PM - 3

Indeed, in the Great Yin dynasty, emperors were expected to select an empress at the age of sixteen. Once married, it signified adulthood, and the regent was required to return power to the sovereign. From that point onward, the boundary between ruler and minister would become insurmountable.

The Chancellor was no dullard. When she had asked if he remembered her age, he immediately sensed her intentions. It was his own oversight—accustomed to her silence and forbearance, he had almost forgotten her existence. Now, she advanced by retreating, using abdication as leverage to force him into a stance. Clearly, she had been preparing for this moment.

He raised his eyes and finally studied her properly. Under the lamplight, the young emperor wore a man’s attire, her hair tied back. Even outside the court, her appearance remained masculine. As a child, her features hadn’t stood out much. He had once wondered why her parents, who were not unattractive, had produced such indistinct features in her. But as she matured, those ordinary features sharpened, revealing a striking beauty. It wasn’t the delicate grace typical of young women but rather an imperial majesty tinged with an undercurrent of severity. Only now did he realize that the child he had raised was slipping from his control—she intended to stand on her own in the world.

He drew a breath. “Abdication is no trivial matter. This is the first time I’ve heard My Lord mention it, and I hope it will be the last.”

The young emperor lowered her gaze and nodded. “If I weren’t at my wit’s end, I wouldn’t dare broach this topic with Father Regent. When the late emperor entrusted me to you, the Yuan clan’s various lords were circling like vultures. The fact that the court has endured until now is entirely due to your efforts. Though I haven’t said it, I know this well. For the sake of the Great Yin, you remain unmarried despite nearing thirty. Meanwhile, I, at such a young age, am eager to marry—it seems inappropriate. But imperial matters concern the state, and you understand this better than I do. My situation is exceedingly difficult. To remain passive invites criticism from the ministers. Yet, if I truly take a consort, given my current state… how could I face them? Father Regent, you are my mentor, teaching me governance and worldly wisdom. If you were in my position today, what would you do?”

Thus, the saying goes: when the student surpasses the teacher, the teacher starves. The Chancellor fell silent for a moment, then responded succinctly. “Naturally, the greater good must come first. Does My Lord have any suitable candidates in mind? Among the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, whose daughter might you favor? Allow me to arrange the marriage and escort her into the Changqiu Palace.”

It was unexpectedly smooth, almost too much so. Fu Wei had been bracing herself for his resistance, yet he agreed without hesitation.

Could this be a ruse? Such ease seemed suspicious. Surely, he understood the fate awaiting a regent after the emperor assumed full authority. Even if he retained the right to veto or remonstrate, once she gradually sidelined him by empowering the Yuan clan, his influence would wane to nothing.

An ambiguous expression crossed the young emperor’s youthful face. “The selection can wait; we must deliberate carefully. As long as Father Regent understands my heart, I have nothing to fear.” She paused, blinking lightly. “Father Regent, may I ask you something?”

At this moment, she didn’t resemble an emperor but rather the young disciple seeking guidance from him. The Chancellor’s gaze was calm, devoid of discernible emotion. “Please enlighten me, My Lord.”

She smiled shyly. “I often wonder why Father Regent remains unmarried. Was it heartbreak? Or is there someone in your heart you cannot confess to?” This was the first time she had ventured into such personal territory. In her view, the feelings of this powerful minister warranted exploration. She had once been too timid to ask, but now, feeling grown, she believed she had the right to discuss such matters.

The Chancellor’s response was dismissive. “I’m not adept at managing relationships, nor do I have the leisure to dwell on others. For me, remaining unburdened by family is best.”

To eschew family altogether—truly, a cold and detached man!

“What about heirs? Marriage ensures someone to inherit your legacy.”

The Chancellor’s reply was concise. “My Lord needn’t worry about me. Producing a son isn’t difficult. When the time comes, I’ll simply choose a woman from within the household.”

In court, he was meticulous down to the smallest detail, yet in other matters, he was so cavalier. Even something as significant as marriage and progeny could be handled internally within the Chancellor’s residence. It was baffling what drove his obsession with power.

Fu Wei smiled. “So Father Regent has no favored maiden in mind. After laboring daily for the state, how can you return home to no one who understands your needs? Having been taught by you, I cannot help but worry. If not for the weight of responsibility on my shoulders, I’d personally attend to you… Let us wait a little longer. Once my affairs are settled, I will surely find a virtuous and worthy lady for you, all right?”

The young emperor, still inexperienced herself, thought to play matchmaker for others. However, she seemed markedly different today. The Chancellor offered vague assent, rising to bow deeply. “My affairs are trivial; the state must always come first. Leave the matter of establishing the Changqiu Palace to me, and rest assured, My Lord. It is late; please retire.” Taking a few steps, he glanced back. “Such heat—don’t wear too much, lest you develop a rash.”

Fu Wei was momentarily tongue-tied, stammering as she rose. “I’ll see you out, Father Regent.”

The Chancellor waved her off. “No need,” he said, not waiting for her to extend further courtesies, and strode away, his wide sleeves billowing behind him.

She stood by the window, watching him exit through the palace gates. The guards stationed there lit torches to escort him—the number of men accompanying him rivaled even her own nocturnal excursions. She gave a faint smile, turned back, and placed the scroll on the desk into a painting tube.

