Chapter 39: “After entering the palace, what position do you want…”

Chapter 39: *"After entering the palace, what position would you like..."*

Traveling was a dull chore.

Tagging along with the imperial entourage meant staying extra low-key—no flashy antics allowed.

The first day was fine, with the thrill of setting off still fresh.

By day two, most were visibly dragging.

When the convoy halted to set up camp, several of Xu Shidu's friends came to invite her for a stroll to a nearby hillside.

Xu Shidu was tempted but declined, grinning like a fool. "The Xiang'an Commandery Lady promised to treat me to roasted rabbit tonight. I must stay and savor her cooking."

A round-faced girl with pigtails twitched her lips, clearly familiar with Xu Shidu's true nature. "We're planning to roast meat on the hillside too. Why not bring the Commandery Lady along? Food’s food—more people, more fun."

Xu Shidu caught on quickly. "‘We’?"

"My elder brother and his friends are there too."

Xu Shidu said brightly, "Let me go ask!" She dashed off to find Huo Ling and relayed the details.

Lowering her voice, Xu Shidu added, "Her brother is Cui Yuan from the Qinghe Cui clan—one of the bachelors I mentioned. What do you think? A perfect chance to meet him."

In the central tent, the Commander of the Imperial Guard went over the next day’s itinerary with Emperor Jingyuan.

After the commander left, the emperor told Li Man to fetch a jar of wine and instructed Cui Hongyi, "Check on the Commandery Lady. If she’s not busy, ask her to join me."

By the time the wine was warmed, Cui Hongyi returned—but without her in tow.

"Your Majesty," Cui Hongyi said, wiping his sweat, "the Commandery Lady and Princess Jiale went to the hillside ahead. They likely won’t return soon. Shall I go inform her?"

"No need."

"Let her enjoy herself—no need to interrupt."

Emperor Jingyuan poured himself a cup but found it didn’t taste as good as usual.

Setting the cup down, he pointed to the opened jar. "Give this to her when she’s back."

On the hillside, Huo Ling took the opportunity to meet nearly half of the capital’s young nobility.

During the roast, many approached her—some friendly, others digging for info, and a few even openly hostile.

After inquiring with Xu Shidu, Huo Ling confirmed they were from the Marquis of Wuwei’s and Duke of Liu’s crowd.

Once it was fully dark, they put out the fire, ensured no embers remained, and headed back to camp to rest for the next day’s journey.

Just out of her bath, Huo Ling heard Attendant Cui’s voice outside.

She threw on an outer robe and opened the tent flap. "What brings you here, Attendant Cui?"

"His Majesty had some wine warmed up earlier and wanted you to join him," he said, handing her the jar. "Learning you were absent, he ordered this delivered to you."

A faint aroma drifted from the loosely sealed jar—Fanlou’s Autumn Dew White.

On the evening of the third day, Xu Shidu rushed to find Huo Ling again, asking, “Wanna check out those old ruins nearby?”

***

This time, Huo Ling turned down her suggestion.

Xu Shidu was surprised, her first thought being, "Did things not go well with Cui Yuan yesterday?"

Huo Ling was amused by her reaction. "It has nothing to do with that. I just have something more important to do. Go have fun with them—you don’t always have to worry about my feelings."

Xu Shidu understood. Clearly, Huo Ling wasn’t interested in Cui Yuan. "As long as you have your own plans, that’s fine. I’ll head out then—enjoy yourself."

After spending a day in the imperial carriage, no matter how comfortable it was arranged, Emperor Jingyuan was still stiff and sore all over. He walked around the tent a bit, not sitting, standing before the map with his back to the entrance, studying the terrain along their route.

The tent flap was slightly open when someone pulled it aside and entered.

Assuming it was Li Man, Emperor Jingyuan said casually, "Pour me a cup of water."

The footsteps paused, then moved toward the table.

A faint trace of plum blossom fragrance mingled with the familiar incense, and Emperor Jingyuan realized something was off. Still, he said nothing, waiting until Huo Ling approached him from behind with the cup of water before turning slightly. "What’s up?"

