The Emperor was also excited.
They looked at each other and smiled foolishly, almost running to the street to celebrate.
But Wan Zhen’er and the Emperor were celebrating too early.
The two Empress Dowagers were originally sworn enemies. Empress Dowager Zhou was fortunate, giving birth to only one son, while Empress Dowager Qian not only couldn’t bear children but also became partially disabled after being too heartbroken when the Emperor Zhengtong went north. However, this didn’t affect the Emperor Zhengtong’s deep love for her.
Empress Dowager Zhou, elevated by her son, didn’t regard Empress Dowager Qian highly.
After Emperor Zhengtong’s death, Empress Dowager Zhou transformed from a slave to a master, eager to show her power.
Empress Dowager Zhou was reluctant to share power but had to agree to joint rule. Although they were jointly honored, Empress Dowager Zhou often contradicted Empress Dowager Qian. Empress Dowager Qian didn’t bother to argue with her.
Firstly, Empress Dowager Qian lacked the means to compete. The Emperor, tired of waiting for an heir, had long gone to heaven. Secondly, Empress Dowager Qian was educated and virtuous, not skilled in political maneuvering, unlike Empress Dowager Sun. Empress Dowager Sun was incredibly clever; she knew how to claim others’ children as her own. Empress Dowager Qian couldn’t claim others’ children and foolishly tolerated Empress Dowager Zhou.
However, regarding the Emperor’s marriage, the two Empress Dowagers surprisingly reached a unanimous agreement. They both firmly opposed deposing the Empress. Empress Dowager Qian stated that Empress Wu was dignified, of good character, hadn’t killed or stolen, hadn’t cuckolded the Emperor, and had just been installed a month ago. Deposing her would be improper.
Empress Dowager Zhou said that proclaiming the installation of Empress Wu to the world and then deposing her would be impossible to explain.
But the Emperor insisted on his decision and was determined to depose her.
This was the first time the Emperor had been so stubborn and bold. How could he not be? His beloved Wan Zhen’er pursued him closely, whispering in his ear day and night. If he pushed harder, the entire palace might be swayed.
Wan Zhen’er feared delays, knowing time waits for no one. Waiting longer would mean not just missing the blooming flowers but becoming an old woman.
