Chapter 33: If there’s blame, blame Thirteen himself…

Chapter 33: If anyone’s to blame, let it be Thirteen himself...

"Imperial Brother, what are you laughing at?"

Princess Elder Ningxin, seated below, noticed this.

Emperor Jingyuan coughed lightly, suppressing the obvious smile at the corners of his lips. "I came across something rather amusing."

Princess Elder Ningxin's curiosity was piqued, but seeing that Emperor Jingyuan had no intention of sharing, she wisely didn’t push further. Instead, she raised the fine wine beside her to toast him.

Emperor Jingyuan reached for his wine cup, only to realize as he touched it that he had picked the wrong one.

His hand made a deliberate redirection to the side, lifting the golden goblet carved with a floating dragon instead.

This action did not escape Princess Elder Ningxin’s notice. She then observed that there were two wine cups on Emperor Jingyuan’s table. One, the floating dragon goblet, was clearly reserved for the emperor, while the other was a plain cup meant for guests.

Did the servant mix them up?

"Miss."

Wu Mo quietly returned to her seat, pressing both hands against her wildly pounding heart. "I almost died of fright."

Due to Huo Ling’s high status and front-row seat, every move she made during the banquet could draw attention. Thus, the Weeping Crabapple wine had been delivered to Cui Hongyi by Wu Mo.

Most guests were too absorbed in the music and dance, paying little heed to the movements of a lowly maid.

"Here you go." Huo Ling fed Wu Mo a piece of Three-Treasure Jade Cake, soothing her. "This is delicious. Have some to calm your nerves."

Wu Mo nibbled on the pastry, couldn’t help but indulge her lady’s mischief.

Behind the sneaky act lay a blatantly obvious intent.

This was far too risky.

"Just a harmless prank. His Majesty will only find it amusing, not offensive."

Huo Ling took this daring step not out of recklessness.

From Emperor Jingyuan matching her drink to her signaling him to prompt Cui Hongyi, each test had gone well. Thus, she upped the stakes.

Emperor Jingyuan resided in the palace, and her opportunities to interact with him were limited. She needed to quickly heighten his interest, create more chances for contact, and then proceed gradually.

Otherwise, with only a few formal encounters in public, what room was there for anything more?

After finishing the cake, Wu Mo gave up and relaxed—since stopping her lady was impossible, she might as well let her and the emperor enjoy themselves. Huo Ling, too, refocused, attentively watching the palace’s new dance performance.

These were performances she rarely had the chance to see in Yanxi.

With its harsh environment and warlike people, Yanxi’s performances tended toward boldness, heroism, and impassioned expression.

Even the capital’s celebratory dances, arranged specifically to mark the suppression of rebellion, carried clear extravagance.

Huo Ling couldn’t say which style was better. After all, Art isn’t about what’s better.

With a final ethereal chime of the qing, the dancers and musicians withdrew. As the performance ended, the banquet atmosphere grew even more relaxed, with guests beginning to mingle freely.

It was at this moment that He Tai approached.

Seeing the noticeably rounder He Tai standing before her, Huo Ling remarked with surprise, "It seems General He truly had a rough time in Yanxi. Now that you’ve returned to the capital, you look like a completely different person."

He Tai, who had originally come to gloat, almost tripped over himself at her words.

For the past few months, he had been trying to get his old job back, with the Duke of Chengen’s residence pulling strings for him.

But having just lost his position as the commander of Xingtang Pass due to negligence, and without any outstanding military achievements to his name, he could only secure a meaningless sinecure—nothing like his heyday of leading a hundred thousand troops.

The greater the disparity, the more He Tai resented Huo Shiming and his daughter.

He had eagerly awaited Huo Ling’s arrival in the capital, only for her to make a grand entrance, be placed at the forefront during the prisoner presentation ceremony, and even seated ahead of him at the banquet...

With everything going so smoothly for her, He Tai felt like he was fit to burst.

The only consolation for He Tai was that Prince Duan’s attitude was exactly as he had anticipated.

He Tai tilted his body slightly, allowing Huo Ling a clear view of what was happening directly opposite them—

When He Tai appeared, Prince Duan seemed to make a move to rise, but before he could fully stand, the Princess Consort of Duan tightly grasped his hand. The couple appeared to be at a brief impasse before Prince Duan finally gave in and sat back down.

"How does that make you feel, Commandery Lady?"

He Tai watched Huo Ling expectantly, waiting for her to show signs of humiliation or distress.

But Huo Ling merely glanced briefly before looking away. "Did General He come all this way just to tell me this?"

He Tai stared intently at Huo Ling, trying to detect even a crack in her composure beneath her calm facade.

