Chapter 54: The Coronation Ceremony.

Chapter 54: The Empress Enthronement Ceremony.

While Huo Shiming was gloating over the flood of invitations, Huo Ling stood before the latest batch of dowry gifts delivered by the Imperial Household Department.

Including the previous batch, the dowry gifts from Emperor Jingyuan could no longer simply be described as "lavish."

Fang Shi, accompanied by a few maids, bantered as they cataloged and stored these items.

Huo Ling stood quietly to the side, then suddenly let out a soft laugh.

Though she had employed a tactical retreat, in the matter of the empress enthronement ceremony, her chosen approach still leaned toward concession.

She turned to Wu Mo and said, "Fetch Wu Feng. We’re going somewhere."

Wu Mo glanced at the sky. "Now?"

"No matter," Huo Ling replied. "The capital has no curfew. If we return late, I’ll take you both to Fanlou for a meal."

At the Capital Magistrate’s Office, Qiu Hongzhen was speaking with a newly appointed clerk.

His trusted confidant remained Advisor Zhang, who had known him for many years, but neither Qiu Hongzhen nor Advisor Zhang was familiar with the capital’s affairs.

Thus, on Advisor Zhang’s recommendation, Qiu Hongzhen had hired another clerk to help him get up to speed on his duties.

Just as the conversation was growing lively, Advisor Zhang hurried in from outside, leaned close to Qiu Hongzhen, and whispered something. Qiu Hongzhen’s expression turned solemn as he straightened his robes and rose. "Quickly, accompany me to greet Her Highness."

Huo Ling’s outing kept a low profile. Aside from Wu Mo and Wu Feng, she had brought no one else.

When she met Qiu Hongzhen, she stepped down from the carriage and made her request plain: "Take me to see He Tai."

Qiu Hongzhen bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, please follow me."

Qiu Hongzhen personally led the way, guiding Huo Ling and her two companions toward the prison cells. Noticing Huo Ling’s discreet movements and small entourage, he deliberately chose less-traveled paths to avoid drawing attention.

The prison was crumbling from disrepair. A midday rain had just passed, cooling the air, and the dampness seeped through the cracks in the bricks, leaving the entire prison clammy and oppressive.

Qiu Hongzhen led them deeper inside, finally stopping before a cell. He hung a lantern on the wall, then bowed out to avoid overhearing anything improper.

The prisoner inside had been curled up on the ground, but the light startled him, and he instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes.

As his vision adjusted, he squinted at the newcomers.

*Huo Ling!?*

He Tai’s voice seethed with rage. Over the many days and nights spent cursing her name, he had grown consumed by hatred.

But as he took in Huo Ling and her companions, dread seized him. *You’ve come to do me in?*

Huo Ling scrutinized He Tai carefully.

En route to the Capital Magistrate’s Office, Wu Mo had asked why she suddenly wanted to see He Tai.

At the time, her answer had been that she wanted to remember his face.

The damp, dim cell reeked of a foul stench. A bowl of rancid meal sat in one corner, and the straw on the floor was rotting.

He Tai’s sentence had not yet been finalized, so neither the Palace Guard nor Qiu Hongzhen had subjected him to torture. But after two months in such conditions, he had become a shell of his former self.

"If I truly wished to harm you, you'd have been dead long ago. Why wait until today?"

He Tai froze. As his initial panic faded, a sliver of reason returned. He sat up from the ground, fingers clumsily combing through his dry, tangled hair, his tone laced with mockery.

"Her Majesty the Empress, so noble and exalted, condescending to visit this filthy dump—if not to kill me, then surely to gloat at my downfall."

Huo Ling replied, "I did come to see you, but not to get kicks from your humiliation."

She had come to sear into her memory the agony of lost power.

He Tai was the first mortal enemy she had encountered in her climb—someone out of her league entirely.

Born into a noble family, he was the cousin of the late empress, once the fortress commander of Xingtang Pass, leading a hundred thousand troops in Western Yan.

To her past self, He Tai had seemed untouchable. The status he held was one the entire Huo family could never hope to attain.

Yet now, this once-invincible foe had fallen.

In just a year, she had ascended to heights she once deemed unimaginable, while he ended up rotting in a cell, his life dangling by her whim.

Fortunes change overnight—such is the unpredictability of life.

