Chapter 56: The New Year Festival.

Chapter 56: New Year's Banquet.

The feeling of looking down from a high vantage point is naturally entirely different from gazing upward from halfway up the mountain.

Huo Ling swept her gaze over the guests within her line of sight and observed the palace maids moving between the tables, confirming that everything was in perfect order—nothing had gone awry during tonight's banquet.

She had cleared this hurdle completely.

"Clink glasses with me," Emperor Jingyuan said.

Huo Ling recalled the scene when she had once sat among the guests, raising her cup to Emperor Jingyuan from afar.

Glancing at his expression, she knew he remembered it too.

Huo Ling lifted her wine cup and clinked it firmly against Emperor Jingyuan's, taking a sip before smiling. "It's *Fan Tower’s Autumn Dew White*."

Thinking back to the doubts she had harbored at the time, she asked, "Your Majesty, is Fan Tower under your ownership?"

Emperor Jingyuan raised an eyebrow but didn’t hide the truth from her. "I do have ties to it. When did you figure it out?"

Huo Ling replied, "The first time I visited Fan Tower, I played pitch-pot there and won a jar of *Autumn Dew White*. The arrows used were of exceptional quality, rare even in the military."

"Moreover, during my third meeting with Your Majesty, Cui Hongyi took me straight to the top floor. The layout there had similarities to the Hall of Supreme Harmony."

Tastes are hard to fake. Though Emperor Jingyuan rarely visited Fan Tower, the staff had still arranged the rooms in a style he favored.

Emperor Jingyuan remarked, "You figured it out that long ago—why only ask now?"

"At first, I worried it’d be improper, fearing it might offend Your Majesty. Later, I simply forgot."

Huo Ling had always been careful to maintain proper boundaries in her interactions with Emperor Jingyuan.

Emperor Jingyuan understood. "Fan Tower’s proprietor is a friend from my pre-imperial days."

"He came from a merchant family and aspired to become an official in his youth. Unfortunately, his background was humble, and without recommendations from noble families, he could only pay a hefty bribe to secure a petty official’s post in a government office."

A petty official was vastly different from a proper official. Once on that path, further advancement was difficult.

"By the time I met him, he had already left his post in anger after offending a superior."

Huo Ling, intrigued, asked, "Then why didn’t he pursue an official career and instead opened Fan Tower?"

Emperor Jingyuan didn’t elaborate. "It was a turn of fortune. His talent for managing business was truly outstanding. I have some outside investments, none of which pass through the Ministry of Imperial Affairs—all are entrusted to him."

"If you're interested, I’ll take you to Fan Tower to meet him next time."

While the music troupe below finished their performance, the imperial couple continued chatting.

Princess Elder Ningxin, having thoroughly enjoyed the dance performance, wanted to share her thoughts. But when she turned her head, she saw the Brother Emperor and Sister Empress sitting close together, lost in their own world as if no one else were present.

"Brother Emperor, Sister Empress, what are you discussing?"

Huo Ling glanced over. "We were talking about Fan Tower’s excellent liquor."

She beckoned to Cui Hongyi behind her and instructed, "Have a jug sent to Ning Xin and Princess Jiale."

Princess Elder Ningxin couldn’t place the wine, but Xu Shidu recognized it immediately.

Xu Shidu raised her cup and, before others reacted, stood to toast Huo Ling. "Your Majesty, I offer you this toast—to your everlasting good health."

Princess Elder Ningxin also took a sip and said, "Imperial Sister-in-law, your palace banquet arrangements are truly excellent. On such a bitterly cold day, the dishes are still piping hot when served."

Though everyone knew palace banquets weren’t primarily for dining, in the depths of winter, piping-hot dishes were far more comforting than cold ones laid out together.

Emperor Jingyuan remarked to Huo Ling, "With Ningxin’s praise, you can finally relax. Her standards are the highest, and she rarely compliments anyone."

Huo Ling asked, "Did you think I wouldn’t notice?"

Emperor Jingyuan countered, "Did you think I wouldn’t notice?"

Seeing the two of them ignoring her and resuming their conversation, Ningxin sighed to herself. At least her imperial brother was entertained now.

With Xu Shidu setting a good example, more and more people came forward to toast Huo Ling.

Now she understood why Emperor Jingyuan always dreaded banquets.

The toasts themselves were tolerable, but the accompanying words were just as dull.

At first, Huo Ling drank earnestly, but after polishing off over a dozen cups, she could no longer keep up and only took small sips each time.

Emperor Jingyuan, propping his chin on his hand as he drank, clearly noticed the change.

Huo Ling thought ruefully, "Your Majesty could’ve given me a heads-up."

Finally, Emperor Jingyuan admitted, "I forgot."

He signaled Li Man with a glance.