In the Great Yin dynasty, court sessions were held every five days. As an emperor who had yet to assume full authority, most of her time was spent studying. Occasionally, she attended the Mingguang Hall to listen to reports. By then, the pressing matters of state had already been intercepted by the Chancellor. What reached her were trivialities—grain reserves in the granaries or the promotion of a few scholars versed in the Five Classics.

Previously, with no prospects in sight, everything had seemed tedious and meaningless. Now, with a goal to pursue, she sought trusted confidants to deliberate with.

She summoned Grand Tutor Zhang Zhongqing and Minister of Imperial Clan Affairs Ding Baiyao to the Yuecheng Hall. These two had watched her grow up. Among the court officials, some submitted to the overbearing chancellor, while others steadfastly defended imperial authority. The elder statesmen, having served three reigns, were particularly loyal, their gratitude boundless.

“Last night, the Chancellor entered the palace. Did Grand Tutor and Minister know of this?” As an emperor, her smile was restrained, yet she wished to ascertain whether anyone else had taken note of his movements.

The court was a place of intrigue; even the smallest matters became common knowledge. The Grand Tutor bowed. “I have heard. I wonder if the Chancellor was summoned by Your Majesty? According to the rules, once the Qing Suo Gate closes, no official may enter the palace unless it’s an urgent military matter. If the Chancellor entered uninvited, Your Majesty could hold him accountable and even dismiss the Director of the Imperial Household, Liu Shou, as a warning.”

To actually accuse him of wrongdoing would only implicate herself. The young emperor shook her head. “The Chancellor grew up within the palace. Even if he entered unannounced last night, I cannot overly reprimand him. To be frank, there’s something I’ve been contemplating for some time but found difficult to broach. Last night, since the Chancellor came, I mentioned it to him. Today, I’ve summoned you both to seek your counsel.”

When the sovereign commanded, how could they refuse? The two ministers promptly rose. “We await Your Majesty’s instructions.”

The young emperor paced the room, silent for a long while.

The Grand Tutor and Minister exchanged glances before turning back to the emperor. The sovereign, crafted like jade, tilted her head slightly, the crimson tassels of her purple-gold crown framing her cheeks, pale as spring snow. Suddenly, she turned, looking somewhat embarrassed. “I recall Grand Tutor mentioning the establishment of the Changqiu Palace during a lesson last month. At the time, though I was inclined, I hesitated due to the Chancellor’s influence. I know many ministers harbor similar thoughts but dare not propose it openly. After much deliberation, I personally discussed it with the Chancellor last night.”

The young emperor had always been moderate and humble. Her newfound courage to confront the Chancellor astonished the Grand Tutor.

“What did the Chancellor say? I imagine he offered numerous excuses?”

The young emperor shook her head. “Strangely, he agreed.”

This was astonishing news, more exhilarating than a celestial omen. Marriage equated to assuming full authority—it seemed the Chancellor’s days of dominance were numbered. Overjoyed, the Grand Tutor and Minister bowed deeply. “Congratulations, Your Majesty. You have truly come of age. If the late emperor watches from above, how proud he must be!”

Yet, the young emperor remained impassive. “The Chancellor has monopolized power for years—he won’t let me have my way so easily. I suspect he will meddle in the selection of the empress. His household teems with retainers; choosing a trusted one to send his daughter into the palace would spell disaster. Thus, I entrust you both to find a candidate for me. The empress’s role affects the nation’s fate—it cannot be neglected. We need someone reliable to ensure a stable selection.”

Realizing the gravity of their task, the two ministers solemnly pledged, one hand over their chests, the other pointing skyward. “We owe our allegiance to the late emperor; our loyalty is undeniable. Please rest assured, Your Majesty. We will begin preparations immediately and present a list for your review.”

The young emperor smiled faintly, speaking slowly. “I’ve heard that Huang Yue, the Governor of Jingzhou, has a daughter my age…”

The Grand Tutor’s eyes widened in realization. “Your Majesty’s plan is brilliant. A direct confrontation is called ‘orthodox,’ while an unexpected move is termed ‘unorthodox.’ Jingzhou borders the capital region. To the south, it can swiftly support the throne; to the west, it can directly seize Liangzhou. Huang Yue is indecisive. If we forge a matrimonial alliance, he will surely feel grateful for Your Majesty’s magnanimity and pledge his loyalty.”

This strategy of orthodox and unorthodox tactics was learned from the Chancellor himself—a testament to her ability to apply lessons effectively. The young emperor continued, “The Chancellor may recommend daughters of dukes and marquises. Why can’t the Grand Tutor and Minister do the same? At this juncture, it’s hard to distinguish superiority. Ultimately, my opinion will prevail. I still remember the military inspection last year. Our views clashed, and Huang Yue, that sly fox, equivocated, leaving me humiliated. Now, disregarding past grievances, I intend to elevate his daughter to empress. Let the court see that I am a magnanimous ruler. Should the Chancellor fall from power, as long as they submit, I will grant them a place here.”

Perhaps this approach was cruel. The girl chosen as empress would live a lifetime of solitude. Yet, politics allowed no room for sentimentality. Truly, Huang Yue had opposed her multiple times—his entire family deserved execution. Now, sacrificing a daughter secured their prosperity, balancing the scales.

Fu Wei calculated meticulously, while the Grand Tutor and Minister were invigorated by the young emperor’s newfound resolve. The three conversed animatedly, laughing heartily. However, the discomfort of her condition persisted, vexing Fu Wei. Her abdomen began to ache again, a pain difficult to articulate. She masked it as best she could, issuing a few hasty instructions before dismissing the two ministers.