CHAPTER 474: CHAPTER 474: HEREDITY

Upon hearing this, Zheng Chen’s gaze turned cold, but he remained motionless and kept silent.

He had neither the standing nor the right to speak.

At the mention of Cui Du, Jiang Shaohua’s expression visibly softened as she responded quietly, "Your Majesty, the Boling Cui family has already come to discuss the betrothal. Although I am not in the Prince Mansion, the engagement is proceeding as planned."

In current times, engagements and marriages do not require the woman to appear personally. It’s decided by the elders, exchanging name cards to establish a betrothal and present bride gifts.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng expressed some regret, "I originally wanted to pick a good husband for you, but unfortunately, you insisted on having him marry into the family. So, we must make do."

A disciple from the Cui family’s collateral branch, without even the title of a scholar. If it were not for his fame in farming, how would he be worthy of the noble Da Liang Princess?

Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua, who had already arranged their marriages, recalled their fiancés and each proudly straightened their backs.

Li Boyuan is the eldest grandson of the Li family and Emperor Taihe’s cousin by blood, and the future head of the Li family.

Mr. Zhang is the eldest grandson of Minister Zhang, whose family is also a noble family of Da Liang. Minister Zhang holds a high and powerful position. Mr. Zhang has been renowned for his talent since childhood, having passed the provincial exam last year, with a bright future ahead.

They might not match Jiang Shaohua, but their future husbands are far better than the Earl of Changning, who only knows how to farm.

"It’s not making do," Jiang Shaohua said with a radiant smile, "Cui Du is excellent, the best young man in the world."

Everyone present: "..."

It was clear to all that Jiang Shaohua’s words were heartfelt and genuine. The glow in her eyes was something only a girl would have when speaking of the one she loves.

She truly liked Cui Du!

This marriage was not the result of weighing pros and cons, but her own willing choice!

Princess Bao Hua instinctively glanced at Zheng Chen.

Zheng Chenjun’s face showed no extra expression, only those familiar with his temperament could detect the anger in his eyes.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng did not turn to look at her grandnephew’s expression, she laughed softly, "Alright, alright, as long as you like him. Since he’s your choice, you should treat him well once he enters the Prince Mansion."

A man marrying into a family is like a woman marrying out, inevitably leading a cautious life, watching others’ expressions. Therefore, good and ambitious young men generally do not want to become a son-in-law by marriage.

Jiang Shaohua smiled gently and responded with composure, "Cui Du and I have agreed to take the title of engagement without rushing into marriage. We’ll marry three years later."

Princess Bao Hua is already nineteen and unmarried, Jiang Wan Hua is eighteen, and Jiang Yuehua is seventeen; none of them are young. In the noble imperial family, it’s common to marry a few years later.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng casually laughed, "I shall prepare a generous gift then."

They chatted idly, but Grand Empress Dowager Zheng never mentioned Emperor Taihe, obviously lacking the intention for Jiang Shaohua to meet him immediately.

Being anxious wouldn’t help. Fortunately, she was already in the Capital City and had entered the court, close enough to the Emperor to respond to any changes in time.

Jiang Shaohua suppressed her inner restlessness and patiently engaged in small talk with Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

After a while, Empress Dowager Li sent her palace maid Lan Xiang over.

With Zhuxiang’s death, Empress Dowager Li seemed stuck in a pit of mud, impossible to clear her name. The relationship between Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and Empress Dowager Li had visibly become tense.

Lan Xiang, being a useful palace maid at Empress Dowager Li’s side, did not dare to lift her head upon entering Jingyang Palace, speaking and acting with utmost respect and obedience: "This servant is here by the command of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, to send regards to the Commandery Princess. Her Majesty invites the Commandery Princess to visit Ning An Palace for a chat when free."

Jiang Shaohua rose and replied, "I will visit Her Majesty the Empress Dowager tomorrow to pay my respects."

Receiving a response, Lan Xiang breathed a sigh of relief, saluted, and withdrew.

After Lan Xiang’s departure, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng snorted coldly, "What kind of master has what kind of servant. This Lan Xiang, though appearing gentle and docile, has quite an active mind."

This was not beating around the bush but directly criticizing.

With the struggles between the two palaces, and the enmity between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, no one dared to say more. Even Princess Bao Hua could only remain silent.

Jiang Shaohua was not so restrained; she did not live in the palace and had her own vassal territory and strong influence, speaking with assurance and confidence. Empress Dowager Li’s initiative to send someone was a gesture of goodwill.

"During this period, much has happened in the palace," Jiang Shaohua spoke softly, "being far in Nanyang County, news reached me late, and I couldn’t relieve Grand Aunt’s worries in time, making me anxious. Later, hearing of the Emperor’s illness, I was even more troubled. So, I shamelessly wrote, asking Grand Aunt to allow me to stay briefly in the Capital City."

The change in address immediately brought them closer.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s brow relaxed, and she sighed, "You always keep me and the Emperor in your heart, your filial piety and loyalty are well understood by me."

"Some matters cannot be explained in letters. It’s good that you’re here, allowing me to share my worries."

The conversation reached a point where it was inappropriate for outsiders to be present.

Princess Bao Hua and the others tactfully took their leave.

Zheng Chen also clasped his hands and exited. As he turned, he gave Jiang Shaohua a deep look. Jiang Shaohua sat calmly, with no change in expression.

With fewer people in the hall, it suddenly grew much quieter. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng no longer hid her inner anger, "You should be aware of the changes in the court."

"The border army’s great defeat and the massacre of Peng City made it rightful to question the Left General. Wang Yi’s corruption and blackmail were justified, without anyone wrongly accusing him. Prime Minister Wang, bearing a grudge due to this matter, repeatedly used vile means against me and the Zheng family. There’s no need to discuss this, as I consider myself clear, unafraid of gossip."

"Duke An was impeached by his subordinates, forcing him to close his doors for self-reflection. The Emperor was so angered that he fainted and has been ill on the Dragon Couch, not showing any signs of recovery."

Jiang Shaohua felt a heaviness in her heart and looked up at Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, "Grand Aunt, how is my cousin now?"

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, in an emotional state, revealed the truth, so now she no longer concealed it, letting out a low sigh, "Your cousin is still lying on the Dragon Couch, able to move his limbs, barely able to eat, but unable to step down from the couch. Once his feet touch the ground, he becomes weak all over, dizzy, and nauseous."

"The Imperial Physicians consulted and concluded that the Emperor may have inherited the late Emperor’s illness. He must not be overly fatigued, emotionally intense, or suffer further fainting spells."

Emperor Taikang fainted twice, and after the third time, he closed his eyes forever.

Who would have thought that the young Emperor Taihe had inherited this dreadful illness?

Jiang Shaohua felt her heart sinking steadily.

She had always suspected that Emperor Taihe’s fainting might be due to many conspiracies. Perhaps it was Jiang Yi, or Zheng Chen, possibly something done covertly by Prime Minister Wang...

Yet, she never imagined that Emperor Taihe was truly ill, with a severe hereditary illness from the late Emperor.

This is even more terrifying than conspiracy!

Conspiracies can be guarded against, exposed, and dealt with. But what to do about an incurable severe illness? Unable to step down from the couch, unable to sit on the Dragon Throne or manage affairs, how can he be the Emperor?