CHAPTER 314: CHAPTER 314: NEW EMPEROR (PART 2)

In one day, with Empress Dowager Zheng in the harem, it was entirely her say, leaving no room for Consort Li.

In terms of seniority, Empress Dowager Zheng was the elder. As a daughter-in-law facing a mother-in-law, one is naturally at a disadvantage. Not to mention, Consort Li was merely a noble consort, not the established Empress of the Central Palace. Outside the palace, this was equivalent to the status of a noble concubine. How could she possibly have the confidence to go up against Empress Dowager Zheng, who had been in charge of the harem for decades?

In terms of power and influence, Empress Dowager Zheng had ears and eyes all over the palace, secretly forming factions that could rival the Prime Minister. Not just in the harem, even in the court, Empress Dowager Zheng’s words carried significant weight.

Thus, Consort Li could only be the second most honored and affluent woman in Da Liang, as long as Empress Dowager Zheng was around, she would be firmly pressed down.

The newly ascended Emperor silently pondered the hidden meanings in his mother’s words, for some reason, a cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and after a while, he softly said, "Grand Empress Dowager has always been exceptionally kind to me, and now that I have just ascended the throne, there are even more instances where I will rely on Grandmother."

To put it bluntly, one must first cross the river before dismantling the bridge.

Now that he, the Emperor, had just ascended the throne, his real core supporters were just a few young reading companions. To take control of the court, he needed to heavily rely on Duke An and Empress Dowager Zheng to suppress Prime Minister Wang.

Why would one dismantle the bridge first?

Moreover, Da Liang ruled with filial piety. With Empress Dowager Zheng’s status here, as the eldest grandson, he must fulfill his filial duties for his father and demonstrate it to the people of the world.

Consort Li also slightly regretted her slip of the tongue, cleared her throat, and said, "Of course. You must dutifully honor your Grand Empress Dowager."

The mother and son exchanged glances and then diverted the conversation.

"How did the enthronement ceremony feel today?" Consort Li asked with a light smile.

"Having rehearsed twice before, today went without a single mistake," Emperor Taihe softly replied, "Today, sitting on the Dragon Throne for the first time, I was very excited, but fortunately, I managed to remain composed."

"You’ve been busy all day today, you must be very tired," Consort Li said tenderly, "settle down and rest early! There’s still the grand court assembly tomorrow."

Emperor Taihe nodded in agreement, "Mother, you should also rest early."

...

At that moment, Jiang Shaohua was talking with Empress Dowager Zheng in Jingyang Palace.

"Once today has passed, my heart will be at ease," Empress Dowager Zheng sighed with satisfaction, "A nation cannot be without a monarch for a day. With the Crown Prince on the throne and seated firm on the Dragon Throne, the hearts of Da Liang’s people will also be at peace."

A change of dynasties historically accompanies unsettling turbulence. The chaos in Pingzhou is not unrelated to the demise of Emperor Taikang.

However, Emperor Taihe is truly unfortunate in his destiny. From her past life memories, the dreadful locust plague that shocked Da Liang and crushed the common people is soon to come.

Jiang Shaohua sighed helplessly in her heart, but a joyful expression remained on her face, "What Lady says is true, I have been looking forward to this day for a long time."

Empress Dowager Zheng reached out to pat the back of Jiang Shaohua’s hand with increasingly loving eyes, "You are a good child, living up to your grandfather’s high expectations, and you have not disappointed me."

Jiang Shaohua, knowing well Empress Dowager Zheng’s thoughts, spoke words that were especially pleasing, "A young girl like me, not yet of age, standing tall in Jinluan Palace, it’s all thanks to the support of Empress Dowager Lady. The officials wished to make things difficult, but upon seeing Empress Dowager Lady behind me, they all fell silent."

Empress Dowager Zheng smiled warmly, "This girl, how you have grown so clever and charming, I do not know. I indeed supported you, but you must have the capability to stand firm and steady."

Jiang Shaohua pursed her lips into a smile, "That’s all learned from Empress Dowager Lady. From now on, please teach me more, Lady."

Empress Dowager Zheng was coaxed into hearty laughter.

Mr. Zhao quietly stepped in and whispered a few words in Empress Dowager Zheng’s ear.

Being nearby with exceptionally sharp hearing, Jiang Shaohua clearly heard Mr. Zhao’s whispering. Naturally, Consort Li visiting the Eastern Palace couldn’t be kept from Empress Dowager Zheng, who had eyes and ears throughout the palace.

"With her son seated on the Dragon Throne, how could a mother’s heart not be joyful," Empress Dowager Zheng’s lips twitched, though there wasn’t much smile in her eyes, "Song’er is a filial child, he will honor his mother in the future."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and echoed the thought, "My cousin often privately tells me that in his heart, he is closest to and most relies on his grandmother. Even in terms of honoring, it is grandmother first, then the biological mother."

Mr. Zhao gave a thumbs-up in his heart to the Commandery Princess.

Look how well the Commandery Princess speaks. Especially the use of grandmother and biological mother, it was brilliant.

In terms of status, Jiang Song was a son born of a concubine. Consort Li had always been merely a noble consort, inherently lower by more than just a head. Can she stir up turmoil in front of Empress Dowager Zheng?

Empress Dowager Zheng indeed smiled openly, "You this girl, pay some attention to your words in the future. Consort Li previously was the birth mother of the Crown Prince; after today, she is the Empress Dowager of Da Liang. The title palanquin ceremony is already being prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. When you meet her tomorrow, change your address and don’t lose etiquette or let others criticize."

Jiang Shaohua obediently agreed.

In Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes, Jiang Shaohua was indeed a handy and useful chess piece. For useful chess pieces, Empress Dowager Zheng spared no affection and favor: "It’s already near midnight, I must retire. You need not bustle around tonight either, just stay another night in Jingyang Palace."

Being allowed to stay overnight in Jingyang Palace signified the affection and support of Empress Dowager Zheng. This was extremely beneficial for Jiang Shaohua at the moment.

Jiang Shaohua agreed with a smile, personally attending to Empress Dowager Zheng’s preparations for sleep before going to settle herself.

In her previous life, she had visited Jingyang Palace countless times, to the point of being extremely familiar with this bedchamber. At this moment, she walked into the bedroom with light steps.

Both Yin Zhu and Tu Bai, having waited with sleepiness, were startled awake by the sound of the door opening, quickly rising to welcome her.

"The maids have prepared hot water."

"Supper is also ready."

Jiang Shaohua acknowledged with a smile, ate supper meant for three, bathed, changed clothes, and soon fell into a deep sleep.

She slept without dreams all night.

The next morning, as usual, she rose at the fifth hour, dressed in formal attire, and went to court.

Today was the first grand court assembly of the Tahe First Year, grand and solemn, with all officials present, no less impressive than yesterday’s enthronement ceremony.

Clad in the Dragon Robe, Emperor Taihe slowly approached surrounded by the crowd, his slightly youthful and inexperienced face deliberately fixed to showcase imperial dignity.

Under the direction of the Minister of Rites, the officials knelt to the new emperor in succession, loudly acclaiming ’Long Live the Emperor’, feeling inevitable sighs and helplessness within.

The Emperor was indeed too young. Over the past year or so, he hadn’t shown any remarkable governance abilities or talents. Among youths, he was considered outstanding. However, for a monarch, that was far from sufficient.

Could this young emperor steady the Dragon Throne? Could he suppress and manage the officials? Could he keep Empress Dowager Zheng out of political affairs? Could he stabilize the chaotic situation in the northern Da Liang?

A series of questions lingered in the minds of the officials, ultimately transforming into deep concern for Da Liang’s future.

...