Chapter 52: “Your humble servant Qiu Hongzhen, paying respects to the Empress…”

Chapter 52: "Your servant Qiu Hongzhen greets Her Majesty the Empress..."

Upon receiving the imperial decree, the Huo family wasted no time.

Huo Shiming quickly received colleagues who came to offer congratulations before hastily seeking out Zhou Jiamu.

The relationship between Huo Shiming and Zhou Jiamu had been fairly amicable. After all, one had a daughter set to become Prince Duan’s concubine, while the other was Prince Duan’s trusted confidant. Moreover, their military ranks were far apart, so there had been no immediate conflicts of interest.

Now, with their changed positions, their reunion was inevitably awkward—but only for a moment. Zhou Jiamu quickly adjusted his demeanor and congratulated Huo Shiming with a smile.

When Zhou Jiamu learned of Huo Shiming’s purpose for visiting, he waved his hand generously and said, "Don't worry, I've got Xingtang Pass covered. General Huo may proceed to the capital without worry."

Happy with Zhou Jiamu's cooperation, Huo Shiming was overjoyed. Before his departure, Zhou Jiamu even presented him with a gift box.

"I’ve known Her Majesty the Empress for some time. Since she is soon to assume her position in the palace, I’ve picked out this present for her."

"With such short notice, I couldn’t find anything too extravagant. I hope General Huo will put in a good word for me when you see Her Majesty."

Huo Shiming replied, "Don't worry, I will convey your sentiments faithfully."

After finishing up matters with Zhou Jiamu, Huo Shiming met with Sun Yucheng and Fang Jianbai.

Both were his right-hand men in the military. Huo Shiming’s absence would last two to three months, and he wouldn’t feel at ease entrusting military affairs to anyone else—except these two.

Sun Yucheng was no problem, so Huo Shiming turned his gaze to Fang Jianbai.

Fang Jianbai spoke up first, "Uncle, I’ve prepared a congratulatory gift for A Ling. I’ll have to trouble you and Aunt to deliver it on my behalf."

If he went to the capital, he could do nothing more than witness A Ling’s marriage. It was better to remain in Yanxi, holding down the fort and relieving his uncle of any worries.

Huo Shiming raised his hand and patted Fang Jianbai’s shoulder. "Understood."

The imperial wedding procedures were complicated. Though Emperor Jingyuan had sent palace attendants to assist, many matters still required the Huo family’s involvement.

Thus, as soon as Huo Shiming handed over his official duties, he headed for the capital.

Before leaving, he also met with Li Yichun’s confidant and received the congratulatory gift Li Yichun had prepared for Huo Ling.

Throughout the journey, Huo Shiming got to experience what it meant to travel in style.

Their party traveled by day and rested at waystations by night.

When the station attendants learned they were the family of the future empress, they immediately arranged the best rooms and services. Even their horses were fed the highest-quality fodder.

Other officials staying at the same stations, regardless of prior acquaintance, jumped at every chance to engage Huo Shiming in conversation, hoping to curry favor.

Some particularly shrewd individuals, noticing Huo Ze was around thirteen or fourteen, even inquired about his betrothal plans—scaring the boy so much that he retreated to his room.

Fang Shi, however, was quite interested in the topic.

Pushing hard, the journey from Chang’an County to the capital took eight days in total.

Those eight days made one thing crystal clear to Huo Shiming:

The Huo family had risen in status.

...

In his youth, the Huo family declined year after year, with no hope of revival in sight. Families once friendly with them gradually severed ties, and those who still maintained contact saw their annual gifts grow thinner each year.

When Huo Shiming went to the capital on behalf of his father, Huo Yingshao, to deliver gifts, he also stayed at a post station—but back then, he had to make do with a shabby room.

Officials came and went at the post station, yet no one so much as glanced his way, let alone went out of their way to talk to him.

That trip to the capital showed him how fickle people could be—how they suck up to the mighty and look down on the lowly.

Years passed in a flash, and now, returning to the capital after so long, he had become the man everyone wanted to know.

And all of this was not because he was the Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass, but because his family had given birth to an Empress.

As the carriage slowly approached the city gate, Fang Shi and Huo Ze beside him kept gasping in amazement. Huo Shiming gazed at the weathered plaque bearing the words "Luocheng," his heart swelling with emotion.

"The moment they entered the capital, they heard a voice calling out—one that sounded familiar."

"It's Brother Wu Feng!"

Huo Ze was the first to recognize Wu Feng's voice.

