Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 706: Rest for the Pregnancy (Part 1)
Cui Du had never felt as self-reproachful and guilty as he did at this moment.
"I’m so useless." Cui Du’s eyes glistened with tears, his voice trembling: "Shao Hua, you are pregnant, yet have to work hard every day. I can’t help you with anything. I’m truly useless!"
Jiang Shaohua said gently: "How can you blame yourself for this? Cui Du, this is the path I have chosen for myself. I have always known that this road is extremely difficult, filled with hardships and thorns, requiring a tremendous amount of energy and effort."
"On the day in Jinluan Palace when I declared that I wanted to be the Empress, I was already prepared."
"In doing so, it burdens the child in my womb. Her mother is busy every day and has no time to care for her."
Upon hearing these words, Cui Du did not smile, his eyes turned even redder, tears rolling from the corners of his eyes: "You are too exhausted. Where in the world is there an eight-month pregnant woman who works so hard?"
Yes indeed! So tiring!
To inherit the throne using relatively moderate political means, without resorting to major military actions, should be a fortunate matter. Yet this also means a pile of mess is left behind.
As the Emperor, one cannot act solely based on likes and dislikes. She must balance the power in the harem, suppress the undercurrents in the court, and gradually eliminate the corrupt officials and shift the lavish and corrupt trends in the palace and court under the premise of stability.
Achieving these tasks is not simpler than waging war. Invisible blades and swords constantly surround her.
Yet she is in the most delicate and fragile phase of her life, nurturing a small life within her.
She is an Emperor diligent in her governance with sharp tactics, but she is destined not to be a good mother.
This time, the movement of the fetus was a warning from her body.
She is indeed too tired and needs proper rest.
Jiang Shaohua reached out to wipe Cui Du’s tears, saying softly: "I have already entrusted the matter of quelling the Yu State Army to the Left General and Heroic Guard Camp. Uncle will go to Yu State on my behalf and eliminate Zheng Chen and Zhao Wu."
"From today on, I will rest and nurture the fetus. Court affairs will be handed over to Chief Historian Chen and Secretary Wang."
Chief Historian Chen has adapted over several months and is much more familiar with the situation of the Six Ministries. With Wang Jin and the backing of Prime Minister Wang assisting, they will stabilize the court for a period without any issues.
Cui Du knows well that Jiang Shaohua has more to deal with than just the court, she also has to contend with the troublesome Grand Empress Dowager in Jingyang Palace.
"I will stay in the palace with you." Cui Du’s tone was firm: "I will handle things on the side of the Grand Empress Dowager."
Confronting the Grand Empress Dowager, subjects often feel intimidated and find it inappropriate to argue with a highly esteemed elder.
Cui Du, being the Empress’s husband, is indeed the best choice to deal with Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.
Jiang Shaohua smiled and uttered an affectionate sound.
Doctor Sun and his daughter came to check the Emperor’s pulse.
Doctor Sun diagnosed the pulse and said cheerfully: "The Emperor’s pulse is much steadier. After consuming the fetus-preserving medicine for several days and resting more, there will be no major issues."
Sun Zelan, with inadequate experience, slightly twitched her mouth.
No father would speak so simply. At eight months pregnant, movement of the fetus most easily leads to premature birth. For Her Majesty’s fetal preservation, it is best to lie in bed nurturing until labor. However, such matter cannot be publicized, lest the previously stabilized court becomes flustered once more.
Jiang Shaohua glanced at Sun Zelan, smiling as she said: "I only trust you two. From today on, I solicit your father and daughter to stay day and night at Zhaohai Palace."
Doctor Sun solemnly accepted the order with clasped hands.
Sun Zelan also respectfully obeyed: "I follow the decree."
The fetus-preserving medicine was dark and bitter. Cui Du carefully scooped a spoonful and brought it to Jiang Shaohua’s lips.
Strangely, yesterday Jiang Shaohua did not feel exerted when drinking it, but today she found the potion especially hard to swallow. Taking a sip, her brows furrowed: "So bitter."
Cui Du gently soothed her: "Good medicine is bitter to the taste. Just bear with it, and after you drink it, I’ll serve you some sweet preserved fruits."
Jiang Shaohua reluctantly agreed.
At the side, Yin Zhutu Bai, having not slept all night, felt somewhat sore seeing the rare tenderness and innocence of their master.
Peaceful and serene moments did not last long.
Soon, Chief Historian Chen arrived.
Evidently, Chief Historian Chen had not slept well last night, with some dark circles under his eyes, but his spirits were good. After making sure Her Majesty was not in grave danger, he breathed a sigh of relief: "The Emperor should rest easy and nurture the fetus, leave the court affairs to the veteran minister."
Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, only reminding: "Discuss everything more with Secretary Wang."
With Wang Jin having Prime Minister Wang as his backing, as long as Prime Minister Wang does not cause chaos, the court can remain mostly stable. Not to mention, Prime Minister Wang has served as Prime Minister for many years, and indeed has the skills to handle court affairs. Prime Minister Wang, after all, has been holding the title and receiving the salary, may as well utilize him fully.
Chief Historian Chen understood and agreed with a smile.
Just after Chief Historian Chen left, people from Jingyang Palace arrived.
This time, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng came personally. Eunuch Zhao, beaten so severely last night he couldn’t get out of bed, was replaced by Eunuch Lin beside the Dowager today.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, wishing to visit Jiang Shaohua, was stopped neither by palace attendants nor eunuchs, nor by the Imperial Guards.
Stopping her was Cui Du, stationed outside the chamber door.
"Grandmother," Cui Du bowed lowly: "The Emperor is resting and should not be disturbed. Please return to Jingyang Palace."
Since receiving the shocking news of the Yu State Army’s uprising yesterday, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng had been in a state of anger and panic. Last night, only relying on calming incense, she barely slept for two hours. Her condition was far from normal.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng squinted, pulling a mocking and disdainful look at the corner of her mouth: "Aijia wishes to see the Emperor, you, a mere spouse by marriage, dare to block Aijia? Truly spoiled without understanding hierarchy! Immediately step aside!"
In Da Liang Dynasty, the status of a husband brought in by marriage was always low, even inferior to women in regular marriages.
Reflecting on the cold stares and disdain Lu Xuan endured over the years gives a glimpse.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, accustomed to domineering behavior in the palace, was now being tyrannical, showing no regard for Cui Du.
Cui Du, unperturbed, remained calm and composed: "If the Grand Empress Dowager approaches as my grandmother, then I, as the grandson-in-law, have a few sincere words to say. The Emperor needs tranquility for fetal preservation; if grandmother cares for Her Majesty, then you should not disturb her."
"If you intend to exert dominance as Grand Empress Dowager, then I, as the Emperor’s spouse, must state my stance. As long as I am here today, nobody shall step through this door."
"Qin Hu, Meng Sanbao!"
The two youthful guards, nearly eight feet tall, instantly appeared: "At your command, please instruct us, Elder Changning!"
Cui Du said expressionlessly: "Guard this door; whoever dares to forcibly enter, seize them immediately!"
Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao responded in unison.
Behind them were more than a hundred Imperial Guards, each with a grim expression and murderous intent.
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng: "..."
