Chapter 112: The Empress Wu Takes the Throne (Part Two)

Some people are born with the bearing of emperors, and Empress Wu was clearly one of them. You could accuse her of debauchery and shamelessness, call her a femme fatale, or condemn her boundless ambition, but you could never deny the unique aura of sovereignty she possessed. That formidable presence alone was enough to dominate the entire hall. Even the highest-ranking ministers—those at the level of chancellors—did not dare to challenge her openly. In the face of Empress Wu’s overwhelming authority, very few among the gathered civil and military officials could maintain composure, let alone rise up to oppose her transgressions against the established order; most simply lowered their heads in humble submission.

“Esteemed ministers, by the emperor’s command, I am to preside over today’s court session. If any of you have matters to present, please proceed without hesitation.” Empress Wu glanced around the hall, noticing no one dared meet her gaze. Satisfied with their respectful demeanor, she parted her crimson lips and spoke calmly, her demeanor seasoned and composed, betraying no sign that this was her first time presiding over court. She moved with the ease of a seasoned sovereign.

“Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present. Severe drought has begun to afflict the border prefectures of Hao, Chen, Song, and Pu. The respective prefects have sent urgent petitions to the capital. I respectfully request Your Majesty exempt these four prefectures from taxes and order the opening of granaries to provide relief for the suffering people.” At her words, Liu Yizhi, the newly appointed censor at the upper fifth rank, stepped forward from the ranks of court officials and reported loudly.

A sudden stir erupted throughout the hall. Just the day before, the imperial edict declared that today’s court session was to deliberate the impeachment case against Liu Xiangdao, initiated by Xu Jingzong. No one expected the proceedings to immediately veer off course. The ministers murmured in surprise and whispered among themselves.

“Esteemed ministers, do any of you dissent? If so, please stand forth and explain your objections. I am all ears!” Seeing the disorder brewing in the hall, Empress Wu’s expression darkened. She raised her hand and commanded in a cold tone.

There was no denying the power of her presence. Just one sharp command from her silenced the chaotic murmurs as if a boil had been pierced. Though doubts churned in their hearts, not a single minister dared utter a word of refusal. The hall fell so silent that even the fall of a needle could be clearly heard.

“Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, Censor Liu’s memorial is most appropriate. With summer approaching and drought devastating the land, the people suffer greatly. Immediate relief is urgently needed!” As the hall quieted, Zhou Simao, a senior editor at the fifth rank, strode to the center and loudly echoed Liu Yizhi’s plea.

“Indeed, the ministers’ words are just. The people are the foundation of the realm. When they suffer, relief must be given. I fully concur.” Empress Wu nodded affirmatively, then suddenly raised her voice and called out, “Yan Liben.”

“I am here, Your Majesty,” came the reluctant yet obedient response. Though unwilling, Yan Liben, the Minister of Revenue, had no choice but to step forward and acknowledge the summons.

“My decision is made: relief efforts shall take precedence. As Minister of Revenue, this matter falls under your charge. Are there any difficulties?” Empress Wu asked him solemnly, fixing him with a steady gaze.

“I obey Your Majesty’s command,” Yan Liben replied. Though he wished to protest, there was no valid excuse. Disaster relief was squarely the responsibility of his ministry, and he could not shirk it. Resigned, he accepted the order.

“Good. That is best.” Empress Wu smiled faintly, then glanced toward Crown Prince Li Hong seated below the dais, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone, “Does the Crown Prince have any objections?”

Objections? Indeed, many. As regent, Li Hong was infuriated to see Empress Wu arrogantly taking control, his face dark as a soot-stained pot. Yet, since disaster relief was an official act of the court, he could not say no. Helpless, he rose, bowed to her, and muttered ambiguously, “Your Majesty’s wisdom shines brightly.”

“Very well, it is settled. With hardship in the four prefectures, I cannot idle comfortably. I shall reduce my monthly salary by half to aid the relief efforts. All palace members shall do the same.” Unfazed by the Crown Prince’s sullen expression, Empress Wu nodded and then named, “Gao Hesheng, this matter is yours to handle. Transfer all funds and goods collected to the Ministry of Revenue for distribution to the afflicted. Be warned: do not let corrupt officials pocket any of it, or I shall hold you accountable!”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall obey your august command.” Gao Hesheng, a trusted confidant of the Empress, was pleased to be entrusted with overseeing the Ministry’s efforts and readily accepted.

