Chapter 57:

Chapter 57

Even my own nephew can study in the Tianzhang Pavilion...

The auspicious New Year couplets personally inscribed by Emperor Jingyuan are bestowed upon the high-ranking ministers of the court every year as a privilege.

Those who receive this privilege are usually the same group of officials, and everyone has grown accustomed to it.

But receiving spring couplets written by Her Majesty the Empress is unprecedented.

In addition to the gifts bestowed upon the wives of high-ranking ministers, the Duchess of Jingguo, Madam Ji, and Qiu Hongzhen’s wife each received a set.

This made them overjoyed.

What mattered most was not the material worth of the couplets, but the fact that Her Majesty the Empress remembered them.

By the time Emperor Jingyuan and Huo Ling finished the sacrificial ceremonies, the Duchess of Jingguo and the others had already found an opportunity to enter the palace and pay their respects to Huo Ling.

Speaking of the spring couplets, Madam Qiu said, "My husband was reluctant to hang them outside, saying they were personally gifted by Her Majesty the Empress. He feared they would fade and wear out under the sun and wind over time."

Huo Ling laughed. "Spring couplets are for hanging. If this year’s set wears out, I’ll bestow new ones next year."

Madam Qiu brightened further. "That’s exactly what I told him."

For her part, the Duchess of Jingguo chatted with Huo Ling about the Heir to the Duke of Jingguo, Zheng Xinjue, and Wu Feng.

The troops guarding the capital are simply called the Imperial Guards, but within the Imperial Guards, there are further divisions.

For instance, Zheng Xinjue and Wu Feng both belong to the Vermilion Guard, one of the four major battalions of the Imperial Guards.

Officially, Zheng Xinjue outranks Wu Feng, but those who understand the situation know that Wu Feng is one of the Empress’s most trusted confidants. Since Wu Feng joined the Vermilion Guard, Zheng Xinjue has made deliberate efforts to befriend him.

Now, Wu Feng has made himself at home in his role in the Vermilion Guard quite well.

Huo Ling was pleased to hear this. "I know Wu Feng’s nature better than anyone. If he’s adapted so quickly to the Vermilion Guard, it must be thanks to Zheng Xinjue’s guidance."

With these words from the Empress, her son’s friendship with Wu Feng was a wise investment. The Duchess of Jingguo was beaming with joy.

Madam Ji, having no old ties with Huo Ling, brought her three children along during this visit to the palace.

Among the three children, the eldest, Da Lang (Eldest Son), was only nine years old, robust and energetic.

The youngest, San Lang (Third Son), was four this year, dressed in a thick red coat and a tiger-head hat. Round-cheeked and fair-skinned, he stood before Huo Ling, fumbling to clasp his hands together in a New Year’s greeting due to his bulky clothes, but still earnestly reciting auspicious phrases in his childish voice.

Huo Ling had prepared gifts well in advance for the three children.

Da Lang and San Lang received similar gifts, though Da Lang, who had already begun his studies, was given an additional calligraphy kit. San Lang, being younger, received intricate toys instead.

But the one who received the most gifts was Er Niangzi (Second Daughter).

From calligraphy kits to luxurious silks, and even jewelry suitable for a young girl—she was lavished with presents.

Huo Ling beckoned the little girl to her side and asked in detail about her age, daily activities at home, and what books she had read.

Er Niangzi was seven years old and had only read basic primers like *Kaimeng Yaoxun* and *The Three Character Classic*.

Huo Ling quizzed her with a few lines from *The Three Character Classic*, and the little girl answered each one correctly.

She seems to enjoy studying.

Huo Ling said to Madam Ji, "Second Young Lady is about the same age as the Second Princess, and they are relatives too. They should naturally spend more time together."

"After the New Year, the Second Princess will be studying at Tianzhang Pavilion, and she still lacks a study partner. If you are willing, let Second Young Lady enter the palace to study together."

Madam Ji had not expected such a pleasant surprise from her palace visit and thanked her profusely.

Nearby, the Duchess of Jingguo and Madam Qiu couldn’t help feeling envious, regretting that their own families didn’t have children the right age. Having a child serve as a princess’s study partner was a recognition of their family's standing.

Huo Ling hosted the ladies at Fengyi Palace for lunch and then had the Second Princess and Second Young Lady meet each other before seeing them off.