Wu Feng shouldered his way through the bustling crowd and made his way to the carriage, bowing to them before explaining, "The young lady was tied up, so she specifically sent me to wait for you at the city gate. I’ve been waiting here two whole days, and finally, you've arrived."

Huo Shiming beamed with joy. "The lowly shouldn’t trouble the highborn. Since the imperial decree appointing the Empress has been issued, A Ling was right not to come greet us."

Huo Ze glanced at the lively crowd and let out a low whistle. "Brother Wu Feng, how did you recognize us?"

Wu Feng climbed onto the front carriage, sitting beside the coachman to guide the way.

Hearing Huo Ze's question, Wu Feng chuckled. "I had already gotten word to the city gate guards. As soon as they saw your travel papers, they came to notify me."

Huo Ze suddenly understood—no wonder the guards had immediately recognized their identities after checking their documents.

Always restless, Huo Ze bombarded Wu Feng with questions about the capital and Huo Ling.

Wu Feng told him everything.

When he heard that Huo Ling had been spooked by a horse at the drill field—and that the culprit was none other than He Tai—Huo Shiming slammed his fist on his thigh in anger.

"People like He Tai—letting them live just invites disaster."

Wu Feng reassured him, "Don't worry, Master. He Tai is rotting in a cell with no way out."

Though relieved, Huo Shiming couldn't help but ponder.

A Ling had specifically instructed him in her letter to bring evidence of He Tai's crimes to the capital—was she planning to use this chance to finish him off?

By the time the carriage arrived at the Commandery Lady's residence, the group passed through the bustling front courtyard before reaching the calmer inner courtyard.

"Sister!"

From a distance, Huo Ze spotted Huo Ling and shouted excitedly.

Huo Ling, who had been speaking with her maid Shang Lan, turned around with a smile. "Father, Mother, A Ze—you're finally here."

Huo Ze darted forward to Huo Ling and saluted with clasped fists: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Huo Ling gave his head a light tap: "Enough, stop fooling around," she said.

Huo Ze grinned: "Sister, do you notice any changes in me?"

Huo Ling had already noticed when she tapped his head: "You've shot up, almost as tall as me now," she said.

As the siblings chatted, Huo Shiming and Fang Shi also approached.

Fang Shi observed her stepdaughter. Compared to a few months ago, Huo Ling's appearance hadn't changed much, but she carried herself completely differently.

Before, Fang Shi had dared to act superior in front of Huo Ling, but now she felt an unspoken tension.

After all, this was the future Empress.

Huo Shiming also studied Huo Ling and said approvingly: "A Ling, you've been schooled in court etiquette—putting up a good front."

Huo Shiming thought to himself: This is far more than just putting up a front.

But it made sense. From the daughter of a Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass to the Empress who held power over life and death in a nation—how could there not be changes? Power had always been capable of reshaping a person in the shortest time.

The long-awaited family reunion, coupled with the joyous occasion of the imperial marriage, naturally created a lively atmosphere.

Shang Lan served everyone tea before quietly withdrawing, not disturbing the family's conversation.

Huo Ze looked around: "Where's Sister Wu Mo? I don't see her," he said.

Huo Ling said: "Wu Mo is taking stock in the storeroom. She'll join us later." Then she asked if their journey had been smooth.

Fang Shi immediately set aside her earlier restraint and said happily: "Smooth, incredibly smooth. Nobody gave us any trouble along the way."

Huo Ling smiled. The wording was rough, but the sentiment was correct.

Huo Shiming also inquired about Huo Ling's health: "The injuries from the runaway horse incident—have they fully healed?"

Huo Ling replied: "Long since healed. With His Majesty overseeing, the imperial physicians wouldn't dare slack off."

Huo Shiming noted the natural yet affectionate tone when she mentioned Emperor Jingyuan and knew she got along well with him: "You foolish girl, so much happened in the capital, yet you didn't write to tell us."

Huo Ling said: "I was very busy at the time, and even if I had informed you, Father, you were too far away in Yanxi to help—it would just have made you worry needlessly. It was better to wait until everything was settled before telling you."

Huo Shiming sighed, understanding Huo Ling's reasoning.

After their long, dusty journey, Huo Shiming and the other two weren't rushing to reminisce. Once hot water was prepared in the kitchen, the three went to the annex to clean up.

Later, Wu Mo also arrived.

After dinner, while daylight still lingered, Huo Ling accompanied the three on a tour of the Commandery Lady's residence: "The villa in the western suburbs is more spacious and beautiful. After my wedding preparations are done, you can stay there for a few days, Father, and return to Yanxi once you've had enough fun."

