Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress-Chapter 1961 - 1969: Princess Zhao Hua (Part 5)

This Scholar Chen wants to re-enter officialdom, but that will never happen.

It is said that since Nangong Yi issued this edict, Prince Consort Chen became disheartened, indulging in alcohol and women all day, even venting his anger on Princess Zhao Hua and rarely visiting her courtyard. He openly maintained many gaudily dressed concubines and treated Princess Zhao Hua with no respect. If not for her identity as the Eldest Princess, he might have started abusing her long ago.

However, the cold violence isn’t much better than abuse.

"We are all family, no need for formalities, please rise, Eldest Princess."

Cai Wei spoke politely while taking a seat on the throne in the hall, then had Princess Zhao Hua sit down as well, laughed and said, "I heard before that the Eldest Princess doesn’t like socializing, but now it seems to be a falsely spread rumor. The Eldest Princess has participated in all the recent events inside the Palace. How could it be said she isn’t good at socializing?"

Princess Zhao Hua smiled modestly and said, "I’ve embarrassed myself in front of Your Highness. I indeed wasn’t fond of seeing many people before, but I heard Her Majesty the Empress is kind and understanding, so I thought to meet with her. Later, I was fortunate to behold the Empress’s nation-falling beauty. To see such a beauty within my lifetime is the greatest fortune, so why should I squander the chance to gaze upon the Empress’s beauty?"

This seamless flattery had been meticulously thought out and practiced countless times by her, showing no trace of insincerity. However, it failed to please Cai Wei, who instead felt a bit of aversion to her fawning over others.

Because of her identity as Eldest Princess, Cai Wei still exchanged a few pleasantries with her indifferently. After exchanging a few words, she called for Chun Ying to ask what several Princes were doing, whether they were reading or doing their homework, etc.

Seeing the Empress’s indifferent expression and lack of attention towards her, Princess Zhao Hua wisely expressed her gratitude for Her organizing the wedding for the King of Chu and then departed.

After she left, Cai Wei summoned Brother Ying, as she couldn’t figure out the purpose of Princess Zhao Hua entering the palace, so she had to let Brother Ying investigate it for her.

...

Just as Princess Zhao Hua returned to the mansion and entered the main courtyard, she saw a handsome man in his thirties looking at her grimly.

Upon seeing the Prince Consort, Princess Zhao Hua shivered, losing all her princessly dignity and becoming submissive instead.

Looking at this kind of Eldest Princess, Chen He felt a moment of satisfaction, but it was soon replaced by malice and resentment. If it were not for her, he might have already become a senior official of the Six Departments. Instead, he was now a failure at home, living off a woman.

Recalling the mocking expressions in people’s eyes when they looked at him, his inner resentment flared up in phases.

Compared to power, what are women worth?

He had studied diligently for many years, hoping to become a high-ranking official one day, not to become a kept man for a woman.

It was because of this ambition that he deliberately approached Zhao, making her fall deeply in love with him, secretly admiring him.

And it was because of this ambition that when the Retired Emperor asked him if he was married, he was foolish enough to deceive the Emperor.

Originally, he thought he had gained an advantage, and that his official career would smoothly progress due to his identity as Prince Consort, while his wife was kept outside, visited only occasionally. He thought he was doing it discreetly but did not expect to be discovered.

Since then, it became his nightmare, he was almost killed by the late Emperor.

Even though Princess Zhao Hua interceded for him and spared him from punishment, it cut off his official career, which was more painful than death for him, so he completely took out his anger on her.

Due to her background and because her younger brother offended Jin Guifei, Princess Zhao Hua became very timid and weak, easy to bully, as a good horse allows others to ride it. Since Zhao Hua didn’t dare resist him, his boldness grew, and he increasingly disregarded her.

Once when drunk, Chen He actually hit the Golden Branch harshly, giving Princess Zhao Hua a severe beating. After sobering up, he was scared for a while, afraid that Zhao Hua would report him to the Emperor. Although the Emperor didn’t have deep feelings for Princess Zhao Hua, he wouldn’t allow anyone to trample on the royal dignity.

However, days passed, and Princess Zhao Hua surprisingly didn’t have the slightest intention of complaining, didn’t mind the beating at all, instead, she became even kinder to him.

Upon discovering that the princess wasn’t a vengeful person with a cheap heart, his courage grew, and whenever he was upset, he would physically abuse her.

Though afraid of him, Princess Zhao Hua still had feelings for him, after all, they once had sweet days of romance and love beneath flowers and the moon. It was exactly because of those unforgettable times that she couldn’t bear to report him and put him to death.

"Did you see the Empress after entering the palace?"

Seeing Zhao Hua’s expression, Chen He immediately knew that what he wanted to be done was most likely not accomplished, so his tone was particularly cold.

Princess Zhao Hua hurriedly nodded, stammering, "I...I did see her..."

"How was it? Did you talk about that matter?" Chen He suddenly became urgent and frenzied, standing up in a hurry to approach her and ask.

Princess Zhao Hua bit her lip and shook her head, "I...I couldn’t bring it up..."

Slap—

Chen He slapped her backhandedly, grabbed her hair bun, forcing her to look at him, and shouted loudly, "Why didn’t you say it? You are the Eldest Princess; the Empress will surely give you some face. I think you just don’t want me to re-enter officialdom, can’t stand to see me doing well!"

"No...it’s not..."

Princess Zhao Hua said while crying, "I am not familiar with Her Majesty, it’s hard to bring it up now. We need to become acquainted first, and then I will surely ask her for help, rest assured."

Hearing this, Chen He’s expression finally softened a bit, but he was still somewhat dissatisfied as he said, "Fine, I will believe you this time, but if you mess it up, see how I’ll deal with you."

He didn’t dare to go too far with Princess Zhao Hua because he was still counting on her to plead for his official career. If he pushed her too hard and she refused to help, his lifetime of ambitious aspirations could vanish like bubbles...