Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

In late February in Kyoto, the snow had just begun to melt, and glistening icicles hung from the eaves.

The largest teahouse in East Market, "Juxian Pavilion", is steaming hot and bustling with people.

The waiter carried a copper kettle and walked between the tables and chairs, adding tea and water to the guests.

"Have you heard? The empress of the Zhou Dynasty was named the vice empress by His Majesty!" A middle-aged man dressed as a merchant said in a low voice.

The scholar at the next table immediately came over and said, "Not only that! My cousin works at the Ministry of Rites. I heard that Empress Wu Zhao has already begun assisting His Majesty in reviewing memorials today!"

"Isn't this against the rules?"

A white-haired old man stroked his beard and shook his head: "Since ancient times, the harem is not allowed to interfere in government affairs."

"Old man, this is wrong."

A young man in a brocade robe in the corner interjected, "Empress Wu Zhao was a female emperor. She has more experience in governing the country than many ministers. Your Majesty is making the best use of her talents by having her assist in handling government affairs."

The teahouse owner, while wiping the table, said, "If you ask me, this is the brilliance of your Majesty."

"Don't you think that since Great Zhou has just been incorporated into our dynasty, the people of Zhou would feel at ease if Empress Wu Zhao were to participate in government affairs?"

Everyone was talking about it, some nodded in agreement, while others looked worried.

At this moment, a drunken man slammed the table and stood up: "Humph! If a woman participates in politics, there will be trouble sooner or later!"

The entire teahouse fell silent in an instant. The shopkeeper's expression changed drastically, and he quickly stepped forward to cover the man's mouth.

"Wang Er! What nonsense are you talking about after drinking so much? Are you trying to kill yourself?"

At this time, the charcoal fire was burning brightly in the imperial study of the palace.

Chu Ning sat in the main seat and reviewed memorials, while Wu Zhao carefully reviewed the documents at the side table.

There is a tacit understanding between the two of them, and they can understand each other's meaning just by exchanging glances occasionally.

"Your Majesty, the Minister of Revenue Liu Shouren requests to see you." The eunuch reported softly outside the door.

Chu Ning didn't even raise his head: "Announce."

Liu Shouren walked in quickly and bowed. "Your Majesty, your humble servant, greets you, the Vice Empress. With the spring plowing season approaching, we have received a mountain of petitions from various regions requesting the allocation of grain. I beg your Majesty for your instructions."

Chu Ning then put down his red brush and looked at Wu Zhao: "I wonder what the Vice Queen thinks we should do?"

Wu Zhao thought for a moment and said calmly, "Lord Liu, I remember that Jiangbei had a good harvest last year. We can allocate surplus grain from Jiangbei first. In addition, Zhoudi has just been annexed, so we should prioritize spring plowing there to reassure the people."

Liu Shouren's eyes lit up when he heard this: "Your Majesty, your opinion is excellent! I will arrange it right away."

His original intention was to discuss the spring plowing in Zhou, but he was embarrassed to say it when he saw Wu Zhao was there.

Since Wu Zetian took the initiative to speak up, Your Majesty has no objection. This year's spring plowing will naturally focus on the Zhou land.

After all, that place had just been merged, and the people's hearts were unstable. If the seeds for spring plowing were distributed, the people in the Zhou area would be grateful.

This is extremely important to the court and to Your Majesty!

The most important thing is that this was proposed by Wu Zetian herself!

Not long after Liu Shouren left, Ling Haoran, the Minister of Justice, hurriedly asked for an audience:

"Your Majesty, a group of death row prisoners who were supposed to be executed last autumn have been delayed until now because Your Majesty personally led the expedition. Now that the spring floods are approaching, the prisons are overcrowded. I wonder if the executions can be carried out?"

Chu Ning remained silent and continued to look at Wu Zhao.

Wu Zhao pondered for a moment. "Master Ling, have you carefully examined the case files of these death row prisoners? If there are any who have accidentally killed someone, they can be pardoned and sentenced to labor service to repair dikes and prevent floods. The rest of those whose crimes are extremely serious will be executed according to the law."

