Chapter 31: This emperor also satisfied her…

Chapter 31: Even this emperor had satisfied her...

Only a girl this bold could face an assassination attempt without flinching and enter the capital so gracefully under everyone's watchful eyes.

Li Man stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, shall we summon the Commandery Lady to the palace?"

He'd always been good at reading Emperor Jingyuan's mind.

If His Majesty held no interest in the Commandery Lady, he wouldn't have bothered making this trip.

However, while Li Man grasped the emperor's intentions, he couldn't quite grasp the subtleties of romance.

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled and shook his head, walking to the desk and taking out a sheet of xuan paper to begin painting. "If I summon her now, she'd definitely refuse to come."

"This..." Li Man stared, completely baffled. "Didn't the Commandery Lady ask Attendant Cui to relay that message precisely because she hoped Your Majesty would summon her?"

"Moreover, who would dare decline a personal summons from Your Majesty?"

Attendant Cui, however, having been around Huo Ling several times, wasn't as shocked as his superior.

Emperor Jingyuan selected a piece of pine-soot ink from his favorite inks.

He personally added a few drops of water to the inkstone and began grinding the ink slowly, not letting anyone else do it.

"She has traveled for ten days and just got into town this morning. If she claims to be unwell and unwilling to risk getting me sick, how could I possibly punish her?"

"When she said 'next time,' it couldn't mean meeting on the same day."

Emperor Jingyuan lifted his gaze and glanced at Attendant Cui, who had retreated to the side to attend. "Do you know what the Commandery Lady likes?"

Attendant Cui certainly couldn't say he didn't know, but throughout their journey, Huo Ling had never shown any particular fondness for anything.

After searching his memory, he finally recalled one notable detail. "This humble servant noticed that the Commandery Lady seems very fond of crabapple blossoms."

At noon that day, while guiding Huo Ling through the courtyard, she had paused briefly before the crabapple tree, even reaching out to gently touch the flowers.

Emperor Jingyuan swept his gaze around before pointing to the Weeping Crabapple placed on the right side of his desk. "These flowers are looking particularly lovely. Go back again and deliver them to the Commandery Lady."

This potted Weeping Crabapple bore soft pink blossoms, with touches of pale white here and there. It was currently the height of the crabapple season, and each flower danced like butterflies, its petals cascading gracefully.

After seeing Attendant Cui off, Huo Ling returned to the potted Weeping Crabapple, lightly brushing the petals with her fingertips.

Wu Mo, forgetting even to make the bed, hurried over and asked curiously, "What does it mean that His Majesty suddenly sent you a pot of flowers?"

Huo Ling held the flowerpot, turning it this way and that as she pondered where to place it. "His Majesty is saying, 'We'll meet at the prisoner-of-war ceremony in three days.'"

Wu Mo: "Did Attendant Cui tell you that?"

"No," Huo Ling finally picked the perfect spot and stepped outside to place the pot on the windowsill. "I read it in these flowers."

Wu Mo nearly choked in surprise, scrutinizing the Weeping Crabapple back and forth. "Really?"

She admitted the flowers were exceptionally well cared for.

But no matter how well they were grown, they were still just a pot of flowers.

How in the world did her lady figure out all this?

Huo Ling smiled and explained, "If he had heard my words but neither summoned me nor responded in any way, it would have been turning down my overture."

"By not summoning me directly yet giving a response, isn't that silent permission for us to meet?"

The captive presentation rituals, as outlined by the Ministry of Rites, were highly elaborate. Simplified, they could be divided into three main parts.

The first part involved the procession of captives entering the capital, allowing the common folk to witness the spectacle—the Qiang Rong, who had submitted to Great Yan for decades and received many favors, had rebelled unsuccessfully, and now their leader was brought to the capital to perform a ceremonial apology dance. This greatly lifted the people’s spirits.

The second part was the grand ceremony at Yingtian Gate three days later, where all civil and military officials would gather.

On the evening after the ceremony, the palace would host a grand and formal victory banquet, attended by all officials and their families.

Since Huo Ling was officially acting on behalf of Huo Shiming in presenting the captives, she would attend both the ceremony and the banquet three days later.

By then, the two would naturally meet.

"Miss," Wu Mo sighed, "Is this how all smart people talk—in riddles?"

Huo Ling's eyes curved into a smile. "That’s the fun part."

To constantly speculate about the other's thoughts, ponder their attitude, and test their boundaries—this was no easy opponent to win over.

