Although Zhang Xing considered himself a man of integrity and unyielding spirit, he believed that with his status, even if he offended the Empress Dowager, nothing would happen to him.

But when death was imminent, he learned what fear truly meant.

He cast aside all pride and arrogance; in his eyes, only the emperor could save his life.

That's why Zhang Xing, when he was about to be dragged out of the main hall, disregarded his image and begged the emperor for help.

Liu Hong, who had been waiting to see what Dou Miao's feelings for him, sat quietly without saying a word.

Although Dou Miao's assertiveness might have a slight impact on the emperor's authority, overall, the impact is not significant.

Don't you see, Emperor Xiaowu of that time was also suppressed to the point of being unable to rise up? Yet that didn't stop him from becoming one of the greatest emperors in history.

Because the word "filial piety" is enough to offset all the negative impacts, the emperor does not oppose the empress dowager, which is out of "filial piety", and no one can say anything about it.

Liu Hong knew that the Empress Dowager intended to use Zhang Xing's head to coerce and intimidate the officials, making them work hard to help her complete the five-year plan.

However, Liu Hong could not allow her to do so. Publicly executing a righteous official who dared to speak out against injustice would bring historical infamy, no matter the reason.

Previously, because Liu Hong was in a coma, Dou Miao punished a group of corrupt officials, and behind her back, countless people had already compared her to Empress Lü of that time.

Thinking of how the Empress Dowager had loved and cared for him like her own son since he entered the palace and ascended the throne, Liu Hong could not bear to let her bear the infamy for the rest of her life.

Just as Zhang Xing was about to be dragged out of the main hall and beheaded, Liu Hong, who had been quietly watching the show, felt that the time was right and hurriedly spoke up to stop him.

Upon seeing the Tiger Guards being stopped by the Emperor, Zhang Xing, who was being held in the middle, was overjoyed and hurriedly broke free from the control of the two Tiger Guards.

Zhang Xing immediately knelt down before Liu Hong, sobbing and wailing:

"Your Majesty, this old minister..."

"Shut up!"

Upon seeing this, Liu Hong immediately glared at him and then shouted angrily.

Seeing the emperor's anger directed at him, Zhang Xing understood that the emperor was trying to protect him, so he quickly shut his mouth and knelt down on the spot.

Liu Hong glanced at Zhang Xing indifferently, then turned around and bowed respectfully to Dou Miao.

"Your Majesty, although Minister Zhang has offended and disobeyed you today, please spare his life, considering his usual diligence and achievements in government affairs!"

When Liu Hong pleaded for mercy, Dou Miao turned her head and gave Zhang Xing a cold look, her face still expressionless.

Both Zhang Xing and the officials looked at Dou Miao with trepidation, fearing that she might offend the emperor in public.

After a moment, Dou Miao finally nodded, then turned to look at Zhang Xing kneeling on the ground and said coldly:

"Since the Emperor has pleaded for you today, I will spare you this time, but... this is a one-time exception! Do you understand?"

"Your Majesty, I understand... Thank you for your mercy!"

Upon hearing that he was spared death, Zhang Xing, who was kneeling on the ground, quickly kowtowed to Dou Miao in gratitude.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

Seeing this, Liu Hong chuckled inwardly, then looked at Zhang Xing with a cold expression.

"At your age, kneeling on the ground, what kind of behavior is this? Get up now!"

"Oh, yes!! Thank you, Your Majesty, Empress Dowager!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xing hurriedly stood up shakily and bowed to Liu Hong and Dou Miao.

Upon seeing this, the officials were moved. They all said that the Empress Dowager loved the Emperor like her own son, and the rumors were indeed true. Now it seemed that only the Emperor could persuade the Empress Dowager.

"I'll ask you one more time: did you all hear that imperial edict clearly?"

Just as the officials were lost in their own thoughts, Dou Miao's clear, cold voice once again reached everyone's ears.

As everyone looked over, they saw Dou Miaozheng staring coldly at the other upright officials, her eyes filled with threats.

Seeing this, Liu Hong turned to look at the officials and said in a deep voice, "The Empress Dowager's order is my will. Have you all heard me clearly?"

"Have you heard me clearly?! We, your humble servants, will obey the Empress Dowager's command!!"

Upon hearing the emperor's words, the officials, including Zhang Xing, hurriedly bowed to the edict in Lü Qiang's hand and accepted the order in unison.

As for those who had previously colluded with powerful figures, they have now abandoned their thoughts. What is more important than their own lives?

Seeing that all the civil and military officials in the court obeyed the imperial edict, Dou Miao's expression improved considerably.

"That's good. Now that you have received the imperial edict, then act in accordance with it. But if there is any mistake, I will not show any mercy. At that time, even the emperor will not be able to protect you. Do you understand?"

"We understand!!"

Faced with Dou Miao's threats, the officials had no choice but to compromise.

To be honest, during the Han Dynasty, the powerful empress dowagers, aside from rebelling, were powerless to stop the officials from doing anything.

Upon seeing this, Dou Miao's lips curled up slightly, and she then looked at Yang Qiu in the ranks of officials.

"The Commandant of the Capital Region!"

"Your subject is here!"

Yang Qiu responded immediately and stood up as well.

Dou Miao said in a deep voice, "This five-year plan, and all the actions of the officials, will be supervised by your Sili Yamen. Anyone who fails to implement it properly will be arrested and punished immediately!"

"promise!!"

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's order, Yang Qiu couldn't help but show a joyful expression and loudly accepted the command. He then gave the crowd a murderous look before returning to the ranks.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!