Upon returning to Prince Su's manor, Madam Ji had the servants take the children away and first sought out her husband. Together, they went to see her father-in-law and recounted the events at the palace in detail.

Prince Su lay on his daybed, eyes closed, his gaunt face showing his illness. After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes and asked in a hoarse voice of illness, "Are you certain Her Majesty said the Second Princess would study at Tianzhang Pavilion?"

Madam Ji confirmed it.

While others might not know what Tianzhang Pavilion represented, Prince Su, having grown up in the palace, knew perfectly well.

During the reigns of the Grand Ancestor and Emperor Taizong, only the crown prince was allowed to study at Tianzhang Pavilion. Though the rules had loosened over time, there had never been a precedent for a princess to study there.

Why?

Because, according to the palace's layout, Tianzhang Pavilion was located in the outer court, not the inner palace.

Allowing the two princesses to enter the outer court—not to interfere with state affairs or voice opinions, but simply to study—left court officials with no grounds to object.

After all, the Emperor had only these two own daughters.

If even his nephews could study at Tianzhang Pavilion, how could his own daughters be denied?

If court officials truly protested, what would His Majesty think?

This move was truly clever.

Prince Su did not share his thoughts with his son and daughter-in-law, simply saying, "Her Majesty's invitation for Second Young Lady to serve as the princess’s study partner is an honor for her."

Madam Ji agreed, though she was somewhat puzzled: "I noticed Her Majesty didn’t show particular favor to San Lang."

Prince Su replied, "That is precisely Her Majesty's wisdom."

The Empress had only recently entered the palace and was still consolidating her position. If she had shown open favor toward San Lang at this stage, it would only provoke vigilance from Prince Duan's and Duke of Liu's households without achieving anything.

But by inviting Second Young Lady into the palace, she maintained her relationship with Prince Su's household without alarming Prince Duan or Duke of Liu.

As for the future—

His Majesty was in his prime; there was no need to rush.

Just as Prince Su had anticipated, when word came that Madam Ji had taken her three children to the palace to pay respects to the Empress, many had their own thoughts.

***

But soon, word came—the Empress had selected Second Young Lady of the Ji family as the princess’s study partner.

The focus quickly turned from San Lang to the matter of the princesses studying at Tianzhang Pavilion.

However, regardless of what people privately thought, no one dared speak up, much less enter the palace to admonish the Emperor and Empress and spoil their New Year’s festivities.

Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan remained in the palace until the third day of the New Year before departing for the Western Suburbs Villa, only returning to the palace on the tenth day.

Once the Lantern Festival passed, Huo Ling’s first Lunar New Year celebration in the palace came to an end.

The selection of Princess Tutors for the two princesses was now underway.

As Huo Ling had expected, Lu Hang, that sly old fox, was the first to volunteer to teach the princesses.

Emperor Jingyuan named the Rector of the National Academy as the second tutor.

Unlike Lu Hang, the Rector was quite reluctant to take on the role of Princess Tutor. This reluctance showed in his lectures to the two princesses, where he droned on verbatim from the texts, paying no attention to whether the Elder Princess, the Younger Princess, or their companions could follow along. He frequently spouted classical allusions and pompous lectures.

The young girls, having been told by their elders to study diligently, tried their best to listen attentively. However, the Rector's lessons left them fighting off yawns.

The Elder Princess, gentle by nature, simply assumed this was the Rector's preferred teaching style. But the Younger Princess was far from pleased. "If this is his level of teaching, how did he even become the Rector of the National Academy? He’s practically scamming his students!"

The Rector was also Ji Yuanwan’s teacher. The Younger Princess privately pumped Ji Yuanwan for details about how the Rector usually conducted his lessons with him.

Clueless, Ji Yuanwan answered honestly. When teaching Ji Yuanwan, the Rector also frequently quoted classics but clearly adjusted the material to Ji Yuanwan’s level, ensuring it didn’t exceed his comprehension.

Fuming, the Younger Princess stormed off to Noble Consort Xian’s quarters to lodge a complaint.

Noble Consort Xian comforted her daughter, "The Rector is just a fuddy-duddy. Why bother with him?"

"Mom, you’re taking her side!" the Younger Princess snapped. "He thinks we’re beneath him."

Finding no support from her mother, the Younger Princess's frustration boiled over. Ignoring the late hour, she grabbed her attendants and headed straight to Fengyi Palace.