Just as they were speaking, Wu Feng suddenly called from outside the courtyard, "The broker’s here!"

The broker Wu Feng found was a government-licensed broker.

Being unfamiliar with the capital, Huo Ling needed a reliable intermediary to help hire trustworthy servants and guards.

The broker was neatly dressed and visibly excited upon seeing Huo Ling enter, mentioning that he had taken his wife and children to Zhuque Street that morning.

After explaining what she needed, Huo Ling began her request.

She wasn’t looking to buy servants but only wished to hire a few workers and guards. She didn’t mind higher wages if they worked hard.

"The contract period..."

Huo Ling thought for a moment. "Three months for now."

With vermilion gates and red windows, layered eaves and brackets, Prince Duan's residence stood quietly in the middle of the lane.

***

Inside the luxurious carriage, Prince Duan was chatting with Ji Yuanwan.

The seven-year-old boy, as finely crafted as jade, had inherited the best of both parents.

Ji Yuanwan had always been a composed child, rarely cried or threw tantrums. After entering the palace, he became even more sensible, showing his playful side only in front of his parents and younger brother.

Though they were chatting, Ji Yuanwan did most of the talking.

He spoke of the differences between his tutors, his brother’s hilarious meltdowns, and even the nest of chirping swallows on the beam, which he could talk about forever.

He finally paused to gulp his tea, saying, "There’s still so much I haven’t told you, Father."

Prince Duan gently touched his soft, cloud-like cheek, his heart warming too. "No hurry. I’ll be staying for a long time this time—you can tell me slowly."

"As long as Father isn’t leaving, that’s enough." Ji Yuanwan nuzzled his father’s hand.

Prince Duan smiled faintly, then offhandedly asked, "Yuanyuan, why did you suddenly ask the Emperor to let you leave the palace? I’ve told you before—stay in the palace unless it’s an emergency."

Ji Yuanwan wrung his little hands: "I just wanted to come back to spend time with Father and Mother."

He shot a furtive glance at Prince Duan: "I don't want Father and Mother to argue."

Prince Duan managed a strained smile: "Who told you that your mother and I were arguing?"

Ji Yuanwan immediately became wary, stammering and refusing to answer further.

This wasn't a criminal interrogation. Biting back his irritation, Prince Duan patted Ji Yuanwan's head and soothed in a gentle tone: "It's alright, Father was just asking casually."

Upon returning to the Prince Duan manor, Prince Duan sent Ji Yuanwan to accompany his younger brother.

After inquiring about the whereabouts of the Princess Consort of Duan, Prince Duan went straight to find her.

The Princess Consort of Duan was in the flower room, methodically shredding peony petals, with a carpet of mangled petals all around her feet.

Her mind kept reliving the moments she had witnessed that morning.

When the woman from the Huo family entered the capital and commanded all eyes, she distinctly heard gasps and exclamations all around, with countless people showing looks of wonder.

Such radiant beauty—even she, as a woman, was momentarily transfixed.

Yet the one who possessed such beauty was actually an enemy.

The Princess Consort took a deep breath, finally abandoning the mutilated flower in her hands. Just as she was about to turn and leave, the voice of her chief handmaiden came from outside the flower room: "Greetings, Your Highness."

His Highness was back?

She'd barely begun to smile when she saw Prince Duan walk in with a dark expression.

Her smile froze at the corners of her lips, and her eyes went cold.

"Your Highness has been away for over half a year. Now that you've just returned, you come with this confrontational manner. May I ask what I have done wrong?"

Looking at his wife, whom he hadn't seen in months, Prince Duan massaged his brow and sighed helplessly: "Why must our marital matters involve Yuanyuan again and again?"

"What do you mean by that, Your Highness?"

The Princess Consort frowned, confused.

Prince Duan recounted Emperor Jingyuan's words.

"Yuanyuan said he doesn't want to see you and me arguing. Who told him about our conflicts? Wasn't it someone from your side?"

The Princess Consort stiffened at the accusation.

She was someone who understood what was at stake. The servants around her were forbidden from gossiping in front of the children. Given her control over the household, the servants shouldn't have disobeyed.

If Yuanyuan had learned about these matters, it could only have been during his recent visit home, when her mother happened to be in the residence. She had been occupied with some matters and had asked her mother to look after Yuanyuan...

Given her mother's temperament, she might indeed have told Yuanyuan these things to vent her frustrations on her behalf.

