临朝

Traditional form:

臨朝

Pinyin (reading):

líncháo

Definitions:

• to hold a court audience
• to govern from the imperial throne (applies esp. to Empress Dowager or Regent)

Characters:

• 临 - to draw near, to approach; to descend
• 朝 - to face; direct, facing; dynasty; morning

Traditional characters:

• 臨 - to draw near, to approach; to descend
• 朝 - to face; direct, facing; dynasty; morning