Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 26: Humiliation

Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Humiliation

Lu Xuan’s fair face flushed red, both embarrassed and humiliated.

Just when everyone thought Lu Xuan would fly into a rage out of shame, unexpectedly, Lu Xuan shed tears: "I know my identity is not pleasing. Neither Chief Historian Chen nor Chief Historian Feng thinks highly of me, and in your heart, you also despise me as your father."

"I urge you to go to the Capital City because I’m afraid you’ll follow in your mother’s footsteps. Nanyang County is only so big. You are the Nanyang County Princess; who here can truly be your equal? When you reach the age of discussing marriage, must we recruit a matrilocal husband again? To be blunt, which good young man would willingly become a live-in son-in-law?"

"It’s different in the Capital City. Outstanding youths from noble families of Da Liang are all there. In a few years, the Empress Dowager could help choose a good marriage for you."

"You could marry a good husband and have a lifelong standby, and I, as your father, could finally ease my mind. In the future, even if I go underground, I’ll have the face to meet Yan and your grandfather."

"Shao Hua, listen to your father’s advice and go to the Capital City with Mr. Zhao!"

Lu Xuan, who was born handsome and refined, was shedding tears at this moment, his voice choking, and his sincerity was moving.

Mr. Zhao, having spent twenty years in the palace and seen all kinds of tricks, couldn’t help but admire him. This Lu Junma is truly buried within the inner dwelling of Nanyang Prince Mansion. Such talent should go to the Capital City to ’show its prowess’! _{freew\ebno\vel..(c)om}

Chen Zhuo’s heart sank straight down.

A shameless person is invincible in the world.

Beyond the sovereign and subject, there is also kinship.

After all, Lu Xuan is the father, and the Commandery Princess is the daughter. In terms of identity, it’s greatly disadvantageous to the Commandery Princess. At this moment, with Lu Xuan’s display of a tearful, loving father, the Commandery Princess is in a disadvantageous position.

Sure enough, Qiu Yuanshang was the first to jump out: "What Lu Junma says is not without reason. Commandery Princess, please think twice."

Yang Zheng, having held back his anger for several days, seized the opportunity to add to the Commandery Princess’s annoyance: "Parents love their children and think long-term for them. Lu Junma is wholeheartedly considerate of the Commandery Princess. Even if the Commandery Princess is unwilling to go to the Capital City, she should be respectful to Lu Junma. Mr. Zhao, don’t you agree?"

Mr. Zhao readily agreed: "Both of you gentlemen speak rightly. Da Liang governs with filial piety. The Emperor is extremely filial to the Empress Dowager, almost always complying with her wishes. It would greatly benefit the Commandery Princess to visit the palace and learn firsthand."

Between the words, it seemed like they were about to decide on Jiang Shaohua going to the Capital City.

Chen Zhuo could still hold back, but Feng Wenming, who was straightforward by nature, could not tolerate it any longer. He suddenly stood up and pointed at the tearful Lu Xuan: "Lu Junma professes his love for the Commandery Princess with words, yet his actions say otherwise."

"Everyone has eyes and can see clearly. Everyone knows what Lu Junma really intends. I, Feng Wenming, will say this here: this Nanyang County is left by the Prince for the Commandery Princess, and it’s not up to outsiders to meddle. If Lu Junma aims to take control of the Prince Mansion, I will be the first to oppose it!"

Song Yuan swiftly added, "The Commandery Princess is the court-appointed ruler of Nanyang. I, Song Yuan, recognize only the Commandery Princess."

Wen An and Shen Mu exchanged a glance, unable to remain silent any longer. They stood up and respectfully said, "The internal affairs of the Prince Mansion are not for us to comment on. However, there can only be one master of Nanyang Prince Mansion, and that is the Commandery Princess."

"We are officials of the Prince Mansion and only obey the Commandery Princess’s orders."

Lu Xuan, putting on a brave face, did not argue but continued to weep with reddened eyes: "Today, I’ve lost all dignity. Each of you lodges accusations, but I’m the Commandery Princess’s father; surely I wouldn’t harm her."

"I hope she gets the Empress Dowager’s guidance, excels in virtue, speech, demeanor, and achievements, and marries a good husband in the future. Where have I gone wrong?"

Mr. Zhao opportunistically praised, "I see Lu Junma doing the right thing. For a young lady, the most important thing is to marry a good husband."

Chen Zhuo rose with composure and said slowly, "Since Lu Junma claims to have a loving father’s heart, he shouldn’t impose his will upon the Commandery Princess and should listen to what the Commandery Princess truly desires."

The crowd’s attention turned to the Commandery Princess, who remained composed and unmoved.

Not until now did they realize that regardless of Lu Xuan’s tears or heartfelt pleas, Jiang Shaohua remained indifferent and unmoved.

"Father claims to be considering what’s best for me, yet doesn’t know what is most important in my heart."

"For an unmarried girl, the best fate is to marry a good husband. However, I am not an ordinary girl; I am the Nanyang County Princess. I am responsible for fourteen counties and a hundred thousand people. I want to ensure they live and work in peace and happiness."

"Whether marriage or a live-in son-in-law, I have never considered this. Not to mention that I am still young, with several years before marriage. Even when the time comes, marriage must come after the affairs of Nanyang County."

"This matter ends here and need not be brought up again."

The final statement was directed towards Mr. Zhao.

Mr. Zhao, a seasoned figure in the palace, still managed to smile under Jiang Shaohua’s authority: "The Commandery Princess is reluctant to leave Nanyang County and its people for the Capital City, and that’s fine. After returning to the Capital City, I will report the Commandery Princess’s words to the Empress Dowager."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly and said, "I will personally write a letter for Mr. Zhao to present to the Empress Dowager."

Then she casually smiled and said, "Mr. Zhao, having traveled far to Nanyang County, you should stay and rest for a few days. Allow me to host and extend proper hospitality. Tonight, I’m hosting a banquet at the mansion, and Mr. Zhao, you must come."

Mr. Zhao gladly agreed.

Jiang Shaohua then smiled at the officials, saying, "Tonight there will be a banquet at the mansion. I’ll have the kitchen prepare good food and wine. Everyone should come; the more, the merrier."

All the officials collected their scattered thoughts and responded with smiles.

No one paid attention to Lu Junma, whose eyes were red and putting on a show.

Lu Xuan, embarrassed and humiliated, was about to continue his act, but Jiang Shaohua had already glanced over: "Lu Junma, overcome with emotion and somewhat losing composure, should refrain from appearing further today. Go back and rest well!"

Lu Xuan maintained the last bit of dignity and whispered, "Alright, I’ll go back first. Shao Hua, don’t be angry with your father. If you don’t want to go to the palace, then don’t go. Don’t hold a grudge against your father over this small matter."

Jiang Shaohua slightly curled her lips, with no smile in her eyes: "I’ve said everything I need to. If father doesn’t want to anger me, he should remember not to do things he shouldn’t. And don’t say things that shouldn’t be said."

Lu Xuan awkwardly emitted a noise, wiped his tears with his sleeve, and then stood up and left.

He was like a drowning dog, as well as a stray dog.

Jiang Shaohua watched Lu Xuan’s figure as he hastily retreated, feeling very satisfied.

Today, she intentionally allowed Lu Xuan to appear precisely for this moment.

She wanted Lu Xuan to expose his ambition to meddle in the Prince Mansion, letting him humiliate himself in front of everyone. Everyone was surprised today, but by the second or third time, they would gradually get used to it.

Paternal authority, that’s how it gradually slips away bit by bit.