When the ascension ceremony ended, the Empress Mother headed back to her own private residence with General Shao and her servants.
"Leave us." The Empress Mother ordered her servants before entering her chambers with General Shao. Her meek servants bowed and shuffled backwards to the outer courtyards of the residence, closing the doors behind them. To the outside world, General Shao was only the Empress Mother's close confidant and military advisor. But her servants knew better.
Once inside, the Empress Mother sat at her dressing table. A set of three copper mirrors lined the edge of the table with the largest piece flanked by the remaining two smaller ones.
"My dear, you look tired." General Shao murmured as he attempted to massage the Empress Mother's shoulders. The Empress Mother flinched from his touch.
"What's the matter?" General Shao asked with a hint of annoyance barely tingeing his voice.
The Empress Mother's mind was elsewhere and didn't notice the slight change in the general's demeanor.
"Is it right to abdicate the throne to Ye An right now? Isn't.. he too young?" She asked the general through his reflection on the mirror with an uncertainty that was extremely out of character for her.
"Yes, of course it's right. You and I both know that there were many emperors before him who have ascended to the throne when they were much younger. Even your late husband, the late Great Emperor Lee Gang unified the country when he was only nineteen. His Imperial Majesty would be fine." General Shao waved his hand nonchalantly.
"Yes, but.." the Empress Mother barely stopped herself, nearly spilling one of the secrets she had held so closely to her heart for decades.
The Empress Mother hurriedly changed the subject. "Gang Rui, you mentioned that young lieutenant who could work with Ye An. Is he still available?"
"Xi Chen? Yes. He's still on standby. Have you changed your mind?" General Shao asked inquisitively.
The Empress Mother paused for a split second, but quickly replied, "Yes."
However, General Shao still managed to catch her hesitation, so he asked, "Do you want to meet him beforehand?"
"No, it should be fine. You mentioned that the military prowess he possesses only comes by once every hundred years, isn't it?" The Empress Mother asked, finally removing her ceremonial headdress.
"Yes. His skills are unmatched. I believe he could even take me down if he puts his mind to it." General Shao replied absentmindedly.
"Hmm.. But is he trustworthy?" The Empress Mother continued.
"Yes, I guess. Let's just say that he's the honorable sort." General Shao was getting impatient with the endless questions.
"Then it should be fine. Could you arrange for him to enter the palace as soon as possible?" The Empress Mother asked decidedly while staring at her own reflection in the mirror.
YOU ARE READING
THE NIGHT EMPEROR: 夜安王 【The Night Emperor Book 1】| ✔️
Historical Fiction☑ COMPLETED "There are enough bad things in life, hold on to whatever it is that gives you joy." For the past 22 years, the Empress Mother has held onto the Dragon Throne that was rightfully Ye An's. Now, Ye An has finally ascended to the throne. Bu...