In truth, both Fang Shi and Huo Ze were dying of curiosity about how Huo Ling had suddenly become the Empress.

But before coming, Huo Shiming had drilled into them what questions were appropriate and what weren't.

Since Huo Ling didn't bring it up, they knew better than to ask.

Fang Shi held back, but Huo Ze was about to explode from holding back questions.

After touring the entire residence, the sky had completely darkened.

Huo Shiming handed over the congratulatory gifts from several old acquaintances to Huo Ling.

Instead of immediately checking the gifts from Fang Jianbai and Li Yichun, Huo Ling opened the one sent by Zhou Jiamu first.

Inside the box was a dagger adorned with exquisite gemstones from hilt to sheath.

"Huh?"

Huo Shiming looked surprised, clearly recognizing its origin: "This is a trophy Zhou Jiamu seized from the Qiang Rong royal tent."

Huo Ling gave the blade a few practice swings: "This dagger’s razor-sharp."

Making up an excuse to send Fang Shi and Huo Ze away, Huo Ling pressed, "How did Zhou Jiamu treat you after learning I’d become the Empress?"

Huo Shiming thought for a moment: "Pretty much the same as always."

Huo Ling dipped her chin slightly and continued, "And what do you think of Zhou Jiamu, Father?"

Huo Shiming’s pulse quickened, momentarily unsure of her intent behind the question.

"No need to worry, Father," Huo Ling reassured him. "You’re about to be the Empress’s father and a border garrison commander—His Majesty will call for you, it’s only proper."

"Truth is, Father, I’ve already disclosed everything about Yanxi to His Majesty. So, he knows Zhou Jiamu is aligned with Prince Duan and that we’ve been cooperating privately with Li Yichun."

Huo Shiming was taken aback, though it made sense.

Backing the Emperor was clearly smarter than supporting Prince Duan.

"You think His Majesty will ask for my opinion on Zhou Jiamu after summoning me?"

Huo Ling nodded faintly. "With Li Yichun’s support and now as the Empress’s father, do you have any thoughts about the position of Commander of Xingtang Pass?"

Huo Shiming’s ambition flared at that.

That was the commander of Xingtang Pass, leading a hundred thousand troops and guarding a crucial frontier.

No general worth his salt would pass up a shot at that post.

But seeing Huo Ling’s calm face and recalling her earlier words, he gradually calmed down.

"With my years in the army, I’m more than qualified to retain my role as Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass. But taking Zhou Jiamu’s place? That’s a stretch."

Huo Ling’s lips curled slightly. "I’m glad you think this way, Father."

Once Huo Shiming caught on, Huo Ling earnestly analyzed the Emperor’s intentions for him.

"Zhou Jiamu clawed his way up battle by battle."

"The army’s a different beast. If Zhou Jiamu were to be transferred from Yanxi, no one could immediately take over as Commander of Xingtang Pass. Even a forced appointment wouldn’t earn loyalty."

"Yanxi has just endured a major war—the troops are exhausted, and the people are barely scraping by. The region needs years to rebuild."

"His Majesty won’t let Yanxi spiral into chaos again, nor will he tolerate infighting between Xingtang Pass’s top brass."

Haven’t enough court officials picked sides already?

Zhou Jiamu picked his side, plain and simple.

However, on one hand, Emperor Jingyuan was well aware of this; on the other hand, Zhou Jiamu had made significant contributions in suppressing the Qiang Rong revolt.

Emperor Jingyuan couldn’t simply dismiss Zhou Jiamu from his post just because he was a supporter of Prince Duan.

"Moreover, Zhou Jiamu is also a clever man. By sending me congratulatory gifts, he was showing goodwill, indicating his willingness to get along peacefully with us."

Huo Shiming completely understood Huo Ling’s point and thumped his chest reassuringly: "General Zhou and I have always gotten along well, and we’ll keep things cordial in the future."

He had ambition, but he knew when to push and when to hold back.

Since the Emperor didn’t want unrest in Yanxi, he would maintain a good relationship with Zhou Jiamu.

Huo Ling’s eyes crinkled with a smile as she picked up the tea from the table and handed it to Huo Shiming herself.

Huo Shiming took it with a chuckle, his tone heartfelt: "If your grandfather knew of the Huo family’s current standing, he’d surely rest easy."

Thirty years ago, the late Emperor insisted on a northern expedition, which ended in disastrous defeat.

As the commanding general, Huo Yingshao had to bear the responsibility for the failure. Thus, the Huo family lost their standing.