Ling Haoran was stunned and subconsciously looked at Chu Ning.

However, the Emperor was concentrating on annotating another memorial, as if he was oblivious to what was happening here.

Ling Haoran had no choice but to bow: "I obey your command."

Soon, the Minister of Personnel, Lü Xiuwen, also came to ask for instructions: "Vice Empress, now that the Great Zhou has been incorporated into our dynasty, regarding the appointment and dismissal of officials from the former Zhou..."

Wu Zhao didn't wait for him to finish before saying, "Your Majesty has already issued an order regarding this matter. Di Ying is fully responsible for the political affairs of Zhou."

"If Lord Lu wants to send an imperial censor to supervise, he can make the decision, but the appointment and dismissal of officials must be discussed with Lord Di."

Lu Xiuwen glanced at Chu Ning and saw that the emperor was still concentrating on the memorial in his hand. Only then did he realize that this was tacit approval of Wu Zhao's decision.

He bowed respectfully and said, "I understand."

After the three important officials left, Wu Zetian put down her red brush and sighed softly:

"It seems that the officials in the court still have doubts about my handling of government affairs, otherwise the three adults would not have come here to test me."

Chu Ning then raised his head and laughed heartily, "My dear, you handled it very well just now. Liu Shouren's eyes lit up when he left. Ling Haoran, though hesitant, agreed. Lu Xiuwen was even more convinced. In time, they will truly respect you."

Just as the two of them were looking at each other and laughing, a maid rushed into the imperial study in a panic, not even caring about etiquette:

"Your Majesty! This is terrible! Imperial Concubine Lan is having a difficult labor, and the imperial physician says...the situation is critical!"

"What?" Chu Ning stood up suddenly, and the memorials on the desk fell to the ground.

He didn't even bother to change out of his court robes and ran out with big strides.

Wu Zhao immediately stood up and followed, hurrying along while giving orders: "Quickly send all the doctors on duty at the Imperial Hospital to Noble Concubine Lan's bedroom! And send for Divine Doctor Sun!"

The maid took the order and ran away. Chu Ning's face turned ashen and his fists were clenched so hard that they made a creaking sound.

Wu Zhao gently held his hand and found that his palm was cold.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. Sister Mulan is blessed by good fortune and will be safe."

Chu Ning didn't say anything, but just quickened his pace.

The snow on the palace road creaked underfoot, and a rapid bell rang in the distance, as if foreshadowing something ominous.

The palace maids all made way, whispering to each other as they watched the Emperor and the Empress rushing past.

Dozens of imperial doctors and palace maids had gathered outside Concubine Lan's bedroom.

Seeing Chu Ning coming, everyone knelt down hurriedly to salute.

Chu Ning ignored it and pushed open the door to the bedroom. From inside came Feng Mulan's painful groans and the midwife's anxious shouts:

"Push harder, my lady! I can see the end!"

Chu Ning was about to rush into the inner room, but was stopped by the leading imperial physician: "Your Majesty! The delivery room is bloody, your body is worth a million gold..."

"Get out of here!" Chu Ning pushed the imperial physician away and strode into the inner room.

Wu Zhao followed closely behind and ordered the panicked palace maids, "Everyone get out! Leave two of the most experienced midwives behind!"

In the inner room, Feng Mulan's face was pale and she was sweating profusely. When she saw Chu Ning coming in, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but then she was overwhelmed by the pain.

"Your Majesty..." She stretched out her hand weakly.

Chu Ning grabbed her hand, his voice trembling: "I'm here! You must hold on!"

Wu Zhao had already rolled up her sleeves and ordered the midwife, "Prepare hot water and clean towels! And get some ginseng soup!"

The entire bedroom was in chaos.

At the same time, Sun Simiao, who received the news, also hurried to the palace.

Since this matter involved a noble concubine and a royal bloodline, Sun Simiao dared not be negligent.