He Tai’s eyes darted, his lips twisting as he needled Huo Ling. "It seems Her Majesty’s coronation ceremony hasn’t gone as smoothly as expected."

Facing a dead man walking, Huo Ling remained unshaken. If she let his taunts anger her, she would only be playing into his hands.

"You must be ill-informed in this cell."

"Though there were objections in court, my coronation proceeded unchanged."

He Tai stiffened, pursing his cracked, bloodless lips before rasping, "What did you do?"

Huo Ling loomed over him from beyond the bars, her gaze cold.

She despised the sting of compromise.

And He Tai had forced her to endure it twice.

The first time, Prince Duan had demanded her concession—demanded she spare He Tai.

The second time, she had chosen to yield of her own will.

"My feud with the He family and House of Chengen—it all began with you."

"After your execution, peace between us could have been possible."

Yet the He family and House of Chengen first petitioned against her coronation. When that failed, they tried to strongarm her through the expenses of the coronation ceremony.

Dead set against her—how was that any way to keep the peace?

Though her words were calm, a cold dread crept up He Tai’s spine.

Suddenly, he recalled his past judgment of Huo Ling—

Capital nobility always leaves themselves an out. Even blue-blooded royals like Prince Duan rarely resorted to wiping someone out completely.

Even Emperor Jingyuan and the late emperor, during their reigns, had stripped titles, demoted officials, confiscated estates—but seldom employed ruthless measures to wipe out entire clans.

But Huo Ling was different.

Those who rise abruptly from the bottom, like her, prefer to cut down the weeds and dig up the roots, leaving no future troubles.

To eliminate threats and ensure no future worries, she’d truly go for the kill.

"...You—what do you intend to do to the He family and the Duke of Chengen's estate?"

Huo Ling replied, "Right now, it's the He family and the Duke of Chengen's estate pushing me into a corner. What can I possibly do?"

As for what happens afterward...

Well, He Tai won’t be around to find out.

After a pause, Huo Ling softened her tone. "If you're truly worried about me retaliating against the He family and the Duke of Chengen's estate, why not cut a deal with me?"

"He Tai, back when you were in Yanxi, how did you talk Prince Duan out of killing you?"

"I’ve got my eye on what you’re holding. Hand it over to me, and we might still square things away between me and the He family, as well as the Duke of Chengen's estate."

He Tai sneered, "So that’s your game."

Originally, Huo Ling had only been probing, but He Tai’s reaction sealed her hunch.

He Tai indeed held something that could threaten Prince Duan.

"They’re letting you swing in the wind, yet you’re still willing to keep their secret? What’s the point?"

He Tai cursed furiously, "Over my dead body, you scheming bitch!"

Huo Ling’s expression turned icy, though her tone remained unchanged. "It seems they’ve bought your silence, making you willingly keep quiet for them."

He Tai was about to retort when he suddenly realized something and scoffed. "Are you fishing for answers?"

Seeing that He Tai had caught on, Huo Ling was mildly disappointed.

But his silence didn’t stop her from continuing.

She pressed on, watching him like a hawk.

"Those who could make Prince Duan change his mind are few—his wife, his eldest son, the Liu family..."

At the mention of "the Liu family," He Tai’s expression twisted briefly.

"The Princess Consort stays cloistered at home, and his eldest son is still too young—they’ve got no ties to you. Only someone from the Liu family could easily have dealings with you."

"You held command over a hundred thousand soldiers in Yanxi, overseeing trade markets with the Qiang Rong..."

"The Minister of War runs shady business deals. And I’ve heard several major merchant guilds are backed by the Liu family’s influence..."

"Did you trade military provisions and equipment?"

"...It seems not. You wouldn’t risk outright treason."

Huo Ling concluded, "Then it must be related to the trade markets."

He Tai clenched his jaw, his eyes dripping poison.

"Huo Ling, don’t get too comfortable on that throne. Just because you’ve clawed your way to Empress, do you truly believe you’re untouchable?"

"I’ll be dead and gone, but I’ll watch you crash and burn from the underworld."

Huo Ling was well aware that becoming empress did not mean she could let her guard down. Every step forward was like treading on thin ice.

But she didn’t care.

Because she knew that when He Tai began cursing her to hell, it meant he was utterly powerless against her. He couldn’t shake her at all—only pin his hopes on a distant, uncertain future he would never witness.

This was why she had clawed her way up.

Before she even knew what power meant, she had already, under her father’s influence, instinctively pursued it.

