Jingyang City.
At the morning court, the officials fell silent, and the atmosphere grew unbearably tense.
Wu Ding stood solemnly and glanced at Zeng Yu. The Chancellor was gazing down at his nose and contemplating in silence.
Wu Ding knew the man was exceptionally talented and greatly valued by Empress Mother, but the slight furrow in his brow clearly showed that something important was troubling him.
The rebellion among the Southwestern Barbarians was a minor matter at first... but now the northern frontier and the eastern sea have both grown unstable. When did these uncivilized barbarians begin conspiring together?
As Crown Prince, Wu Ding naturally knew far more than the others, and learned of things much sooner. He was deeply puzzled.
"The Sage has arrived!"
As he pondered, a eunuch's hoarse voice rang out, and the assembled officials all jolted.
"Long live My Emperor! Long live! Long, long live!"
Though Wu Ding was a son in his own home, in this great hall he was still a subject. He had no choice but to kneel with the others and cry out his greetings.
"Rise, my ministers!"
Wu Zhi wore an Imperial Robe adorned with nine phoenixes and a crown. A light application of makeup concealed her increasingly youthful face, lending her a dignity beyond measure. She slowly took her seat on the dragon throne, then raised a hand, her voice resounding through the hall.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Before this Female Emperor, who had conquered the realm despite being a woman and was rumored to have destroyed a Heavenly Immortal, the officials scarcely dared breathe. They bowed again and again before slowly rising.
Wu Ding and Zeng Yu stood near the front. From there, they could clearly see another chair beside Wu Zhi's dragon throne. It stood level with hers,