Chapter 277: Chapter 277

Jiang Shaohua slept for three hours and woke up full of energy. Except for slightly reddened eyes, one could hardly tell that she had been through five days and nights of hardship.

"You all stay here," Jiang Shaohua instructed softly. "I’m going to see the Empress Dowager now."

Chen Jinyu and the others nodded in agreement.

After Jiang Shaohua left, Yin Zhu suddenly sighed, "In the palace, we can do nothing and are almost becoming a burden to the Commandery Princess."

Tu Bai responded, "This is the Emperor’s mourning, and the court rules are strict. The Commandery Princess fears that we may speak or act incorrectly and make mistakes. Keeping us in the room is for our safety. The Commandery Princess values us, it is not disdain."

Chen Jinyu nodded in agreement, "Tu Bai is right. Yin Zhu, don’t overthink. We can’t do much for the time being, but we must not add trouble to the Commandery Princess."

Yin Zhu scratched his head, feeling embarrassed, and whispered, "I am used to being by the Commandery Princess’s side. Being unable to follow her these days makes me feel empty, and it’s an unpleasant feeling."

Chen Jinyu watched the direction Jiang Shaohua had gone with silent regret. She was not quite used to it either.

This is the Da Liang Palace, the pinnacle of Da Liang’s power, and also the Commandery Princess’s battlefield.

Jiang Shaohua waited outside the Empress Dowager Zheng’s room for a moment before being led into the room by the Palace Attendant Sufang.

After several days of companionship, Jiang Shaohua swiftly became a favored person by Empress Dowager Zheng’s side.

Aside from her status, Empress Dowager Zheng was just a poor old woman who had lost her son. No matter how precious one’s identity, it cannot bring back Emperor Taikang’s life. The grief of Empress Dowager Zheng was never pretended.

The Empress Dowager’s most beloved junior was of course the Crown Prince, followed by Princess Bao Hua and the Second Prince. The Crown Prince’s Companion, who lived in the palace for many years, and the two County Princesses were also favored by Empress Dowager Zheng.

However, due to the special circumstances, the Crown Prince and Zheng Chen were guarding the spirit hall, while Princess Bao Hua and others were in the Inner Spirit Hall. Empress Dowager Zheng had no junior by her side, and Jiang Shaohua happened to come to her, showing gentleness, quietness, filial piety, and thoughtfulness.

Within a few short days, Empress Dowager Zheng became accustomed to Jiang Shaohua’s company.

"Shao Hua, come here and join Ai Jia for breakfast."

Jiang Shaohua responded softly and sat next to the Empress Dowager, serving her a bowl of warm rice soup, placing a piece of date paste pastry on the plate, and then some lightly fried vegetables and silver sprouts.

Empress Dowager Zheng ate with great satisfaction, "You little girl, you seem to know Ai Jia’s taste preferences very well."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly and continued serving food to the Empress Dowager.

How could she not know?

Years ago, when she joined the palace alone, she went to great lengths to please the Empress Dowager to establish herself. She knew the Empress Dowager’s temperament and preferences like the back of her hand. For more chapters visıt 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝓷𝓮𝓽

The Empress Dowager thought she was being considerate, but indeed, she was just doing it casually.

After breakfast, the Empress Dowager whispered, "Ai Jia is going to the Inner Spirit Hall today, you shall follow and meet with Consort Li."

The Crown Prince is about to ascend the throne, and the Empress Dowager will become the Grand Empress Dowager, making Consort Li the Empress Dowager of Da Liang. Building a good relationship with Consort Li is important and necessary.

The Empress Dowager wanted to lead Jiang Shaohua to the harem to meet Consort Li, which was indeed a kind intention.

Jiang Shaohua showed gratitude on her face, "Thank you, Empress Dowager."

As she rose, she supported the Empress Dowager.

Empress Dowager Zheng had been deeply engrossed in the pain of losing her son during these days, gloomy in mood, and extremely fatigued physically. She needed at least two Palace Attendants to support her while walking. At this moment, Jiang Shaohua easily supported the Empress Dowager with one hand.