Now, thirty years later, Huo Ling had become Empress, finally restoring the Huo family to the center of power.

Huo Shiming looked at his eldest daughter, who had grown ever more elegant, and said sincerely: "I never imagined that the hope for the Huo family’s resurgence would depend on you, A Ling."

"Rest assured, as your father, I may not be able to help you much, but I will certainly never be a burden to you."

As long as A Ling held onto her position as Empress, what did the Huo family have to worry about in the future?

In the past, how high the Huo family could rise depended on the efforts of him and his son. But now, the family’s future was entirely in the hands of this daughter.

Huo Ling lowered her gaze slightly, her originally calm heart now churned with conflicting feelings by Huo Shiming’s words.

As it was getting late, after discussing official matters, Huo Shiming went to retire for the night.

Huo Ling walked into the courtyard and sat on a swing, gazing at the full moon in the sky.

Wu Mo, unable to find Huo Ling inside, came out to search for her.

Looking at Wu Mo as she approached slowly, Huo Ling suddenly said softly: "When I was young, I excelled in calligraphy, mastered horseback archery, and often received praise from Father."

"After praising me, Father would always point out Cousin Fang’s shortcomings, urging him to improve. If Cousin Fang didn’t perform well, he would even be reprimanded by Father."

"At first, I was always smug, and to earn more praise from Father, I would push myself even harder. It wasn’t until later, when A Ze began his studies, that I realized the truth—his handwriting was a mess, and he couldn’t handle the strain of horse stance training. Father would often get furious with him, but after scolding, he would still patiently teach him."

"That was when I understood a principle—"

"Being praised without being corrected or criticized didn’t mean I never made mistakes. It meant Father had never pinned his hopes on me."

He didn’t need her to restore the Huo family’s glory, didn’t need her to carry the family’s legacy. Without expectations, there were naturally no demands.

If she did well, he would praise her; if she didn’t, he wouldn’t scold her too harshly.

Wu Mo’s heart ached at Huo Ling’s words. She stepped behind Huo Ling and laid a cloak over her shoulders: "The master will surely come to appreciate you more in the future, my lady."

Huo Ling smiled. "You’re right."

This kind of paternal love was entirely different from Fang Shi’s maternal devotion to Huo Ze.

Fang Shi's maternal love for Huo Ze was simply "you are my child, so I love you," regardless of whether Huo Ze was outstanding or not.

She wasn’t her father's favorite, yet she ended up on the path he wanted.

Even accomplishing the very outcome her father had longed to see.

Thus, she was bound to receive his attention and favor in return.

A long-held resentment, one that had weighed on her for years, finally faded.

***

On the second day of Huo Shiming's arrival in the capital, he received a summons from the palace.

Huo Shiming didn’t waste time. After a brief preparation, he followed Li Man into the palace.

Seeing how tense he was, Li Man spoke warmly: "No need to be so formal, my lord. You raised such an outstanding daughter in Her Majesty. The Emperor merely wishes to meet you in person."

Huo Shiming managed a smile and did his best to calm his nerves.

By the time he stood before Emperor Jingyuan, he’d relaxed a little, though his expression remained slightly stiff.

Emperor Jingyuan, observing his demeanor, couldn’t help but be amused. When A Ling had first faced the Emperor, she had been bold and natural—yet her father was this cautious and restrained.

After granting Huo Shiming a seat, Emperor Jingyuan didn’t immediately inquire about matters in Yanxi. Instead, he asked if the trip went well.

Huo Shiming promptly replied, "Thanks to Your Majesty and Her Majesty’s kindness, everything went without issue."

After some casual conversation, once Huo Shiming seemed more at ease, Emperor Jingyuan finally turned to the affairs of Yanxi.

As the discussion progressed, the conversation turned to Zhou Jiamu.

Huo Shiming's spirit brightened, and he responded fluently, though inwardly he couldn't help but marvel.

No wonder A Ling could become empress.

Beauty and talent were secondary—what mattered most was her ability to think in step with the emperor.

When leaving the palace, Emperor Jingyuan granted Huo Shiming many gifts.

Returning to his residence, Huo Shiming saw Huo Ling and gave her a slight nod.

Huo Ling immediately understood his meaning and smiled as well. "In two days' time, the Imperial Household Department will deliver the betrothal gifts on His Majesty's behalf. At that time, we'll have to trouble Father and Mother more."

Even for an emperor, marriage followed the traditions of the three letters and six rites. The only difference from common households was the greater pomp, more rigid protocols, and the absolute necessity of presenting lavish gifts.