A woman head over heels for Prince Duan, who had once enjoyed his devoted protection in Yanxi—how could she remain so indifferent upon returning to the capital and seeing him all over his wife, even disregarding her feelings entirely for the sake of his family?

She’s faking it.

With this thought, He Tai finally felt a little better.

"Since we go way back, I thought I’d come and greet you. Now that I’ve done so, I’ll be on my way."

Wu Mo whispered, "I thought he was going to do something to retaliate against us, but all he did was say a few words. Weird."

"With so many people around, he wouldn’t risk making a scene."

Huo Ling watched He Tai's back as he walked away.

"But we’ll need to be cautious from now on. A slimy weasel like He Tai is capable of any dirty move."

If they weren’t careful and fell into his trap, they’d become a laughingstock.

Another shadow fell before them.

A middle-aged noblewoman, a stranger to them, stood before their seats, beaming and holding a cup of wine.

"A Ling."

Her tone was oozing fake warmth.

"I’m your uncle’s wife."

Huo Ling looked puzzled. "And you are...?"

The middle-aged noblewoman's smile froze slightly: "I am the Marquise of Wuwei."

"So it's the Marquise of Wuwei. Forgive my earlier rudeness."

Huo Ling's demeanor left the Marquise's prepared speech useless.

Fortunately, the Marquise had steely composure. With a long sigh, she adjusted her expression and tone.

"You're still holding a grudge, aren't you, child? The invitations we sent, you didn't even glance at them."

Huo Ling replied, "I have had no prior connection with the House of Wuwei. Without acquaintance, how could there be resentment?"

"As for those invitations asking me to call..."

"Being new to the capital, I am unfamiliar with its customs. If the House of Wuwei truly wished to meet, why not come in person instead of summoning me?"

Going there would put her at a disadvantage.

Huo Ling pondered—was this the House of Wuwei's aim? To suppress her using hierarchy and etiquette?

Back then, her mother had been hemmed in by the same rules, forced to cut all family ties completely just to gain freedom.

What else could the Marquise say? She could only concede the point and ask if Huo Ling was free the next day, promising to visit with gifts.

When Huo Ling still did not respond, the Marquise dropped the sentimental approach and switched tactics.

"I understand that you won't warm to us quickly. But as an unmarried young woman alone in the capital, you need relatives for support."

"Consider this—if you get mistreated by in-laws, who'll have your back without family backing? Your father is far away in Yanxi. You must plan for yourself, child."

Huo Ling said, "Are you suggesting that throwing in with the House of Wuwei would bring me benefits?"

The Marquise replied, "The House of Wuwei is one of the capital's top families. As a Commandery Lady, adding the status of a Wuwei cousin would put you ahead of any society girl here."

Ahead of any society girl?

The loaded comment made Huo Ling's expression shift slightly.

Becoming Prince Duan's secondary consort didn't need fancier pedigree.

Was the House of Wuwei doing the Princess Consort's bidding, urging her not to cling to one tree but consider better options?

Huo Ling glanced at Prince Duan across the way, then let her eyes travel to Emperor Jingyuan at the head of the hall, hiding a smile behind her fan.

The House of Wuwei's thoughts overlapped somewhat with her own.

Yet, while pretty distractions were entertaining, they were mere diversions. The premise of not clinging to one tree was finding a larger one.

Emperor Jingyuan nursed his wine boredly as courtiers toasted him.

This was why he disliked banquets.

Flowery, never-ending speeches from endless faces reciting similar lines.

Once or twice was tolerable—repetition wore patience thin.

He feigned attentiveness while focusing mostly on Huo Ling.

Facing He Tai and the Marquise of Wuwei, she showed not a trace of impatience.

Only Emperor Jingyuan could discern the deep irritation beneath her calm and gentle demeanor.

This was an expression he often wore himself when facing his ministers.

Especially during banquets.

Because of his attention, Emperor Jingyuan was the first to catch Huo Ling's glance and that fox-like, smug smile.

What had the Marquise of Wuwei said to make her so pleased?

"Madam, I'm afraid I don't quite understand," Huo Ling pretended not to understand. "Does the Princess Consort of Duan know about the Marquis of Wuwei's intention to befriend me?"

The Marquise of Wuwei was left completely speechless.

The question was difficult to answer.

If she said "yes," how would Prince Duan react if the Marquis of Wuwei later introduced possible marriage candidates for Huo Ling?

If she said "no," it would insult Huo Ling's intelligence.

To avoid giving people something to gossip about, the Marquise of Wuwei finally gave an awkward laugh. "Anyway, please think about it. If you ever feel bored, you might attend more banquets and meet people."

As the Marquise turned to leave, Huo Ling called out, "Madam."

The Marquise looked back.

Huo Ling raised her wine cup and said gently, "I noticed you came to me with a cup of wine. Didn't you come to propose a toast?"

