As the Empress Dowager and her trusted ministers gradually strengthened their control over the three provinces and six ministries, the emperor felt more and more that his power was being eroded. This feeling made him very uneasy, and although he remained calm and firm on the surface, his heart was full of doubts and anxiety.

One day, the emperor summoned his confidant Lord Zhang and several trusted ministers to discuss strategies for dealing with the current situation.

"Sir Zhang, what do you think of the recent situation in the court?" the emperor asked straight to the point.

Lord Zhang thought for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, the Queen Mother and her trusted ministers have been very active in finance and military affairs recently. They seem to be strengthening their control over the court. This makes me feel uneasy."

The emperor nodded, frowning, "I feel the same way. Although the Queen Mother's reforms have made some progress, their power seems to be growing, and my authority has been challenged."

Another minister, General Li, also expressed his concern: "Your Majesty, I think we must take some measures to regain control of the situation. Otherwise, in the long run, the power of the court will no longer be concentrated in the hands of Your Majesty."

The emperor sighed and said, "You are right. I cannot sit idly by. We need to develop a detailed plan to ensure the stability of my authority and rule."

In the following days, the emperor, with the help of Mr. Zhang and other trusted ministers, began to secretly formulate a series of countermeasures. They decided to start from several key points and gradually weaken the power of the Queen Mother and her trusted ministers.

First, the emperor decided to increase the transparency of the reform through some public measures, so that the ministers and the people in the court could see the actions of the queen mother and her trusted ministers. This would not only allow more people to understand the actual situation of the reform, but also make them doubt the queen mother's power.

One day, the emperor made a public speech at a court meeting, detailing the recent reform progress and pointing out some problems and shortcomings.

"My dear ministers, although the recent reforms have achieved some results, we have also found some problems. There are still shortcomings in financial and military management. I hope that you can actively put forward suggestions and work together to improve our reform measures." The emperor said in a firm tone.

Lord Zhang spoke first: "Your Majesty, your speech is very important. We need to further strengthen the management of finance and military affairs to ensure that every measure can be implemented."

Another minister also expressed support: "Your Majesty, we can adopt a series of public measures to let more ministers and the public understand the actual situation of the reform, increase transparency and reduce doubts."

Through this court meeting, the emperor successfully attracted the attention and discussion of the ministers on the reform measures. Although this did not immediately weaken the empress dowager's power, it at least made more people begin to doubt her actions.

At the same time, the emperor also decided to take action in the harem to strengthen the surveillance of the empress dowager and Concubine Mei. He ordered several trusted eunuchs and guards to closely monitor their every move to ensure that they would not pose a threat to his plan.

One day, the emperor summoned his trusted eunuch, Eunuch Li, to the imperial study. The emperor asked Eunuch Li, "Have the Empress Dowager and Concubine Mei behaved in any unusual way recently?" Eunuch Li replied, "Your Majesty, there is nothing unusual about the Empress Dowager and Concubine Mei. It's just that... Concubine Mei often visits the Empress Dowager." The emperor frowned slightly, wondering if Concubine Mei was doing something for the Empress Dowager.

At this time, Lord Zhang asked for an audience. After the emperor let him in, Lord Zhang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report. Recently, I found that the Queen Mother's followers have been in close contact with some dignitaries outside the palace, and they seem to be planning something." The emperor's eyes turned cold, "This matter must be investigated thoroughly to see what they are up to." Lord Zhang accepted the order and left.

The emperor thought to himself that it seemed that the Queen Mother and her followers were not content with the status quo, so he had to speed up and implement his plan.

"Eunuch Li, do you have information about the recent movements of the Empress Dowager and Concubine Mei?" asked the emperor.

Eunuch Li replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have been keeping a close eye on them. The Queen Mother and her trusted ministers have been meeting frequently recently, and it seems that they are discussing some important matters. Concubine Mei is also secretly trying to win over some concubines and palace maids to expand her influence."

The emperor frowned. "These things cannot be ignored. Eunuch Li, you must continue to closely monitor their every move to ensure that they do not pose a threat to my plan."

Eunuch Li replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will do my best."

In order to further weaken the influence of the Queen Mother, the Emperor decided to take more decisive action. He ordered Lord Zhang and General Li to further strengthen his control over finances and the military, while keeping a close eye on officials who might threaten him.

One day, Mr. Zhang reported to the emperor some situations of the three provinces and six ministries.

"Your Majesty, we recently discovered that some officials in the Ministry of Revenue have problems with financial management, and they seem to be secretly seeking personal gain." Lord Zhang said.

The emperor said coldly: "These problems cannot be ignored. You must closely monitor these officials to ensure that they do not pose a threat to our plans."

Lord Zhang nodded: "Your Majesty, we will strengthen the supervision of the Ministry of Revenue to ensure that every financial expenditure complies with regulations." The emperor continued, "Also, we must keep a close eye on the Ministry of War and never let military power fall into the hands of others. If anyone dares to betray me, they will be severely punished!"

At this time, General Li stepped forward and saluted, saying, "I will definitely live up to your majesty's trust! But... now that we have completely torn our relationship with the Queen Mother, I'm afraid they will take some action. Your Majesty, you must be more careful."