When Huo Ling’s cup was refilled again, she took a sip and immediately realized something was amiss—the wine had been replaced with warm honeyed water.

Without missing a beat, she asked, "Is Your Majesty’s cup filled with wine or honeyed water?"

Emperor Jingyuan laughed heartily at her question. "Try it and see."

Their easy intimacy, oblivious to onlookers, struck some ministers as a sign of marital harmony, but to others, it was painfully obvious.

Prince Duan hadn’t stopped drinking since taking his seat.

Seated too close to the imperial dais, even if he tried not to look, he couldn’t help but notice the interactions above.

The Princess Consort of Duan didn’t stop him.

In fact, even she knocked back a few extra drinks.

As Huo Ling set down Emperor Jingyuan’s wine cup, she caught sight of a young noblewoman and immediately recognized her. "Madam Ji."

The Madam Ji she referred to was the wife of Prince Su’s second son—and the mother of the third son Xu Shidu had mentioned.

During Huo Ling’s enthronement ceremony, Madam Ji had come with the Prince Su’s household to pay their respects.

Madam Ji looked pleasantly surprised. "Your Majesty remembers this lowly wife."

While Emperor Jingyuan chatted with his ministers, Huo Ling gestured for Madam Ji to draw nearer. "Madam Ji has a mole at the left corner of her lips. It struck me as charming, so I remembered."

After Madam Ji finished her toast, Huo Ling asked, "I hear you have two sons and a daughter. Did you bring them along tonight?"

Madam Ji was visibly excited, her smile radiant: "This time, I only brought my eldest son into the palace. San Lang and Second Young Miss are still young, and I feared they might act out at the palace banquet."

Huo Ling smiled and said, "The children of our Ji family have been taught etiquette by tutors since childhood. How could they act out at a palace banquet?" She then asked how old Second Young Miss was.

Upon hearing that Second Young Miss was six years old, Huo Ling remarked, "The age gap isn’t large between her and the First Princess and Second Princess. Next time Madam Ji has the time, you can bring the children into the palace."

Madam Ji readily agreed: "If Your Majesty doesn’t mind the noise of those children, I’ll bring them to the palace to pay their respects whenever Your Majesty is free."

Huo Ling replied, "Just bring them in. They won’t leave empty-handed."

Madam Ji left satisfied.

Emperor Jingyuan had faintly overheard Huo Ling’s conversation with Madam Ji and asked, "When did you become acquainted with the Prince Su residence?"

Huo Ling answered, "When I received wedding trousseau gifts, the Prince Su residence sent presents."

Glancing at those still waiting to toast, Huo Ling asked, "Your Majesty, shall we leave early?"

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled, "Then let’s take a walk by Moonlit Ripple Lake."

***

A full moon reflected on the lake, ripples scattering moonlight as the breeze passed through.

The winter in the capital was just as bitter as in Qing Yanxi.

Huo Ling stood by the railing as Emperor Jingyuan fastened her cloak’s hood over her head.

"‘Qing Yanxi’ describes Huo Xiangan as a renowned beauty of Yanxi, so I asked Cui Hongyi if the reputation was deserved."

"Cui Hongyi’s assessment was ‘celestial beauty.’”

"At first, I doubted it—until I saw you by Moonlit Ripple Lake that day. For a moment, I thought a goddess had alighted upon the moonlit waters."

Huo Ling’s eyes curved slightly. "Why did Your Majesty only tell me this now?"

Emperor Jingyuan cleared his throat. "Some words are hard to say outright to a minister’s daughter."

The wind was strong by Moonlit Ripple Lake, so after a brief pause, they moved to a nearby octagonal pavilion.

Huo Ling suddenly circled back to the Prince Su residence.

"Earlier, while speaking with Madam Ji, I thought of something."

Emperor Jingyuan asked, "What is it?"

Huo Ling said, "The First Princess and Second Princess are of age to begin their studies, but I noticed their tutors are all palace governesses and esteemed ladies of the capital."

Emperor Jingyuan was taken aback. "Do you find this arrangement unsuitable?"

Huo Ling replied, "Not exactly. It’s a time-honored custom. But Your Majesty has only these two princesses—spoiling them in every way is only natural."

"I’ve heard the Crown Prince studies daily at Tianzhang Pavilion, with imperial tutors from among the ministers for every subject."

As Empress, Huo Ling was responsible not only for overseeing the imperial household but also for the education and rearing of the imperial children.

She kept her distance from Ji Yuanwan’s affairs, and Emperor Jingyuan turned a blind eye to her approach.

Thus, her duties extended only to the two princesses.

"I believe the three children are near in age and shouldn’t be held to different standards. Let the two princesses also study at Tianzhang Pavilion, and select two ministers to serve as Princess Tutors to teach them history. What does Your Majesty think?"

