The Empress Dowager Takes the Throne

She became the Empress Dowager of Great Zhou at a very young age.

No in-laws to serve above her, no husband to attend to beside her, and below her... a stepson of five, at the age when he listened best to his mother.

Although when the young emperor first ascended the throne, the young ruler's uncertain position had left the court in turmoil.

But she had reliable family behind her.

Her father, Pu Liuru Jian, stepped forward in time to stabilize the situation and give her all the support she needed.

At the height of their confidence, her father discussed a new decree with her:

All officials in the country of Han descent would resume using their Han surnames.

"We must never forget our ancestors!" Pu Liuru Jian gazed at his daughter fondly. "Our family's original surname is Yang, and our ancestral home is Hongnong."

So Pu Liuru Jian was going to change his name to Yang Jian.

Wait a minute!

Yang Jian?!

Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian?!

She jolted and knocked over the table, nearly frightening her elderly father to death.

So was she Yang Lihua, the woman who had gone from Empress Dowager to princess overnight in history?

The Yang Lihua whose father took her empire from her, and whose daughter was killed by her younger brother, Emperor Yang of Sui?

She met Yang Jian's "concerned" gaze, and her eyes grew unfathomable.

Changing dynasties was dangerous and likely to earn one a bad name. How could she let her elderly father get involved?

She alone would be the founding ruler of Great Sui.

Her daughter would certainly be its next ruler.

Theme: You can't rely on your husband or your father. The only person you can rely on is yourself