After Liu Hong ascended the throne, Dou Miao, except for the first court assembly, entrusted all political affairs to Liu Hong and the ministers and did not interfere much. She was not an ambitious woman.
Based on Liu Hong's actions after ascending the throne, he promoted Xun Shuang and Li Ying, thus winning over powerful families and partisans.
The fact that the emperor showed great respect for himself and Dou Wu shows that he did not reject relatives of the empress.
Despite repeated advice from others, the emperor never took action against the eunuchs.
All of these things demonstrate that the emperor was striving to maintain a balance.
Dou Miao knew that although the emperor was young at the moment, he would grow up sooner or later, and the emperor would inevitably reclaim his power when he came of age. For her own sake and for the sake of the Dou family, she should not interfere too much in court affairs, so as not to create a rift with the emperor.
Although the Empress Dowager was able to depose an emperor and install a compliant one, what would happen after her death? Without her help, if a later emperor were to settle scores, the Dou family would inevitably face the danger of collapse.
The late emperor and the Liang family are living examples, aren't they?
Liang Ji was incredibly powerful back then, even daring to assassinate the emperor, but what was the result? Didn't he end up supporting someone who would send him to his grave?
Emperors can be changed, but surnames cannot. The world may be ruled by the Liu family, but not by the Dou family.
Rather than being purged later, it's better to get along well with this young emperor and build a good relationship, so that you can have an easier time.
Dou Miao had long known about the palace's budget cuts, but the emperor had not cut any expenses for her Chang Le Palace. In addition, Liu Hong insisted on visiting Dou Miao at Chang Le Palace every day to pay his respects and was very close to her. All of this made Dou Miao, who had no children, feel a touch of familial warmth in the cold palace.
At this point, Dou Miao truly began to treat Liu Hong as her own son.
Early in the morning, Dou Miao, who had just gotten up, went for a walk in the back garden of Chang Le Palace accompanied by a female official.
Dou Miao looked up at the morning sunlight, then turned to the female official beside her, "The emperor is almost here. Go and prepare breakfast."
"Yes! Is it the same as a few days ago?" the lady-in-waiting asked.
"Hmm, I see the Emperor seems to really enjoy your side dishes. Remember to make a lot today!"
"promise!"
Since Liu Hong came to pay his respects a few days ago, Dou Miao heard that Liu Hong did not have the habit of eating breakfast. So she asked Liu Hong to come to Chang Le Palace to eat breakfast every day before he could go back to handle government affairs. Feeling Dou Miao's concern, Liu Hong had no choice but to agree. Therefore, the female officials of Chang Le Palace would prepare a breakfast for Liu Hong every day.
About half an hour later, Dou Miao returned to Chang Le Palace at the exact time.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty has come to pay his respects."
"Quickly, call him in."
Dou Miao's tone carried a hint of urgency. Sensing the change in the Empress Dowager's tone, the female official smiled and walked out with quick steps. Recently, she had also noticed that the Empress Dowager's mood was significantly better than before.
Before long, guided by the female official, Liu Hong arrived at Chang Le Palace and respectfully kowtowed to Dou Miao.
"Your Majesty, I respectfully inquire after your well-being."
"I am well, Your Majesty, please rise."
Although Liu Hong and Dou Miao are much closer now, they still need to maintain proper etiquette.
After the ceremony, Dou Miao smiled and looked at the palace maid beside her, "Xiao Hong, quickly bring up the breakfast."
Dou Miao smiled and pulled Liu Hong to sit at the table, looking every bit the mother and son.
Soon, the palace maids brought out the morning meal and placed it in front of Liu Hong. The meal was very simple, consisting of a bowl of porridge and a few side dishes. They knew that the emperor was frugal.
"Eat quickly, it's still warm."
"Thank you, Mother. You won't stand on ceremony."
As they spoke, Liu Hong picked up his bowl and chopsticks and began to eat heartily. Dou Miao watched with loving eyes as young Liu Hong ate with great appetite, and her heart was filled with joy.
Liu Hong quickly finished his breakfast.
After breakfast, Dou Miao took Liu Hong's hand and chatted about everyday things, without asking about any political matters. Liu Hong understood Dou Miao's intentions and simply talked about some funny things from his childhood. When he mentioned embarrassing moments, Dou Miao laughed continuously.
At this moment, the two of them did not seem to be the emperor or the empress dowager, but rather an ordinary mother and son.
During this time, Dou Miao repeatedly suggested reducing the expenses of Chang Le Palace, but Liu Hong refused each time. Liu Hong even said that the Empress Dowager was the mother of the nation and had served the late emperor for many years. She should enjoy the honors she deserved, which moved Dou Miao deeply.
"Mother, it's getting late, and I still have matters to attend to today..."
Seeing that it was getting late, Liu Hong got up to say goodbye to Dou Miao, wanting to attend to official business.
Dou Miao nodded: "Yes! Although state affairs are important, the emperor must also take care of his health and not overwork himself!"
"Don't worry, Mother, I understand!"
Liu Hong nodded, then bowed to Dou Miao before slowly walking out.
After Liu Hong left, the female official Xiao Hong smiled as she cleared away the dishes and looked at Dou Miao.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty's appetite has increased recently; today he ate every last bit!"
Dou Miao smiled and nodded, "Go to Deyang Palace later and ask Zhang Rang how His Majesty's appetite has been lately, so we can prepare more for tomorrow."
"promise!"
......
Deyang Palace.
"Your Majesty, the Grand General, Grand Tutor Chen Fan, Grand Commandant Li Ying, and Minister of Works Hu Guang request an audience."
"Announce."
Liu Hong put down the memorial in his hand.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects."
"No need for formalities, please sit."
After the greetings were completed, Chen Fan spoke first: "Your Majesty, spring plowing has now ended, but according to the Grand Astrologer's prediction, there may be a drought this year. I hope Your Majesty will make preparations as soon as possible!"
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