Chapter 46: “You have already lost, do you want to lose even more…”

Chapter 46 "You've already lost—must you lose even more...?"

No one could guarantee how long an emperor's favor would last, but the moment he realized his own feelings, he gave her the title of empress. Once seated as empress, given his character, her status would remain unshakable no matter what the future held.

Huo Ling thought, this was the proof of sincerity she needed.

Huo Ling lowered her gaze, looking at the dark teal dragon-engraved jade pendant in her hand: "Isn't it a pity for this pendant to be in my possession?"

This was a pendant exclusive to the emperor. After accepting it, she couldn't wear it openly but could only store it carefully in a jade box. Judging by Emperor Jingyuan's habit of never parting with it, he must have cherished it dearly.

But before Emperor Jingyuan could answer, Huo Ling tucked the pendant into her robe: "Even if you regret it now, you can't take it back."

Emperor Jingyuan laughed heartily, his whole manner relaxed.

He took Huo Ling's hand and led her back to the map: "Shall I walk you through it?"

Huo Ling looked at Emperor Jingyuan with bright expectation: "As long as Your Majesty doesn't find it troublesome."

Many of the place names on the map, she had only read about once or twice in books; even more names, she had never even heard of before.

Under such a gaze, even Emperor Jingyuan couldn't bear to disappoint her. He began with the place she was most familiar with—Yong'an County.

At first, Huo Ling wanted him to choose another place, but as she listened, she became completely immersed in Emperor Jingyuan's narration. Because Emperor Jingyuan spoke from a higher perspective, starting from the history of Yong'an County, occasionally citing various sources, explaining to Huo Ling why Yong'an County had always struggled to develop among the fourteen counties of Yanxi.

After listening, Huo Ling asked curiously: "Does Your Majesty know the history of every town by heart?"

"Of course not." Emperor Jingyuan chuckled—that's giving me too much credit. "Last year, when Yanxi was in turmoil, I ordered the Hanlin Academy to compile many historical records. Later, I took some time to read through them all."

Huo Ling suddenly understood and added: "Yong'an County must have developed quite well this past year. Your Majesty probably hasn't seen the report recommending honors from the Yanxi Prefect."

Emperor Jingyuan thought for a moment and indeed had no recollection: "Reports recommending honors at the county level are all handled by the Ministry of Personnel."

"That explains it."

Huo Ling said: "At the end of last year, all counties in Yanxi suffered from snow disasters. The moment I heard the news, I sought out the Yong'an County Magistrate and donated all my private funds."

Emperor Jingyuan said: "That's why I later rewarded you with a hundred taels of gold."

"So that's where the hundred taels of gold came from."

Huo Ling smiled faintly and continued: "That Yong'an County Magistrate was quite clever. Using the Huo family's donation of money and grain as leverage, he made the wealthy families in the county give generously as well."

"With sufficient funds and supplies, Yong'an County not only became the first among Yanxi's counties to complete relief efforts but also attracted many refugees from neighboring counties. After the snow disaster passed, aside from those who were too attached to their homeland, most of the refugees settled in Yong'an County."

Emperor Jingyuan remarked: "Quite capable."

Having received this praise, Huo Ling said no more and urged Emperor Jingyuan to continue his introductions.

After listening to two more towns, Huo Ling reached over and returned the red flag, warmed in her hand, back onto the map: "Your Majesty, shall we rest?"

"Don't want to hear more?" Emperor Jingyuan asked.

Huo Ling's eyes curved into a smile: "No need to rush. We have plenty of time in the future."

Servants brought tea and snacks. Huo Ling picked up a piece of lotus root powder and osmanthus sugar cake, tried a small bite, liked the taste, and held it out for Emperor Jingyuan to try.

After they'd eaten, Huo Ling asked Li Man [to Li Man] what the time was.

"It's almost You hour."

That meant sunset was near. Huo Ling buried her head against Emperor Jingyuan's neck. "I don’t want to leave yet."

For all Emperor Jingyuan’s composure, this time he was somewhat overwhelmed. His hand, which had been stroking her long hair, slid down to gently caress the nape of her neck. "Stay another half-hour, then. Just make sure to leave before the palace gates are locked."

Huo Ling gave a noncommittal hum, though it was unclear whether she was satisfied with this answer or not.

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled and gave her a firm reassurance.

"We just returned to the capital today, so I’ve granted the accompanying court officials a day off. At the grand court assembly the day after tomorrow, I will propose the matter of appointing an empress."

"Don’t fret over the details. Just wait peacefully for the imperial decree of your appointment."

"Will it take long?" Huo Ling asked.

"Not too long," Emperor Jingyuan replied lightly.

"What if I miss you?" Huo Ling pressed further.

Emperor Jingyuan indulged her. "What would you like to do?"

Huo Ling straightened up and took out a pouch from her sleeve, retrieving the Peach Blossom Talisman inside. "Whenever you have time, accompany me to the Great Xiangguo Temple to redeem my vow."

This was the second time Emperor Jingyuan had seen this talisman, and it never failed to amuse him.

He pressed his lips together to suppress a smile and said earnestly, "Very well. When the time comes, I’ll accompany you for a proper visit to the Great Xiangguo Temple."

As if suddenly remembering something, Emperor Jingyuan offhandedly added, "I’ll give you a guard detail and two palace maids skilled in martial arts. With them accompanying you outside the palace, I’ll feel more at ease."

Huo Ling’s pulse jumped—was Emperor Jingyuan worried that the Duke of Liu’s faction might act recklessly against her?

Regardless, Huo Ling readily agreed.

Picking guards was easy, but selecting the two martial-skilled palace maids required careful consideration. Emperor Jingyuan entrusted this task to Cui Hongyi.

