"My son... do not speak of abdicating again."
"How could the great affairs of the realm possibly do without you?"
Empress Dowager Guo's attitude had undergone a tremendous change.
She had probably realized how important Cao Mao was to her. If Cao Mao chose to leave now as well, she would truly have no one left beside her.
Cao Mao still spoke very solemnly. "Mother, remaining here will only cause you more distress..."
"No, no. With my son here in Luoyang, how could I feel distressed? We are mother and son, united in heart."
A trace of fear showed in Empress Dowager Guo's eyes. She held Cao Mao's hand, unwilling to let go.
Sima Zhao was in Henei, and Jiang Wei was in Yongliang. How would this foolish woman dare contend with men like them?
Without her realizing it, Cao Mao had become her only pillar of support, and her only protector.
Only when Cao Mao spoke of leaving did she truly feel afraid.
Empress Dowager Guo continued persuading him for a long time before Cao Mao finally sighed helplessly.
"Mother, you were the one who enthroned me as emperor. If you have grown tired of me, you can naturally send me back. It would take only a word from you."
"But now, as we face powerful enemies, you still distrust me so much. How can we accomplish anything great like this?"
"If you are dissatisfied with me, mother, simply say so. Do not do anything like this again."
Empress Dowager Guo murmured her assent. Only after Cao Mao saw her lower her head did he turn toward Zhang Hua beside him. "Master Zhang, go summon those three from the Guo Family!"
"They dared disrespect my mother. I will demand an explanation from them!"
"As you command!"
Zhang Hua hurried