The term 'Empress Dowager' was only gifted to the previous imperial concubines who have children for the Emperor. Even then, those who only bore princess might not even be granted this title since women were not eligible to take the throne. (depending on the new Emperor)
But aside from the Imperial Concubines, there was also one more person who could obtain this title.
The Empress.
Or to be more exact, the Empress of the previous Emperor.
This person was exactly the Empress of the previous Emperor, Empress Yan. She was the second Empress since the first Empress died young and since then, she had survived for nearly 9 years in the Imperial Palace. Right now, she had obtained the title of Empress Dowager Yan.
"Please be assured, Your Majesty. This one will do the work splendidly." Empress Dowager Yan bowed towards the Emperor politely. Even her speech was completely respectful as she didn't dare to use harsh words against him.