Empress Dowager Zheng couldn’t help looking at Jiang Shaohua, "You’re quite strong."

Jiang Shaohua responded softly, "I’ve practiced martial arts since childhood, skilled in horseback riding, archery, and martial arts. Naturally, my strength is greater than that of ordinary girls."

"Fairly good," is of course a modest expression.

Those who claim to be fairly good are often truly skilled.

Empress Dowager Zheng was a bit surprised and somewhat dismissive, "A girl ought to be gentle and quiet; wielding swords and spears is a man’s business. When you stay by Ai Jia’s side, read books, play the qin, paint, and occasionally recite sutras."

Jiang Shaohua did not argue.

Empress Dowager Zheng always had this kind of domineering attitude, treating it like a breeze passing by, leaving no trace.

The Inner Spirit Hall was set in Jiaofang Palace.

Since Empress Ji died of illness, Jiaofang Palace had been left vacant. Consort Li had struggled silently for years but never managed to move into Jiaofang Palace.

Emperor Taikang passed away, with his coffin placed in Zhaohai Palace. Jiaofang Palace also housed a coffin, containing a set of Emperor Taikang’s clothes and crown.

Fifth-ranked noble ladies and above all had to enter the palace to pay respects. Empress Dowager Zheng remained in Zhaohai Palace, and in Jiaofang Palace, it was Consort Li who took charge.

The beautiful and elegant Consort Li had aged and thinned in just a month, with fine lines appearing at the corners of her eyes. The young and charming Consort Fan, too, seemed to be battered by a storm, visibly worn.

Princess Bao Hua’s eyes had swollen from crying, her voice barely audible.

In comparison, the sadness of the noble ladies seemed much lighter.

After all, their husbands, fathers, or sons hadn’t died, so they were not as heartbroken. Moreover, it’s been a month since the mourning began, and tears had long run dry.

Duchess An used a handkerchief soaked in ginger juice to cover her face; the spicy taste quickly reddened her eyes, causing tears to roll down.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived."

Mr. Zhao’s familiar shrill voice suddenly rang out. Consort Li was the first to get up and welcome her, followed by other ladies of the harem.

The fastest to respond was Princess Bao Hua.

Princess Bao Hua’s voice was hoarse, her eyes full of concern, "It’s been days since I’ve seen you, Grand Empress Dowager. How have you become so haggard?"

Consort Li choked up and continued the conversation, "Lady, you are our anchor, you must not exhaust yourself."

There were at least a hundred people in the Inner Spirit Hall, but only a few had the right to speak.

Among all the noble ladies, the Prime Minister Wang’s old wife, Mrs. Wang, was the most senior, and Mrs. Zheng of Duke An’s mansion as Empress Dowager Zheng’s legitimate niece-in-law, they were the only ones confident enough to speak up.

"Empress Dowager, please restrain your grief."

"Is the young lady by the Empress Dowager’s side the Nanyang County Princess?"

Empress Dowager Zheng nodded slightly, "Indeed, this is the Nanyang County Princess Jiang Shaohua."

"Shaohua, come and meet Consort Li and Bao Hua."

Amongst so many ladies, the only ones qualified for Jiang Shaohua to pay respects were Consort Li and Princess Bao Hua.

Under all eyes, Jiang Shaohua stepped forward and performed a courtesy gesture, "Shaohua greets Imperial Concubine, greets Sister Bao Hua."

Consort Li had no mood for chit-chat, nodding slightly.

Princess Bao Hua came forward and supported Jiang Shaohua, "Sister Shao Hua, quickly rise."

The spirit hall was not a place for much conversation, after paying respects, each went to the spirit vigil.

Jiang Shaohua naturally knelt beside Princess Bao Hua. Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua quietly exchanged glances.

Isn’t there supposed to be a sequence of arrival?

Indeed, we have lived in the palace for years, and she came later, so why did she surpass us both?