Strictly speaking, Her Majesty's words had salvaged some dignity. At least it would not be as the Empress Dowager had just said, leaving the entire Tang Kingdom disgraced and utterly absurd.
But the Female Emperor and the Empress Dowager competing for the same man was already a foregone conclusion.
Moreover, it would be recorded in the chronicles, leaving their names to stink for ten thousand years.
When that time came, these civil and military officials would probably all become treacherous, sycophantic ministers, reviled by future generations.
Clap!
Clap!
Clap!
Amid everyone's sighs and bitter gazes, the Empress Dowager chuckled and applauded, leisurely and entirely composed.
"As expected of the Female Emperor, and of my daughter. Truly domineering. Is Your Majesty declaring war on me? Very well, I accept. I shall see just how Your Majesty intends to contend with me, and whom the Demon Venerable will ultimately choose. I truly am a little curious!"
"Also, I hear Your Majesty intends to tour the Maple Forest with the Demon Venerable today. How fortunate. This Palace has not left the palace in quite some time, and also wishes to admire the glorious scenery of the Great Tang in its prosperity. Why don't the three of us enjoy ourselves to our hearts' content out in the wilderness and ascend to bliss together?"
"Heehee!"
With a light laugh, the Empress Dowager flicked her skirts and strode outside.
Even her retreating figure was so confident and domineering.
Yet deathly silence filled Daming Palace. The ministers all resembled defeated roosters, as wilted and helpless as could be.
They cautiously glanced at the Female Emperor seated on the Dragon Throne, with only one thought in their hearts: It's over. It's completely over!
From this day onward, the entire Tang Kingdom would become the laughingstock of the world.