Emperor Jingyuan was generous in other matters, and equally so with the betrothal gifts. He used an endless stream of gifts to proclaim to the world his satisfaction with his empress.

The Imperial Household Department spent two full days just transporting the betrothal gifts, and even longer afterward to inventory and store them in the imperial vaults.

By the time the last chest was moved into the storeroom, Fang Shi, Wu Mo, and the others finally exhaled in relief.

It was at this moment that Qiu Hongzhen came to present himself to Huo Ling.

This wasn’t due to any lack of enthusiasm on Qiu Hongzhen’s part in trying to ingratiate himself.

Huo Shiming had only been away temporarily for two or three months, so after a quick transfer of his duties, he could set off for the capital.

Qiu Hongzhen, however, had to wait for the new county magistrate to arrive and thoroughly hand over the county office affairs before he could depart.

Making it to the capital this soon was the best he could manage.

Huo Ling met with Qiu Hongzhen in her courtyard.

Without hesitation, Qiu Hongzhen gave the full ceremonial bow: "Your humble servant Qiu Hongzhen presents his respects to Her Majesty the Empress. Long live the Empress."

"You may rise, Magistrate Qiu."

Huo Ling gestured to the seat opposite her. "Please, sit."

Qiu Hongzhen sat down with visible tension.

Huo Ling asked, "When did you arrive in the capital, Magistrate Qiu? Have you reported to the Capital Prefecture yet?"

Upon hearing this question, Qiu Hongzhen immediately confirmed his suspicion: his appointment as Capital Governor was entirely thanks to the Empress's assistance.

During their journey, Qiu Hongzhen had been discussing their situation with Advisor Zhang. The position of Capital Governor was one that could not be secured without powerful connections.

To remove the "acting" prefix from his title and firmly establish himself as Capital Governor, he needed the Empress's support.

Thus, the moment he met Huo Ling, Qiu Hongzhen gave the full ceremonial bow of a subject.

Now, he answered directly, "Your humble servant arrived in the capital yesterday afternoon. This morning, I came at once to present my respects to Your Majesty and have yet to report to the Board of Personnel or the Capital Prefecture."

Local officials appointed to the capital were required to first report to the Board of Personnel. Only after receiving official approval could they proceed to their assigned posts.

By choosing to greet Huo Ling first, Qiu Hongzhen was clearly declaring his allegiance.

Huo Ling had initially been willing to mentor Qiu Hongzhen because she wanted to see how far a mere magistrate could rise with her assistance—beyond helping the Huo family return to the capital and securing a high position for her father.

Now, her willingness to promote Qiu Hongzhen came from their past relationship.

But if Qiu Hongzhen failed to serve her purposes, she would not repeatedly shield him.

"Former Tang Pass commander He Tai—do you remember him, Magistrate Qiu?"

"I do."

Huo Ling spoke bluntly, "He is currently imprisoned by the Palace Guards. After assuming office, you are to transfer him to the Capital Prefecture's prison, thoroughly investigate his crimes, and ensure his execution."

She slid a small chest toward Qiu Hongzhen. "Inside is evidence of He Tai's crimes. The rest will be left for you to investigate further."

"There are many in the capital who want He Tai to live. If they pressure you, Magistrate Qiu, do you know how to respond?"

Qiu Hongzhen accepted the chest and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty need not worry. Your servant understands."

As long as he withstood the pressure and thoroughly investigated He Tai's case, the day He Tai was executed would likely be the day Qiu Hongzhen secured his position as Capital Governor.

Huo Ling nodded. "Then you may go."

Hugging the chest to his chest, Qiu Hongzhen heaved a sigh of relief as he left the courtyard, wiping sweat from his brow with his sleeve.

When Huo Ling had donated grain and silver, he had known she was destined for greatness. Yet in such a short time, she had ascended so high—even elevating a minor magistrate like himself to prominence.

Glancing down at the chest in his arms, a cold determination flashed in Qiu Hongzhen's eyes:

To earn the Empress's favor and trust, he must execute her commands perfectly.

...

An osmanthus tree grew near the courtyard, its fragrance filling the air in the eighth lunar month. Seated in the courtyard, Huo Ling sipped the last of her tea, savoring the delicate floral scent.

Since the incident at the drill grounds, He Tai's fate had been sealed.

Truthfully, at this point, He Tai could no longer harm her in any way.

But when cutting weeds, one must uproot them entirely.

This was also an opportunity to test Qiu Hongzhen's loyalty—with He Tai's life as the test.