Everyone, I rewrote the previous two chapters yesterday morning. If you haven't read them, go back and take a look, or the plot won't connect.
"All right, all of you, rise!"
Li Wei's mood had been spoiled by the flatterers, and she could no longer be bothered to keep up the act. Her true nature was exposed without restraint.
She plopped herself down on the Dragon Throne, crossed one leg over the other, and slightly raised her chin. "The emperor just told me that I need to take back the financial and military powers. What do you have to say about that?"
The several people who had just been about to stand heard Li Wei's words, their knees going weak as they fell back to the floor one after another.
Not one of them dared breathe too loudly.
As the newly appointed Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Lu Zhenyan secretly squeezed the clammy palm of his hand. Putting on an aggrieved look, he replied:
"Your servant reports to Madam: Finance and military affairs should naturally be decided by... cough, by Your Majesty alone. This is the law and order of the court. How could there be any question of... taking them back?"
He paused, then continued.
"The late emperor enjoyed going on inspection tours and seldom concerned himself with affairs of state. After Your Majesty ascended the throne, the Wu Faction then disrupted the government and blinded Your Majesty to the truth."
"Now, Madam's imperial might is vast, and you assist the sagacious ruler. The cabinet should naturally gather all miscellaneous affairs and return governance to Madam and Your Majesty, thereby setting the record straight."
His words were flawless. He had both explained the reason and demonstrated his loyalty.
Li Wei nodded in satisfaction.
She did not care about returning