"There are ancient ruins nearby from the previous dynasty. Aren’t you going to take a look with them?"

Huo Ling lowered her head with a smile. "Ruins aren’t that exciting. I just wanted to chat."

Emperor Jingyuan took the cup from her. "Why’d you wait till now?"

Huo Ling replied, "I originally planned to come yesterday, but Princess Jiale gave me a horse. I wasn’t sure how to return the favor, so I promised to grill her some meat myself."

Emperor Jingyuan remarked, "And while you were there, you also met someone from the Cui family?"

"I’ve long heard of the Cui family of Qinghe. Since fate allowed us to meet, I seized the chance."

She said plainly, devoid of any ambiguity.

Emperor Jingyuan didn’t press further. Instead, he began introducing the Cui family to her. "This generation of the Cui family has indeed produced many talents. Cui Yuan isn’t even the most outstanding among them."

Huo Ling was curious. "Young Master Cui Yuan is cultured and charming, truly deserving of the praise ‘fresh as spring willow branches.’ He’s not the most outstanding?"

Emperor Jingyuan said calmly, "Not surprising. These great noble families are all about sending their finest talents to the capital, but the most exceptional ones often remain in their ancestral lands, in no rush to take office."

Huo Ling pondered this. "Cultivating clout back home?"

Emperor Jingyuan glanced at her with a smile. "Exactly. Once their fame is well-established, local officials will recommend them, and they’ll start their careers as third or fourth-rank officials."

"This path to promotion..."

Huo Ling was astonished.

Even now, her father was only a fourth-rank military officer. Yet these scions of noble families could match his twenty years of toil right from the start.

"Enough of these troublesome matters. Here, take a look at the gift I prepared for you." Emperor Jingyuan took out a seal from his sleeve.

Huo Ling examined it closely. The seal was carved from jade, its top shaped like a crabapple blossom, while the base bore four characters: *Luoshui’s Leisure-Seeker*.

The calligraphy was bold and unrestrained, full of vigor—clearly Emperor Jingyuan’s own hand.

"*Luoshui’s Leisure-Seeker*? Did Your Majesty choose this for me?"

"Yes."

"I like this nickname." Huo Ling took out a pouch and carefully placed the seal inside.

Emperor Jingyuan caught a glimpse of a strangely designed talisman inside: "Is that a protective charm?"

Huo Ling retrieved it and pressed it into Emperor Jingyuan’s palm, urging him to hold it tight: "It’s a Peach Blossom Talisman blessed by a revered monk from Daxiangguo Temple."

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled, momentarily unsure how to react: "This talisman..."

"Don’t laugh." Huo Ling snatched the talisman back and tucked it into her pouch with great care, treating it like an incredibly effective treasure.

Emperor Jingyuan suppressed his laughter but deep down felt that fate had indeed intertwined him with Huo Ling.

Last year, court officials bombarded him with memorials urging him to designate an heir from the imperial clan. The tidal wave of pressure made it seem as though refusing would betray their ancestors and fail the people.

He still believed himself in his vigorous years, yet his ministers were desperate for him to name a successor—so much so that Emperor Jingyuan briefly wondered if he had ever appeared weary or aged on the throne.

Perhaps out of sheer resignation, he eventually relented.

It was then that she came into the picture.

When he first heard of her connection with the Thirteenth Prince, he was merely curious. What kind of rare beauty could emerge from a small place like Qing Yanxi, capable of making the Thirteenth Prince disrespect the Princess Consort of Duan?

The Thirteenth Prince’s petition for her official recognition was what first drew his attention to her.

Later, a book titled *Qing Yanxi* revealed the artful designs hidden beneath her storytelling. A girl he had never met suddenly became distinct and vibrant through her cunning.

This liveliness moved him, compelling him to visit Fan Tower on the day the captives entered the city, just to catch a glimpse of her.

Banquets had long grown dull, the blooming crabapple flowers no longer held any novelty, and the endless, tedious journeys only bred irritation.

Yet her presence changed everything.