Cui Hongyi readily accepted. "My lady, rest assured. This humble servant will choose carefully."

Huo Ling smiled. "I trust Attendant Cui’s judgment completely."

Cui Hongyi swore inwardly to pick the best, aiming to curry more favor with Xiang'an Commandery Lady—the future empress.

Among his adoptive father’s many adopted sons, he had originally been one of the younger ones, making it difficult to stand out. But ever since his trip to Yanxi earlier in the year, he had risen to become a favorite of the emperor, second only to his adoptive father in rank within the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

He understood better than anyone why he had gained the emperor’s favor.

Given the emperor’s regard for the Commandery Lady, once she entered the palace, he would surely assign her a group of attendants to help her quickly adapt to palace affairs.

If he remained in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, he would never surpass his adoptive father. But if he served by the Commandery Lady’s side, he could rise to become the Chief Eunuch of the Phoenix Palace.

With this in mind, Cui Hongyi was fired up to carry out this task flawlessly.

***

Huo Ling had no idea that, even before her official entry into the palace, Cui Hongyi was already angling to get in her good graces.

She dawdled in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, lingering until the very last moment before the palace gates were locked before finally leaving.

Inside the carriage, Wu Mo scooted closer, peering at the scroll in her hands curiously. "My lady, what’s this?"

Before entering the palace, Huo Ling had originally intended to let Wu Mo and Wu Feng return to the Commandery Lady’s Residence to rest. After all, with His Majesty around, arrangements for her comings and goings from the palace would surely be taken care of.

But neither Wu Mo nor Wu Feng were willing, so Huo Ling brought them along into the palace.

While Huo Ling was in the Hall of Supreme Harmony (the throne hall), Wu Mo and Wu Feng waited in a side hall, drinking tea and eating pastries.

“This is something similar to an empress-designation edict,” Huo Ling said with a smile as she unrolled the scroll.

Wu Mo was stunned for a moment before realizing the meaning behind Huo Ling's words, her face lighting up with unbridled delight. “So that means…”

Huo Ling nodded, confirming Wu Mo's guess.

Wu Mo struggled to contain her excitement, letting out only a small cheer before hugging Huo Ling tightly, carefully avoiding the scroll.

“This is wonderful,” Wuo Mo said.

“Beyond wonderful,” she choked, her voice trembling.

Huo Ling let Wu Mo embrace her, leaning back against the carriage as she let out a long breath.

Under the weight of imperial power, even the most skilled hunter was nothing more than prey.

Now, she finally had the right to see what lay beyond imperial power.

What lay beyond?

“Alright, let me go—you're crushing me,” Huo Ling said, gently pushing Wu Mo away before turning to lift the carriage curtain. Gazing at the distant sunset, she allowed herself a satisfied smile.

The capital was already beautiful enough.

But beyond it? Only greater splendor awaited.

As the carriage entered the lane where the Commandery Lady’s Residence stood, Huo Ling's smile slowly faded. She narrowed her eyes, fixing them on the familiar figure standing at the entrance.

Clad in silks and jade regalia, yet unable to conceal his weariness—it was Prince Duan.

Wu Feng, outside the carriage, had clearly noticed Prince Duan as well; his hands faltered on the reins.

“Stop here.”

Huo Ling's voice came from inside the carriage.

Darkness devoured the last sunlight, and lanterns were lit outside each residence, illuminating the space before their gates.

Huo Ling stepped down from the carriage and walked slowly toward Prince Duan. “So late an hour—why does Your Highness linger outside your own residence?”

Prince Duan stared intently at Huo Ling.

She wore a pale yellow gown, her loveliness undimmed, a ghost of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. Her tone remained as calm as he remembered.

How could she act so unshaken, as if nothing had happened?

“I’ve been waiting here for three long hours.”

Huo Ling arched a brow slightly. “My household’s oversight is inexcusable. Your Highness is of noble status—how could they let you stand here idly for so long?”

Prince Duan's jaw tightened at her dismissive attitude. “Huo Ling,” he snapped, “where *were* you?”

Huo Ling smiled, meeting his gaze. “I’ve few haunts in the capital—where else *would* I be?”

It had been over ten days since he learned of her involvement with Emperor Jingyuan.

For any other matter, this much time would have been enough for Prince Duan to calm down and accept reality.

But this—even after so many days, seeing Huo Ling's calm and unbothered demeanor, as if completely innocent—finally made the fury he had been suppressing erupt.

"Why?"

Huo Ling didn’t answer, only glanced at the adjacent mansions.

Though their gates were shut, there was no telling if anyone was watching from behind them.

"If Your Highness wishes to get to the bottom of this, perhaps you should return tomorrow. I heard from His Majesty that the eldest young master has returned to your residence today. After a month away at the imperial retreat, he must have missed you and the Princess Consort dearly."

With that, Huo Ling stepped into the residence of the Commandery Lady.

But the moment her foot crossed the threshold, Prince Duan violently grabbed her wrist.

Wu Feng lunged forward, only to be blocked by the prince's Royal Guard.

Huo Ling let her gaze drop slightly, noticing that the wrist he had grabbed was the one wrapped with a hair ribbon. "What does Your Highness mean by this?"

A trace of mockery surfaced on Prince Duan’s face. "What, are you afraid that my entering your residence at this hour will tarnish your virtue? Back in Changle County, we shared the magistrate’s office for months. If my imperial brother truly minded that, isn’t this concern rather belated?"

Rather than taking offense, Huo Ling smiled. "Is Your Highness trying to drag my name through the mud?"

"That is quite beneath your station."

You’ve already lost. Must you lose so pathetically?