Now, at last, Huo Ling had a clear understanding of power.

Power meant holding life and death in her hands.

With a final lingering glance at He Tai, Huo Ling turned and left the cell, leaving his curses behind.

He Tai’s curses gave way to wails as he collapsed to the ground, weeping bitterly. His cries were filled with hatred, terror, and regret.

He had regretted his actions against Huo Shiming countless times, praying in the dead of night that he could turn back time.

The sound of his sobs reached her, but Huo Ling did not look back.

A defeated enemy was beneath her notice from this moment onward.

"I won’t be coming back here."

"Just inform me when He Tai is executed."

She gave these orders to Qiu Hongzhen.

Qiu Hongzhen bowed respectfully and escorted Huo Ling to her carriage.

By nightfall, as promised, Huo Ling brought Wu Mo and Wu Feng to Fan Tower for dinner and music.

The gentle melody of a song drifted up from below, mixed with the thick sweetness of incense in the air. Leaning against the railing, Huo Ling finished the last piece of pastry and asked Wu Mo and Wu Feng about their future plans.

Wu Mo looked surprised. "Why does my lady ask this so suddenly?"

Huo Ling replied, "I might guess what you’d choose, but we’ve grown up together. I want to hear it from you myself rather than make the choice for you."

Wu Mo immediately declared, "I’ll go wherever my lady goes!"

Huo Ling reminded her, "The palace isn’t as easygoing as the outside world. There are many rules. If you enter the palace with me, you won’t have as much freedom as you do now."

Wu Mo lifted her chin proudly. "My lady, don’t sell me short. I’ve been learning palace etiquette from Sister Yungu and Sister Shang Lan these days. They say I’m a quick learner."

Yungu and Shang Lan were the palace maids skilled in martial arts that Emperor Jingyuan had previously gifted to Huo Ling.

Since their arrival, Wu Mo had worked hard to build a good relationship with them. Knowing Wu Mo was Huo Ling’s trusted aide, they were also eager to befriend her. When Wu Mo sought their guidance, they taught her everything they knew.

After a pause, Wu Mo added, "Besides, I’ve no intention of marrying. If my lady goes to the palace to enjoy her fortune, don’t think of leaving me behind."

The palace was strict with its rules. If she didn’t accompany her mistress inside, how lonely her lady would be.

His Majesty isn't yours alone, miss.

Even if His Majesty is willing to dote on you exclusively, he is still the Son of Heaven after all.

She may be a clumsy little maid, not as skilled as Sister Yungu and Sister Shang Lan in managing palace affairs and social interactions, but she can always stand firmly behind you.

Huo Ling smiled faintly and said, "Good, then come enjoy palace life with me first."

As for marriage, she'd check with Wu Mo again in a few years.

If Wu Mo changed her mind, she would give her a lavish wedding send-off; if Wu Mo stuck to her decision, there would always be a place for her by her side.

Having fully confirmed Wu Mo’s intentions, Huo Ling turned to Wu Feng.

She gave him two choices.

"You can return to Yanxi with my father. He will certainly treat you well."

With Huo Shiming's rank and position, he could assemble a Royal Guard unit. Wu Feng, who had served as the captain of the Huo family’s guards, could directly join Huo Shiming’s Royal Guard and likely become its captain.

"Of course, if you prefer to stay in the capital, I will ask His Majesty for a favor to have you serve in the Imperial Guard."

Wu Feng didn't miss a beat. "From the moment I followed the young lady to the capital, I never thought of returning to Yanxi."

"His Majesty previously sent a detachment of the Imperial Guard to protect the young lady. I’ve spoken with them and know how things work inside the Imperial Guard."

"I wish to join the Imperial Guard."

Huo Ling smiled warmly again. "Then it's decided."

***

Amid the busyness, the maple leaves in the outskirts of the capital blazed red.

Through one autumn rain after another, time slipped by into September.

With September here, the coronation ceremony was just around the corner.

The Imperial Household Department delivered the specially prepared empress’s ceremonial robes and sent two attendants to assist Huo Ling in fitting the attire.

Princess Ningxin, entrusted by Emperor Jingyuan, also made a special visit.

This robe, which had taken two months and the labor of over a hundred embroiderers, was incredibly elaborate. Gold and silver threads embroidered the motif of a dragon and phoenix in harmony, interspersed with auspicious clouds, radiating wealth and celebration.