The Princess Consort felt a tension headache building but had no choice but to shield her mother in front of her husband: "This matter is due to my failure to maintain household discipline. I will ensure proper discipline among the servants."

At this point, the Princess Consort was struck by inspiration.

Although Yuanyuan's return wasn't her intention, now that he was back and His Majesty had allowed him to stay at Prince Duan's residence for a few more days...

She had been pondering how to tie Prince Duan's hands. Now, with Yuanyuan here, as long as the two brothers shadowed their father and followed him everywhere, she doubted Prince Duan would dare take his sons along to meet the woman from the Huo family.

Prince Duan had no idea what the Princess Consort was plotting in her mind.

Regarding Huo Ling, he was ultimately the one at fault.

After all, the Princess Consort was his wedded wife, who had borne him two children and managed his household. Now that she had made the first move to reconcile, Prince Duan couldn’t very well press the matter further.

He softened his tone: "You’ve had a hard time while I was away. Juggling household affairs and raising the children, some oversights occurred is only natural. I lost my temper earlier—don’t take it to heart."

The Princess Consort’s eyes reddened slightly as she averted her gaze: "So Your Highness does understand after all."

Prince Duan sighed inwardly and, for the moment, refrained from bringing up unpleasant matters. He only said, "His Majesty is hosting a family banquet in the palace tonight. We’ll take the two children with us later. Go and get ready, and I’ll clean up as well."

The Princess Consort wiped her tears and smiled: "Hot water has been prepared for you long ago. Let’s hurry back."

Prince Duan had originally intended to send a personal guard to check on Huo Ling and ask if she needed anything, but the Princess Consort stayed close by his side.

Later, when the two children arrived, they clung to him even more tightly, leaving Prince Duan no choice but to postpone the matter for the time being.

***

The brokers at the official servant registry often helped nobles and officials hire servants. Given how specific Huo Ling’s requirements were, the broker managed to gather all the servants she needed by that evening.

After asking them a few questions and examining the calluses on their hands, Huo Ling decided to keep them all.

With these new additions, the once quiet and empty mansion quickly became lively. The kitchen chimneys were smoking, adding a touch of warmth to the household.

Early the next morning, Huo Ling prepared eight sets of Yanxi delicacies and, along with her calling card, sent them to the other eight households in the lane.

This was a formal way of introducing herself to the neighbors and letting them know who now owned the estate.

Once this was done, Huo Ling went out with Wu Mo and Wu Feng to see the sights.

Given the attention she had attracted the day before, Huo Ling took care to wear a riding hat with veil to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The customs and atmosphere of the capital were entirely different from those of Yanxi. The market bustled with people, and street performers were putting on shows.

Even Huo Ling found herself captivated by the sights, let alone Wu Mo, who kept oohing and aahing.

They even came across a rooster fight, with a crowd of men and women placing bets on which rooster would win.

"Miss, miss, let’s join in for a round!" Wu Mo tugged at Huo Ling’s sleeve, refusing to leave.

Wu Feng crossed his arms, his right hand resting on his sword: "Careful, or you’ll lose all your monthly wages."

Wu Mo snorted: "You think I rely on my wages like you do?"

Wu Feng fell silent—there was no point arguing with someone who was kept by their mistress.

Still, Wu Mo grew a little worried after Wu Feng’s remark and whispered to Huo Ling, "Miss, who do you think will win—Mighty or Gale?"

Huo Ling didn’t bother commenting on the roosters’ names. After a careful look, she said to Wu Mo, "Go bet on Mighty."

Wu Mo immediately rushed off to place her bet on Mighty.

Even Wu Feng took out his money pouch and bet all his coins on Mighty.

Wu Mo shot him a sidelong glance: "What, not afraid of losing all your monthly wages now?"

Wu Feng: "With the miss calling the shots, why wouldn’t I follow her lead to earn some spending money? Do you think I’m stupid?"

After placing their bets, the two of them were practically hanging over the railing to watch the match, shouting themselves hoarse cheering for Mighty. When Mighty narrowly defeated Gale, they slapped palms in delight.

They knew their limits. After experiencing the atmosphere of the capital's cockfighting scene, they didn’t linger. Once they collected their winnings, they followed Huo Ling and left the crowd.

"Miss, lunch is on me today," Wu Mo beamed.

Wu Feng had to contribute too: "If you want any snacks, just tell me. I’ll pay."

Huo Ling looked at them with amusement and played along: "Alright, we’ll have a simple lunch, and I’ll treat you both to Fanlou for dinner tonight."

