Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 644: Negotiations (Part 3)

"The Grand Empress Dowager wants to protect the Zheng Family and cannot avoid temporarily compromising. As for me, I need the Grand Empress Dowager’s support to smoothly ascend the throne. Therefore, I have to temporarily let the Zheng Family go."

Jiang Shaohua patiently explained to Cui Du, "Our current easing of relations is just a show for everyone."

"As for the future, who will have the final say in the palace, and which orders the courtiers will follow in the court, there will inevitably be secret power struggles. Both the Grand Empress Dowager and I understand this well."

Cui Du felt a bit confused, "I really don’t understand these political intrigues."

Jiang Shaohua chuckled, "It’s not necessary for you to understand these. Just focus on tending your fields, promoting new grains, and improving crop varieties. This is what you’re good at."

Cui Du nodded.

Chief Historian Chen hesitated a bit, then asked in a low voice, "Does the Grand Empress Dowager know about the Princess’s pregnancy?"

Jiang Shaohua responded with a hum, "I have already informed the Grand Empress Dowager."

The matter of pregnancy could not be concealed forever. Now that the courtiers have shown their allegiance and the Grand Empress Dowager has conceded, there is no harm in disclosing it.

Chief Historian Chen was somewhat worried and subtly reminded, "A woman with child must avoid many taboos. There are many considerations regarding clothing, diet, and lifestyle. If the Princess is to reside in the palace, she must be extra cautious."

After all, the palace is the domain of the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng. Even if she is lenient now, who knows when she might show her claws?

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes gleamed, "I will be careful. A few days ago, I had Commander Song send a message back to Nanyang County to dispatch a thousand trusted aides here. Many Imperial Guards have died in the palace, so my aides can conveniently fill their roles."

Only with my own people can I feel truly at ease.

Chief Historian Chen immediately breathed a sigh of relief, "That’s good."

Chen Jinyu interjected, "Isn’t a thousand aides a bit too few?"

"A thousand are sufficient," Jiang Shaohua replied calmly, "There are over a hundred thousand troops stationed in the Capital City; they are the main force defending it. My aides are only needed to protect my personal safety within the palace. The rest will remain in Nanyang County for future use."

Once the officials had left, Cui Du immediately supported Jiang Shaohua, asking thrice as usual, "Are you tired? Are you hungry? Is there any discomfort?"

Only in front of Cui Du would Jiang Shaohua show a hint of exhaustion, "I’ve been busy all day, I’m tired and hungry, but my stomach feels fine."

The symptoms of pregnancy vary among women. Some would be bedridden from nausea, while spirited ones like Jiang Shaohua, capable of handling affairs without much delay, are quite rare.

Cui Du touched Jiang Shaohua’s abdomen, smiling softly, "Our daughter is very considerate, unwilling to cause her mother any trouble."

Jiang Shaohua pressed her lips into a smile, joining him in caressing her belly. The slight curve was only perceptible upon close examination.

A tiny life, a shared bloodline between her and him, was growing within her. Such joy quietly spread in her heart, slowly dispelling the shadows of her past.

"Are we moving into Zhaohai Palace starting tonight?" Cui Du asked softly.

Jiang Shaohua rested her head on his chest, "Yes, an Emperor should not reside outside the palace. Since the Grand Empress Dowager and I are ’reconciled,’ it’s fitting to live inside the palace. You are my husband, and you will also live in Zhaohai Palace."

Cui Du hadn’t been idle these past few days, secretly inquiring to learn that there are several Imperial Manors outside the city. The nearest one could be reached on horseback in two hours. "I’ll be working at the manor and will return every three days," he laughed softly.

The couple each had their responsibilities, making it impossible to be together day and night. Gathering for one night every three days was already quite good.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and agreed.

...

There are no true secrets in the palace.

The news of Jiang Shaohua’s pregnancy quietly spread from Jingyang Palace, and upon hearing it, Empress Dowager Li felt somewhat comforted.

It was regrettable that Jiang Song left no heirs before his death. As Jiang Shaohua was set to succeed the throne as Empress, it was only appropriate for her to mourn Jiang Song. Now, being over three months pregnant hadn’t delayed matters at all.

Imperial Concubine Fan also soon learned of the matter. These past few days, she was like an ant on a hot pan, oscillating between anxiety, worry, and anger. Upon suddenly hearing this news, her first reaction was to rush to Jingyang Palace to seek an audience with the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng had no desire to engage but reluctantly agreed to meet with Imperial Concubine Fan after Mr. Zhao’s persuasion.

As expected, the first words out of Imperial Concubine Fan’s mouth were, "Grand Empress Dowager, Jiang Shaohua is pregnant. This is the best opportunity to deal with her."

There are many underhanded methods in the harem. To target a pregnant woman, Imperial Concubine Fan herself could think of three or five ways.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s heart burned with anger as she coldly glared, "I’ve already declared support for Jiang Shaohua’s succession. Anyone with sinister intentions will first have to answer to me!"

Imperial Concubine Fan’s eyes turned red instantly, tears streaming down her face, "Is Lady really going to watch Jiang Shaohua seize Prince Ping’s throne?"

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng corrected coolly, "It is the courtiers who supported the Nanyang County Princess as the Emperor; she did not seize Prince Ping’s throne. Even if, hypothetically, the throne were given to Prince Ping, could he maintain it? Enabling the Prime Minister to assist Prince Ping is utterly foolish. It would be gifting the great country to a minister! At least Jiang Shaohua bears the Jiang name and is of Jiang bloodline!"

"Fan Family! You are upset now, but I do not blame you. However, remember this: You must not voice complaints in front or behind others, nor take any actions harmful to Jiang Shaohua."

"Furthermore, Prince Ping will move to Jingyang Palace from today. I will personally oversee his daily life."

Imperial Concubine Fan bit her lip hard, so much so that her lower lip was bleeding from the pressure.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, too weary to engage further, waved her hand, "I am tired, you may leave now."

Tearfully, Imperial Concubine Fan withdrew.

Mr. Zhao discreetly summoned a little eunuch, whispering instructions. The little eunuch nodded and swiftly went to Zhaohai Palace to deliver a message to the Commandery Princess.

The news that Imperial Concubine Fan could gather naturally couldn’t be kept from the well-informed courtiers.

Upon learning of the matter, Minister Dong immediately discarded the auspicious dates selected by the Ministry of Rites and chose the nearest date, set for a month later.

The Empress’s robe was made slightly loose to at least obscure her figure. Otherwise, holding an enthronement with a prominently pregnant Jiang Shaohua in three to five months would be inconvenient.

Minister Dong’s thoughtful gesture greatly pleased Jiang Shaohua. During a small court meeting, she smiled and praised, "Minister Dong has chosen an excellent date."

Minister Dong modestly bowed in response.

What else could the other officials do? They grudgingly accepted it. Da Liang already had an Empress; one more such event made no difference.

Meanwhile, Meng Sanbao and a dozen trusted aides rode swiftly back to Nanyang County, also bringing back the monumental news of Jiang Shaohua’s imminent ascension as Empress.