Huo Ling tried it on and pointed out a few adjustments needed.

The two attendants wouldn't dare overstep before Huo Ling and noted everything carefully.

"Do you see anything else that needs adjusting?" Huo Ling asked Princess Ningxin beside her.

"Please call me Ningxin from now on."

Princess Ningxin had an expert eye and offered additional modifications.

Once the Imperial Household Department finished adjusting the robe according to their suggestions, it was time for Huo Ling’s trousseau presentation.

Huo Ling’s trousseau presentation was a bustling event.

Close friends such as Princess Ningxin, Xu Shidu, Qiu Hongzhen, and the Duke of Jingguo’s household of course sent gifts.

Xu Shidu and the Duchess of Jingguo came in person.

Surprisingly, even Princess Consort of Duan and the Hereditary Princess of Duke of Liu sent gifts.

Huo Ling deemed the gifts modest and accepted them.

However, Prince Su's household sent the most lavish gifts, though she'd never interacted with them.

Just the red agate tree alone cost a fortune.

Yet, even such a treasure was not the most extravagant among the gifts from Prince Su's residence.

Why would Prince Su's household suddenly show her such favor?

Huo Ling stepped aside and waved Wu Mo over, telling her to look into it.

Shortly after, Wu Mo returned and whispered to Huo Ling, "Just a steward from Prince Su's place came, delivered the gifts, and left immediately afterward."

Huo Ling nodded, looked around, then drew Xu Shidu away from the crowd to inquire about Prince Su's household.

"Prince Su's household?"

Xu Shidu was puzzled but still filled her in.

Prince Su was the late emperor's younger brother and the most senior imperial relative remaining in the capital. However, his health had declined in recent years, and he rarely appeared in public.

Most of Prince Su's household either stayed home to attend to him or had sinecures in minor offices like the Imperial Clan Court.

As she spoke, Xu Shidu suddenly remembered something interesting.

"Speaking of which, when the court was selecting an imperial clansman for adoption, some officials suggested choosing a child from Prince Su's household. Their kids were all sturdy, and their third son happened to be three years old at the time."

Three years old—just old enough to survive infancy but still too young to retain memories.

Huo Ling felt a flicker of understanding, vaguely guessing Prince Su's intentions.

But with people coming and going around them, she changed the subject for the moment, diverting Xu Shidu's attention elsewhere.

The day after the dowry ceremony, Huo Ling's trousseau was to be carried into the Phoenix Palace.

This time, Huo Shiming truly went all out, making sure her trousseau looked impressive. Combined with the dowry gifts from others, it looked downright extravagant.

Once the trousseau was delivered, the lavish coronation ceremony arrived as scheduled.

The ceremony was set for late September, when the fall air was brisk.

The day before the auspicious date, the Imperial Household Department sent ladies-in-waiting to stay at the Commandery Lady's residence.

Before dawn, the ladies-in-waiting were already waiting outside Huo Ling's courtyard. Only when candles were lit inside did they enter to help her get ready.

Given her striking looks, makeup was the simplest step.

Once adorned, Wu Mo, who'd been waiting outside, entered to report, "The chief and deputy envoys have arrived."

The emperor would not personally leave the palace to welcome his empress, so for imperial weddings, a chief envoy and a deputy envoy were appointed. Along with palace eunuchs, they led a magnificent procession to escort the empress.

As the auspicious hour approached, Huo Shiming, Fang Shi, and Huo Ze also arrived.

Huo Ze and Fang Shi were composed, but Huo Shiming had been too excited to sleep the night before. If the Commandery Lady's residence had ancestral tablets, he would have clutched his father Huo Yingshao's tablet and rambled on.

The sky was still dim, the courtyard illuminated by palace lanterns. As he gazed at his eldest daughter, resplendent in her ceremonial robes standing before the courtyard steps, Huo Shiming felt a surge of emotions.

In his mind’s eye, she was still a child, while he remained stuck in the small county of Yong'an, his ambitions stifled.

Before he knew it, she had grown into a graceful young woman.

From meeting Prince Duan in Yanxi to entering the capital, winning the Emperor’s favor, and becoming the Empress... he’d never once asked her what she was thinking when she made these decisions.

"Father."

Huo Ling's voice pulled Huo Shiming back from his thoughts. "What’s that look for?"

