Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 705: Prenatal Qi (Part 2)

After taking the fetus-preserving medicine, Jiang Shaohua quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Doctor Sun stayed by the Dragon Couch, not leaving even a step away.

Sun Zelan was better at surgical procedures, but when it came to diagnosing and prescribing, Doctor Sun’s skills were more refined and seasoned. With Doctor Sun guarding, Sun Zelan and Chen Jinyu left the bedroom.

Both had lived in the Nanyang Prince Mansion since childhood and were familiar with each other.

Sun Zelan whispered, "Why is the Emperor so furious that it affected the pregnancy?"

Jiang Shaohua usually kept her emotions concealed and handled things with great depth. She had managed the chaotic court and the restless palace conflict well. What could have angered the Empress so much?

Chen Jinyu sighed deeply and told the story of the Yu State Army rebellion.

Hearing that fifty trusted aides died in an ambush by the Yu State Military Camp, Sun Zelan felt as if cut by a sharp blade, bleeding painfully: "These rebel armies must be eliminated to quell the anger in my heart."

Chen Jinyu’s eyes also reddened: "Indeed. In the camp, there are still threats like Zhao Wu who abandoned the city at the border that day, and Zheng Chen who disappeared from the Capital City months ago. Such hidden dangers cannot be allowed to remain."

Sun Zelan furrowed her brows, whispering, "I fear the Grand Empress Dowager will stir up trouble."

"A message has already been sent, but Chief Historian Chen blocked it," sighed Chen Jinyu. "You’ll see, the Grand Empress Dowager won’t let this rest; the commotion is far from over. The Emperor’s wish to peacefully nurse the pregnancy is easier said than done."

Sun Zelan was also angry: "The Emperor’s health is paramount. He cannot afford to let his heart be disturbed anymore. Anyone causing trouble now is harming the Emperor! No! From this moment, I will guard here and see who dares disturb the Emperor!"

Chen Jinyu gritted his teeth, saying, "You’re right! I will guard here too. No one will get past me!"

...

Half an hour later, people from Jingyang Palace indeed came again.

This time, it was Mr. Zhao who came.

Mr. Zhao had maintained a good private relationship with the Emperor for a long time. Chen Jinyu was also courteous to Mr. Zhao: "Mr. Zhao, the Emperor has already rested. Please return to Jingyang Palace to report to the Grand Empress Dowager, that she shouldn’t send anyone to Zhaohai Palace in the coming days. When the Emperor has time, he will go to pay his respects to the Grand Empress Dowager."

Inquiring about the Emperor’s health in detail is a big taboo in the palace.

As an old resident of the palace, Mr. Zhao naturally wouldn’t foolishly ask irrelevant questions, but only appeared difficult as he sighed: "The Grand Empress Dowager heard the news of the Yu State rebel army and was furious. If she doesn’t see the Emperor today, she’s afraid she won’t let this rest."

Sun Zelan’s brows furrowed slightly, and Chen Jinyu gave her a look, causing Sun Zelan to swallow back her words and instead adopt an indifferent tone: "That’s how you should report back, Mr. Zhao."

Mr. Zhao did not argue and soon left.

An hour later, in the pitch-black night, Mr. Zhao came again.

Chen Jinyu and Sun Zelan were guarding outside the bedroom door, along with Song Yuan and a group of Imperial Guards, all coldly watching Mr. Zhao.

With a wry smile on his face, Mr. Zhao suddenly slapped himself. The slap was heavy, leaving a bright five-fingered mark.

Chen Jinyu was startled and exchanged a glance with Sun Zelan.

Sun Zelan, with a hard heart, said expressionlessly: "What is Mr. Zhao doing? Is he planning to use the bitter flesh strategy?"

Mr. Zhao, running back and forth all night, being scolded at Jingyang Palace and humiliated at Zhaohai Palace, seemed somewhat exhausted.

He sighed deeply: "I’m not in favor anywhere, facing difficulties at both ends. Doctor Sun, please don’t ridicule me."

Sun Zelan slightly raised her eyebrows, ready to spill more cutting words.

Chen Jinyu coughed, taking over the conversation: "We understand Mr. Zhao’s difficulties. However, the Emperor’s health is not suitable for agitation today, and he cannot go to Jingyang Palace. Mr. Zhao, please report back as such!"

Mr. Zhao was also at a loss, sighed, and returned as suggested.

Subsequently, he did not return.

By midnight, news came from Jingyang Palace.

Mr. Zhao, for not doing his job properly, was awarded a beating by the Grand Empress Dowager, almost having his backside beaten to a pulp.

Mr. Zhao, who had previously enjoyed prestige in Jingyang Palace for many years, being a figure of note wherever he went, whether it was striding proudly into the Prime Minister’s Mansion or being well-received at Zhaohai Palace. This beating that night left Mr. Zhao humiliatingly debased.

Jiang Shaohua, after drinking the fetus-preserving medicine and sleeping, woke up at this moment. Yin Zhu was attentively serving her some hot porridge.

After Jiang Shaohua finished her evening meal, Chen Jinyu softly said: "Mr. Zhao came twice tonight but was turned back by me and Doctor Sun. Consequently, he received a beating from the Grand Empress Dowager."

Jiang Shaohua gently stroked her high, bulging belly, soothing her restless daughter through her skin, as she nonchalantly said: "The Grand Empress Dowager is making an example to show me."

Mr. Zhao favored Zhaohai Palace and always spoke for the Emperor. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was no fool and could always sense a little. This time, she was truly angered, disregarding the long-standing master-servant affection, taking it out on Mr. Zhao, and simultaneously intimidating Zhaohai Palace.

Chen Jinyu snorted lightly, "Whether Mr. Zhao lives or dies, what does it have to do with the Emperor? If the Grand Empress Dowager thinks this can intimidate Zhaohai Palace, she’s got it all wrong."

Jiang Shaohua, however, said, "Send some healing ointment to Mr. Zhao on my behalf at Jingyang Palace."

Chen Jinyu was momentarily stunned, but asked no questions and went to run the errand.

At this time, it was already deep into the night, and the palace was serene. The palace lanterns hanging under the eaves swayed in the cold wind, their light flickering uncertainly.

Chen Jinyu, holding the healing ointment, entered Jingyang Palace through a side door and went to Mr. Zhao’s quarters.

As the Chief Eunuch of Jingyang Palace, Mr. Zhao’s quarters were quite spacious, with two little eunuchs attending to him.

Having been beaten tonight, Mr. Zhao lay on the couch, continuously groaning in pain.

Chen Jinyu approached the couch, presenting the healing ointment along with the Emperor’s best wishes. Mr. Zhao was moved, tears and mucus covering his face: "A slave’s worthless life, how does it deserve the Emperor’s concern? Please tell the Emperor on my behalf, expressing gratitude for the Emperor’s grace. Say Zhao Jingming is deeply grateful for the imperial favor."

...

These words were not conveyed to Jiang Shaohua timely.

Not long after Chen Jinyu left, Jiang Shaohua fell asleep again.

She was, after all, human and not made of steel, having been busy for months with a pregnancy. Just like a constantly stretched string, once relaxed, fatigue poured over her.

When she opened her eyes again, it was already the next day.

The sun was high, the sunlight intense.

Jiang Shaohua lazily opened her eyes, and a familiar handsome face instantly appeared before her.

Cui Du, upon receiving the news from the palace, hurried back on horseback. When he reached Zhaohai Palace, it was probably the fourth period of night; he did not sleep, instead, he kept watch by the bedside for several hours.

"Shaohua," Cui Du’s eyes were somewhat red, his voice hoarse: "Take care and don’t tire or anger yourself."