While Gao Hesheng rejoiced, Li Xian was furious. His face darkened as if dripping with malice. Shooting a fiery glare at Gao Hesheng, he twitched his lips as if about to explode but dared not act. Resigned, he slumped back into his seat. His faction, the Crown Prince’s supporters, likewise dared not challenge the Empress’s commanding handling of state affairs.

“Your Majesty, I have a memorial as well.” No sooner had the disaster relief matter settled than a scholar from the Northern Gate jumped forward and loudly reported. It was Yuan Wanqing, Doctor of the National Academy at the upper fifth rank.

“Minister Yuan, present your memorial freely. I am listening,” Empress Wu said kindly, gesturing for him to stand at ease and nodding encouragingly.

“Your Majesty, since our commission to compile the civil service examination texts, we have worked diligently. Though only half a month has passed, most materials have been proofread with rapid progress. Yet I have a question: all texts are from the sages, which is proper, but I believe contemporary writings should not be excluded. If we include the three volumes—the Official’s Code, New Instructions for Bureaucrats, and the Music Canon—into the examination texts, it would balance ancient and modern teachings and be most beneficial. I earnestly request Your Majesty’s wise judgment.” Bowing deeply, Yuan Wanqing delicately directed his proposal toward the civil service examination, a matter overseen by Prince Lu, Li Xian.

A commotion erupted. No one expected Empress Wu, having just rebuked the Crown Prince’s faction, to immediately turn her attention to Li Xian. Was she truly determined to suppress all powerful factions in the court at once? Moreover, Yuan Wanqing had clashed with Li Xian just last year, and now he was openly challenging the brothers. The spectacle was riveting, and the ministers buzzed with shock and excitement.

Enraged, Li Xian, already displeased with Empress Wu’s overreach, now faced a direct attack. His face darkened as he snorted coldly, stepped forward, and loudly declared, “Your Majesty, I oppose this!”

The hall fell instantly silent. All eyes fixed on Empress Wu, eager to see how she would rein in the usually defiant Li Xian. Many also glanced at Li Xian’s brother, Li Xian, who stood impassively among the ranks.

Hmm, what does this cunning woman intend? To settle an empire in a single day? That’s impossible. No matter how confident she is, she cannot control the court with just a few shameless Northern Gate scholars. Li Xian’s expression was calm, but inside he was troubled, unable to discern Empress Wu’s true purpose. He resolved to observe quietly for now. With Li Xian standing forth, Li Xian himself had to hold his position steady to avoid being caught off guard by the Empress’s sweeping moves.

“Li Xian, you have objections? Very well, speak your mind and I shall listen.” Empress Wu remained unruffled by his interruption, ignoring the curious gazes of the ministers, calmly raising her hand and inviting him to speak.

“Your Majesty, the sages’ writings embody profound meanings revered throughout the world. Since ancient times, no one has equaled their wisdom. The so-called contemporary writings pale in comparison like fireflies beside the bright moon. To place them side by side is folly that will be laughed at for generations. I cannot endorse such reckless words!” Li Xian, known for his firmness, despite his fear of the Empress, was far from timid like the Crown Prince. He bluntly rejected Yuan Wanqing’s proposal without regard for her face. The hall erupted in uproar once more.

“Your Majesty, I side with Prince Lu!”
“Your Majesty, Yuan Wanqing’s words are disrespectful and insult the sages’ teachings. Such insolence is unforgivable!”
“Indeed, I believe Yuan Wanqing’s arrogance is a grave offense!”
...

Li Xian’s stance rallied his supporters, including Lin Qi and Yang Wu, who aggressively denounced Yuan Wanqing. Even bolder ministers joined in the chorus of condemnation, filling the hall with uproar. Yet puzzlingly, Li Xian’s brother, who usually supported him, remained silent and composed within the ranks.

“Hmm.” Empress Wu listened quietly to the ministers’ rebuttals, her expression serene. When the noise reached its peak, she raised her hand slightly, silencing the last voices without haste to respond. She surveyed the assembled ministers, then fixed her gaze on Li Xian. Smiling gently, she said kindly, “Xian’er, you have always been strong-willed and knowledgeable about the civil service examinations. What is your opinion on Doctor Yuan’s proposal?”

At her words, every minister’s gaze swept sharply to Li Xian. Even his usually composed nature felt the weight of their expectations, his heart trembling with pressure...