Debate in the Imperial Court and Serve the Empress Dowager?_1

Soon, the morning court was coming to an end.

Gao Xuan felt that the beautiful Emperor on the dragon throne and himself were both just there as onlookers.

All the matters reported by the officials had to be consulted with Empress Dowager Xiao's opinion before any decisions could be made.

Apart from that, Wan Zhenshan and Changsun Wuji still had some say.

They thought that the morning court was about to end, but unexpectedly, Changsun Wuji stood up.

"I have another matter," he said.

The Emperor on the dragon throne's eyes immediately flashed with a hint of excitement. She sat up straight and asked, "What is it, Lord Changsun?"

Changsun Wuji remained calm, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, according to the late Emperor's will, considering Your Majesty's young age, he entrusted the regency to the Empress Dowager, assisted by four ministers as guardians."

"Now that Your Majesty has come of age, I believe it is time for you to take full control of the court!"

His words were like thunder!

Immediately, the court erupted in commotion, with the officials discussing fervently.

No one had expected Changsun Wuji to directly bring up this matter!

He was clearly challenging both the Empress Dowager and the Grand Marshal, openly declaring his support for the new Emperor!

However, they quickly realized that, given Changsun Wuji's identity as the current Prime Minister and the High Priest of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, he naturally had the confidence to speak such words.

Furthermore, the Empress was his own daughter. Rumors of the harmonious relationship between the Emperor and Empress, as well as their mutual respect, had circulated. Even if it wasn't for anyone else, for the sake of his daughter, Changsun Wuji had to stand up.

The Emperor's expression was filled with suppressed excitement. Unconsciously, her fair palm clenched into a fist, veins visible, and her nails dug into her flesh.

She had been waiting for this day for too long!

Changsun Wuji remained composed, his gaze deep and calm, fixed on the figure behind the pearl curtains.

From his demeanor, it was clear that he wouldn't rest until he had his say.

Empress Dowager Xiao was evidently unaware that Changsun Wuji would suddenly make a move today. The court fell into a heavy silence, the atmosphere becoming oppressive.

It was evident to anyone with clear eyes that this was a contest of three factions. The big shots hadn't spoken yet, and if these cannon fodders were to step forward now, it would be like throwing themselves into the fire.

After a long pause.

A faint voice came from behind the pearl curtains, "What are your thoughts, esteemed ministers?"

Her trusted followers immediately understood the meaning behind her words.

The Minister of Revenue immediately stepped forward.

"Empress Dowager, forgive this minister for speaking bluntly. Although the late Emperor's will stated as such, His Majesty has just come of age. It is feared that handling state affairs at this time may lack experience. Therefore, I believe it is best for the Empress Dowager to continue acting as regent."

"I concur!"

"I also think the Minister's opinion is correct!"

After the Minister of Revenue spoke, several others also stood up.

Changsun Wuji smiled faintly and said, "I, on the other hand, do not think so. Emperor Your Majesty has been involved in state affairs since the age of eight, observing and learning all these years, diligently reviewing memorials daily. They have long possessed the ability to govern independently. There is no question of lacking experience."

"Yes! We have all witnessed Emperor Your Majesty's efforts, and they are truly deserving of the title of a wise and virtuous ruler!"

"I also think so!"

Some civil officials also came forward to support Changsun Wuji.

The Minister of Revenue was left speechless by their remarks and didn't know how to refute them.

Seeing the unfavorable situation, Empress Dowager Xiao coughed lightly and said, "What does the Grand Marshal think?"

She naturally understood Wan Zhenshan's ambitious nature. They had been in covert conflict for many years, both wanting to claim sole possession of the kingdom.

However, it was precisely because of this delicate balance that the court had been able to maintain stability.

Now, with the previously neutral Changsun Wuji standing behind the new Emperor, it meant that he had taken a stand against both of them. It was not good news for either side.

So, she didn't believe that Wan Zhenshan would stand idly by.

Wan Zhenshan sneered. This old woman couldn't handle it herself, and now she wanted to drag him down with her.

But he had no choice. Once that pretty-faced Emperor took control, it would be much more dangerous than having a regent Empress Dowager!

After all, the Emperor was the rightful ruler, and his hidden appeal should not be underestimated. Once he gained legitimacy, it would be a significant obstacle for outsiders like them who coveted imperial power.

"I also think that His Majesty is currently too young and immature in his thinking, not yet at the level where he can govern alone. Therefore, we should not be hasty in this matter; we must take it slow," Wan Zhenshan said, smiling provocatively at Changsun Wuji, his eyes full of defiance.

If it weren't for this old bone sticking around, he would have already mobilized his troops for a change in dynasty. How could he wait until today?

Thus, he wouldn't let go of any opportunity to stomp on Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji didn't get angry. Instead, he chuckled and shook his head slightly.

The various factions in the court were deeply entrenched, and regaining full control of power couldn't be achieved in just a day or two.

Therefore, his main purpose in standing up today was to let the entire world know his stance, as well as the stance of the Imperial Ancestral Temple and all scholars!

"If that is the case, then let it be so. When the time is ripe in the future, I will naturally let the Emperor personally handle state affairs."

"I am a little tired today. Let us adjourn."

Empress Dowager Xiao said calmly, and then, assisted by two palace maids, she left.

...

After returning to the Yangxin Palace, the Empress paced gently inside, her face devoid of any expression.

Gao Xuan could only stand quietly by the side, waiting.

"Today, you witnessed everything in the court. What are your thoughts?" the Empress looked at Gao Xuan and asked calmly.

Gao Xuan was taken aback. What kind of thoughts could a lowly eunuch like him have? 

Even if he did have thoughts, would they matter?

It was as if she expected him to join in the discussion with the big shots.

Although he thought that way in his heart, he truthfully replied, "This servant feels that Your Majesty's situation doesn't seem favorable. Everything has to go through the Empress Dowager's approval... However, at least there is Prime Minister's support speaking up for Your Majesty, even though the outcome was not satisfactory. It can be considered a good start."

Although his words were somewhat tactful, he might as well have written "pawn" on his face.

"You're not wrong," the Empress said with her hands behind her back. "That is also thanks to your in-depth conversation with the Empress yesterday. Otherwise, Changsun Wuji, as the High Priest of the Imperial Ancestral Temple representing scholars across the nation, would not easily take a stand for any side."

"But I feel that it is still far from enough."

Gao Xuan asked in confusion, "What do you mean, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor stared contemplatively, took a long pause, and then resolved to speak, "I need you to serve the Empress Dowager and, in the process, seize the opportunity to obtain my Imperial Seal, the symbol of the country, from her!"

...