She radiated boundless vitality. Near her, he rediscovered the passion of life and even the sweetness of love’s nourishment. Occasionally, she would be coquettish or clever, like a kitten's playful pawing—just enough to stir the heart.

And her qualities didn't stop there.

Was it any wonder the Thirteenth Prince had disregarded the Princess Consort of Duan for her? From the moment he first saw her, Emperor Jingyuan had already decided not to spare the Thirteenth Prince any dignity.

"What is Your Majesty thinking about?"

Huo Ling’s voice pulled Emperor Jingyuan from his thoughts.

Lowering his gaze, he brushed her cheek with his fingertip: "After entering the palace, what position would you desire?"

Huo Ling paused momentarily, then laughed: "If I ask for too high a position, it would trouble Your Majesty; if too low, I’d feel slighted myself."

Taking Emperor Jingyuan’s hand, she led him to the chessboard: "The matter of entering the palace can wait until we return to the capital, so there’s no hurry. Your Majesty can think it over slowly. Let me play a game of chess with you instead."

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled and let go of the previous topic: "How skilled are you at chess?"

Huo Ling picked up a black piece: "I’m just a beginner. I hope Your Majesty won’t mind my poor play."

"Let’s play one round so I can assess your skill."

The match was completely lopsided. Huo Ling was hopelessly outmatched by Emperor Jingyuan.

Emperor Jingyuan reassured her: "I thought you were being modest, but you truly are a beginner. To hold out this long against me after only half a year of learning is impressive."

Huo Ling huffed: "If Your Majesty wants to laugh, just laugh. Don’t try to placate me with hollow compliments."

Emperor Jingyuan could no longer hold back and burst out laughing, clapping his hands.

Huo Ling, her pride stung by his laughter, picked up a black chess piece nearby and threw it at him, hitting his shoulder. *"I don’t care!"* she exclaimed. "Since you’re mocking me, you’ll have to teach me chess properly from now on."

"Where did you pick up this habit of throwing chess pieces around?" Emperor Jingyuan replied good-naturedly, tossing the piece that had landed in his lap back into the chess box. "Fine, I’ll make sure A Ling surpasses me in chess."

***

"Young Mistress, why are you back so late? I was worried to death!" Wu Mo had been waiting in the tent for ages before Huo Ling finally returned.

"I was with His Majesty. What’s there to worry about?"

Huo Ling walked to the stand, washed her hands in the basin, then took a set of sleepwear and went behind the screen to change.

Wu Mo scratched her cheek, feeling like this made sense but also that something was off.

It was true that the Young Mistress was safe with His Majesty—but His Majesty was a man. Shouldn’t she be worried if the Young Mistress stayed with him too late?

"Wu Mo, do you remember that Peach Blossom Talisman you gave me before?"

"Of course I do." Wu Mo pouted. "Wu Feng even laughed at me about it—how could I forget?"

"You bought it at Daxiangguo Temple, right?"

"Yes. Right after entering the temple, there’s a stall to the left that sells all kinds of talismans. I saw a lot of people joining in on the fun, so I decided to try it too."

Huo Ling and Wu Mo got their stories straight: "His Majesty saw that talisman. He probably thinks I bought it myself."

Wu Mo immediately understood and said emphatically, "That Peach Blossom Talisman was something I bought with the Young Mistress. As for Wu Feng, I’ll talk to him tomorrow to make sure he keeps quiet."

"Young Mistress, when will His Majesty issue the decree calling you to the palace?"

Huo Ling, now changed, stood before the bronze mirror, untied her hair ribbon, and slowly combed through her hair. At Wu Mo’s question, she smiled. "Why the sudden curiosity?"

Wu Mo sighed deeply, stepped closer and took the comb to help smooth Huo Ling’s hair. "Until this matter is settled, I won’t stop worrying. I’m afraid that if word gets out, Prince Duan might cause trouble for you."

Huo Ling studied her reflection in the mirror. "His Majesty asked me the same question tonight."

"What did he ask?"

"He asked me what rank I’d like to enter the palace as."