The emperor nodded slightly to show that he understood. His eyes were firm, as if he was ready for what might happen next.

General Li added: "Your Majesty, we have also discovered that some generals in the Ministry of War have made mistakes in handling border affairs, which may affect the security of the country."

The emperor said calmly, "These problems cannot be ignored. You must closely monitor these generals to ensure that they do not pose a threat to our plans."

Under the emperor's careful planning, the three provinces and six ministries were gradually under his control. He ensured that every department was under his control through a series of specific instructions and actions.

However, the emperor also knew in his heart that this struggle was far from over. He must continue to be vigilant and ensure that every step he took was steady and precise.

One day, the emperor summoned Lord Zhang, General Li and several other trusted ministers in the imperial study to discuss the next plan.

"Master Zhang, General Li, what do you think of the recent situation?" the emperor asked. Master Zhang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, now that we have taken control of the three provinces and six ministries, the Queen Mother must have noticed something. Next, should we take the initiative to attack?"

General Li echoed, "Your Majesty, I think we should consolidate our strength and wait for the right opportunity to act."

The emperor nodded slightly, his eyes firm as he said, "I understand. But if the Queen Mother makes the first move, we must be fully prepared. Pass on my order to strengthen the guard of the capital to prevent any unexpected events. In addition, send spies to thoroughly investigate the movements of the Queen Mother and her followers. We must not let them take advantage of any opportunity!"

After everyone received the order, the emperor leaned tiredly on the dragon throne and prayed silently in his heart: I hope everything goes well, I will definitely protect this country!

Lord Zhang replied, "Your Majesty, the recent reform measures have made some progress, but the Queen Mother and her trusted ministers are still making frequent moves. We must continue to strengthen our control over finances and the military to ensure that every measure can be implemented smoothly."

General Li added: "Your Majesty, we also need to closely monitor those officials who may threaten us and use a series of measures to ensure that they will not interfere with our plans."

The emperor nodded with satisfaction. "You are right. I have decided to take the following measures: First, we must further increase the transparency of the reform so that everyone can see our efforts and results. Second, we must strengthen control over finance and the military to ensure the smooth progress of the reform. Finally, we must continue to cultivate more supporters to ensure that our position is stable."

Zhang Aiqing, General Li and other ministers all agreed and said that they would do their best to assist His Majesty's plan. The emperor looked at the people in his palace with sharp eyes, and then said: "In addition, I need you to find trustworthy people to be placed in important places to ensure that our plan is foolproof." The ministers responded in unison. Then, the emperor ordered: "Zhang Aiqing, this matter will be handed over to you. Remember, the candidate must be reliable." Lord Zhang hurriedly knelt down to accept the order. After everyone left, the emperor leaned back on the dragon chair and rubbed his eyebrows. Although there have been some results, the battle with the Queen Mother has just begun...

In the following days, the emperor further strengthened his control over the three provinces and six ministries through a series of specific instructions and actions.

He ordered Zhang Daren to conduct a comprehensive audit and supervision of finances to ensure that every measure could be implemented. At the same time, he also increased the transparency of financial and military reforms through a series of public channels, allowing more ministers and the public to see the actual results of the reforms.

One day, the emperor summoned the empress dowager in the imperial study, intending to have a frank conversation with her. The empress dowager walked into the imperial study, and after the emperor gave her a seat, she spoke directly: "Mother, the people in the court are in panic now. I think we should focus on stability at the moment." The empress dowager smiled slightly and replied: "Your son is right, but the reform is also urgent." The emperor nodded and agreed, "Your son naturally knows, but there are many obstacles on the road to reform now, so we need to take a long-term view." The conversation between the two seemed harmonious, but in fact there were undercurrents. The empress dowager knew that the emperor was on guard against her, and the emperor also knew that the empress dowager would never give up power easily. In this war without gunpowder, both sides are looking for each other's flaws...

"Mother, although the recent reforms have achieved some results, I find that there are still many problems that need to be solved," said the emperor.

The Queen Mother smiled slightly and said in a gentle tone: "My son, I know what you are thinking. Reform is a long-term task, and I will continue to support your decision."

The emperor nodded. "Mother, I hope we can continue to cooperate and work together for the future of the country. I will pay more attention to the progress of the reform, and I hope you can understand my position."

The Queen Mother spoke in a gentle tone: "My son, I have always supported you. As long as you need me, I will do my best to help you."

Through this conversation, the emperor further consolidated his position in the heart of the queen mother. He understood that only through steady actions and firm determination could he be invincible in this complex power struggle.

In the following days, the emperor continued to push forward his counterattack plan. Through a series of specific instructions and actions, he further strengthened his control over the three provinces and six ministries, while closely monitoring the every move of the empress dowager and her trusted ministers.

In the dead of night, the emperor was in his study, thinking about the future. He knew that the palace struggle had never stopped, and every decision he made was related to the fate of the country. Only by relying on wisdom and courage could he remain invincible in this complex power struggle and lead the country to a brighter future.

In this complex power struggle, the emperor's doubts brought him many challenges, but also made him more alert and determined. He believed that as long as he had firm beliefs, relied on wisdom and courage, he would be able to achieve his goals and lead the country to a bright future.

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