Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 659: Zhaoping (Part 2)

Some things may seem insignificant, but they actually concern one’s identity, status, and power.

In the past, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was unequivocal in the harem, and no one dared to defy her. Now that Jiang Shaohua has ascended to the throne, it’s not necessary to mention the court; even in the palace, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng must make some concessions.

Jiang Shaohua, being affable, smiled and agreed: "Very well, I’ll have someone invite him over right away."

Upon Jiang Shaohua’s command, one of the Imperial Guards behind her left to deliver the message. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Elder Changning, Cui Du, entered the hall.

That was really fast!

From Jingyang Palace to Zhaohai Palace, sending a message back and forth should take at least the time it takes an incense stick to burn!

"Elder Changning accompanied me to Jingyang Palace and has been waiting outside the palace ever since." Jiang Shaohua smiled, explaining to everyone.

Certainly not just to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager. Cui Du was already accustomed to waiting outside while Jiang Shaohua handled official matters.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng nodded slightly, taking the opportunity to carefully observe Cui Du as he saluted and inquired after her wellbeing.

Regarding Cui Du’s stature and appearance, suffice it to say that even if he’s not the most handsome man out of millions, he could certainly be considered a youthful and outstanding talent. However, he’s different from the young noble sons from aristocratic families. He lacks any pretentious nobility, instead showing straightforwardness and openness. Under the watchful eyes of many, he remained neither servile nor arrogant, unhurried and composed, fitting enough to be the Imperial Consort.

Moreover, Cui Du is not idle or living off others. Today’s prosperity in Nanyang County, and the survival of northern people through repeated famines and natural disasters, are all thanks to the new crops Cui Du cultivated, placing him in the lead role of this success.

"Elder Changning is now the Minister of Agriculture and went to work at the Imperial Manor some days ago," the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng said, "He can’t be by Shaohua’s side all the time. In my opinion, Shaohua should choose several intelligent, quick-witted, and understanding people to serve in the palace."

Cui Du was momentarily stunned and instinctively glanced at Jiang Shaohua.

In those days, powerful men, besides their legitimate wives, would all take beautiful concubines. In the palace, the Emperor selecting concubines was commonplace. Even the weak Emperor Taikang had nine concubines. During Emperor Taihe’s three years of reign, he was in mourning and didn’t have the opportunity to select any. In truth, within a year and a half, an Empress and four concubines would have progressively entered the palace.

Now that Jiang Shaohua has ascended as the Empress, should beautiful young men also be chosen to serve in the palace?

Cui Du had never considered this issue before. Now faced with it suddenly, his mind was momentarily at a standstill.

However, Jiang Shaohua responded unhurriedly: "Not necessary for now. Firstly, I am pregnant and should not be close to any men. Secondly, I still need to mourn for three years for my cousin and father."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng nodded: "Indeed, then let the selection wait until after three years."

To everyone’s surprise, Empress Dowager Li did not object, and even said: "Our Li family also has outstanding young men."

Jiang Shaohua didn’t refuse either and smiled as she said, "This matter can be considered and deliberated in three years."

Only now did Cui Du understand.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng wasn’t intentionally trying to trouble her, nor was she trying to assert dominance over him. In their eyes, the Emperor should have many concubines. This is not only for the continuation of the lineage but also a practical need to balance the power within the court and win over powerful families.

Since Jiang Shaohua is the Empress, selecting outstanding young men to serve in the palace seems only natural.

Take the Zheng family, for example. With someone like the rebel Zheng Chen, Duke An couldn’t even secure the position of Minister of War. In these circumstances, if the Zheng family could have a young man serve the Empress in the palace and gain her favor, they might have a chance to rise again.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng herself is the best example. Her success has brought decades of glory to the Zheng family.

The Li family is slightly better off than the Zheng family. Even after the deaths of Minister Li’s descendants, they still have Inspector Li holding the family together.

Besides, if a beneficial opportunity presents itself, why not take it?

And Jiang Shaohua, newly ascended to the throne, needs the strong support of the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and Empress Dowager Li to stabilize the court’s hearts. Only without worries at home can she freely govern the state. Thus, outright refusal would not be wise; a feigned compliance would be the best approach.

After all, the matter has been pushed off for three years. With three years as a buffer, she can reassess the situation and decide then.

Cui Du silently contemplated, his expression gradually returning to calm from shock.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng saw this and nodded slightly, gently saying: "Elder Changning, you are a man of great talent, and in the future, you must serve properly. You must also have an open mind."

"If Shaohua were just the Nanyang County Princess, the matters between you two would be nobody else’s business. But now Shaohua sits on the Dragon Throne and has become the Emperor of the Da Liang Dynasty, her every move watched by all to set an example for the people. You are no longer just the Princess’s son-in-law; you are the Imperial Consort of the Da Liang Dynasty."

"I have been a Crown Princess Consort, an Empress, and a Empress Dowager, and now I am the Grand Empress Dowager. I have lived in the palace for decades, managing its affairs and sharing the burdens of my husband and descendants."

"Since you are serving, you won’t have time to attend to daily needs and manage all chores. These tasks are better left to others."

"In any case, you were the first to enter the family. The child Shaohua bears is your flesh and blood. No one can take your place."

"You need to be virtuous, and possess the dignity of a primary consort."

Cui Du, having lived through two lifetimes, was being advised for the first time on being virtuous and magnanimous. For a moment, he didn’t know whether to mock internally or to sincerely agree.

Jiang Shaohua appropriately stepped in to ease Cui Du’s embarrassment: "These matters, I’ll slowly discuss with him in private."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng nodded slightly: "Very well. Elder Changning does not know the rules of the palace, you should teach him more." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Jiang Shaohua smiled in agreement and signaled for Cui Du to come over with her eyes.

Cui Du steadied himself and sat on the other side of Prince Ping. He consciously took on the duty of looking after Prince Ping’s meals.

...

Then, Cui Du had the privilege to witness the sharp tongued conversations of the women in the harem.

Double entendres and hidden barbs within words needed to be subtly returned without missing a beat. The implied meanings required careful consideration.

On the surface, everything seemed harmonious, with laughter and joyous conversation.

After the palace banquet dispersed, Cui Du supported Jiang Shaohua’s hand and leisurely returned to Zhaohai Palace.

Yin Zhu and Tu Bai greeted them with joy, assisting Jiang Shaohua with changing clothes and washing up.

That day, when Jiang Shaohua raced into the capital, Yin Zhu and Tu Bai couldn’t accompany her and were left in Nanyang County. When the news of the Princess becoming the Emperor reached Nanyang Prince Mansion, the two maids quickly packed their bags and, accompanied by a thousand trusted aides, set out for the capital to enter the palace.

"Would Your Majesty like some supper?" Yin Zhu delightedly changed the way she addressed her.

Jiang Shaohua casually replied with a smile: "Having already eaten two meals, I’m quite full. No need for supper. You two may withdraw now!"

Yin Zhu and Tu Bai withdrew with cheerful expressions.

In the lavish and spacious bedchamber, the couple exchanged glances.

Jiang Shaohua playfully teased: "Listening to the Grand Empress Dowager’s words tonight, are you feeling uncomfortable in your heart?"