When the morning light fell upon the towering Weiyang Palace, its vigorous vitality was hard to put into words.
The palace's mistress had just awakened, and the palace maids, who had long been waiting, silently entered her bedchamber in groups.
Without question, this was the center of the world.
After Lü Zhi became regent, she had originally wanted to move to Changle Palace, where Liu Bang had once lived, to demonstrate her status, but Luo Xin ultimately dissuaded her.
"If Your Majesty the Empress Dowager moves to Changle Palace, the people of the realm might think you are the Late Emperor's successor. You are not the emperor, so wouldn't that make your position as regent rather awkward?
"Besides, having risen to the regency, you are already the most honored person in the realm. The ministers are now accustomed to attending court at Changle Palace; in time, they will naturally grow accustomed to attending court at Weiyang Palace.
"You have no need to rely on Changle Palace to overawe people's hearts. Weiyang Palace will surpass Changle Palace and become the center of the world.
"Moreover, I ask that you show His Majesty more love and care. He is your only son, and Changle Palace is his residence. Wouldn't simply taking it over like this hurt the bond between mother and son?
"I believe doing so would be inappropriate."
Both delighted and ashamed, Lü Zhi accepted Luo Xin's advice and continued living in Weiyang Palace.
Then, just as Luo Xin had said, the ministers soon grew accustomed to Weiyang Palace becoming the new political center, while Changle Palace became so deserted that sparrows could have been netted at its gates. Mostly, only Luo Xin went there to instruct Liu Ying, though with little success. Compared with his mother, Liu Ying fell short