Huo Shiming patted Huo Ling's hand, his tone nostalgic. "I was just remembering your childhood."

"You were always competitive. When you were learning to ride, you barely reached the pony’s shoulder, yet you insisted on racing against Jian Bai. Afraid you’d fall, I lifted you onto my own horse."

"My horse was so much taller—it put Jian Bai’s to shame right away. You were overjoyed and badgered me to take you around the riding field a few times."

"Do you remember what you said to me when I helped you down?"

Huo Ling replied, "That’s slipped my mind."

But she could probably guess how she had felt back then.

She hadn’t been thrilled about beating Fang Jianbai, but rather about her father’s rare moment of affection.

Huo Shiming chuckled. He remembered those words vividly. "You told me, 'I’ll marry a great hero just like Father someday.'"

"But kids change their minds all the time."

"When you were twelve, I took you to the Prefect’s residence. After seeing the Great Yan’s map, you pestered me about where the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were, why they were lost, and why I was so determined to reclaim them."

"I ended up telling you about our Huo ancestors. But after hearing it, you blurted out, 'I’ll become a great hero just like Father someday.'"

Huo Ling listened quietly as Huo Shiming reminisced, smiling. "So you haven’t forgotten."

So her admiration for him had not gone unnoticed.

Before father and daughter could share more heartfelt words, the chosen hour was upon them.

The chief envoy, Wen Shengan, and the deputy envoy, Lu Hang, along with the palace attendants, awaited outside the courtyard to escort the Empress, inviting her to board the phoenix carriage.

Huo Ling composed herself, holding a red round fan, and was carried on Huo Ze’s back. Under the escort of the envoys, she was seated in the phoenix carriage.

Bells clashed and drums rolled as ceremonial music played. The grand procession processed through the streets, passing the bustling Vermilion Bird Street, heading toward the Gate of Heaven for the sacrificial rites.

Officials had assembled early, along with many foreign envoys who had come to witness the ceremony.

The phoenix carriage’s arrival at the Gate of Heaven had been precisely timed. No sooner had it stopped than Wen Shengan, the chief envoy, produced the imperial decree he had personally drafted and proclaimed it aloud once more.

As Wen Shengan reached the final line—"...virtuous and talented, steeped in ritual propriety, truly fit to be the mother of the realm"—the carriage curtain was lifted. Emperor Jingyuan, also clad in red ceremonial robes, stood outside.

It was the first time Huo Ling had seen Emperor Jingyuan in such vibrant colors. Her eyes crinkled with mirth, brimming with joy.

Emperor Jingyuan took her in with equal admiration.

Radiant and resplendent, the intricate and lavish wedding robes suited her perfectly.

With a smile, Emperor Jingyuan handed her the embroidered silk ball.

Huo Ling accepted it and stepped out of the carriage.

The officials bowed in solemn greeting.

The ceremonial officer stepped forward and recited the ritual invocation to heaven, earth, and ancestors.

During the elaborate ceremony, Emperor Jingyuan and Huo Ling ascended the steps side by side.

The ceremonial robes and phoenix crown were extremely heavy, yet every step Huo Ling took was steady.

The hem of her robe, embroidered with golden and silver threads depicting mountains, rivers, the sun, and the moon, trailed behind her. The court officials standing atop the steps could only watch as the hem gradually swept past their vision before receding into the distance.

There were ninety-nine steps leading to the highest point of the altar. As she ascended higher, Huo Ling passed more recognizable figures—

Zheng Xinjue, the Hereditary Prince of the Duke of Jingguo; Cui Yuan of the Qinghe Cui clan; Qiu Hongzhen; the Duke of Jingguo...

The Hereditary Prince of the Duke of Liu, the Duke of Liu...

And in the foremost position, Prince Duan.

Step by step, she walked past them, ascending ever higher until, at last, she crossed the final step and stood with Emperor Jingyuan at the summit of the altar.

The ritual chanting echoing between heaven and earth ceased.

The ceremonial officer placed the ceremonial text into the brazier. Amid the roaring flames, Huo Ling turned slowly to face Emperor Jingyuan.

Li Man approached with a tray bearing the imperial decree and seal.

The decree was the official proclamation of her appointment, while the seal—crafted of pure gold—was the phoenix seal of the empress. Together, they symbolized the authority of the empress.

