Besides the Emperor, everyone else is blind, all looking favorably at Empress Wu, with betting odds completely one-sided and unhesitatingly placed on Empress Wu’s side. Of course, whoever it was would do the same; no matter what was used for comparison, Wan Zhen’er was no match for Empress Wu.
First, comparing age: Wan Zhen’er is thirty-five years old, politely speaking, she’s at the peak of the “half-old lady” category; Empress Wu is the exact opposite, like the ten o’clock morning sun, just sixteen years old, in the prime of youth, beautiful and radiant.
Comparing background: Wan Zhen’er is from a criminal’s family. Although the Emperor kept his childhood promise and brought her family to the capital to live well when he became capable, this couldn’t change Wan Zhen’er’s lowly origins; Empress Wu chose her birth wisely, born into a wealthy family, with a father famous as a Confucian scholar and a mother who was a talented poet and musician.
Finally, comparing position: Wan Zhen’er is a concubine, not even qualifying as a third wife, merely of first-rank status; Empress Wu is the master of the inner palace, and except for the Empress Dowager, everyone must show her the utmost respect and courtesy.
Really, what could Wan Zhen’er use to compare herself to Empress Wu?
On the surface, Wan Zhen’er is the disadvantaged party, with only the Emperor as her supporter.
But having the Emperor is enough.
No more is needed.
Wan Zhen’er is prescient, certain that victory will always be hers. Bringing down the Wu surname is Wan Zhen’er’s goal and long-planned strategy. To avoid boosting others’ morale and dampening her own spirit, Wan Zhen’er’s first move is to be arrogant and aggressive.
Since meeting Empress Wu in the rear garden, Wan Zhen’er has encountered her several more times.
She deliberately glares at Empress Wu, mocking and taunting her.
First to lose composure is Empress Wu’s lackey. This lackey, emoldened by her mistress’s status, jumps out to criticize Wan Zhen’er: “How dare you be so disrespectful to the Empress!”
Wu Empress’s attendants immediately pinned down Wan Zhen’er to the ground with many hands.
