Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 628: Contending for the Throne (Part 1)
Jiang Shaohua remained unmoved.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyebrows twitched, and she had a bad premonition in her heart. Her gaze towards Jiang Shaohua instantly turned sullen; she was about to angrily rebuke when Jiang Shaohua had already opened her mouth: "All the civil and military officials are present here. In front of the ministers, I want to ask the Grand Empress Dowager if Prince Ping can truly ascend the Dragon Throne?"
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng seemed like she had a fishbone stuck in her throat, her previous unbridled arrogance turned into embarrassment.
"In terms of bloodline, Prince Ping is certainly the most legitimate heir to the throne."
Jiang Shaohua raised her eyes and met Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s gaze. In fact, she was taller than Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, her back straight; this confrontation naturally exuded a look of condescension: "But Prince Ping’s mind is incomplete, and even at eight years old, he remains a mere child. Whether it’s three, five, or ten years later, he will not be able to govern or manage state affairs."
"Such a clueless child, how could he bear the responsibility of the Jiang Family’s empire, or become the Emperor of Da Liang?"
Isn’t there still you?!
This magnificent imperial authority is about to be in your hands; what more could you be dissatisfied with?!
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes were alight with fury.
Everyone knew these plans well, but they could not be brought to the forefront. If it were made clear in public, it would truly drag Prince Ping’s dignity through the dirt, and the Imperial Family’s grace along with it.
No matter how angry or furious, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng could not rebuke Jiang Shaohua. She could only glare at her with intense rage.
Imperial Concubine Fan’s face turned bleak, she gritted her teeth and spoke up: "Prince Ping is still young now. If someone assists in governance, carefully guiding him, and after a few years, he becomes sensible, everything will slowly become better..."
"Why deceive yourself, Imperial Concubine," Jiang Shaohua’s voice was gentle yet exceptionally sharp: "Prince Ping was like this from birth, and he won’t suddenly become enlightened in a few years. Even if there are slight improvements, it would still be far from enough to bear the heavy responsibility of Emperor."
"The Grand Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine plan to have someone assist in governance, waiting for Prince Ping to grow up, marry, and father healthy sons, so that Da Liang may have successors."
"Such a plan, how naive and childish. Da Liang faces both internal and external threats, where can it withstand over twenty years of uncertain rule?"
"Furthermore, the one assisting in governance would have to exhaust their energy assisting the clueless Prince Ping, managing state affairs with utmost diligence for half a lifetime, then return imperial power to a future prince who does not yet exist, whose capabilities or health are unknown. This affair is filled with endless uncertainties from start to finish. Who can withstand such a test?"
"Have you not considered that the person assisting in governance might become greedy and harm Prince Ping, directly seizing the throne?"
The ministers: "..."
The ministers were dumbfounded.
Nanyang County Princess even scolded herself?
No, given what Jiang Shaohua said, she obviously was unwilling to be the one assisting in governance, nor did she support Prince Ping’s ascension. So, what exactly does she want?
"Jiang Shaohua, what exactly do you want?" The plan that had been schemed for so long, with Prince Huaiyang and Prince Wu’an taken down, all ninety-nine steps had succeeded but were ruined at this final one. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s mind was exploding like a wildfire, her face was unprecedentedly unsightly: "In front of all civil and military officials, I ask you, what do you want to do?"
"Don’t tell me, you, a woman, want to vie for the great position. Throughout history, there’s been no reasoning for a woman to ascend as Emperor!"
The last two sentences were almost shouted. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s anger was excessive, her voice trembled and destabilized, and she couldn’t stand steadily. With Mr. Zhao urgently supporting his master, his heart was shocked beyond measure.
Does the Commandery Princess want to become Empress?
This... this is too absurd!
Even Mr. Zhao, an eunuch, thought it absurd; the expressions of all the civil and military officials were even more splendid.
Even Vice Minister Dong and Vice Minister Yang, who had always unwaveringly supported the Commandery Princess, were startled by this scene, each gasping in shock.
Imperial Concubine Fan was also stunned, her mind buzzing, blurting out: "Jiang Shaohua! You are such a treacherous and ambitious person!"
Jiang Shaohua ignored Imperial Concubine Fan, still maintaining eye contact with Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, with imposing momentum, not yielding at all
:"Prince Ping cannot take this position, someone must take it. I can’t think of anyone more suitable than me."
"My grandfather, Prince Nanyang, was the Grand Ancestor’s youngest son. I, Jiang Shaohua, belong to the direct Imperial Family bloodline. Aside from Prince Ping, I have the best lineage."
"I have practiced martial arts for years, my body is healthy, my skills are superior, not only enough to protect myself but also capable of taking the head of rebels in chaos."
"In terms of governance ability, there’s no need to elaborate. In these past years, Nanyang County’s prosperity is visible to all. Last year when I came to the Capital City to assist my cousin in managing state affairs, within months the achievements made were clear to everyone."
"Under my command, there are many capable ministers and military generals, loyal County Magistrates from the Fourteen Counties, the Northern Pingzhou, Luozhou, Jingzhou, all willing to pledge allegiance to me. Many states are growing the new crops from Nanyang County, and as soon as I raise my arm, countless citizens will be willing to support me as Emperor."
"They don’t care if I’m a woman, as long as I can allow them to eat well, dress warmly, and live good lives, that would be sufficient." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶
Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept across the ministers’ faces, her voice firm and powerful: "You all know in your hearts that I am the most suitable heir to the throne. If you are willing to support me, I will let bygones be bygones, and in the future court, there will neither be the Prime Minister Faction nor the Grand Empress Dowager’s Faction, only ministers unwaveringly loyal to the court."
Chief Historian Chen reacted fastest, immediately shouting loudly: "I am willing to support the Commandery Princess as the new Emperor!"
Cui Du, Chen Jinyu, and Ma Yaosong simultaneously shouted: "I am willing to support the Commandery Princess as the new Emperor!"
Yang Zheng was completely stunned. He had volunteered to come to the Capital City, intending to serve the Commandery Princess and thoroughly investigate the assassination of the Emperor. Never did he expect to encounter such turbulent waves one after another. Now, the Commandery Princess actually wants to vie for the position of Empress, this... this was too thrilling and terrifying!
Yang Zheng’s mind was spinning, yet reflexively he shouted along.
In the vast court hall, the gestures of support from the few officials from Nanyang County were evidently insufficient.
Vice Minister Dong’s facial expression changed unpredictably, within moments countless thoughts surged in his mind, and finally, only one remained.
Since the gamble was already placed on the Commandery Princess, why not bet big?
Instead of making the wedding dress for someone, why not tailor the outfit to oneself! Supporting the Commandery Princess in governance is nowhere near as exhilarating as claiming the Dragon Throne as Empress! The Commandery Princess has ambition, coupled with the corresponding capability and means. Why couldn’t she become Empress?
Without history, create one!
With one thought opened, the world widens!
Vice Minister Dong’s eyes burst with light, stepped forward, standing side by side with Chief Historian Chen. But before he could open his mouth, a young man’s voice preempted him: "A nation cannot be without a ruler for a day!"
"Prince Ping lacks the mental capacity, unfit for the great position. Nanyang County Princess displays exceptional talent and virtue, possesses governance ability. I, Wang Jin, request the Commandery Princess to ascend as Empress!"