Emperor Jingyuan took the imperial decree and seal, presenting them one by one to Huo Ling: "As empress, your status equals the emperor's. You honor heaven and earth and uphold the ancestral temple. May you and I be united in harmony, embodying the solemnity of the land."

Huo Ling received the imperial decree and seal solemnly, her voice clear and resolute: "From this day forth, I vow to be united in harmony with Your Majesty, embodying the solemnity of the land. With the dignity of the empress, equal to the emperor, I shall wield the phoenix seal and govern the inner court."

When Huo Ling turned to face the officials below, they bowed once more, proclaiming, "Long live Their Majesties!"

At their solitary summit, Emperor Jingyuan clasped Huo Ling's hand and whispered, "Are you happy?"

Huo Ling tilted her head slightly, gazing at the sovereign beside her, interlacing their fingers. "To be Your Majesty's wife, Your Majesty's empress—I am truly happy."

Emperor Jingyuan said, "The harmony of emperor and empress is the wish of the nation and the desire of my heart."

Huo Ling smiled faintly. She did not lower her gaze to those below but fixed her attention solely on Emperor Jingyuan.

Her childhood hero had been her father. She had once dreamed of marrying someone like him and had once aspired to become someone like him.

But now, she had married a man who surpassed even her father, and she, too, wished to become a ruler as powerful and composed as he.

After the assembled officials paid their respects, the ceremonial officer stepped forth once more to proclaim Emperor Jingyuan's edict of amnesty for all under heaven.

With this decree, Emperor Jingyuan sought to share the joy of his empress's investiture with the people.

Once the edict was proclaimed, Emperor Jingyuan and Huo Ling departed the Yingtian Gate first.

Only after the imperial carriage and Phoenix Carriage had vanished into the distance did the assembled officials quietly withdraw from the steps.

Prince Duan gazed at the now-empty summit of the altar, his eyes clouded with resentment.

As imperial royalty, born to supreme status, he should never have harbored such bitterness. Yet over these past two months, he had known little else.

The former lover had become his royal sister-in-law overnight.

The once harmonious wife now regarded him with mutual aversion.

Even the operatives he'd carefully embedded in Yanxi had been mostly lost.

He had never faced setbacks or suffered losses before, but this time, the walls he hit and the defeats he endured left him bruised and broken.

What infuriated Prince Duan even more was that, in that brief glance of Huo Ling in her wedding attire, his heart had raced uncontrollably.

This involuntary reaction filled him with self-loathing.

Prince Duan squeezed his eyes shut, turned to descend the steps, but stumbled before steadying himself.

***

The coronation ceremony was divided into two parts.

In the morning, the emperor and empress jointly paid homage to heaven, earth, and ancestors at Yingtian Gate, receiving homage from the officials.

In the afternoon, Huo Ling would receive the homage of ladies of rank alone in Fengyi Palace.

From this moment on, she held the formal authority to summon these ladies of rank to the palace at will.

The first to pay their respects were the ladies of rank from the imperial clan.

Princess Elder Ningxin had long privately addressed Huo Ling as "royal sister-in-law," and her greeting was smooth and effortless: "My respects, royal sister-in-law."

The Princess Consort of Duan, after much mental preparation, had nearly numbed her feelings, leaving only years of ingrained instinct as she numbly bowed: "My respects, royal sister-in-law."

Huo Ling had no intention of making things difficult for the Princess Consort of Duan.

The conflict between them had never been personal—it was always about power and interests.

"You may rise."

Huo Ling also noticed the women of Prince Su's household and shared a few kind words with them before dismissing them.

Next, the ladies of rank from the households of dukes and marquises stepped forward to pay their respects.

Then came the wives of officials.

Only ladies of rank of the fourth rank or higher were permitted to enter the palace to greet the empress. Huo Ling gave them a cursory acknowledgment before allowing them to withdraw.

The moment the ladies of rank left Fengyi Palace, Emperor Jingyuan arrived.

Dressed in his red ceremonial garb from the morning, he was pleased to see Huo Ling glowing with vitality.

A palace attendant brought a tray bearing two white jade phoenix wedding cups filled with fine wine. Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan drank together, then tossed the cups under the bed—one landing face up, the other face down.

With this, the wedding ceremony was formally complete.

Wu Mo and Shang Lan, who had been waiting nearby, hurried over to take off Huo Ling’s phoenix headdress and ornaments.

