Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 632: The Big Picture (Part 1)

Empress Dowager Li’s resolute declaration became the final straw that broke Prince Ping.

Vice Minister Dong bowed and clasped his hands: "For the sake of the Da Liang kingdom, I implore the Commandery Princess to ascend the throne!"

Chief Historian Chen bowed and loudly exclaimed: "I implore the Commandery Princess to ascend the throne!"

Wang Jin wore a solemn expression, his voice powerful: "I implore the Commandery Princess to ascend the throne!"

The Left General also spoke up: "I implore the Commandery Princess to ascend the throne!"

Immediately, one minister after another echoed the call, and the initially wavering neutral faction, infected by the passionate emotion, joined in. In an instant, the chorus of "I implore the Commandery Princess to ascend the throne" surged like ocean waves in the Jinluan Palace.

Imperial Concubine Fan could no longer make a sound as she cried, sitting on the ground in disarray, staring blankly at the scene.

Prince Ping, sobbing loudly, was also intimidated by the situation. He climbed up from the threshold and instinctively went to Imperial Concubine Fan’s side. Like a wooden sculpture, Imperial Concubine Fan remained silent and motionless, appearing strange and fearsome to Prince Ping, who then went to Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s side.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was trembling with rage, her face pale as paper, enveloped in fury with no attention to spare for Prince Ping.

Prince Ping pouted and waddled over to Jiang Shaohua, crying out "Shao Hua Cousin".

Jiang Shaohua responded softly, taking Prince Ping’s hand and soothing him gently: "Don’t be afraid, stay by my side."

Prince Ping sniffled vigorously, leaning against Jiang Shaohua.

The originally loyal faction of ministers was also overwhelmed by Prince Ping’s actions. Enough! Even the Empress Dowager supported Nanyang County Princess’s ascension; what position did they, as ministers, have to oppose?

Even if Prince Ping ascended to the throne, it would only be a mere formality, as they had always relied on Jiang Shaohua to govern the court. Now, it was merely removing the pretense of secrecy, granting it an official title and righteousness.

These ministers, maintaining silence amidst the tide of voices, silently acquiesced to this outcome.

The hearts of the court ministers were united, the major outcome decided! Even Grand Empress Dowager Zheng couldn’t alter the fact that Jiang Shaohua was about to become the Empress of Da Liang.

Jiang Shaohua raised her eyes, again meeting the gaze of Grand Empress Dowager Zheng. One gaze sharp and bright like the rising morning sun, the other aged and declining like the setting evening sun.

"My great-aunt, after I ascend the throne, I will diligently govern to ensure peace and prosperity for the people of Da Liang. I will honor both my great-aunt and great-mother, letting you live out your years in comfort. Prince Ping is my cousin; I will ensure his safe and peaceful upbringing."

Jiang Shaohua did not intentionally raise her voice, yet as she began speaking, the shouting of the ministers spontaneously ceased. The vast Jinluan Palace quickly quieted, everyone focused on listening to Jiang Shaohua’s voice.

Jiang Shaohua looked at Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, continuing clearly and forcefully: "For the sake of the bigger picture, I ask my great-aunt to support my ascension!"

At this point, even without her support, it was of no consequence.

The entire cohort of civil and military officials, as if possessed, unconditionally backed Jiang Shaohua. Such public opinion and prestige could overturn the Da Liang court even if they raised a flag of rebellion.

However, the resentment within Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was something she couldn’t swallow. She stared fiercely at Jiang Shaohua, wanting to speak, but suddenly her vision went black, and she collapsed.

Mr. Zhao, being the closest, unthinkingly fell to the floor first, cushioning the fall with his body.

With a dull thud.

Mr. Zhao almost coughed up blood from the impact.

Jiang Shaohua reacted swiftly, immediately commanding: "Someone, fetch the Imperial Physician at once!"

A sudden fainting should not be recklessly moved; one must stay put and wait for the Imperial Physician for diagnosis and emergency care.

Several Imperial Physicians were soon summoned to the Jinluan Palace, rushing to Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s side, first observing her complexion, then feeling her pulse, before applying needles for emergency treatment.

The grand court assembly could no longer proceed.

Minister Dai, who hadn’t spoken all along, trembled and clasped his hands: "What should be done next, please instruct us, Commandery Princess!"

Minister Zhang scowled, internally cursing "old fox who bends with the wind".

As Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept over, Minister Zhang immediately lowered his eyes, avoiding those penetrating, blade-like eyes: "Today’s grand court assembly is suspended."

"The funeral has ended, and affairs at the Six Ministries have been on hold for several days. Return to your respective offices and resume normal duties. Tomorrow, officials of third-rank and above shall convene at the Jinluan Palace for a smaller court meeting."

All ministers bowed in unison in acceptance, then exited the Jinluan Palace in a steady stream.

The process was executed as if rehearsed a hundred times, smoothly and with ease.

In truth, regardless of who sits on the Dragon Throne, regardless of who controls court affairs, ministers have always acted upon orders. Jiang Shaohua, having overseen court affairs for several months, has become familiar to the ministers in her command, with no issues of adaptation.

In just a short while, all officials filed out of the Jinluan Palace, including Chief Historian Chen and the Prince Mansion officials.

Chief Historian Chen felt a gratifying solace, with Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong brimming with excitement, their faces glowing with exhilaration. Yang Zheng was still in a daze, muttering to himself: "Is it decided? The Commandery Princess is really going to ascend as Empress?"

A barely believable miracle!

Only Cui Du, amidst his happiness, was somewhat absent-minded, occasionally glancing towards the direction of the Jinluan Palace.

Chief Historian Chen’s laughter was a few degrees louder than usual: "Elder Changning need not worry. With the support of the Empress Dowager, and the backing of the ministers, the Commandery Princess’s ascension is unshakable."

Cui Du was not worried about this; rather, he was concerned that Jiang Shaohua’s emotional fluctuation might have agitated her pregnancy, harming her health.

However, such matters were not suitable for public discussion. Cui Du instead asked: "Where should we head next, and what should we do?"

While the ministers returned to their offices to work, what were they to do?

Chief Historian Chen smirked with confidence: "We’ll stay in the palace and await the Commandery Princess’s call at any moment. It’s inappropriate to linger in the Jinluan Palace, so we’ll head to Zhaohai Palace to wait."

...

Inside the Jinluan Palace.

Mr. Zhao lay miserably as a makeshift cushion, with Grand Empress Dowager Zheng lying on him unable to move, hence he too remained motionless.

Empress Dowager Li, having persisted until now, had exhausted her energy and strength, and her body swayed.

Jiang Shaohua swiftly reached out to support Empress Dowager Li, and had a narrow cot brought over for Empress Dowager Li to slowly lie down.

Exerting her last bit of energy, Empress Dowager Li spoke with effort: "Don’t forget the promise you made to the grieving me."

Jiang Shaohua nodded: "Not a single day have I forgotten. I will surely capture Zheng Chen and personally end his life to console my cousin’s spirit in heaven."

After a pause, she softly added: "It’s truly regrettable that Minister Li’s grandson died tragically in the palace upheaval. However, the Li Family still has many outstanding younger members, who will undoubtedly uphold the Li Family’s gates in the future. Please, Lady Empress Dowager, worry not."

Closing her eyes, Empress Dowager Li let tears fall from the corners.

The era belonging to Emperor Taihe Jiang Song had ended. Next, Jiang Shaohua would sit upon the Dragon Throne, penning a new Chapter in history.