Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 634: Grand Scheme (Part 3)

The posture of the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng can be seen as a helpless concession, but it retains the final insistence and stubbornness.

No matter what, she will never support Jiang Shaohua’s ascension. As long as she doesn’t give her approval, Jiang Shaohua’s claim to the throne will be seen as illegitimate, subject to doubt and criticism for any future mistakes.

Jiang Shaohua is well aware of this intention.

But now is not the time to dwell on it.

Jiang Shaohua turned her head and gave an order, and several Imperial Guards brought a narrow couch, moving the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng onto it to facilitate her transfer back to Jingyang Palace.

Mr. Zhao had been suppressed for so long, it was almost causing him internal injuries. It was difficult for him to get up with his own strength. In his moment of distress, a slender yet strong hand supported his arm: "Just now, thanks to Mr. Zhao for timely catching my great aunt. Mr. Zhao has done a great service, and this Commandery Princess will certainly reward you generously in the future."

Mr. Zhao expressed his gratitude, using Jiang Shaohua’s support to stand up, while giving Jiang Shaohua meaningful looks.

Mr. Zhao had maintained "friendly exchanges" with the Nanyang Prince Mansion over the years, speaking for the Commandery Princess before Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and gaining many benefits. He could be counted as half of the "Princess Party" now. As the Commandery Princess is about to ascend as Empress, Mr. Zhao is very pleased.

This happiness must not show, especially not let the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng perceive it. It’s best to gradually whisper advice privately.

Jiang Shaohua understood and slightly nodded to Mr. Zhao.

Mr. Zhao supported the narrow couch of Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and left Jinluan Palace.

In the vast Jinluan Palace, only Jiang Shaohua and Prince Ping remained.

Prince Ping disliked the solemn and grand Jinluan Palace that made him feel uncomfortable, tugging at Jiang Shaohua’s sleeve and swinging back and forth: "Cousin, I want to go out."

Jiang Shaohua came back to her senses and responded with a smile.

A stick of incense later, Jiang Shaohua brought Prince Ping into Zhaohai Palace.

Prince Ping felt a bit sleepy and yawned. Jiang Shaohua gave an order to Mr. Wei, who then served Prince Ping to take a nap first.

In Zhaohai Palace, after waiting for more than half an hour, Chief Historian Chen and others quickly gathered around.

With no outsiders present, Cui Du no longer had to yield to Chief Historian Chen, quickly stepping forward, taking Jiang Shaohua’s hand, and anxiously inquiring: "How do you feel now? Are you tired? Is there any discomfort?"

Jiang Shaohua seemed to remove a thick mask and finally revealed a faint weariness: "A little tired."

Cui Du carefully supported Jiang Shaohua to sit down.

This was overly tense and cautious.

Chief Historian Chen felt a pang in his heart, suddenly having a thought. Could the Commandery Princess be...

"Chief Historian Chen, I am pregnant." Jiang Shaohua took the initiative to speak, revealing the secret that had been concealed for over a month: "I had the joy before coming to the Capital City; at that time, it was still early, and there were no anomalies. Later, I found my body uncomfortable, with my menstrual period delayed, and only then confirmed the pregnancy."

"I haven’t summoned the Imperial Physician to examine the pulse because I didn’t want to publicize this matter. Now, the pregnancy is over three months, and the fetus is stable."

Most importantly, the overall situation has taken shape, the big picture has been decided. This matter should be known to trusted confidants.

Chief Historian Chen returned from his shock, looking alarmed: "Had I known earlier, I shouldn’t have let the Commandery Princess risk entering the palace with troops, fighting for a whole day."

However, Jiang Shaohua said, "Without that day’s fight and struggle, how could I gain the allegiance of the officials today?"

That is indeed true.

On that day, Jiang Shaohua stormed into Jinluan Palace like a deity, killing rebels and saving the lives of the courtiers. This act of salvation played a crucial role at today’s grand court meeting.

The saying goes that one who receives a favor from another has to hold their tongue and be submissive. Facing their savior, it’s hard for the courtiers to stand tall. Even the most rigid orthodox officials didn’t excessively attack Jiang Shaohua’s female identity. Otherwise, the Princess Party could have arrogantly retaliated.

When the Commandery Princess led troops to save you, why didn’t you mind her being a woman?

Chief Historian Chen, old enough to be the Commandery Princess’s grandfather, also didn’t have too many scruples. He examined her carefully: "The Commandery Princess hasn’t had any morning sickness, indicating a strong fetus."

Speaking of the child in her belly, Jiang Shaohua’s eyebrows relaxed, revealing a smile in her eyes: "Yes, although my appetite is poor and I tire easily, there’s nothing else wrong."

Chief Historian Chen stroked his beard, speaking with satisfaction: "That’s good. Now the Commandery Princess’s figure isn’t showing, keep the pregnancy matter concealed. After officially ascending, it won’t be too late to announce it to the courtiers."

Jiang Shaohua nodded.

Ma Yaosong and Yang Zheng only then came back to their senses from the shock. Ma Yaosong didn’t ask anything, while Yang Zheng couldn’t help but say: "Should we hint at Vice Minister Dong and Vice Minister Yang?"

At this grand court meeting, Vice Minister Dong and Vice Minister Yang clearly supported Jiang Shaohua, rendering great merit. They would also be the key officials she would heavily rely on after her ascension.

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Yang Zheng: "Telling those two is equivalent to announcing it to all courtiers."

This matter can’t actually be concealed for long. As the pregnancy advances, her figure will inevitably change and can’t escape keen eyes. However, during the crucial time of the ascension, it’s best not to mention it. Once seated on the Dragon Throne, whether the courtiers are pleased or regretful, they will have to accept it.

Yang Zheng smiled sheepishly: "It’s my lack of consideration. I will return to Yang Mansion and certainly keep my mouth shut."

Chen Jinyu said softly: "The Commandery Princess has been busy for half a day, let’s serve lunch first! After eating, take a good rest."

Jiang Shaohua said: "Let’s have lunch first. After that, I need to go out of the palace to the Wang Family."

Chen Jinyu, still young, was momentarily stunned.

Chief Historian Chen nodded: "Today, Wang She Ren supported the Commandery Princess’s ascension, with the Prime Minister Faction largely following him. He can be said to have rendered outstanding service. Now the message must have reached Prime Minister Wang."

"Prime Minister Wang will surely be furious, and if it leads to father-son conflict, it would be unpleasant. The Commandery Princess should personally visit the Wang Family, first to support Wang She Ren, and second to slightly appease Prime Minister Wang."

As long as Prime Minister Wang hasn’t resigned, he remains the Da Liang Chancellor! For Jiang Shaohua to ascend smoothly, she naturally can’t bypass Prime Minister Wang.

As for Cui Du, witnessing firsthand what Wang Jin did today, he deeply admired Wang Jin’s decisiveness and courage.

Considering Wang Jin’s past misfortune, in a previous life he married Jiang Shaohua and had a son, yet died young. In this life, Jiang Shaohua would not repeat her previous mistakes nor have any emotional entanglements with Wang Jin. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have defeated formidable opponents so smoothly, becoming Jiang Shaohua’s husband.

Thinking about this, Cui Du felt only sympathy for Wang Jin, without any jealousy. He proactively said: "Commandery Princess, I’ll accompany you. When Prime Minister Wang sees me, he might curse Wang She Ren a bit less." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Jiang Shaohua considered: "I have some words to say to Wang Jin alone. If you go, it would be awkward, better not to."

Cui Du didn’t find it inappropriate and quickly agreed.