Emperor Jingyuan also removed his crown and called for a meal, asking Huo Ling if she had eaten much that day.

Seated before the bronze mirror as Wu Mo combed her hair, Huo Ling replied, "I had a bite before makeup and a single pastry later."

Emperor Jingyuan approached her and proposed, "To manage the inner court, you must have trusted aides by your side."

"You are also acquainted with Cui Hongyi. I shall assign him to Fengyi Palace to serve at your disposal. What do you think?"

Cui Hongyi, who had been standing by, lit up with joy. As soon as Huo Ling agreed with a smile, he promptly bowed in gratitude.

"The maids by your side—Wu Mo has always served you, and the other two were also originally from the palace. I won’t assign you any more senior maids."

"However, you can’t go without guidance in the inner palace. There’s a nanny by my side, surnamed Zuo, who has served me since my early years and knows the palace inside out."

"See her first. If you’re satisfied, let Nanny Zuo remain in Fengyi Palace."

Emperor Jingyuan had long intended to assign Cui Hongyi and Nanny Zuo to Huo Ling. At this moment, Nanny Zuo was also waiting nearby. Upon hearing the emperor’s words, she quickly stepped forward to bow to Huo Ling.

Nanny Zuo appeared to be around forty, though she was actually over fifty. Her round face radiated warmth.

After exchanging a few words with Nanny Zuo, Huo Ling smiled and said, "If I slip up in the future, I hope Nanny Zuo will offer guidance."

Nanny Zuo politely declined before withdrawing.

Of course, the attendants in Fengyi Palace were not limited to these, but Emperor Jingyuan let Huo Ling handle the rest.

Once Wu Mo finished combing her hair, Huo Ling turned to Emperor Jingyuan and said, "Your Majesty, I have one more favor to ask."

"There is a guard by my side named Wu Feng. He has always accompanied me and is a top-notch fighter. Now that I’m in the palace, he has nowhere to go."

Emperor Jingyuan thought for a moment, recalling such a person. "Then let him join the Imperial Guard. If he performs well, Zhan Ling can mentor him."

Zhan Ling was the Commander of the Imperial Guard. With his personal guidance, as long as Wu Feng didn’t perform poorly, he’d have a bright future.

As they spoke, dinner arrived.

Huo Ling was starving but barely ate, only having some light rice porridge.

Emperor Jingyuan barely ate in the evening and soon set down his chopsticks. After gazing at Huo Ling for a moment, he suddenly smiled. "Shall the maids assist you in getting ready?"

Huo Ling met his eyes and replied softly, "Won’t Your Majesty accompany me for a stroll around Fengyi Palace?"

Emperor Jingyuan said, "It’s late. We’ll get a better look tomorrow."

Huo Ling couldn’t help laughing, leaning in to kiss Emperor Jingyuan. When he clasped her waist, intending to deepen the kiss, she quickly pleaded, "Let me bathe first."

Emperor Jingyuan gave her a playful nip before slowly pulling away. "Go ahead."

Huo Ling had long been used to Emperor Jingyuan’s kisses, but things only got more intimate that night. As they ventured further, even the gentle, restrained kisses she knew turned fierce—lingering, pressing, entwining. Breath, lips, bodies. Slow and sweet.

By the time Huo Ling awoke, the pair of dragon-and-phoenix red candles at the bedside had long burned out.

"Awake?"

The familiar voice beside her instantly chased away the last of her sleepiness. Huo Ling lay there, dazed for a while before recalling the events of the previous night.

Through the red bed curtains, she saw the bright daylight outside. Snuggling into place in Emperor Jingyuan’s arms, her voice and posture exuded languid ease. "Does Your Majesty not have court today?"

Emperor Jingyuan hadn’t expected her first concern to be this. Amused, he replied, "When ministers marry, they are granted nine days of leave. For my own wedding, I won’t ask for nine days, but taking three to five days off is hardly excessive."

"Did Your Majesty discuss this with the court officials?"

Emperor Jingyuan sighed. "I did. I told Minister Lu and the others that I’ve approved a five-day leave for myself."

Huo Ling laughed at his words. This wasn’t so much a discussion—it was just letting them know.

Today, the palace ladies were to come and pay their respects to the Empress. After exchanging a few lighthearted words with Emperor Jingyuan, Huo Ling called the attendants waiting outside to help them with their morning routines.

