Surrounded by Hungry Ministers

At just twenty-eight, Yun Qingyao lucks into becoming the Empress Dowager.

She barely knows the four-year-old emperor, who only cares about wolfing down his meals. Yet, pressured by the court officials, the two have no choice but to play the part of a loving mother and devoted son.

After enjoying a few days of wealth and luxury, Yun Qingyao is quite content. But the young emperor's position is unstable, and her own life and status could be in danger at any moment.

Unwilling to suffer again or lose her life, she has no choice but to win over the powerful ministers at court.

Unexpectedly, each of them is like a ravenous wolf, eyeing her as if she were a choice piece of meat.

The peerlessly beautiful, aloof Chief Councillor tugs at her waist sash: "If Your Majesty the Empress Dowager wants my help, you'll have to offer me something I want in return."

The brazen General Who Guards the Nation, who commands the border army, pinches the edge of her shoe: "My military tally was earned at the edge of a blade. If you want it, Your Majesty, what price are you willing to pay?"

The cold, unfeeling Imperial Tutor grips her wrist: "Teaching His Majesty is my duty. For anything beyond that, Your Majesty will have to work harder to persuade me."

The proud, otherworldly State Preceptor, who rarely speaks, crumples her handkerchief: "I don't give my word lightly. I'm afraid Your Majesty will have to come pry the words from my lips yourself."

Facing the four ministers' forceful advances, Yun Qingyao trembles and goes weak in the knees, yet has no choice but to humor them.

The young emperor, who is wholly focused on eating, says, "Mother, just wait a little longer. I'll be grown up soon, and then I'll kill them all."

Yun Qingyao lets out a deep sigh. "You're nothing but a glutton!"