Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 626: Methods (5)

Prince Huaiyang was already like a fish on the chopping block, appearing utterly at the mercy of others, yet he showed no anger and nodded in agreement.

Prince Wu’an, infuriated beyond measure, pointed at Jiang Shaohua’s nose and cursed loudly: "You, a mere junior of the Jiang Family, dare speak to me like this, showing no respect for your elders..."

A piercing cry erupted.

His right index finger, which had been pointing at Jiang Shaohua, was struck by Jiang Shaohua with such force that it almost broke on the spot.

Prince Wu’an, nearly sixty, cried out repeatedly in pain, his tears streaming, truly a humiliating spectacle.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes did not move, and he said coldly: "This is a warning. Dare to point at me with your finger again, and I will cripple your hand!"

His tone was chilling, laden with a murderous aura.

Prince Huaiyang was stunned by Jiang Shaohua’s ruthless ferocity.

The loudly wailing Prince Wu’an, lacking the courage to argue with Jiang Shaohua, turned to the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and lamented: "Jiang Shaohua is heartless and vicious, showing no respect or reverence to elders. She acts without thinking, truly unbecoming. With such a temperament, how can she stay in the palace? What if one day she develops treasonous thoughts?"

Even in his misery, he did not forget to tarnish Jiang Shaohua’s reputation!

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng responded with a cold smile: "If not for Shaohua’s prowess, how would we stand firm against oppression with an aging old woman like me and a young Prince Ping?"

"You both are suspected of rebellion and treason. Only when cleared of suspicion can you leave the Capital City and return to your vassal territories."

"Someone, take them to the Heavenly Prison, and remember to keep them separately from Prince Dongping."

At the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s decree, a number of Imperial Guards arrived, each clad in soft armor and armed with knives, their gazes icy cold.

Clearly, if Prince Huaiyang and Prince Wu’an attempted resistance, these guards would immediately draw their weapons against them.

It was Prince Huaiyang who first rose to comply.

Prince Wu’an looked grim, glaring fiercely at Jiang Shaohua, and reluctantly stood up.

The Imperial Guards led the two vassal kings to the Heavenly Prison, as mentioned.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng finally breathed a long sigh of relief, hugging Prince Ping tightly, and whispered softly: "Hao’er, don’t be afraid, with Grandmother here, no one dares to take your throne."

"Whoever dares to plot, Grandmother will eliminate them for you!"

Was she talking to herself, or was she subtly warning her?

Jiang Shaohua sneered internally, her face revealing nothing.

Prince Ping was hugged too tightly, feeling uncomfortable, and struggled free from the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s embrace, running over to Jiang Shaohua’s side, clutching Jiang Shaohua’s sleeve: "Cousin, I want to sleep with you again tonight."

Jiang Shaohua’s mouth twitched slightly, suppressing the urge to kick Jiang Hao: "Last night in the Imperial Mausoleum, the situation was tense, and I allowed you to add a small cot in my room. Now that we’re back in the palace, with many Imperial Guards here, safety is assured."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng did not misunderstand. Prince Ping was small in age and even younger in mind, with the intelligence of around a three-year-old. In Prince Ping’s mind, there was no concept of gender difference. He simply trusted and relied on Jiang Shaohua excessively, wanting to cling to her.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng said to Jiang Shaohua: "You’ve worked hard these days, tonight stay here in Jingyang Palace and rest."

This was the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s "favor," and it was not to be refused.

Jiang Shaohua had no intention of breaking ties with the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng at the moment, so she nodded in agreement.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was very satisfied with Jiang Shaohua’s compliance and then summoned Imperial Concubine Fan to take Prince Ping away.

Jiang Shaohua had lived in Jingyang Palace for several months, and her bedroom remained clean and tidy.

Yin Zhutu Bai were left behind in Nanyang County and did not come to the Capital City. Cui Du was male, hence could not stay overnight in Jingyang Palace. The only companion for Jiang Shaohua was Chen Jinyu.

As soon as the door was closed, Chen Jinyu furrowed his brow and whispered: "Is the Grand Empress Dowager planning to confine the Commandery Princess?"

Jiang Shaohua gently replied: "That’s not entirely it. Zheng Chen fled, Duke An is gravely injured, and the Zheng Family is implicated in rebellion. The Grand Empress Dowager needs someone to stabilize the situation and deter the courtiers, and this person can only be me. She keeps me in Jingyang Palace as a gesture of favor."

Chen Jinyu couldn’t help but mutter: "Who wants such a favor! I’d rather leave the palace and return to the Prince Mansion!"

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Chen Jinyu: "Since we’ve come, let’s be at ease. Rest early; tomorrow’s court meeting will be a tough battle."

Chen Jinyu nodded, first ordering palace attendants to bring hot water for the Commandery Princess to wash simply, and then lay down together.

Jiang Shaohua was somewhat weary, and as she lay on the bed, she quickly felt drowsy.

Chen Jinyu, burdened with thoughts, lay sideways watching the sleepy Jiang Shaohua, speaking softly: "Commandery Princess, I feel like you’ve changed from before."

"These days, your appetite is not as before, and you tend to tire more easily."

This was a close confidant who truly understood and knew her well. Some matters might be concealed for a time, but can never be hidden forever.

Jiang Shaohua opened her eyes and said softly: "I am pregnant, three months along now."

Chen Jinyu: "..."

Chen Jinyu’s pupils suddenly expanded wide, gasping, clutching Jiang Shaohua’s hand, speaking incoherently: "The Commandery Princess is with child? Heavens! Such joyful news, why has it been kept secret! Previously, the Commandery Princess even led troops into the palace to kill rebels! Thank goodness the baby didn’t get disturbed, and you weren’t hurt!"

"How can the Commandery Princess keep this hidden! You should have a physician check your pulse."

"Father doesn’t know yet; I should immediately send someone to inform him..."

Jiang Shaohua gently interrupted her: "Cui Du knows, you’re the second person to know. It’s not suitable to announce it now; wait a little longer."

Chen Jinyu, still in a state of shock, joy, and confusion, nodded subconsciously. After calming slightly, she soon understood: "Tomorrow’s court meeting will surely be to support the new Emperor. At such a crucial moment, the matter of the Commandery Princess’s pregnancy should indeed not be revealed."

Striving for a significant position as a woman is challenging enough. With pregnancy, courtiers are likely to develop the subtle mindset of "For a woman, pregnancy and childbirth are the highest priorities; how can she handle state affairs?" putting the Commandery Princess at a disadvantage.

Chen Jinyu’s mind raced with thoughts, and once she regained her composure, she found the Commandery Princess had already closed her eyes and fallen asleep.

Chen Jinyu dared not move, for fear of waking the Commandery Princess. She closed her eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.

...

The following day at the fifth hour, Jiang Shaohua rose as usual.

While changing clothes, Chen Jinyu closely observed Jiang Shaohua’s waistline.

Jiang Shaohua also glanced down: "The belly hasn’t protruded yet, it’s not visible."

Chen Jinyu hummed in acknowledgment, unable to resist reminding softly: "During the court meeting later, no matter what happens, Commandery Princess, do not anger or get upset."

Jiang Shaohua smirked slightly: "I’ll try my best."

A pregnant woman should avoid bloodshed and refrain from killing. These taboos, she has violated extensively. The child, not yet born, has already "seen the world" broadly.