The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 115

The Grand Princess was astounded. “Shuhuai, is this your proposal?”

Wang Shuhuai cupped his hands in a modest smile. “These are merely my humble thoughts. I seek Grandmother’s guidance.”

The Grand Princess scrutinized him deeply. Before her stood a man as elegant as a gentle breeze yet as shrewd as a master strategist. She suddenly realized why Wang Shuhuai had given her this memorial.

This was his pledge of allegiance.

If she submitted this memorial to the Inner Council and it was eventually presented to the Emperor, her name would be immortalized in history.

“Shuhuai, do you understand the significance of this document?”

The Grand Princess traced her fingers over the thin yet weighty memorial as if holding a profound ambition and responsibility. This was an unprecedented tax reform—one that would bring sweeping changes to the entire Jin Dynasty. If successful, it would be a legacy to rival even that of the late Empress.

Even someone as composed as she couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement.

Wang Shuhuai’s gaze darkened slightly. “Grandmother, I present this to you because only you can accomplish this grand vision. If the new tax policy is implemented, the national treasury will quickly replenish itself. This is a blessing for the common people and a boon for the empire.”

The Grand Princess had wielded great influence at court for years. She had even been instrumental in placing the current Emperor on the throne. Her power was not inferior to that of the sovereign himself. If she lent her support, half the battle would already be won. Wang Shuhuai knew that once he arrived in Jiangnan, he would have no backing at court and would undoubtedly face many obstacles. By securing the Grand Princess’s favor, he ensured that he would have no burdens weighing him down.

To achieve fame, one must first accomplish great deeds.

The Grand Princess studied the young man before her—so composed, so calculating. She smiled faintly. “Shuhuai, speak. What do you need from me?”

She wished to test him, and he, in turn, sought to gain advantages from her.

Wang Shuhuai did not hesitate. His gaze slowly met hers. “First, I ask Grandmother to be my backing. I do not wish for any interference from the court.”

“Second, when I arrive in Jiangnan, I must establish authority. A new official must make a strong first impression, and I need to deal with certain key figures. I ask for Grandmother’s assistance in this matter.”

Essentially, he was asking her to sacrifice a few chess pieces to pave his path forward.

The Grand Princess pressed her fingers to her brow. “I understand. On the day you depart, I will provide you with a list of names. These individuals—you may deal with them as you see fit.”

After Wang Shuhuai left, the Grand Princess sat behind her desk, gripping the memorial in silence for a long time.

The Duke ambled over, leisurely cradling his birdcage. “It’s getting late, Your Highness. You should rest. If you stay up too long, you’ll have a headache again tomorrow.”

The Grand Princess lightly put the memorial onto the desk, smirking as she looked at her husband. “You look quite pleased with yourself.” She had noticed the smile tugging at his lips.

The Duke chuckled outright. “Hahaha… He may not be your biological grandson, but you treat him as if he were. What harm is there in that?”

The Grand Princess’ lips curled slightly. “I would love to treat him as my own grandson—I just fear that he does not think of me as his grandmother. Look at him—one intricate scheme after another, and now I am caught in his net.”

The Duke’s grin widened. “He is earning you great prestige. You strategize in the court, while he charges forth to implement your plans. With such a duo, how can great things not be achieved?”

The Grand Princess rose gracefully, casting him a sidelong glance. “So in the end, you sit back and reap the benefits?”

“Hahahaha…”

The Duke handed his birdcage to a waiting attendant before stepping forward to escort his wife to her couch. He signaled to the maids outside, and soon, a palace servant entered to assist the Grand Princess in cleansing her face. A moment later, she lay upon the couch, while the Duke, having changed his garments, joined her inside the draped canopy.

Beyond the curtains, palace lanterns cast a soft glow. Within, the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood.

The Grand Princess gave the Duke’s leg a glance. “Is it better now?”

The Duke extended his long arm, gently drawing his wife into his embrace. He kneaded her temples with practiced ease. “It’s been better for a while now…”

The Grand Princess let out a quiet scoff, her breath slowing under his touch. Gradually, their faces drew closer, and her fingers instinctively tightened around him.

“You certainly remain vigorous.”

The Duke grumbled disapprovingly, “Have I ever been anything but?”

The Grand Princess chuckled. “The Duke has always been youthful…”

Neither spoke further. They surrendered themselves to the serenity of the moment, their movements restrained yet charged with a silent current only they could comprehend.

After a long while, that delicate balance of hesitation and restraint unraveled, revealing something raw and unguarded.

Between deep, steady breaths, she finally murmured, “Do you regret it?”

“Hm?”

“Spending all these years by my side. Do you feel wronged?”

Once a towering pillar of the court, he had chosen to lay down his ambitions to remain with her, living in the depths of the palace, willing to play a supporting role. Did he regret it?

The Duke’s face, sharp as a blade, softened as he gazed at the woman in his arms. “Not for a moment. But what about you, Your Highness? Do you regret marrying me?”

The Grand Princess did not answer.

Instead, she pulled him closer.

At that time, the calamity that had shaken the entire court loomed between them, forcing them to become pawns of fate and binding them together. That hurdle might never be truly overcome, but after decades of sharing the same bed, living side by side, how could there not be even a trace of warmth left in their hearts?

But they were both restrained and proud people.

Neither had ever lowered their head.

The Grand Princess did not answer him; instead, she slowly pulled him closer into her embrace.