The consorts under Emperor Jingyuan’s care weren’t particularly numerous. Aside from the Virtuous Consort and the Noble Consort, the more notable figures included Consort Liu, who came from a lesser branch of the Duke of Liu's household, as well as Lady Chen of a prominent noble family, along with the once-favored Lady Zhang and Lady Hu.

The first to bow to Huo Ling were the Eldest Princess, the Second Princess, and Ji Yuanwan. All three children had been trained in court etiquette from a young age, and with prior guidance from the attendants, their manners were impeccable, their faces beaming cheerfully.

Huo Ling had prepared similar gifts for each child: a set of writing tools and a jade pendant.

However, since the Eldest Princess and the Second Princess were Emperor Jingyuan’s own children, Huo Ling gave them an additional set of red agate jewelry.

Of course, she was indifferent to how others might perceive this extra favor.

Once all the consorts had paid their respects, Huo Ling gestured for them to take their seats.

The Virtuous Consort spoke first: "Before Your Majesty arrived at the palace, His Majesty entrusted me with overseeing the inner court affairs. Unworthy as I am, these past months have been spent in trepidation, fearing any oversight. Now that you have arrived, it is only proper that the management of the inner court be returned to you, so as to command the respect and obedience of all quarters of the palace."

The authority over the inner palace was something Huo Ling would undoubtedly reclaim—it was the Empress’s duty and right, and there was no need for unnecessary courtesy with the Virtuous Consort on this matter.

However, having just arrived and still unfamiliar with its workings, hastily reclaiming control would not only show distrust toward the Virtuous Consort but also risk chaos and mistakes, inviting ridicule.

Now that the Virtuous Consort had extended goodwill, Huo Ling was happy to reciprocate: "I have only just arrived. There is no urgency in transferring the palace affairs. I must trouble you to continue overseeing them for a while longer." She then ordered generous rewards to be bestowed upon the Virtuous Consort.

The remaining consorts also received their respective gifts.

After meeting with the consorts, several head palace attendants came to pay their respects to Huo Ling.

Once the attendants had departed, Huo Ling took the time to meet all the maidservants and eunuchs serving in the Phoenix Palace.

By the time she had finished meeting everyone, it was getting late.

Huo Ling asked her attendants, "Where is His Majesty?"

Emperor Jingyuan had remained in the Phoenix Palace. When Huo Ling found him, he was reclining on a divan, reading.

Seeing her approach, the Emperor asked, "Finished with everything?"

"All done," Huo Ling replied with a smile. "I’ve met so many people these past two days—I can't remember most of them."

Emperor Jingyuan said, "No rush. After they’ve bowed to you a few more times, you’ll remember."

Setting down his book, he took Huo Ling’s hand and said, "You haven’t had the chance to properly explore the Phoenix Palace yet, have you? Let me accompany you on a tour."

Huo Ling had never personally wandered the palace, but Emperor Jingyuan had visited it several times during his regular visits.

With his frequent check-ins, the Imperial Household Department had worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfected.

Especially the garden full of Weeping Crabapple trees, which flourished splendidly.

Though it was not yet their blooming season, one could easily imagine the breathtaking sight when the flowers would cover the trees.

When they reached the study, Huo Ling paused. "I have two things to show you."

Following her inside, Emperor Jingyuan immediately noticed the framed calligraphy and painting hanging on the wall.

Both were deeply familiar to him.

The calligraphy piece was none other than *The Goddess of the Luo River*, which he had written for Huo Ling; the painting was the Triumphal Procession with Captives, a gift he had bestowed upon her.

Without prompting, Emperor Jingyuan stepped forward to examine the painting, his gaze lingering on the two identical lines of poetry written side by side in the upper right corner.

On the slightly immature handwriting was stamped Emperor Jingyuan's personal seal: "Recluse of Wandering Clouds."

Because his name included "crane," he took the words "wandering clouds" from the phrase "a wandering crane among drifting clouds" as his literary name.

The bold and vigorous calligraphy, however, bore the seal "Idle Stroller by the Luo River."

Emperor Jingyuan exclaimed in delight, "When was this stamped?"

"I had it stamped right after we got back to the capital from the summer palace. I wanted to surprise Your Majesty, so I kept it a secret."

Emperor Jingyuan gently traced the characters on the painting and sought Huo Ling's opinion: "Let's keep *Ode to the Goddess of the Luo* in your study - I'll take this one for the imperial study."