When Will You Divorce Me, My Lord?

In the fifth year of the Nan Ning spring era, the emperor suddenly dies in Fengyi Hall. With no sons of his own, he passes the throne to his elder brother, Prince Ming'an. The next day, the new emperor ascends the throne and issues an edict adopting his predecessor's reign title and retaining his old policies. He also names Lady Chu empress, with the formal investiture ceremony to be held on a later date. The whole realm is in an uproar. Lady Chu was the late emperor's empress. On the new emperor's first day at court, the chancellor and all the civil and military officials jointly submit a petition, asking the emperor to depose the empress for three reasons: First, she is jealous. During the late emperor's reign, she would not allow him to take any concubines, leaving the inner palace with only one Noble Consort. Second, she is barren. Despite being favored in the palace for many years during the late emperor's reign, she bore him no children. Third, she lacks virtue. She neglected all palace affairs during the late emperor's reign, causing him endless trouble with the court. The chancellor and the officials ask, “Your Majesty, when will you dismiss the empress?” The new emperor's handsome face darkens on his lofty throne. He replies slowly, “Chancellor Qin, your wife's jealousy is famous throughout the capital. Will you divorce her?” The chancellor says nothing. The emperor continues, “Minister Huang, I recall that you and your wife have been married for many years without having a child. Will you divorce her?” The minister says nothing. The emperor goes on, “Vice Minister Li, I hear your wife never handles household affairs, leaving your inner quarters in disarray. Will you divorce her?” The vice minister says nothing. A moment later, all three answer in unison, “Your Majesty is Heaven's favored son, unlike your humble subjects.” The emperor smiles. “You are all husbands. What difference is there?”