Cao Mao sat in Taiji Hall, where memorials flew in like snowflakes every day, almost burying him.
These memorials came from Palace Officials stationed throughout the realm, who kept the emperor informed about local officials.
Reading these Memorials, Cao Mao nearly leaped up in fury, despite having anticipated what they would contain.
The state of local administration was even worse than Cao Mao had imagined.
Calling them good-for-nothings would have been praise. They were simply a pack of beasts governing Great Wei's commanderies and counties on the Imperial Court's behalf.
His face dark, Cao Mao once again finished reading the memorials delivered that day.
"Your Majesty, have something to eat."
Old Eunuch Xu smiled as he brought the meal before Cao Mao. Cao Mao glanced at the food and narrowed his eyes. "Yuan City dishes. Did Lady Zheng make these?"
"She arranged for someone to make them."
Cao Mao said nothing more and quickly finished the food before him.
Old Eunuch Xu spoke about various matters in the Inner Palace, including how Zheng Xian had recently been visiting Empress Dowager Guo all day long, and how their relationship had eased.
Cao Mao was somewhat surprised, but paid it little mind.
Empress Dowager Guo's affairs no longer mattered quite so much. Cao Mao was growing increasingly busy, his daily schedule almost completely full. He simply had no time to coax the Empress Dowager, particularly now, when the Imperial Court was handling major affairs.
After finishing his meal, Cao Mao left Taiji Hall by carriage.
His destination was the Imperial Secretariat.
A new official was arriving at the Imperial Secretariat that day, requiring Cao Mao, as sovereign, to visit in person.
When the emperor's carriage stopped outside the Imperial Secretariat, the ministers hurried out to welcome him, led by Xun Yi and