『The Young Empress Courts Her Prime Minister?』
Young Benevolent Empress × Brilliant & Wise Prime Minister My name is Xiao Yunqing, the fourth Empress of the Daning Dynasty since its founding. The year I was born coincided with a severe drought. Yet, the moment I came into the world, heavy rain poured from the heavens. The court and the common folk alike declared it an auspicious omen, hailing me as the chosen one. Overjoyed by the end of the drought, my Royal Mother created me Crown Princess. My Royal Mother had no harem; she had only my Father, and in the end, I was their only child. From a young age, high hopes were placed upon me by my parents. Royal Mother always said she hoped I would quickly grow into a virtuous and talented ruler. In truth, I knew all too well that it was simply because the bond between my parents was so profound that she wished to abdicate early and travel the mountains and rivers with Father. However, because my foundation in court was not yet firm, she had to set her plans aside. Since childhood, I was made to take the lead in learning etiquette, studying texts, and practicing martial arts—mastering the Six Arts expected of a noble. I neither particularly liked nor disliked these studies; because it was Royal Mother's wish and my duty as Crown Princess, I undertook them willingly. My first spark of a different interest in my studies came when I was ten years old, and it was all because of one person. Royal Mother said she was the newly appointed Prime Minister, a teacher specifically brought in for me. Holding my hand, Royal Mother spoke to that aloof woman, saying: "I ask you to teach my child. Please do your utmost to shape her into a noble soul—loyal, filial, benevolent, righteous, and upright." The woman looked much older than me. Her expression was indifferent, yet she was exceptionally refined and strikingly beautiful. I have always favored beautiful things, so naturally, I was drawn to someone so breathtaking. The first time the Prime Minister and I were alone, I was quite nervous. I didn't dare look her in the eye, only stealing glances at her. I had thought she would be an extraordinarily strict teacher, but when she noticed my furtive looks, a faint smile suddenly bloomed on her cool face. She said: "A honorable soul is open and candid. If Your Highness wishes to look, you may do so openly." Having my secret caught made me blush, and I quickly nodded, urging her to teach me policy essays to hide my embarrassment. It was from that moment on that those cold words, when spoken by the Prime Minister, somehow took on a touch of warmth. Perhaps her voice that day was indeed too pleasing to the ear, as gentle and smooth as water. After that, I no longer needed any other teacher. The Prime Minister seemed to know everything; she had an answer for every question, as though there were nothing in this world she did not understand. Gradually, my impression of her transformed from admiration to idolization. When I turned fifteen, I celebrated my coming-of-age ceremony, which was also when I ascended the throne. The gift the Prime Minister gave me for my ceremony was a Duan inkstone. She said: "Your Majesty requires brush and ink to govern. Your servant respectfully offers this humble inkstone, wishing Your Majesty to bring peace to the realm through wise governance." I have used that inkstone for years now. It has been three years since my ascension. Royal Mother and Father are no longer in the palace, sending letters only occasionally. Day to day, the person closest to me is the Prime Minister. In court, I am an Emperor who dispenses rewards and punishments fairly. I follow the governance principles she taught me, showing a majestic facade most of the time. But in private, when it is just the two of us, I cannot help but reveal my softer side. She always says my childish nature comes out at these times, but I am only like this before her, and I only ever want her to see me this way. Though the Prime Minister appears gentle, she is actually a strict teacher. She never scolds, yet she subtly pushes you forward. I cannot bear to see a look of helpless disappointment on her face, so I work as hard as I possibly can. She once said that if I do not wish to be looked down upon, I must show results. Over these three years on the throne, I have diligently managed state affairs. From the court to the populace, I have not neglected a single matter. I recruit talented individuals broadly. Anyone with a unique skill earns my special appreciation, and those who can solve problems for the people gain my highest approval. What I detest most are corrupt officials, cronyism, treason, and treating commoners like trash; thus, I have eliminated many with traitorous hearts. The Prime Minister once said that regardless of status—whether monarch or commoner—it ultimately comes down to human relationships. As a ruler, one must cherish the people as one cherishes oneself. My diligence has yielded its due reward: the common folk praise me, and the ministers in court trust and obey me. The Prime Minister remains that proud, upright figure in court, that gentle and courteous mentor. Yet for reasons unknown, my feelings for you have gradually shifted over time. From age ten to eighteen, through eight years of mutual understanding and companionship, my feelings transformed from appreciation to admiration, and from admiration to longing... The Prime Minister is a woman, and I am a woman too. Between two women... could it be possible? I do not dare to gamble. Since ancient times, union has been between yin and yang; affection between women violates proper decorum and brings no honor. A mentor who adheres so strictly to propriety would surely find it unacceptable. Yet the closer I get to her, the deeper my joy becomes. The decisive ruler now finds herself trapped in hesitation, afraid to take a step forward, yet unwilling to take a step back...
“Cultivate the self, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.”