Fanlou, renowned as the empire's top restaurant, offered not only local delicacies of the capital but also dishes from other regions.

Huo Ling ordered a Yanxi regional specialty, and to her surprise, the taste was exactly as she remembered.

Halfway through the meal, Huo Ling pushed open the window, enjoying the pleasant evening breeze and admiring the glowing cityscape below.

Suddenly, the sound of a storyteller’s block echoed from the main hall of the restaurant.

Huo Ling listened carefully and realized the storyteller was recounting her own arrival into Luocheng the day before.

"Done eating? Let’s go if you’re full."

"Huh?" Wu Mo had just settled into a listening posture. "Aren’t we going to hear it?"

"Stay if you want." Huo Ling tapped Wu Mo’s forehead, secured her veil, and stood up to leave the screened-off private room.

By the time they returned to the estate, it was nearly Hai hour.

The doorkeeper, seeing Huo Ling return, hurriedly opened the door and reported, "Miss, shortly after you left, the Marquis of Wuwei’s residence sent an invitation, inviting you over."

The Marquis of Wuwei—again?

Huo Ling didn’t know what they were scheming, but she was certain their intentions were nothing good.

"Next time they send an invitation, turn them down for me."

After two consecutive days of leisure, early on the third day, with Wu Mo’s help, Huo Ling dressed in the ceremonial robes of a Commandery Lady, her hair swept up neatly and fixed with only a butterfly hairpin.

Compared to the day she entered the capital, her appearance today was far more dignified and solemn.

Huo Ling touched her hairpin and stepped out, boarding the carriage to Yingtian Gate.

Yingtian Gate was located in the outer court. Though called a gate, it was actually a spacious plaza where important court ceremonies and rituals were usually held.

The carriage proceeded into the palace, stopping at the side passage beside Yingtian Gate. As Huo Ling stepped down, before she could even take in the palace scenery, she saw a familiar face again.

"Attendant Cui," Huo Ling smiled. "You’ve been waiting long?"

"Not at all, this humble servant has only just arrived."

Cui Hongyi’s voice was warm as he personally led the way, ushering Huo Ling toward Yingtian Gate.

Along the way, Huo Ling encountered many officials in official robes she didn’t recognize, though she could roughly guess their ranks from their attire.

However, while she didn’t know them, they certainly knew her.

The day Huo Ling entered the city happened to be a day off, and many officials had gone with their families to witness the spectacle, catching a glimpse of the Xiang'an Commandery Lady, whom gossips hailed as the "Living Goddess of Luo."

Even those who hadn’t gone to Vermilion Bird Street could easily guess her identity—dressed in Commandery Lady attire, led by a palace attendant.

By the time they entered the plaza, many officials had already assembled according to rank. Cui Hongyi ushered Huo Ling past lower-ranking officials, then those of the fourth and third ranks…

Huo Ling ascended the steps to the altar.

Prince Duan stood at the forefront of the left procession, his eyes already on her.

Cui Hongyi changed course, guiding Huo Ling to the front of the right procession and saying in a hushed tone, "Commandery Lady, this is your place."

Huo Ling asked, "Is this proper?"

"Today is the captive presentation ceremony. It’s no issue for the Commandery Lady to stand a step forward."

Cui Hongyi said in a hushed tone, "This was arranged by the Ministry of Rites. If anyone finds fault, it is the Ministry's error in planning—nothing to do with the Commandery Lady."

Huo Ling raised an eyebrow. Was this truly arranged by the Ministry of Rites?

Without even the slightest hint from Emperor Jingyuan?

She wasn’t buying it.

Nevertheless, in for a penny, in for a pound. Huo Ling took her place at the front of the procession.

She felt eyes on her from behind and beside her but acted oblivious.

The crowd went still before long. The murmurs behind her gradually faded until not a sound remained.

In the heavy, breathless silence, the bells and drums sounded, ritual music swelled, and the announcement "His Majesty arrives" echoed across Yingtian Gate. Everyone bowed in unison.

Measured footsteps drew nearer, the dark ceremonial robe grazing the steps and entering Huo Ling's line of sight as the Emperor ascended to the top of the altar.

"Rise."

A gentle voice came from above, strangely compelling though not commanding.

Huo Ling straightened, following protocol by the book, refusing to lift her gaze even slightly. Her demeanor screamed, “I'm trying very hard to appear solemn and serious.”

