Volume One, Chapter Nine: The Graceful Empress Dowager and the Female Emperor's Predicament

In the eyes of the imperial eunuchs accompanying her,

Under Cao Mo’s attentive and almost intimate care, the Empress not only did not feel discomfort but was quite pleased as she finished her morning meal. She then instructed Nangong Li beside her, "Record a reward."

"Yes," Nangong Li responded softly, silently noting the silver rewarded to Cao Mo.

Afterward,

The Empress left the imperial dining hall and proceeded to the Golden Luan Hall for the morning court session.

Throughout the journey, Cao Mo attended closely by her side, appearing as one who enjoyed the sovereign’s special favor, arousing envy among the accompanying eunuchs.

Observing the reactions of these eunuchs,

The Empress remained expressionless.

Upon arriving at the Golden Luan Hall, the eunuchs halted and instructed Cao Mo, "Stand guard before the hall."

"Yes!" Cao Mo respectfully nodded.

The eunuchs accompanying were utterly dumbfounded!

The Golden Luan Hall was where His Majesty consulted with civil and military officials on state affairs, a place only those closest to the sovereign could stand guard before.

Since the Empress ascended the throne, only Lord Nangong had held such privilege.

But now,

This newcomer—what right did he have to receive such favor?

...

Before the Golden Luan Hall, all the civil and military officials had assembled.

"Her Majesty approaches—"

At Nangong Li’s cold, clear voice, the once noisy hall instantly fell silent, and all officials bowed deeply.

"We pay respects to Your Majesty!"

"Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress!"

The Empress seated herself upon the dragon throne without a flicker of emotion.

Cao Mo and Nangong Li stood at either side, spaced over a zhang apart.

The officials barely noticed Cao Mo’s presence.

After all, he was just a minor eunuch, hardly worthy of their attention.

Following a brief bow, the officials resumed standing, demeanor calm and unhurried, showing no intention to present state affairs.

The Empress, however, appeared accustomed to this.

Though Cao Mo was unaware of the full context, he could see the court officials held little reverence for the Empress.

Tsk tsk!

The beautiful Empress’s situation seemed somewhat precarious!

Moreover, Cao Mo noticed a pearl curtain hanging behind the dragon throne, and beyond the curtain stood a large phoenix throne.

Is this the practice of ruling behind a curtain?

Just as Cao Mo’s suspicion grew, a deep voice of an elderly eunuch announced, "The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Instantly,

The entire court bowed again,

Their sincerity and volume far exceeding the earlier greeting to the Empress.

"We humbly welcome the Empress Dowager, may she be blessed with peace and prosperity!"

Even the beautiful Empress rose from the throne and bowed slightly, "Your son pays respects to Mother."

"......"

Caught off guard by the sudden scene, Cao Mo was at a loss.

No one had told him the Empress Dowager would attend court!

As he hesitated whether to bow, he noticed Bai Hu’er’s face remained cold and composed, sword in hand, showing no intention to bow to the Dowager.

Ah ha!

This Bai Hu’er has some backbone!

Surprised, Cao Mo then realized that at moments like this, no one paid attention to minor eunuchs like them.

But lacking Bai Hu’er’s cultivation and connections, Cao Mo dared not imitate him. He bowed slightly, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.

Soon, the Empress Dowager appeared before the hall in a dazzling phoenix robe, majestic and graceful, her aura undiminished by time. She glanced calmly at the assembled officials: "You may rise; no need for formalities."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager!"

Only then did the officials straighten up.

The Dowager then gave the Empress a meaningful smile: "Your Majesty need not be so formal."

"......"

The Empress stood upright, her tone cool and steady: "Though Mother is not my birth mother, such courtesy is due."

"Tsk, you child, you are simply too filial!"

The Dowager chuckled lightly, her tone warm.

At the same time, two palace maids approached to draw back the pearl curtain for the Dowager. As she prepared to approach the phoenix throne beyond, her eyes caught sight of Cao Mo standing quietly nearby.

"Good eye!"

"This little eunuch, I quite like him!"

Under the Dowager’s appreciative gaze, Cao Mo’s heart skipped a beat.

For some reason,

He felt a surge of passion welling up within him,

As though his ancestral blood, the DNA of the old Cao family, had suddenly awakened!

It must be said,

This Empress Dowager was indeed a stunningly beautiful mature woman, every movement graceful, exuding charm and poise!

Cao Mo could not discern her exact age, but judging by appearance alone, her skin was as delicate as fresh snow, her refined cheeks untouched by time, appearing no older than twenty-five or twenty-six.

Especially with that subtle smile just now.

Though dignified beyond measure, it stirred a deep longing in Cao Mo’s very bones.

Moreover,

Knowing her identity,

For a fleeting moment, Cao Mo truly understood the legacy of Wei Wu.

He felt he was indeed meant to bear the Cao name!

No longer just a fake eunuch, he believed he was destined to be Chancellor Cao!

"I also admire Your Majesty very much!" Cao Mo whispered inwardly, but outwardly, he bowed humbly, feigning overwhelmed gratitude.

After all, this was the Golden Luan Hall.

The Dowager might favor him, but he dared not openly reciprocate.

"Mother’s praise is well received," the Empress interjected timely.

"I speak only the truth," the Dowager smiled, then took her seat on the phoenix throne.

The pearl curtain descended.

An elderly eunuch attending the Dowager stepped forward and proclaimed loudly: "If there are matters, report them; if none, court is adjourned!"

"I have a matter to report—"

An official from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward respectfully: "Now that Your Majesty has wed the Empress, you should immediately select consorts to fill the three palaces and six courtyards, ensuring the royal bloodline’s continuation and the stability of our Great Zhou dynasty."

"I second that!"

"I second that!"

Many officials rose to express their agreement.

Cao Mo also silently concurred; since the sovereign was female, the consorts would be for her, not him, so he wholeheartedly supported the proposal.

Yet the Empress on the throne cast a cold glance at the scene.

The officials’ eagerness for her to take consorts stemmed from their desire to place their own factions within the harem.

Of course,

She did not intend to refuse outright.

Using the selection of consorts to bind the interests of powerful ministers was a classic imperial strategy.

Before the Empress could respond,

From behind the pearl curtain, the Dowager’s voice rang out: "That is only proper. This matter shall be handled jointly by the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Rites. Remember, the selection of consorts is of utmost importance; it must be fair and just."

"Yes!" the Ministry officials responded promptly.

Though emphasizing fairness, they all knew well the truth of the matter.

"......"

Seeing that the Dowager made no effort to seek her opinion,

The Empress’s expression grew slightly cold.

At that moment,

Another minister stood up: "Now that Your Majesty has undergone the coming-of-age ceremony and wed the Empress, according to the late Emperor’s will, it is time for you to personally govern..."