"The wine hasn't been drunk yet. Why rush off?"

Only then did the Marquise remember the wine in her hand. She hurried back and downed the wine with a stiff smile.

Passing by the Hereditary Princess Consort of Duke of Liu, the Marquise shook her head at her sister-in-law.

The Hereditary Princess thought with disdain.

So the Marquis of Wuwei's approach had failed.

Just like her mother—completely cold-hearted.

"Are all banquets in the capital this exhausting?"

***

After watching both exchanges, Wu Mo was tired just watching her lady.

"Pretty boring," Huo Ling looked around the room before suddenly smiling. "A celebration like this shouldn't be so stuffy. Let me spice things up."

Many noticed Huo Ling's movement immediately.

When they saw the direction she was heading, people got excited.

The showdown everyone was waiting for was finally about to happen.

At the head of the hall, Emperor Jingyuan suddenly coughed lightly, interrupting the Vice Minister who kept droning on. "I've had a bit too much wine and feel tired. However, I must still drink the toast you offered, Minister Zhang. Come, let us finish this cup together."

Flattered by the Emperor's gesture, the Vice Minister gave up on his unfinished toast.

Emperor Jingyuan set down his cup, rested his head in his hand, feigning drunkenness, and shot a knowing look at Li Man behind him.

Li Man quickly intercepted the other officials still trying to come forward with toasts.

The Princess Consort of Duan was peeling fruit for Ji Yuanwan and didn’t notice Huo Ling’s approach at first—until she heard the murmurs around her. She abruptly looked up, staring at Huo Ling, who was walking straight toward her.

Beside her, Prince Duan also sat up straighter, his face tense with concern, fearing that Huo Ling might cause some disturbance if provoked, putting everyone in an awkward spot.

Ji Yuanwan, sitting between his parents, clutched half a fruit in his hand, staring wide-eyed at the pretty lady.

Even Ji Yuankang, cradled in a maid’s arms, seemed to sense the strange tension, squirming and kicking his little legs.

"Princess Consort."

Huo Ling greeted her.

The Princess Consort rose slowly, locking eyes with Huo Ling across the table, her flawlessly made-up face wearing a perfect smile.

"To what do I owe this visit from Xiang'an Commandery Lady?"

Huo Ling replied bluntly, "From the day I arrived in the capital, everyone's been waiting to see us meet."

"I thought, rather than avoiding it and letting people speculate wildly, why not give them what they want to see? What do you think, Princess Consort?"

The Princess Consort was at a loss for how to respond.

Shouldn't Huo Ling be the embarrassed one here? Why did she appear so composed?

Was this a provocation?

"Xiang'an Commandery Lady has quite the attitude," the Princess Consort could only say.

Trying to reclaim control, she raised her wine cup first.

Only after drinking did Huo Ling speak again. "There’s one small matter I’d like to ask of you. No matter how plainly I put it, the Marquis of Wuwei’s household plays deaf. If possible, I hope you could relay a message to them—to stop disturbing me and ruining my peace and quiet."

"I doubt you truly wish for me to call you 'sister,' either."

The Princess Consort’s expression instantly darkened, her fingers digging into her palms beneath her wide sleeves.

That pointed 'sister' remark cut deep.

She understood—this was Huo Ling’s warning. Huo Ling had already guessed that the Marquis of Wuwei’s repeated provocations were at her behest.

"Xiang'an Commandery Lady is clever. You should know where your best interests lie."

"Don't let your grudge make you ignore good advice."

Huo Ling replied, "I'll keep your advice in mind. I hope you won’t forget my request either."

Prince Duan’s frown deepened.

He didn’t intervene on either side, but after Huo Ling left, his frown only tightened further.

He signaled a maid to take Ji Yuanwan away.

"Father," Ji Yuanwan whined, digging in his heels, unwilling to leave.

"Behave. Take your brother outside for a while. Your father has something to discuss with your mother."

Ji Yuanwan, led by the maid, kept glancing back over his shoulder.

When his small figure disappeared from sight, Prince Duan fixed his gaze on the Princess Consort of Duan. "What did you tell the Marquis of Wuwei’s people to do?"

The Princess Consort of Duan retorted, "Are you interrogating me, Your Highness?"

Prince Duan pressed his lips together. "The Marquis of Wuwei's household is your maternal family. I’d advise you to warn them not to self-destruct."

The Princess Consort of Duan replied, "Your Highness knows full well that the Marquis of Wuwei's household is my maternal family, yet you still say things like 'don’t bring ruin upon yourselves.' Do you even care how I feel?"

"It’s *because* I care that I’m warning you, not scolding you. Ling—" (then corrected himself).