Emperor Jingyuan couldn’t place why he thought this, but recalling her devil-may-care attitude three days ago and comparing it to her rigid formality now, something felt off.

Hiding a smile, he summoned the ritual officer forward.

The Minister of Rites himself served as the ritual officer. He intoned a solemn invocation, recounting the events of the campaign to pacify the Qiang Rong and detailing the crimes of their former leader, Li Xiangdi, before casting the prayer manuscript into the brazier.

Amid the roaring flames, Li Xiangdi was brought forward.

Huo Ling could barely recognize him.

He knelt at the base of the steps, broken and withered, a shadow of his former self.

Through the blazing fire, Huo Ling's gaze remained fixed on Li Xiangdi.

She watched as he confessed his crimes, as he danced his submission.

Great Yan did not take his life but instead sentenced him to perpetual confinement, forbidding him from ever leaving his residence.

As Li Xiangdi was dragged away by the Imperial City Guard, Huo Ling breathed a quiet sigh.

She wasn't sighing about what happened to Li Xiangdi.

Li Xiangdi had brought this on himself through sheer ingratitude and his own mistakes.

She was just thinking about how scary it is to lose power.

Losing power could reduce a once-mighty ruler of the grasslands to such a decrepit state in less than two months.

Perhaps Li Xiangdi wouldn’t die anytime soon, but his spirit and will had long been utterly crushed.

Huo Ling thought to herself that she must never allow herself to fall into such a wretched predicament.

Being stuck in one mansion your whole life, with no control over your fate, where nobody listens to anything you say—this was a fate a hundred times more dreadful than death.

"Prince Duan," Emperor Jingyuan suddenly spoke.

Prince Duan stepped forward, but before he could bow, the emperor said, "Come up to the altar."

Not wanting to keep him waiting, Prince Duan climbed the altar and stopped a few paces before Emperor Jingyuan to bow.

As the Military Commissioner at the frontlines, he'd kept the borders safe and looked after the people, overseeing the allocation of provisions. With the great victory in the war, he'd clearly done his job well.

However, much like Huo Shiming’s situation, Prince Duan was already a prince of the highest rank, with no higher rank to give him. If Emperor Jingyuan wished to reward him, he could only focus on enriching his wife’s and mother’s families.

As Prince Duan listened to the long list of rewards granted to the Princess Consort of Duan, he felt uneasy, knowing Huo Ling was standing not far behind, hearing every word clearly.

Lately, he'd been too busy with his kids to leave the palace and visit A Ling, wondering if she'd gotten used to life in the capital.

Though he had eventually found an opportunity to send a Royal Guard to convey his regards, it wasn't the same as a personal visit.

Now that he could see A Ling again, he had hoped to speak with her properly after the ceremony.

But now...

"Your brother accepts the decree."

Prince Duan received the imperial edict with both hands and respectfully retreated to his position.

"Xiang'an Commandery Lady, step forward as well."

After Prince Duan, Emperor Jingyuan called Huo Ling by name.

Huo Ling walked up the steps, arriving at the altar and standing before the emperor.

She spoke carefully, her movements fluid and composed, not showing any nerves.

"Daughter of Huo Shiming, Deputy General at Xingtang Pass and Loyal Martial General of the Fourth Rank, Xiang'an Commandery Lady Huo Ling, greets Your Majesty."

"Rise."

Emperor Jingyuan’s voice remained gentle, though you could just hear a hint of amusement.

"Lift your head."

Huo Ling slowly raised her eyes, her gaze moving from the hem of his robe embroidered with dragons, over the dragon jade pendant at his waist, and finally rising to take in the emperor’s face.

Dressed in formal black robes and crowned with a ceremonial headdress, he stood shining as bright as the sun behind him.

His features bore some resemblance to Prince Duan’s, but unlike the prince’s elegant charm, he had a calm, dignified presence, full of quiet grace and warmth.

He had grown so powerful that he no longer needed a sharp and imposing demeanor to project his authority.

Below the altar, the officials stood in silence.

Huo Ling stood at the unseen heights of the altar, hidden from view, and smiled back at Emperor Jingyuan.

The very same smile she'd worn upon entering the city.

Back then, her smile had been displayed for all to see. Now, between heaven and earth, only he could witness it.

Gazing at that smile, Emperor Jingyuan couldn't help but wonder—if her smile upon entering the city was because Luo City had pleased her...

Then what did this smile mean now?

Could it be that this smile now was because—

He, the Son of Heaven, had also pleased her?