Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 730: Loss of Power (Part 1)

The weaker one is, the less willing one is to admit it, leading to even more arrogance and forcefulness.

The raging and roaring of the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, in the eyes of Mr. Zhao, looked as fragile as a paper tiger, easily punctured with a poke.

Mr. Zhao, outwardly compliant, turned his head after leaving Jingyang Palace, and a scornful sneer silently curled at the corner of his mouth.

The Zheng Family was already finished.

With the Zheng father and son duo gone, the Grand Empress Dowager’s influence in the court was greatly diminished. Even within the harem, her prestige was not what it used to be.

One is a rising emperor, the other an aged Grand Empress Dowager, and the palace attendants and eunuchs are not fools; their hearts gradually leaned towards the emperor.

Moreover, with the support of the emperor, Empress Dowager Li had also managed to stand her ground. In a palace coup, the Li Family suffered great losses, losing both Minister Li and his grandson Li Boyuan, but they were still far stronger than the Zheng Family. At least the Li Family retained a reputation for loyalty, and its male members continued to hold government positions. Thus, Empress Dowager Li had the confidence to contend with the Grand Empress Dowager.

The era when the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s words were law had ended.

Fortunately, in the past few years, he had maintained friendly relations with the Commandery Princess, mingling harmoniously. After she ascended the Dragon Throne, she still treated him well. A wise bird chooses a branch to perch on. He had to think about his own way out...

Mr. Zhao’s mind was racing, and his feet didn’t pause as he quickly made his way to Zhaohai Palace.

The emperor was still in confinement and would not see outsiders. The one who came out to greet Mr. Zhao was Chen Sheren.

Chen Sheren, an old acquaintance of Mr. Zhao, exchanged a few polite words with a smile.

Mr. Zhao passed on the words of the Grand Empress Dowager with a troubled expression.

Chen Sheren, evidently prepared for this, smiled and responded, "The emperor has said that the Grand Empress Dowager has been unwell since last year and remains bedridden. Henceforth, the Empress Dowager will manage the harem affairs, letting the Grand Empress Dowager focus on her recovery."

Mr. Zhao thought this was as it should be, but his face showed a pained expression, "The temper of the Grand Empress Dowager is well known. If I were to pass on this message, I fear I’d suffer a beating."

Chen Sheren smiled, "The emperor specifically instructed me to go to Jingyang Palace to deliver the message so as not to trouble Mr. Zhao."

Mr. Zhao was genuinely moved and expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

The emperor always treated his close aides with generosity and care. As the manager of Jingyang Palace, Mr. Zhao often felt the emperor’s concern.

Chen Jinyu walked proudly to Jingyang Palace, and upon seeing the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, he didn’t acknowledge the fury in her eyes, and with a smile, conveyed the emperor’s decree.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, with eyes blazing, stared at Chen Jinyu, "Did Jiang Shaohua really say this? I’ve managed this harem for decades, commanding everyone. If Li takes over, chaos will ensue."

Jiang Shaohua was still in confinement; did she dare to openly defy the Grand Empress Dowager? Wasn’t she afraid of sabotage or an attack on Zhaohai Palace?

With Jiang Shaohua surrounded by trusted aides, she was untouchable. Targeting Cui Du would be easier. And the recently born Princess Bao’er was young and fragile, unable to withstand any accident.

Hearing the veiled threats in the old hag’s words, Chen Jinyu felt his anger rise. However, this was anticipated, and before coming, Jiang Shaohua had thoroughly advised him on how to respond.

Chen Jinyu replied unhurriedly, "The emperor stated that there are very few legitimate masters in the palace, yet the palace attendants and eunuchs number four thousand, which is too many. It wastes resources and confines them. So, starting this year, the emperor plans to gradually allow some palace attendants who wish to marry to leave the palace. Eunuchs over forty who want to leave can also apply."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s breath suddenly halted.

This move was excessively harsh!

In the palace, there were plenty of young and beautiful attendants. Most were selected during Emperor Taikang’s reign, with a few chosen under Emperor Taihe. It was a well-understood tradition; whoever caught the emperor’s eye could become a concubine.

With the hope of rising to prominence, the attendants willingly allowed themselves to be manipulated by their masters.

However, the Da Liang Empress Jiang Shaohua had no interest in the attendants. Knowing they had the chance to leave and marry, these beautiful young attendants would naturally react predictably.

And the eunuchs, men who had lost their ability to father children, usually died within the palace. If they had the chance to leave, how would they react?

With the hope of leaving, would they remain loyal to this Grand Empress Dowager? Or quickly defect to Jiang Shaohua and Empress Dowager Li?

No!

Absolutely not!

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng clenched the bedding tightly, as if squeezing someone’s neck, the veins on the back of her hand bulging: "This is against the rules, I do not agree."

Chen Jinyu curled his lips slightly and mockingly: "Grand Empress Dowager, don’t forget, this is the Da Liang Imperial Palace, the emperor’s harem. What the emperor wishes to do cannot be stopped."

Furious, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng cursed: "How dare you act impudently before me! Insolent!"

Chen Jinyu, with a razor-sharp tongue, retorted: "Your Highness misunderstands. I merely convey the emperor’s decree, and I meant no offense."

"I must return to report, so I take my leave now."

Having said this, he gracefully paid his respects and departed.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, filled with rage, had nowhere to vent her anger, but her eyes caught Mr. Zhao in their corner, and her anger found an outlet: "Zhao Jingming! How dare you bring such an insolent person to Jingyang Palace! Are you intentionally trying to anger me to death?" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Let me tell you, others may leave, but Zhao Jingming, you will die in Jingyang Palace! The day I depart, you must go ahead to the nether realm to wait for me!"

Mr. Zhao felt a chill in his heart and could only lower his head and kneel to apologize.

After berating Mr. Zhao, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng still wasn’t satisfied and called Eunuch Lin over, cursing: "You just stood watching me being bullied by a young girl! I’ve kept you in vain all these years!"

The "young girl" referred to by the Grand Empress Dowager could be understood as Chen Sheren, or indirectly alluding to the emperor.

Eunuch Lin, who secretly managed the Grand Empress Dowager’s forces and was accustomed to dirty work, immediately whispered: "Grand Empress Dowager, tell me how to vent your anger, and I’ll take care of it at once."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng: "..."

For a moment, the most malicious thoughts flashed through her mind.

Yet, these thoughts vanished almost instantly.

No, she couldn’t openly fight with Jiang Shaohua. The lives of her family rested in Jiang Shaohua’s hands. Any underhanded actions in the palace would only lead to Jiang Shaohua massacring the Zheng family under charges of treason.

The discomfort of having one’s weak point held firmly was hard to bear.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s expression fluctuated, as she drew a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, "Don’t act rashly, let’s wait until my health improves in a few days to discuss further."