He glanced at the Princess Consort of Duan and swallowed the familiar address.

"Her father’s a war hero, who has just achieved great deeds on the border. If anything were to happen to her in the capital, it’d demoralize every general in the empire. Even if only to give those generals an answer, the court would undoubtedly pursue the matter to the end."

"A Qiao, don’t let anger and jealousy blind you."

The Princess Consort of Duan’s eyes nearly blazed with fury as she stared fixedly at Prince Duan.

"Oh, *anger and jealousy*—how noble."

She’d been born privileged. Though she wasn’t as stunning as Huo Ling, she could still be called above average.

In terms of talent, she was no less than any man.

She *shouldn’t* have had to feel this way. It was Prince Duan’s repeated favoritism, the fact that eight years of marital affection had lost to mere months of acquaintance, that had driven her to anger and jealousy.

Not sure if she’d listened, Prince Duan felt both helpless and irritated. He simply stood up.

"Where are you going?" the Princess Consort of Duan asked coldly.

"I need some fresh air."

"'Fresh air'—that’s your excuse? You just want to sneak off and console your darling, don’t you?"

Caught, Prince Duan’s jaw tightened. "Fine. I’ll go see the Emperor. Happy?"

Emperor Jingyuan’s vantage point offered an excellent view.

With a single downward glance, he could take in the confrontation between Huo Ling and the Princess Consort of Duan, as well as the argument between Prince Duan and his consort.

He drummed his fingers on the table as he observed Huo Ling, who had circled back to her seat and now looked noticeably more spirited. Suddenly, he said to Li Man, "Thirteen’s no shield for her."

Li Man, adept at reading his master’s mood, quickly agreed. "You *personally* approved the Commandery Lady’s visit. Wouldn’t that make *you* look bad if she suffered any grievances here?"

"If I may be so bold... though Your Majesty is burdened with countless affairs, you ought to check in on the Commandery Lady now and then."

Emperor Jingyuan nodded approvingly. "You’re right."

If Thirteen couldn’t protect her, then she had no reason to cling to him. Let Thirteen live with it.

"You’re actually staying for once, Your Majesty?" Prince Duan’s voice came from below.

Emperor Jingyuan reclined lazily on the divan. "What brings you here, Thirteen?"

"Just needed a break from down there. Thought I’d join you both."

Princess Ningxin didn’t mince words either, bluntly stating, “I’m not in the mood to talk. Seeing that unpleasant look on your face ruins it for me.”

Prince Duan was accustomed to his sister’s sharp tongue and sighed helplessly, “Sister, could you at least save me some face?”

Since there were outsiders present, Princess Ningxin shook her head and refrained from saying more, though she couldn’t help but feel that Prince Duan was too wishy-washy about love.

Perhaps it was because he had been coddled his whole life, never faced real hardship, that he now displayed such hesitation when decisive action was needed.

Emperor Jingyuan, deep in thought, had remained silent until now, when he suddenly spoke up, “Enough. If you two siblings have something to say, say it among yourselves. I’m leaving.”

Watching the emperor’s departing figure, Princess Ningxin muttered under her breath, “Just as I praised him for not leaving midway, he can’t bear to stay any longer.”

Their temperaments in this regard were as different as night and day. One couldn’t stand banquets, while the other adored hosting them.

Prince Duan chuckled and walked over to chat with Princess Ningxin, “Did you like those Yanxi treats I sent you the other day?”

Princess Ningxin and Huo Ling were seated on the right, with just one seat between them. As he spoke, Prince Duan casually glanced toward Huo Ling’s seat, only to find it already empty.

The palace-prepared fruit wine was mild in alcohol content but had a sneaky kick.

Huo Ling’s tolerance was decent—she wouldn’t collapse from a few cups, but her cheeks were flushed from the wine.

***

She waved her round fan and didn’t head toward the lively crowd but instead headed to nearby Moon Ripple Lake for fresh air.

Moon Ripple Lake was the largest artificial lake in the palace, and people stood scattered along the shore. The dim lighting made it impossible to distinguish their identities from afar.

Soaked in the cool breeze, Huo Ling narrowed her eyes contentedly.

Footsteps sounded behind her, accompanied by a hint of incense—the same scent she had caught up close that morning.

“You’re earlier than I thought, Your Majesty.”

The breeze carried distant music and clinking glasses, yet the surroundings remained serene.

The moon in the sky and the lanterns by the lake shimmered together on the water’s surface, rippling with the wind—true to its name, ‘Moon Ripple.’

Leaning against the railing, Huo Ling turned with a smile, like a celestial stepping onto moonlit waves.

Emperor Jingyuan raised his right hand and placed a fresh Weeping Crabapple blossom behind her right ear.

“This flower becomes you.”