CHAPTER 326: CHAPTER 326: WARNING

Though Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was indeed displeased, it was far from the point of being enraged as Empress Dowager Li assumed.

Jiang Shaohua had previously made thorough preparations, repeatedly mentioning her return to the Nanyang Prince Mansion, and privately promised to actively respond to Jingyang Palace after returning to Nanyang County, sparing no effort to support Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

After everyone had left, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng intentionally kept Jiang Shaohua behind, advising earnestly, "Court affairs are significant. If you wish to return to Nanyang, I will not stop you."

"Wait two to three years until the Northern Provinces of Da Liang are peaceful, then return to the Capital City. At that time, I will choose a good husband for you."

Understanding Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s temperament, Jiang Shaohua would not argue with her at this moment and nodded in agreement.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng rambled on for a good while, with Jiang Shaohua listening half-heartedly, although her face remained obedient and gentle.

After leaving Jingyang Palace, Jiang Shaohua then went to Zhaohai Palace to bid farewell to Emperor Taihe.

Emperor Taihe was somewhat reluctant to part. However, due to severe locust plagues in the North and chaotic times, the court needed to procure grain from Nanyang County, thus had to let Jiang Shaohua return.

"Cousin Shaohua, take care on your journey." Emperor Taihe promised softly, "If there’s anything in the future, just write to me, and I will certainly support you."

This was a precious political commitment from the Emperor of Da Liang.

It was also a brother’s protection and trust towards his cousin.

Jiang Shaohua felt warmth inside: "Thank you, Your Majesty." She paused, speaking softly, "Before departing, I have a very confidential matter to report to Your Majesty, please dismiss others from your presence."

Emperor Taihe was somewhat surprised, his gaze swept over Jiang Shaohua’s solemn face, and he nodded.

Eunuch Ge signaled with his eyes, and led the eunuchs out quietly.

In the spacious room, only Jiang Shaohua and Emperor Taihe remained.

"Cousin, more than three years ago, Grandfather appeared in my dream. In the dream, Grandfather told me that there would be a two-year drought followed by locust plagues in the North of Da Liang. This dream recurred for five consecutive nights, and I had no choice but to believe. Since then, I have been organizing the Prince Mansion’s internal affairs and leading trusted aides to patrol various counties, doing many things—all to prepare for the impending drought and locust plague."

Jiang Shaohua gazed deeply at Emperor Taihe: "Cousin, you are aware of the subsequent happenings, each and every one turned out to be true."

The tale of Prince Nanyang appearing in dreams had already reached the Capital City.

Emperor Taihe used to treat it as a joke, but with the linked locust plagues and droughts wreaking havoc in the Northern Provinces, he felt deeply affected and sighed: "This is the spirit of Prince Nanyang blessing Nanyang County from heaven."

Jiang Shaohua spoke softly: "A few days ago, Grandfather appeared in my dream again. This dream concerns you, cousin."

Emperor Taihe was startled, wanting to laugh it off, but upon seeing the seriousness on Jiang Shaohua’s face, felt a sudden tension, his voice involuntarily tightening: "What did Prince Nanyang say in the dream?"

Jiang Shaohua raised her eyes and met Emperor Taihe’s gaze, her lowered voice clearly conveying to him: "In the dream, Grandfather said there is a treacherous person beside you, cousin, and within two years, there will be a calamity involving bloodshed."

Emperor Taihe’s face changed abruptly, a look of shock flashing in his eyes as he blurted out: "Who intends to harm me?"

Jiang Shaohua gazed quietly at Emperor Taihe without speaking.

This was the extent to which she could warn. It was inconvenient and inappropriate to say more. Not to mention the number of spies Prince Gaoliang and Prince Dongping had in the palace, how much trust Emperor Taihe could have in her.

Using the guise of a dream to forewarn, as long as Emperor Taihe heeded, raising vigilance and precautions against those around him, he might avoid the same disastrous fate as before.

Emperor Taihe slowly recovered from his shock, pondering something with a gaze deep and indeterminate.

Jiang Shaohua remained silent, waiting for Emperor Taihe finally to speak: "Thank you, Cousin Shaohua, for the reminder. I will be cautious."

Jiang Shaohua’s brow slightly relaxed, solemnly saluted, and then departed.

Emperor Taihe watched that slender and graceful figure disappear into the distance, standing in silence for a long time.

...

Walking out of Zhaohai Palace, Jiang Shaohua heaved a long sigh of relief under the bright sun. Everything, for now, had come to a pause.

The disturbances of the Capital City were temporarily no longer her concern. She was going home.

Going home—these two words were truly delightful.

Jiang Shaohua stepped lightly, leaving the palace, facing the radiant sunlight, warmly smiling at the trusted aides who came to greet her: "Let’s go, we’re returning to Nanyang."

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao simultaneously grinned, suppressing their inner exhilaration, responding in unison.

"Eager to return home" perfectly described Jiang Shaohua’s current feelings.

So ready to leave at once, she didn’t even say goodbye to Prince Dongping, nor specially choose an auspicious day to depart. Early the next morning, Jiang Shaohua led everyone on their way back.

The palace specially sent people to see her off.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng sent Mr. Zhao, while Emperor Taihe sent Eunuch Ge. These two, one being the confident of the Grand Empress Dowager, the other, the Chief Eunuch of the Emperor, were among the most powerful eunuchs in the Da Liang Palace.

Jiang Shaohua and Mr. Zhao had been "acquainted" for over three years, maintaining a close relationship. As for Eunuch Ge, having witnessed the Nanyang County Princess’ remarkable achievements and her garnering of the Emperor’s trust over the past half year, combined with her generosity and amiability, it was easy to foster goodwill. Their relationship wasn’t bad either.

Mr. Zhao and Eunuch Ge brought their respective lord’s messages, all about the long journey and taking care.

What surprised Jiang Shaohua was that Princess Bao Hua personally came from the palace to see her off today.

"Cousin Shaohua," Princess Bao Hua held Jiang Shaohua’s hand and said gently, "Returning to Nanyang County this time, you might not return to the Capital City for many years. As sisters, who knows when we’ll meet again."

"I wish you health and peace in your life."

"Thank you, Sister Bao Hua, for coming to see me off," Jiang Shaohua felt a warmth in her heart, gazing deeply, "I also look forward to the day we can reunite as sisters."

She hoped her pre-warning could help the now cautious Emperor Taihe avoid calamity.

If Emperor Taihe remained unscathed, the throne wouldn’t fall into the Second Prince’s hands. All hands reaching for imperial power would be suppressed. Consequently, Princess Bao Hua would not need to be married off afar like in the past, dying early in another land.

Princess Bao Hua was slightly moved inside. She was unaware of Jiang Shaohua’s thoughts, but the compassion in Jiang Shaohua’s eyes was unmistakably clear.

Where did this compassion come from?

As the Da Liang Princess, living a life of luxury and opulence, what was there to pity?

Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua also approached, each offering attentive goodbyes and mutual well-wishes.

The last to come forward was the Heir of Prince Gaoliang, Jiang Yi.

Jiang Yi always had a jovial appearance in front of others, cheerfully saying, "I haven’t had the chance to get close to you, Cousin Shaohua, and you’re already leaving. Please don’t forget to write to us in the Capital City."