Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 625: Methods (4)

The convoy traveled for a day and entered the city gates. Before nightfall, the ministers accompanied Nanyang County Princess and Prince Ping into the palace together.

Prince Huaiyang remained silent throughout the journey, saying nothing until he entered Jingyang Palace. Suddenly, he knelt down with a loud thud and cried out loudly: "Imperial Aunt, I am wronged! I have never been ambitious for the throne, nor dared to conspire against it. I beg Imperial Aunt to save my life!"

Jingyang Palace was brightly lit, as bright as day.

Sitting on the Phoenix Chair, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, with her hair completely white, appeared gaunt and haggard, her expression unsightly. She stared viciously at the weeping Prince Huaiyang: "Your words are light. Wu Wei and Si Wu are both your confidants. Their participation in the rebel uprising, is it not under your instructions?"

Prince Huaiyang forcefully kowtowed, making his forehead a bloody mess: "The two must have acted on their own, believing that assassinating Prince Ping would help me ascend the throne. Little did they know, being a Vassal King would satisfy me; I have never been ambitious for the throne."

At such times, it was impossible to completely clear oneself. Furthermore, mentioning that Wu Wei and Si Wu might be "traitorous death warriors" might completely anger Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

It was also evident that Prince Huaiyang had resolved to preserve his life, only hoping for Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s mercy.

The five sons behind Prince Huaiyang all knelt down, crying and begging for mercy.

Huaiyang County Princess, who had been staying by Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s side, also knelt down crying: "Great Aunt, my father has behaved properly for years, never committing any rebellious acts. I beg Great Aunt to see clearly!"

Jiang Shaohua remained silent, watching coldly.

Prince Ping, not understanding anything, probably found the scene before him ridiculous and couldn’t help but snicker.

This laughter was somewhat jarring amidst the cries for mercy.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, however, found nothing wrong with it and indulgently beckoned Prince Ping: "Hao’er, come to Grandmother."

Jiang Hao habitually glanced at Jiang Shaohua.

Jiang Shaohua led Jiang Hao to Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s side. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng hugged her beloved grandson, finding satisfaction in confirming that even a strand of Prince Ping’s hair was unharmed, then said to Jiang Shaohua, "You have taken excellent care of Hao’er."

Jiang Shaohua softly replied, "This is Shao Hua’s duty."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was even more pleased with the term "duty."

Indeed, that was the correct attitude.

No matter how clever or capable a woman is, she must rely on a man. The royal power is overwhelming; Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, in these years, has been closest to the throne. After her husband’s death, her weak son and young grandson have always had to listen to her. And yet, she never intervened directly in the court but instead wielded power through the Zheng family’s father and son.

Frankly, Jiang Shaohua has pioneered women’s involvement in politics. In the future, Jiang Shaohua will become a prince regent, which would be true power.

Jiang Shaohua should feel grateful and assist Prince Ping whole-heartedly.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng patted the back of Jiang Shaohua’s hand, carrying a meaning that all was understood without being said.

Jiang Shaohua grasped Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s intentions. In this complex situation, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s move against Prince Huaiyang was beneficial to her, and she could just watch and wait.

Meanwhile, Prince Wu’an’s eyes flashed with joy.

If Prince Huaiyang was convicted and dealt with, he would lose a significant rival. Even if Grand Empress Dowager Zheng spared Prince Huaiyang’s life, he would lose the eligibility to contend for the grand position...

It was like a blessing descending from heaven.

Prince Wu’an silently calculated with satisfaction, only to hear Grand Empress Dowager Zheng ask Prince Huaiyang: "If Wu Wei and Si Wu were not under your orders, then who could be behind instigating them to frame you?"

"This person is insidious, ambitious, scheming grandly. Prince Huaiyang, think carefully, when did you make such an enemy?"

As Grand Empress Dowager Zheng spoke, she glanced at Prince Wu’an, deliberately or unintentionally.

Prince Wu’an hadn’t sensed the imminent danger, still secretly entertained in his mind.

Jiang Shaohua sneered inwardly.

Prince Huaiyang raised his head, following Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s gaze, and with a sudden epiphany, found a genuine path to survival: "It is Prince Wu’an! He must have bribed my trusted aides, having them participate in the rebellion and pinning the blame on me."

"It is him! He grew ambitions for the throne, planned to get rid of Prince Ping, and in the process framed me."

"Please, Imperial Aunt, immediately order the arrest of Prince Wu’an, investigate thoroughly, and clear my innocence."

Prince Wu’an: "..."

Prince Wu’an was almost dumbstruck. When he finally reacted, his face quickly turned red with anger, eyes shooting beams of rage. Pointing at Prince Huaiyang, he lashed out furiously: "You spew lies!"

"I don’t even know who this Wu Weisiwu is! Our vassal territories are separated by over a thousand miles; under normal circumstances, we wouldn’t even meet. If it weren’t for coming to the capital for mourning, I would almost forget what you, Prince Huaiyang, look like."

"Where would I find the opportunity to entice and buy your trusted personal soldiers? You’re spouting nonsense and false accusations! Grand Empress Dowager, you must do me justice!"

As Prince Wu’an continued, he was nearly brought to tears with urgency.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, unhurriedly, spoke: "Since Prince Huaiyang says so, this grieving heart must send someone to inquire. Eunuch Lin!"

Eunuch Lin bowed his waist and came forward: "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Go to the prison and investigate clearly, then report back to the grieving heart."

Eunuch Lin accepted the order and left.

Prince Wu’an already sensed trouble. When Grand Empress Dowager Zheng married into the Royal Family and became the Da Liang Crown Princess Consort, he was not yet of age. He had, as a youth, seen the formidable means of Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

This Eunuch Lin, was an old member of the palace. Usually of unremarkable reputation, appearing far less prominent than Mr. Zhao. In truth, however, Eunuch Lin was Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s true confidant, secretly managing the people in Jingyang Palace.

What kind of results Eunuch Lin would bring from the prison, one could guess without much thought.

Prince Wu’an cold sweat flowed like rain, his gaze on Prince Huaiyang like that of a man-eating beast: "You are trying to drag me down with you. I stand upright and act straight, you will not smear me."

At such a time, as long as he could save himself, Prince Huaiyang couldn’t care less about Prince Wu’an’s life or death: "You coveted the throne, secretly colluded with Prime Minister Wang, you know best what you have done."

"Bah! I am innocent and have done nothing."

"Then what are you afraid of?"

The two vassal princes began to bicker angrily.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s face darkened: "Silence!"

Prince Huaiyang immediately fell silent.

Prince Wu’an was in a fit of rage and couldn’t help but blurt out: "How can such a serious crime as treason be based on the reckless words of two personal soldiers? If those two claimed they were sent by the Grand Empress Dowager, does it mean that the primary conspirator was the Grand Empress Dowager?"

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was furious: "Silence!"

Jiang Shaohua, who had been watching coldly, finally spoke: "Before the matter is clarified, both Prince Huaiyang and Prince Wu’an must stay within the palace."