Huo Ling was sharing a meal with the Emperor at the time.

Hearing that the Younger Princess had arrived, Emperor Jingyuan asked in surprise, "Why is she coming at this hour?"

"She wouldn’t come unannounced unless it’s important," Huo Ling replied.

The Emperor chuckled but refrained from making any dismissive remarks like "What urgent matter could a child have?"

Huo Ling turned to Cui Hongyi and said, "Quickly invite the Younger Princess in and set an extra place for her. At this hour, she probably hasn’t eaten yet."

The Younger Princess had arrived in a huff, but by the time she stood outside Fengyi Palace, most of that anger had dissipated.

Once ushered inside and faced with Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan at dinner, her anger faltered.

"Your Majesties," she greeted.

"Join us, child," Emperor Jingyuan said warmly.

The Younger Princess slid into a seat.

After the meal, Huo Ling didn’t directly ask why the Younger Princess had come so suddenly. Instead, she inquired about her studies at the Tianzhang Pavilion (the imperial academy).

Clever as she was, the Younger Princess was still a child. As she spoke, she ended up revealing all about the Rector’s differential treatment.

Emperor Jingyuan frowned slightly, displeased.

But Huo Ling smiled and said, "No need to fret—your mother will handle it tomorrow."

"If this Chancellor of the Imperial Academy refuses to teach you properly, it is his loss. In a few days, your father will select a new Imperial Tutor to the Princesses for you."

Huo Ling passed the matter to Emperor Jingyuan, who also promised to make a careful selection this time.

Only then did the Second Princess brighten with delight. She no longer disturbed Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan and left Fengyi Palace (the Empress's residence) contentedly.

In front of his daughter, Emperor Jingyuan could not show his anger, but in Huo Ling's presence, he held nothing back: "This Chancellor Jiang agreed readily when I issued the decree, yet he dared to deceive me thus."

Huo Ling had no patience for such shortsighted men.

These people might not necessarily be loyal to Prince Duan or the Duke of Liu's household, but they inherently believed that boys should receive more rigorous classical education.

They would not openly defy Emperor Jingyuan's decree, but they withheld their full effort in teaching the princesses. Despite possessing full capability, they were stingy in applying it.

"I do have a plan to deal with him, though it may slightly overstep my authority."

Emperor Jingyuan asked, "What plan?"

After Huo Ling explained, Emperor Jingyuan thought for a moment and said, "As the Empress, if you are dissatisfied with an official’s teaching of the princesses, issuing an edict of reprimand is perfectly acceptable."

"Then Your Majesty must cooperate with me."

With Emperor Jingyuan's approval, early the next morning, Huo Ling composed an edict of censure, stamped with the Empress's phoenix seal (a symbol of her authority), and sent Cui Hongyi to the Imperial Academy.

Chancellor Jiang, hearing that a palace attendant had arrived, assumed Emperor Jingyuan had some instructions.

But as soon as he knelt and saw Cui Hongyi produce the edict from his robe, his expression darkened.

Cui Hongyi paid no heed to his reaction and immediately began reading the decree.

Upon hearing its contents, Chancellor Jiang went deathly pale, nearly collapsing.

The edict did not say much—only that Chancellor Jiang was unfit for the role of Imperial Tutor to the Princesses and failed to teach them properly.

Since the princesses had not yet undergone the ceremonial rites to honor him as their teacher, there was no need to trouble him further. The Empress would engage a more suitable instructor for the two princesses.

Truly, Chancellor Jiang would have preferred Empress Huo to scold him harshly in the edict rather than deliver such a precisely calibrated rebuke.

He was, after all, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, responsible for teaching and overseeing its scholars.

Yet now, Empress Huo had directly issued an edict of reprimand, condemning him as an incompetent tutor to the princesses.

If he could not even properly teach two children under ten, how could he retain any dignity in overseeing the Imperial Academy?

"Chancellor, please receive the decree."

Cui Hongyi smiled as he looked at Chancellor Jiang.

Pale and trembling, Chancellor Jiang accepted the decree with both hands: "This humble official has failed the trust of His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."

After Cui Hongyi left, a subordinate came to help Chancellor Jiang up. "My lord, what happened?"

Chancellor Jiang's mouth twisted in a bitter grimace, but he said nothing. He returned to his quarters and wrote a memorial, admitting his incompetence as Imperial Tutor to the Princesses and his shame in continuing to teach the young masters and scholars of the Imperial Academy. He requested to resign as Chancellor.