Wu Mo drew a sharp breath. "And how did you answer?"

Huo Ling pulled out the seal Emperor Jingyuan had given her from her pouch. "I didn’t answer directly."

"That His Majesty asked means he’s hesitating. He hasn’t decided what rank to give me yet."

Wu Mo let out a soft "Ah," then cautiously asked, "Is that good or bad?"

Huo Ling’s eyes curved. "Of course it’s good."

"Both favor and punishment come from the emperor’s grace. For an emperor who desires a woman, a decree would be enough. His hesitation means he’s giving it thought."

Wu Mo asked, "Then, Young Mistress, what rank do you think His Majesty will finally grant you?"

Huo Ling replied, "The hunting trip is a full month long. Until the very end, I can’t be sure what His Majesty intends. But I do know what rank I want."

"What rank?" Wu Mo blurted out.

Huo Ling fiddled with the seal, then threw a glance back at Wu Mo, deciding it was best to give her a heads-up.

"Put the comb down, come here." Huo Ling pulled over a stool and had Wu Mo sit opposite her. "What do you think is the best title the Emperor could give me?"

"Of course—"

Wu Mo instinctively began to answer but suddenly grasped Huo Ling's implication.

She whispered so softly it was barely audible: "Empress?"

Huo Ling tightly clasped Wu Mo's hand: "I can discuss poetry and romance with His Majesty, and I can stand by him through triumphs and hardships. Rather than being a favored concubine, I want to become his wife."

Wu Mo's head spun, struggling to keep up: "Do you think that's possible?"

Huo Ling's voice was gentle but resolute: "Most marriages are about matching social status. But becoming Empress doesn’t require that—because there is no one more noble than the Son of Heaven, no family more exalted than the imperial house. You wonder if it’s possible—I don’t know. But if I don’t try, I’ll always regret not trying."

"There are only a few ways for a consort to become Empress. One is giving the Emperor a son. But I may never have His Majesty’s child, and I refuse to bet my future on such a gamble."

"Another way is to make the Emperor love me. That’s the only path I can take. So why not give it my all before I enter the palace? If I try my best and still fail to move His Majesty completely, then I’ll accept it. I’ll enter the palace peacefully and keep working at it, waiting until the day—even if it takes years—when His Majesty finally names me Empress."

Hearing this, Wu Mo suddenly laughed and summed it up: "In short, you must become Empress."

Huo Ling smiled too: "Yes, I must become Empress. If I don’t, where would that leave me?"

Wu Mo was puzzled: "What do you mean, miss?"

Huo Ling explained: "By coming to the capital, I’ve made enemies of the Princess Consort of Duan and the Duke of Liu’s household."

"By entering the palace, I’ll make an enemy of Prince Duan."

"There’s no chance of making peace between Prince Duan’s faction and me. And Ji Yuanwan is Prince Duan and his consort’s own son. Even if he’s later adopted by His Majesty and becomes the Emperor’s child in name, his blood connection to Prince Duan and his consort remains."

Huo Ling took a deep breath: "I don’t want to think so far ahead, but I must acknowledge this—as long as His Majesty lives, he can protect me. But if he’s gone, and I’m just another forgotten dowager in the palace, my life will depend completely on others' mercy."

"Only by becoming Empress—His Majesty’s wife—can I ensure that, no matter who ascends the throne in the future, I remain his mother in name and law."

After this analysis, Wu Mo suddenly realized the hidden dangers beneath the surface.

Her mistress seemed to be sailing smoothly, but in truth, she was walking a one-way tightrope.

Wu Mo pressed her lips together: "Miss, what should we do?"

Huo Ling tilted her head slightly, as if gazing through the tent toward the royal hunting grounds: "I’ve been doing all I can. But that alone isn’t enough to fully move His Majesty."

"Perhaps we need some external assistance."

"External assistance?" Wu Mo was confused.

"He Tai and the Duke of Liu’s household." Huo Ling chuckled. "Enemies can sometimes become unexpected allies. Right now, I almost hope they’ll try something against me during the hunt."