Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 660: Imperial Consort (Part 1)

In the middle of the night, there is nothing a couple can’t say to each other in whispers.

Cui Du sighed and nodded, "Yes, I was completely taken aback tonight. I never even considered these matters."

In the world he lived in, monogamy was the norm. Even if some sought pleasures elsewhere, they couldn’t openly marry several wives or husbands.

Just like his father and mother, their feelings were indifferent and distant, each busy with their own lives, sometimes not seeing each other for ten days or half a month. Whether they had new loves outside, Cui Du never delved into it. Upon reflection, perhaps there were hints. However, as long as his parents didn’t divorce and could maintain superficial peace, it counted as a complete family.

"...Where I come from, if a couple’s feelings are disharmonious to the point that they can no longer live together, they divorce, which means parting amicably, each remarrying."

"Few couples in Da Liang separate, but where I’m from, divorce is commonplace. My father is in business, and my mother is in politics; both had to consider their positions and reputations, so they never divorced."

"Actually, sometimes I think it’s better if such couples have a clean break. They appear harmonious but privately clash often; there is only one thing they agree on, that their son—me—is a failure."

Jiang Shaohua was displeased by this: "That’s not true. Farming is foundational to a nation. No matter the era, those who can cultivate are truly talented."

Cui Du grinned wide at the praise and held Jiang Shaohua’s hand, "I think the same. I never took what they said to heart."

"A person lives only for decades, so why force oneself to do things they don’t like? I just love farming, love cultivating crops in experimental fields. I neither steal nor rob; I use my skills to support myself and benefit the common folk. I think I’m pretty amazing!"

This self-congratulatory boastful demeanor was vivid and charming.

Jiang Shaohua pursed her lips in a smile, leaned over, and kissed the edge of his lips.

The couple had not been so intimate for a long time. Cui Du, being young and spirited, immediately flushed with glowing eyes, leaning in.

With Jiang Shaohua pregnant over four months, considerations for the child meant true intimacy was not advisable. They resorted to some subtle gestures, which need not be detailed.

After a long while, the couple lay closely embraced on the bed, heads leaning together whispering.

"Shao Hua," Cui Du murmured softly at her ear, "In three years, will you really select some young men to enter the palace?"

Jiang Shaohua held back her laughter, glancing at him, "I sat on the Dragon Throne, everything must be considered from a strategic perspective. It’s a good method to balance court and draw powerful ministers, also the best way to appease the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager. Do you think I should select people to fill the harem?"

Cui Du, lacking much deep thoughts or schemes, listened to these words, his face fell, dejected: "The approach is right. It’s just I’m not magnanimous enough; I only want to stay with you, without anyone interfering between us."

Even though he was the rightful consort, he was not pleased watching a group of handsome youths vying for Jiang Shaohua’s favor.

Upon picturing such a scene in his mind, he was almost about to explode.

Jiang Shaohua was amused, laughingly comforting him, "Didn’t I speak to the Grand Empress Dowager tonight? I want to observe mourning for my cousin and father, won’t hold a selection for the next three years."

"What about after three years?" Cui Du brazenly pressed.

Jiang Shaohua laughed, asking him back, "If someone really enters the palace to compete for favor with you, what will you do?"

Not hearing the promise he wanted, Cui Du quickly deflated like a balloon pricked by a needle.

After contemplating a moment, he answered softly, "No good solutions, just becoming a virtuous and magnanimous Imperial Consort. By then, I’ll stay with the child at the Imperial Manor and visit the palace when I miss you. When you no longer want to see me, I’ll quickly return to the Imperial Manor."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "You like this; it’s far from virtuous and magnanimous."

True virtue involves managing harem affairs, meaning not only must he not be jealous, but he should care for the clothing and living of the beautiful youths competing for favor.

Just thinking about it would drive him mad.

Cui Du couldn’t help but run a hand through his hair.

Jiang Shaohua finally couldn’t help but burst into laughter, "Alright, I’m just teasing you, and you took it seriously!"

"The Grand Empress Dowager wants to place a young Zheng Family member by my side, while Empress Dowager Li wants to bring Li Family members into the palace. How could I possibly act according to their wishes?"

"Observing mourning for three years is just a reason. When they raise this matter after three years, I’ll have other ways to handle it."

Cui Du instantly felt joyous, holding her tightly, "Are you speaking the truth? You’re not fooling me, right?"

Jiang Shaohua chuckled lightly, "Rest assured knowing this. In future visits to Jingyang Palace, if the Grand Empress Dowager brings up this matter again, just respond perfunctorily; I’ll handle the rest."

"After three years, I’ll completely control court affairs, secure the Dragon Throne, and straighten out palace personnel. By then, who would dare oppose me!"

An indescribable authority and dominance seeped through her casual tone.

Cui Du, feeling a surge of excitement, pressed his face to hers, "With your words tonight, even if you change your mind later, I won’t blame you. But, while I’m still young and handsome, at least wait till I’m old and faded to find new loves."

Jiang Shaohua was amused again, laughing gently.

The couple exchanged whispered words into the depths of midnight before falling asleep embraced.

...

The next morning at the fifth hour, Jiang Shaohua rose as usual.

After washing and dressing in her Dragon Robe, the couple shared breakfast. Due to the morning court session, where Jiang Shaohua would meet with key ministers, she had no time to pay respects to the harem.

Cui Du, having nothing to do, volunteered to visit Jingyang Palace to pay respects, "I’ll go pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager and accompany Prince Ping."

Jiang Shaohua was a bit worried, reminding softly, "Whatever the Grand Empress Dowager says, don’t take it to heart."

Cui Du raised his eyebrows with a smile, "Don’t worry! In fact, I’m quite adept at pleasing the old lady. Just wait and see."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, specially appointing Meng Sanbao and other trusted aides to accompany Cui Du.

According to palace rules, apart from the Emperor, others entering the court can bring no more than five attendants. Now, as the Emperor, Jiang Shaohua could break tradition without objections.

Thus, Cui Du went to Jingyang Palace accompanied by dozens of Imperial Guards.

Such a display seemed less about paying respects, more like going to cause a stir.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, upon knowing Cui Du’s visit, was somewhat surprised, speaking offhandedly, "Now there’s some Imperial Consort demeanor; let him in!"

Moments later, Elder Changning, Cui Du, entered spiritedly, bowing in junior’s salute, "Grandson-in-law Cui Du, greets Grand Empress Dowager."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng: "..."