The principal ministries in the capital were all located in the same district, and since Huo Ling's edict had not been issued privately, the news quickly reached the Censorate.

And what kind of people were in the Censorate? They had the authority to file impeachment memorials based on hearsay—meaning they could submit accusations even without solid evidence, acting on mere rumor.

Let alone this time, when it was not mere hearsay but an established fact. [Historical note: The Censorate played a crucial role in imperial China, monitoring officials' conduct and ensuring administrative integrity.]

Since when does the Empress issue edicts directly to court officials? Worse yet, this edict pressured the Rector of the National Academy to submit his resignation.

If this becomes standard practice, the Empress could now drive out the Rector of the National Academy, and in the future, she could dismiss other ministers as well.

Before the censors could even discuss a countermeasure, news came from the palace that Emperor Jingyuan had rejected Chancellor Jiang’s resignation, stating that the matter of the Princess Tutor was separate from that of the Rector of the National Academy, and the two should not be conflated.

Her Majesty also bestowed gifts upon Madam Jiang and her daughter, claiming it was in recognition of Chancellor Jiang’s hard work and merits, and thus his family was specially rewarded.

This series of maneuvers left the censors at a complete loss.

Chancellor Jiang’s own feelings were complicated. Watching his wife and daughter’s delighted expressions, he sighed and covered his face.

Noticing his expression, Madam Jiang dismissed their daughter and the servants, then inquired in detail about what had happened.

Upon learning what Chancellor Jiang had done, Madam Jiang rolled her eyes so hard, showing no sympathy for her husband.

"Really now, if you were teaching both the young master and the Two Princesses at the same time, why did you treat them so differently? Aren’t the Two Princesses of higher status than the young master?"

Chancellor Jiang sighed. "My mind just went blank in the moment."

Madam Jiang snapped, "If you ask me, you’ve become too rigid from all that studying—hung up on male-female differences but forgetting the hierarchy of status."

Massaging his temples, Chancellor Jiang quickly changed the subject. "Now that His Majesty and Her Majesty have rejected my resignation, I don’t know what to do."

Madam Jiang also worried for her husband. "How about this—tomorrow I’ll seek an audience with Her Majesty and try to sound her out."

This all still hinged on Her Majesty’s stance.

Madam Jiang’s request was swiftly sent, and the palace responded just as quickly. On the morning of the third day, Madam Jiang took the Jiang eldest daughter to the palace to seek an audience with Her Majesty.

Her Majesty received Madam Jiang warmly. Hearing that Madam Jiang hailed from the south, she even chatted with her about the scenery and cuisine of the region.

After speaking with Madam Jiang, Her Majesty turned her gaze to the Jiang eldest daughter.

The Jiang eldest daughter was eleven years old, with refined features and a serene demeanor. Sitting properly to the side, she looked like she’d walked straight out of an imperial portrait.

Her Majesty praised, "What a lovely young lady."

Coming from anyone else, such praise might have been ordinary, but Madam Jiang glanced at Her Majesty’s face and thought the Empress looked even more beautiful than she had during the coronation ceremony.

The Jiang eldest daughter also turned pink with shyness.

After complimenting her, Her Majesty tested the girl’s knowledge and remarked approvingly, "As expected of Chancellor Jiang and Madam Jiang’s daughter—so learned for your age. Where do you usually study?"

The Jiang eldest daughter replied, "I usually study alone at home."

Her Majesty said, "Studying by yourself? How dreary. Why not come to the palace and study with the Princesses? You’ll have companions."

The Jiang eldest daughter widened her eyes and shot her mother a questioning glance.

Madam Jiang was also startled, never dreaming Her Majesty would name her daughter as a study companion for the Princesses.

Unsure of Her Majesty’s intentions but seeing that the offer had been made, Madam Jiang nodded faintly to her daughter.

The Jiang eldest daughter immediately responded happily, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

When Madam Jiang and her daughter left the palace, Her Majesty even gave the Jiang eldest daughter a scholar’s prized writing set, telling her to gather her things—they’d send for her in two days’ time to begin studying in the palace.

"All the study companions lodge with the Princesses."

"There's no shortage of attendants in the palace, nor any lack of daily necessities. Just pack some personal items you're accustomed to, and the rest will be arranged by the Imperial Household Department."

