courage and immediately straightened his back proudly: "The major affairs of the court should be decided through discussions by the ministers. Even though the Grand Empress Dowager holds an esteemed status, she is, after all, a woman and should not interfere in state affairs."

Jiang Shaohua let out a cold laugh: "I, too, am a woman. Minister Zhang, are you planning to also drive me out of the court?"

Minister Zhang: "..."

Facing Jiang Shaohua’s cold and murderous gaze, Minister Zhang felt a chill running through his heart, the image of her heroic past where she killed with a spear flashed through his mind, and his attitude softened immediately: "I dare not, Commandery Princess, please quell your anger."

Jiang Shaohua spoke coldly: "Then shut your mouth."

Under the eyes of everyone watching the spectacle, Minister Zhang felt humiliated and had no choice but to keep silent.

Jiang Shaohua then looked toward Prince Wu’an and Prince Huaiyang: "What Uncle Prince Huaiyang and Prince Wu’an said indeed makes some sense."

Jiang Shaohua’s attitude was truly unexpected.

Prince Wu’an was overjoyed and might have promised "as long as you support me, I will agree to any condition" on the spot if the timing was right.

General Ma strode forward and reported with a salute: "Report to the Commandery Princess, a rebel has confessed."