CHAPTER 469: CHAPTER 469: BAD NEWS

In the study, Jiang Shaohua’s face was somber: "Chief Historian, what on earth happened?"

Chief Historian Chen sighed before speaking: "Please, Commandery Princess, do not worry and stay calm. The Emperor is exhausted and overworked, and he fainted in Zhaohai Palace!"

What?!

Emperor Taihe fainted?

Jiang Shaohua’s eyebrows twitched, her breathing faltered: "Given the risk to the dragon’s health, hasn’t the palace sealed the news?"

"The Grand Empress Dowager ordered the news to be sealed and personally attended to the Emperor’s dragon health in Zhaohai Palace. Even Empress Dowager Li couldn’t enter Zhaohai Palace. However, the Emperor fainting without reason and unable to attend court proceedings won’t be concealed from all court officials."

Chief Historian Chen’s expression was grave as he handed the letter in his hand to the Commandery Princess: "This is the information sent by the palace’s spies. Please have a look, Commandery Princess."

The letter had only one page, and Jiang Shaohua glanced over it, seeing everything clearly.

Duke An was stabbed by a trusted accomplice during court, unable to defend himself despite hundreds of mouths. After dismissing court, he went to kneel and plead guilty outside Zhaohai Palace. Zheng Chen also knelt outside Zhaohai Palace. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng hurried over upon hearing the news and, after entering Zhaohai Palace, said something to Emperor Taihe which immediately led to his fainting.

All the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Hospital were urgently summoned to Zhaohai Palace. From the moment Zhaohai Palace closed its doors until the news was sent out, they couldn’t ascertain the dragon’s health condition...

Jiang Shaohua’s thoughts were extremely chaotic.

In her previous life, Emperor Taihe met his demise during a spring hunt in April, unexpectedly encountering a fierce tiger in the forest. The startled horse ran madly, and Emperor Taihe fell, dying from the fall.

The meticulous arrangement of this "accident" was the work of the Heir of Prince Gaoliang, with the father and son of Prince Dongping also involved in the conspiracy.

In this lifetime, she repeatedly warned Emperor Taihe to be vigilant about those around him. Given the chaos in court and troubling politics, Emperor Taihe didn’t have the time nor the inclination to go spring hunting, safely passing April, dodging the fatal disaster of the previous life.

Yet, Jiang Shaohua had never truly relaxed. The Heir of Prince Gaoliang harbored ill intentions, the father and son of Prince Dongping possessed ambitious desires, and Zheng Chen, who was driven by an insatiable lust for power and unscrupulous methods, watched closely alongside them, worrying her greatly over Emperor Taihe’s safety.

Indeed, unexpected troubles had still arrived.

Was Emperor Taihe’s fainting truly an accident or was it another calculated move?

"Commandery Princess, you mustn’t worry too much either." Chief Historian Chen mustered the energy to comfort, "The world’s top physicians are gathered at the Imperial Hospital, and the Emperor is still so young. With the right treatment, he’s bound to be fine."

Jiang Shaohua instinctively clutched the letter tightly, muttering softly: "I must go to the Capital City."

Chief Historian Chen was startled, thinking he misheard: "What did the Commandery Princess say?"

"I said, I must go to the Capital City!" Finally voicing the thought that had plagued her mind for half a year, Jiang Shaohua lifted her eyes to meet Chief Historian Chen’s gaze, "The Capital City is rife with frequent changes; I am deeply concerned about my cousin. Being far away in Nanyang County, I am powerless to do anything. I must go to the Capital City and see my cousin in person."

The Commandery Princess wasn’t joking; she was serious.

After overcoming his astonishment, Chief Historian Chen furrowed his brow and said, "Without an imperial edict, a Vassal King mustn’t enter the capital. The last time the Commandery Princess went to the Capital City was over two years ago when the late Emperor passed away, and all went without criticism. Now, the Commandery Princess going to the Capital City would not align with the regulations."

