Chapter 294: Chapter 294
The Consort Fan before them, would become Empress Dowager in two years and become the most dignified and powerful woman in Da Liang, second only to Empress Dowager Zheng.
In her past life, she had no real animosity or conflict with Consort Fan. However, Consort Fan was dissatisfied with Empress Dowager Zheng’s control over the court and harem, and thus disliked Zheng Chen, who had become the Prime Minister. Moreover, Consort Fan had a soft ear and was incited by those with ill intentions to poison her, severely wounding Prime Minister Zheng...
This was another truly tragic affair. She was Wang Jin’s wife, Wang Yu’s mother, and Zheng Chen’s unforgettable old lover.
Her joys and sorrows, her life or death, were all due to them. Except for herself.
"The Commandery Princess has worked hard these few days," Consort Fan stepped forward, thanking softly and naturally reached out to hold the Second Prince’s hand.
Seeing his mother, the Second Prince did not cling tightly to Jiang Shaohua anymore and finally let go of the grip on her dress, rushing into his mother’s embrace.
Jiang Shaohua, having shaken off a little pest, was quite pleased and replied warmly, "The Second Prince has been quite obedient these days, not difficult to care for. However, I must leave the palace for the mansion now, and cannot stay by his side."
The news spreads quickly in the palace, Jiang Shaohua’s majestic spectacle overpowering Prime Minister Wang and Prince Wu’an was quite remarkable, and Consort Fan had already heard of it. But upon meeting her today, she felt the rumors were exaggerated.
This Nanyang County Princess, her demeanor is gentle, and she speaks quite harmoniously!
Jiang Shaohua bade farewell to the Crown Prince again, and the Crown Prince personally escorted Jiang Shaohua out of Zhaohai Palace, casually advising, "There will be a grand court meeting tomorrow, come to the palace early."
These days, Jiang Shaohua’s various behaviors have shown her determination to join the court. The Crown Prince did not speak out, which was tacit approval. By speaking today, it is real support.
After all, it is Jiang Family’s world, and the Crown Prince would be the Emperor of Da Liang. As long as he nods, no one else can oppose.
It’s also the Crown Prince repaying Jiang Shaohua for what she has done.
Jiang Shaohua met the Crown Prince’s gaze and said softly, "I have noted your words, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince smiled slightly, turning to instruct the eunuch by his side to escort Jiang Shaohua out of the palace gates.
Empress Dowager Zheng had Mr. Zhao and Eunuch Lan by her side, while the late Emperor Taikang had Mr. Qi. As for the Crown Prince, naturally, he had a close Chief Eunuch.
This over forty-year-old Eunuch Ge, ordinary in stature and appearance, composed in demeanor, speaks and acts without any effeminate air typical of eunuchs. He is the Crown Prince’s most trusted eunuch.
In the past, Eunuch Ge was overshadowed by Mr. Qi, and had to bow his head before Mr. Zhao. Now that the Crown Prince is about to ascend the throne, Eunuch Ge likewise rises in status, becoming the leader of all eunuchs.
With Eunuch Ge personally escorting, the Nanyang County Princess indeed has quite the display.
At the palace gates, Eunuch Ge finally halted, respectfully saying, "Your servant bids farewell to the Commandery Princess."
"Thank you, Eunuch Ge." Jiang Shaohua did not rush to show goodwill or forge connections, merely nodding slightly before stepping out of the palace gates.
At this time, the sky was already dark, the vermilion palace walls still hung with white palace lanterns, the pale glow illuminating the empty space outside the palace gates.
A tall middle-aged military general was waiting, accompanied by dozens of sharp-eyed trusted aides.
Jiang Shaohua felt a surge of warmth in her heart, quickly stepped forward, "Uncle, why have you come?"
Song Yuan originally entered the palace with Jiang Shaohua, but later the palace was too crowded with mourners, leaving no room to settle. So he, Ma Yaosong, and Chen Jinyu had to leave the palace and return to the Mansion, leaving Yin Zhutu Bai to care for Jiang Shaohua’s daily needs.
In fact, even for Yin Zhutu Bai, their daily time spent seeing Jiang Shaohua was very limited. Check latest chapters at 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝙣𝙚𝙩
Thinking of Jiang Shaohua having to face Prime Minister Wang and a group of ruthless individuals alone, Song Yuan and the others were anxious and worried. Yet the palace rules were strict with tightly shut gates, making it difficult to obtain news. They could only wait at the Mansion.
Now that the mourning is finally over, the Commandery Princess can finally leave the palace.
"Your humble servant has been waiting outside the palace gates for half a day," Song Yuan rarely showed a worried look, asking in a low voice, "Have you been treated well in the palace during these days, Commandery Princess?"
Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong also appeared anxious and concerned.
Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow, speaking softly, "This is not the place to talk, let’s return to the Mansion first."
Song Yuan nodded and personally led a Hua Ma over. Jiang Shaohua deftly mounted the horse, the sound of hooves breaking through the night as they headed for the Nanyang Prince Mansion.
Prince Nanyang, as the late Emperor’s most cherished younger brother, lived in the palace before taking office. Only after his grand wedding did he leave the palace and move into the Nanyang Prince Mansion.
This Nanyang Prince Mansion, only two miles from the Imperial Palace, is built spacious and elegant, luxurious and grand. It has been vacant for years, only stewarded by some Household Affairs Guards until today welcomed its true master.
Jiang Shaohua raised her eyes to look at the plaque.
The four characters of Nanyang Prince Mansion on the plaque were personally written by the late Emperor. After decades of wind and rain, both brothers have returned to heaven, and this plaque has faded dimly, exuding a sense of loneliness.
Thinking of her grandfather, Jiang Shaohua felt a faint pain in her heart and sighed silently. She quickly lifted her spirits and stepped into the Mansion.
Chen Jinyu quickly followed, "The Commandery Princess’s residence has been arranged. I will have someone prepare hot water."
Once arriving at her domain, Jiang Shaohua relaxed entirely, her voice lazy, "That’s the duty of Yin Zhutu Bai, why are you also vying for it."
Chen Jinyu, with a look of grievance, "Over this month, the Commandery Princess was alone in the palace. I could not be by her side, and my heart felt empty. Today I finally have a chance to serve, yet the Commandery Princess teases me."
Jiang Shaohua was amused, "Not needing to serve, taking pay for nothing, isn’t that the happiest thing under the sky? Why act pretentious in front of me."
Chen Jinyu blinked, "Commandery Princess, don’t expose me!"
Jiang Shaohua laughed.
In the palace, she always had to feign sadness, her spirit continuously tense. Today she finally relaxed, in the presence of the most familiar and close friends, without much thought, freely bantering.
After changing the hot water three times, soaking for an hour, washing off all the dust and fatigue, Jiang Shaohua changed into clean plain clothes, her half-dry long hair spread over her shoulders. Lazily sitting in a chair.
Song Yuan, Chen Jinyu, and Ma Yaosong all pricked up their ears, listening to the Commandery Princess recounting the events in the palace these days.
Jiang Shaohua’s tone was quite understated.
Yet the three listened with surging emotions.
"The Commandery Princess confronted Prime Minister Wang , there will be no room for reconciliation in the future," Song Yuan said softly.
Chen Jinyu picked up the conversation, "The things Prime Minister Wang did back then were aimed at the Commandery Princess. If the Commandery Princess does not show some sharpness, everyone will consider her a pushover!"
"Chen Sheren is right," the young and spirited Ma Yaosong also said, "A kind person is bullied, the Commandery Princess must be this tough. Before they speak, they must weigh their words carefully."