Emperor Jingyuan did not respond immediately.

Yet his reaction only emboldened Huo Ling further.

The lack of immediate opposition precisely indicated that Emperor Jingyuan was earnestly considering her proposal.

Huo Ling pressed on: "Speaking of the most impressive members of the imperial family I've met, aside from Your Majesty, it would be Ning Xin. If our princesses could be like Ning Xin, that would be perfect."

Hearing Huo Ling praise his younger sister, Emperor Jingyuan chuckled: "Ning Xin ought to hear these words from you."

"I mean every word."

Holding Emperor Jingyuan's hand, Huo Ling softened her voice further: "Your Majesty, I do not know how the princesses feel, but I've always known my talents far surpassed my younger brother's, yet I got far less education."

"He was my own brother, and still, I often felt discontent. Between the Crown Prince and the princesses, there's even more distance."

At this point, Huo Ling guided Emperor Jingyuan's hand to her cheek: "Moreover, was it not precisely because of my achievements in Yanxi that Your Majesty first noticed me? Only small-minded men fear capable women."

Emperor Jingyuan traced his fingers gently along Huo Ling's face before finally saying: "Alright then."

"You are the Empress. If you believe this would benefit the two children, then let it be as you propose. As for the court ministers, I'll talk to them and see who might be willing to serve as Princess Tutors."

Huo Ling said: "I can't speak for others, but Minister Lu would surely be willing."

Emperor Jingyuan gave a wry laugh: "After the New Year, I'll ask him."

With that settled, Huo Ling shifted topics, talking with the Emperor until the palace banquet concluded, after which they retired to Fengyi Palace to rest.

Amid the rising steam, Huo Ling dozed in the bath after drinking her sobering soup, her mind going over the night's events:

To increase her influence in the imperial court, she would have to speak up on state affairs.

But as she had only recently become Empress, her main focus was to solidify her position and fulfill her duties before taking further steps.

Coincidentally, the education of the princesses was exactly the Empress's responsibility.

Even the court ministers couldn't argue with her suggestion.

If the princesses could study in Tianzhang Pavilion and have court ministers appointed as their Princess Tutors, it would undoubtedly gradually enhance their influence in court affairs without arousing excessive suspicion among the ministers.

It would also win favor with Consort De and Consort Xian, helping keep peace in the inner palace.

At this thought, Huo Ling's mind turned once more to Prince Su's household.

His Majesty spent nearly every night in Fengyi Palace, and they were often intimate. If she could bear His Majesty's child, it would naturally make everyone happy.

But if she remained unable to conceive, she would need to have a backup plan.

Since Prince Su's household had reached out, she had no reason to turn them away.

If nothing else, the princesses still needed companions—Madam Ji's second daughter could join them in the palace.

The following afternoon, when she saw who it was, Huo Ling smiled faintly—it was an old acquaintance.

"Royal Physician Xiang, it has been long since we parted in Yanxi. You seem unchanged."

"I should have come to pay respects to Your Majesty long ago, but unfortunately, I wasn't on duty until now. Please forgive my delay."

Physician Xiang bowed with respect to Empress Huo Ling.

Even though he had long known Huo Ling had become the Empress, standing before her now, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion: she looked unchanged, but the Empress's grace and bearing far exceeded her demeanor back in Yanxi.

Huo Ling gestured for him to rise. "Doctor Xiang saved my father. I'm deeply grateful."

Doctor Xiang stepped forward and began taking the Empress's pulse.

Huo Ling had always been in excellent health, not even needing medicinal tonics, so his visit was just routine before he soon departed.

Watching Doctor Xiang's departing figure, Huo Ling dismissed everyone else in the room, leaving only Wu Mo behind.

"Do you think Doctor Chen from the Huichun Hall would be willing to join the Imperial Hospital?"

This Doctor Chen was the young physician Huo Ling had invited to the medical tents during the Yong'an relief efforts.

Wu Mo was surprised. "Why is Your Majesty thinking of Doctor Chen?"

Huo Ling replied, "I want one or two trusted physicians in the Imperial Hospital."

It wasn’t that she distrusted the Imperial Hospital’s staff.

Rather, some matters required someone she could trust.

For instance, she wanted to inquire about issues regarding the Emperor's lineage. That wasn’t something she could easily ask Doctor Xiang or others. But with a trusted physician, she wouldn’t have such concerns.

Of course, she could choose one or two from the Imperial Hospital, but Huo Ling respected Doctor Chen's character and skill, which was why she thought of him first.

Wu Mo considered briefly. "I can send a letter to ask Doctor Chen. I believe he would agree."

"Yanxi is too small. If Doctor Chen stays there, his skills won’t advance much. Joining the Imperial Hospital would be an excellent opportunity for him."