Jiang Shaohua exhaled forcefully the anxiety in her chest: "I am aware this goes against the rules. Rest assured, I will not act rashly or impulsively. Before going, I will write to the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor, seeking their approval before setting out."

If it were Prince Dongping, Prince Huaiyang, or Prince Wu’an, hearing of the Emperor’s fainting and rushing to the Capital City suddenly, they’d undoubtedly face accusations of sinister intentions.

Jiang Shaohua’s female identity, however, provided convenience. People naturally harbored some disdain for women, unlikely causing any intimidation. As long as Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and Emperor Taihe nodded in agreement, Jiang Shaohua could set off for the Capital City.

Chief Historian Chen knew Jiang Shaohua’s temperament—once decided, she wouldn’t change her mind. Thus, all he as the Left Chief Historian needed to do was think of a suitable pretext for the Commandery Princess and arrange all the trivial matters properly.

After contemplating for a while, Chief Historian Chen said: "Regarding the Emperor’s fainting, Commandery Princess should act unaware, writing letters as usual. As for the reason for going to the Capital City, avoid mentioning court matters. Do not bring up the upheavals among the Zuo Family, Wang Family, the palace, and Zheng Family. Simply profess your longing for the Grand Empress Dowager and wish to stay in the palace for a while, fulfilling your filial duties as a younger generation."

Jiang Shaohua nodded, "That’s exactly what I was planning."

"The Grand Empress Dowager has been quite troubled lately; perhaps she truly needs the Commandery Princess to help relieve her worries." Then Chief Historian Chen added, "Send a substantial gift to Mr. Zhao and have Mr. Zhao speak favorably of you near the Grand Empress Dowager."

After a pause, he reminded: "The situation with the Emperor now is unclear. The letter written by the Commandery Princess may not reach the Emperor."

Jiang Shaohua sighed: "I can’t concern myself with much right now; I’ll write the letter first. Sending letters to the Capital City takes a half-month round trip. Perhaps my letter will arrive when the Emperor is already well."

This is the drawback of being too far away.

Chief Historian Chen remained silent for a moment, then reminded: "If this succeeds, the Commandery Princess must certainly keep a low profile when going to the Capital City this time."

"The current court is vastly different from two years ago."

Indeed!

Prime Minister Wang and Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s faction have already torn each other apart completely. Their fierce struggle shows utter disregard for decorum and dignity. Amidst this chaos, flying arrows abound, and it’s easy to be struck.

Jiang Shaohua nodded in agreement.

...

Cui Du waited outside the study for a full hour until his neck seemed almost to elongate.

Chief Historian Chen was the first to come out. With his practiced composure, he didn’t let emotions show in the slightest. Cheerfully he greeted Elder Changning, exchanged pleasantries with Chen Sheren and Ma, then proceeded to leave.

Cui Du thought, Chief Historian Chen truly revealed nothing, his face betraying not even a trace!

Jiang Shaohua also came out with a smile.

Cui Du, notably sensitive to Jiang Shaohua’s moods, approached and whispered, "Commandery Princess, are you not feeling well? Did something happen at court?"

Jiang Shaohua responded with a hum: "There indeed are some changes. I can’t tell you now; once there’s feedback from the Capital City in a few days, I’ll share it with you."

Cui Du didn’t ask further.

Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong exchanged looks, suppressing their curiosity.

Over the next half-month, the Prince Mansion was quite busy. Chief Historian Chen was occupied with writing a marriage proposal to the Boling Cui Family; Chief Historian Feng busied himself preparing betrothal gifts; Elder Changning was devoted to accompanying the Commandery Princess; Lu Junma was secretly restless and angry. Ma Yaosong took over, elevated from a housekeeper to Chief Steward, actively adapting to the new environment and responsibilities.

The Boling Cui Family responded swiftly. After receiving Chief Historian Chen’s proposal, Cui Ping personally came to Nanyang Prince Mansion to negotiate the betrothal arrangements with Chief Historians Chen and Feng.

Privately, a thick book was handed to Cui Du: "This is the dowry list prepared for you by the Boling Cui Family; keep a copy for yourself."