Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 779: Turmoil (4)

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng almost couldn’t contain her violently beating heart, forcing herself to open her eyes and meet Jiang Shaohua’s gaze.

Jiang Shaohua stood beside the bed, looking down at Grand Empress Dowager Zheng from above.

This was the first time Grand Empress Dowager Zheng had seen such a Jiang Shaohua.

Cold, indifferent, majestic.

This was the true Emperor of Da Liang, holding authority, commanding dragon-like awe, unstoppable.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng suddenly felt deep regret. Yesterday, she had already been prepared to make concessions, but because Jiang Shaohua spoke harshly and was forceful, why couldn’t she hold back and took action? Now the disturbance had escalated to the point of armed confrontation and palace chaos, how could it end?

"Shao Hua," Grand Empress Dowager Zheng pleaded with unprecedented weakness and humility: "I am old, and cannot withstand such fright."

"There is unrest in the palace, you take full control, I will no longer intervene. From now on, I will quietly retire in Jingyang Palace, looking after Prince Ping."

Jiang Shaohua’s brows didn’t move, his expression cold: "In one night, three palaces caught fire, countless eunuchs and palace maids rioted, and hundreds of Imperial Guards attacked Zhaohai Palace. If it weren’t for my many loyal trusted aides, it would be me now begging for mercy."

Jiang Shaohua’s gaze was too sharp and compelling.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng no longer had the courage to meet Jiang Shaohua’s eyes, frantically avoiding them, speaking in a low voice: "I really didn’t know. It was all Eunuch Lin acting on his own accord, audacious and reckless. You should kill him directly, and all the rebellious traitors causing trouble. Afterwards, the palace will be peaceful."

"The palace affairs will be managed by the Empress Dowager from now on, and the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs can be switched to someone you trust. You can take as much silver from the Ministry of Internal Affairs as you need, it’s up to you."

"I want nothing more."

With no one left, the control of the palace was handed over, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs was also surrendered, leaving Grand Empress Dowager Zheng with only Jingyang Palace.

Jiang Shaohua wasn’t satisfied yet, and said flatly: "Duke An has already handed over the Death Warriors and Secret Guards that the Zheng Family had raised for years. Jingyang Palace, even outside the palace, must also have some people."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng shivered, as if a piece of her heart had been cut out: "Yes, indeed there are some people. They were all under Eunuch Lin’s management before, I’m not clear on the exact number. There is a list in Eunuch Lin’s quarters, you send someone to collect it and take those people. Maybe they will come in handy in the future."

As she spoke, murky old tears welled up from her eyes: "Shao Hua, I am old and often muddled. On account of the late Emperor, don’t hold grudges against me. From now on, I will obey whatever you say."

Jiang Shaohua remained unfazed, coldly saying: "Grandmother, now that you are wise, who knows, after some time has passed, resentment will grow in your heart, and you may play tricks to cause me trouble."

"There is no such thing as guarding against thieves for a thousand days. I am busy with state affairs every day and don’t have the leisure to keep guarding against you."

"Taking this opportunity to deal with all hidden dangers once and for all is more to my liking."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng gasped, her old face turning pale, her eyes full of fear: "You! What do you want to do? Are you going to kill me!"

"Jiang Shaohua! How dare you harbor such rebellious thoughts! I am the late Emperor’s grandmother, and also your grandmother. I have never treated you poorly these years. Without me, you wouldn’t be where you are today!"

"Moreover, you are the Emperor of Da Liang, don’t you care about your reputation? If you kill me, what will the courtiers think of you? The history books will also record this. And how will you silence the public’s criticism?"

"You are the Emperor! Every move you make is watched by millions! You must consider your actions! You can’t act recklessly!"

"You can’t kill me!"

As she spoke, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng became agitated, sitting up and shouting hysterically.

Jiang Shaohua watched Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s frightened and ugly state coldly, speaking unhurriedly: "What Grandmother said, I have thought about it. I truly don’t want to leave behind the infamy of killing an elder."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng dared not relax, staring intently at Jiang Shaohua: "Then what do you intend?"

"The palace is in turmoil, and Grandmother has been frightened, so you should stay secluded and recuperate for a few years." Jiang Shaohua said flatly: "The concubines in the harem don’t need to come paying respects, lest they disturb your recovery."

"Moreover, with Grandmother in ill health, it’s not appropriate for you to continue looking after Prince Ping. I plan to send Prince Ping to Ning An Palace, to be taken care of by the Empress Dowager."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was utterly defeated, completely losing the courage to negotiate terms.

To refuse?

If Jiang Shaohua cared nothing for the reputation of a wise ruler and simply killed her outright, what then? The Zheng Family had already fallen, and most of the officials from the Grand Empress Dowager’s Faction had been won over by Jiang Shaohua. Who would avenge her? Even if someone stood up to avenge her, she’d be dead and buried, what difference would it make?

No matter what, first endure the present crisis, and preserve her life.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng exhaled forcefully: "I will do as you say."

Jiang Shaohua sneered slightly: "It is beneficial for everyone if Grandmother lives a long and healthy life. If anything happens to Grandmother, I will send all the Zheng Family members to the Yellow Springs. By then, you will be able to reunite with your family underground, it won’t feel lonely."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng: "..."

Jiang Shaohua turned and left.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng gasped for air like a dying fish exposed under the sun. Eventually, she collapsed back into the blankets, then began to sob.

It was unclear if she was mourning the deceased or grieving for her lost power. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

After a long time, there was movement at the door.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes were swollen from crying, struggling to open them. A face she was all too familiar with came into view.

Zhao Chunming," Grand Empress Dowager Zheng did not look in a mirror, unaware of her own pitiful state: "How are things outside?"

Mr. Zhao’s face was full of bitterness, and he spoke softly: "Eunuch Lin and the others have all been killed. The people in Jingyang Palace have been arrested by Commander Song for questioning, not sure how many can return alive."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng asked blindly: "Are all the people in Jingyang Palace gone?"

Mr. Zhao replied: "The Emperor has only left this servant."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s vision darkened, she almost fainted: "Just you left?"

"Yes, only this servant is left." Mr. Zhao said, feeling desolate, couldn’t help but cry: "In the vast Jingyang Palace, now only Lady and this servant remain."

Jingyang Palace originally had over a hundred eunuchs and more than two hundred palace maids. After Prince Ping moved in, there were dozens more palace maids and eunuchs.

Now, Prince Ping was taken away, Eunuch Ge and others went to Ning An Palace. Eunuch Lin and other eunuchs were killed, those left were taken away.

In the spacious palace, there were only Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and Mr. Zhao left.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng wanted to speak, but the churning blood in her veins caused her to faint.