"You’re right."

Huo Ling entrusted the matter to Wu Mo.

***

According to imperial tradition, on the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, all government offices would seal their documents, and Emperor Jingyuan would also seal the imperial jade seal. This would last until the 10th day of the first lunar month, when the offices would reopen and the Emperor would unseal the jade seal.

During this period, unless there were extremely urgent matters, no official business was conducted.

However, even without state affairs, Emperor Jingyuan wasn't idle.

As the Son of Heaven, the Emperor had to conduct ceremonies on behalf of the people at the turn of the year, praying for the nation's prosperity and favorable weather in the coming year.

As the Empress, Huo Ling also participated in these rites with Emperor Jingyuan to pray for the people’s well-being.

But for Huo Ling, the matters that truly required her attention were mostly settled. The sacrificial rites were primarily organized by the Ministry of Rites, and she only needed to follow their prescribed protocol.

When Consort De and Consort Xian came to pay their respects, Huo Ling shared her plans for the princesses’ education.

Having lived in the palace for so long, both Consort De and Consort Xian knew exactly what the Tianzhang Pavilion represented.

Though they didn’t fully grasp the political implications, they recognized it as a good thing. After their initial surprise, they expressed their gratitude.

When the topic turned to the young princesses’ studies, Consort De added, "After returning from the retreat palace, the Eldest Princess spoke of Your Majesty’s impressive skills in riding and archery, saying she aspired to emulate you."

Consort Xian silently fumed at Consort De's cunning—she wouldn't be outdone by her old rival. "No wonder the Second Princess has been diligently practicing riding and archery these days. I'd wondered what inspired her sudden hard work."

Huo Ling smiled and said, "The riding and archery instructors for the two princesses are excellent. Have them learn diligently from their instructors."

After a pause, she extended more goodwill: "I frequently visit the riding grounds to practice. If the princesses are free, they may accompany me."

Consorts De and Xian promptly assented.

While not the most astute, they were far from foolish.

If nothing else, Empress Huo's political maneuvers since entering the palace were beyond their reach.

Consort De, in particular, counted herself fortunate.

Thankfully, her uncle had not only helped her steer clear of the empress appointment controversy but also advised her to maintain good relations with Empress Huo.

To Huo Ling's surprise, the Duan princely household had no intention of summoning Ji Yuanwan home for the New Year's Eve dinner this year. Instead, they merely requested Emperor Jingyuan's permission for him to visit on the second day of the new year.

This arrangement appeared unfeeling at first.

But given the circumstances, it was actually the most prudent course.

Truly, one couldn’t count on their enemies to keep making mistakes.

When Emperor Jingyuan arrived at Fengyi Palace, Huo Ling was practicing archery.

After watching for a while, the emperor joined in.

Having loosed her final arrow, Huo Ling said, "Your Majesty, you haven't visited the western suburbs this year."

By custom, the emperor would reside there part of summer or winter. But this year, summer was spent at the summer retreat palace, and winter's affairs kept him occupied.

Thus the visit was postponed until now.

Emperor Jingyuan asked, "Do you wish to spend the New Year in the western suburbs?"

"Following the rites, let’s stay there until the tenth day before returning."

The emperor agreed with a smile, brushing snowflakes from her brow before leading her into the warmth of the palace.

"Every year, I write spring couplets (chunlian) for my ministers. Your calligraphy has improved—would you like to prepare the inkstone for me or write some together to gift to their wives?"

Huo Ling hadn’t expected this, but after practicing so long, she was eager to show her skill: "I’ll prepare the inkstone for Your Majesty, then write a few with you."

As she wrote, she mentioned how she used to oversee all household chunlian.

"This year, I only remembered gifts for my father but neglected to send any chunlian."

Emperor Jingyuan said, "Then write a few more to adorn the pillars of Fengyi Palace and Taihe Hall."

Whether from exhilaration, Huo Ling felt her strokes had improved this time.

She wrote nine in one go before the emperor stopped her, suggesting she rest before continuing.

While she drank tea, Emperor Jingyuan studied her brushwork and praised, "A Ling’s calligraphy grows more spirited."

That afternoon, prominent ministers like Wen Shengan, Lu Hang, and the Duke of Liu received an unusual bestowal from the palace—two spring couplets each.

One for them, one for their wives—a puzzling arrangement until they saw the similar yet distinct handwriting. Men like Lu Hang understood immediately.

Others, like Wen Shengan and the Duke of Liu, soon guessed the reason, musing privately whether the emperor was spoiling the empress by letting her participate in such matters.

But it was fitting for the empress to gift noblewomen, and their wives treasured the imperial calligraphy.

Seeing their wives’ delight and hearing the envy of other women, they could only grumble silently to themselves.