Chapter 1058

In the Chongde Hall.

Empress Dowager Dong, wearing a black phoenix robe and holding the hand of the four-year-old Marquis of Dong, Liu Xie, sat behind the beaded curtain located behind the dragon throne.

On both sides of the hall and in front of the hall doors stood rows of Imperial Guard sentries.

The officials attending the court left their footwear and the long swords worn at their waists outside the palace before entering in order.

The smell of weapons gave the hall a more murderous and solemn atmosphere today.

"We pay our respects to the Empress Dowager."

"We pay our respects to the Empress Dowager."

"We pay our respects to the Empress Dowager."

Shouts rang out from the mouths of the crowd.

Grand Tutor Yuan Kui, Minister of Works Cui Lie, Minister of Works Zhang Wen, and Grand Marshal Ma Ridi stood at the very front of the officials.

"Officials, please rise."

Empress Dowager Dong, nearly fifty years old, gently raised her wide black sleeves from behind the beaded curtain.

"His Majesty is unwell, so I am presiding over the court on his behalf. Today I have summoned the officials here to discuss the matter of the Crown Prince."

Separated by the beaded curtain, although the officials could not see Empress Dowager Dong's appearance, they were extremely familiar with her voice.

And the Empress Dowager presiding over the court and acting as regent was not the first time.

When Liu Hong first ascended the throne, the Dou clan held power over the court, and it was Empress Dowager Dou Miao who presided over the court as regent.

Now it was just a change of person, becoming Empress Dowager Dong.

And now that the Emperor was seriously ill, Empress Dowager Dong was the most noble in the harem and was the Emperor's biological mother, so it was only right that she should preside over the court and discuss the overall situation.

Yuan Kui held his tablet with both hands, standing at the very front with his head lowered, a triumphant smile on his lips.

Last night, Empress Dowager Dong issued a decree appointing him as Grand Tutor; this was a compromise and a solicitation to some extent.

As for the intention, Yuan Kui naturally understood it in his heart.

The eldest imperial son, Liu Bian, was the son of Empress He and the nephew of Grand General He Jin.

While the second son, Liu Xie, was raised by Empress Dowager Dong herself.

If the Crown Prince or the new monarch was the eldest son, Liu Bian, then Empress Dowager Dong would have to yield her position to Empress He. In the current situation, the powerful He clan would likely become the next Dou clan; Empress He would be the former Dou Miao, and He Jin would be the former Dou Wu.

Imperial power would fall into other hands.

But if Liu Xie were established as Crown Prince or as the new monarch, it would be a different situation.

Empress Dowager Dong could oversee the government just like Dou Miao.

Behind the beaded curtain, Empress Dowager Dong held one of the four-year-old Liu Xie's hands, turning her head to look at Liu Xie and comfort him.

Then she faced the officials through the beaded curtain and said: "His Majesty is currently unwell, as you all must know, and the matter of establishing the heir is imperative."

"Although His Majesty has not yet established a Crown Prince, he has long had the intention. Today I wish to announce His Majesty's previous intention and also listen to your opinions."

"You may speak freely, there is no need for taboos." ===== CHAPTER 1060 =====