"You'll get one day off every ten days, and the palace will arrange for our daughter to be escorted back to the Jiang residence so your family can reunite."

Every arrangement was meticulous and considerate, leaving it beyond reproach.

Chancellor Jiang had taken half a day off specifically to wait anxiously at home, when his wife and daughter finally returned.

Seeing their cheerful expressions, he heaved a sigh of relief before asking what had happened at the palace.

Madam Jiang dismissed the servants and quickly recounted everything that had happened there, then asked, "What do you think Her Majesty means by this?"

First reprimanding Chancellor Jiang as unfit to be the Princess Tutor, then choosing our daughter as the princesses' companion.

This... this had Madam Jiang completely baffled.

"What does it mean?"

This matter, Chancellor Jiang had finally figured this out.

He smiled bitterly, "Her Majesty is using both carrot and stick."

First using an imperial decree to make him tender his resignation as Rector of the National Academy.

Had Their Majesties readily accepted his resignation, it might have caused resentment among the court officials toward the Empress.

Thus, the Emperor rejected his resignation.

Subsequently, the Empress selected our daughter as the princesses' companion.

This move indicated that Her Majesty was merely dissatisfied with his teaching approach for the princesses, not rejecting the Jiang family's upbringing.

Thereby allowing him to remain head of the National Academy.

From start to finish, the Empress had only issued one decree and met with Madam Jiang and their daughter once. The only cost was offering a position as the princesses' companion.

Madam Jiang confirmed, "So it should be fine for our daughter to enter the palace as a companion?"

Chancellor Jiang replied, "It should be fine, let her go. Her Majesty wouldn't trouble a young girl."

Madam Jiang was speechless. Of course, someone as noble and dignified as the Empress wouldn't stoop to troubling a young girl. What worried her was: "You offended the Two Princesses. Is it really alright for our daughter to enter the palace like this?"

Chancellor Jiang went rigid, instinctively wanting to deny ever offending the princesses, but recalling the decree, his lips twitched, "I was just getting too caught up in details during the lecture. That's how I usually teach at the National Academy."

Madam Jiang asked, "And when you lecture the eldest prince, is it the same?"

Chancellor Jiang had no answer.

Madam Jiang urged him, "If nothing else, you should apologize to the Two Princesses. Do it for our daughter."

Chancellor Jiang: "..."

After much persuasion from Madam Jiang, he finally gave in, "Have our daughter pass along a message for me."

"That's not good enough," she said, "it's not sincere enough." Madam Jiang said, "Aren't you still going to the Tianzhang Pavilion to lecture the eldest prince? Apologize to the Two Princesses while you're there."

Seeing Chancellor Jiang's reluctant attitude, Madam Jiang was getting frustrated.

"Don't act like this when you're in front of the princesses."

"If you anger the princesses again and Her Majesty issues another edict, I wonder if you'll still have the face to stay in the capital."

At the mention of "Her Majesty," Chancellor Jiang finally came to his senses: "Fine. I understand."

Once Chancellor Jiang adjusted his attitude, he properly apologized to the princesses.

The Second Princess waved her hand in satisfaction: "If you'd just done this from the start, I wouldn’t have had to bother Father and Mother."

Chancellor Jiang almost choked—so it really was you who reported me!

The key was not just that she had reported him, but that she had blatantly said so.

But faced with a little princess even younger than his own daughter, Chancellor Jiang could only smile wryly.

However, while Chancellor Jiang was apologizing to the princesses, Ji Yuanwan also came to apologize to him.

"Second Elder Sister came to ask me about your teaching that day. I didn’t think much of it and told her, which is why she got so angry."

Chancellor Jiang sighed: "There’s no need for Your Highness to apologize. This isn’t your fault."

In the end, it was his own failure to adjust his attitude—he couldn’t blame anyone else.

Looking at the mature-beyond-his-years Ji Yuanwan, and thinking of that astute young Empress, Chancellor Jiang made a decision: he wanted no part in the matter of adopting an heir.

The faction of Prince Duan was powerful, and that Empress was certainly not someone to cross.

Better to remain neutral and lose out on future advantages than to pick the wrong side.

***

After the first month of the year passed, the ice and snow melted, and nature came back to life. The Weeping Crabapple outside Fengyi Palace came alive with blossoms once more.

At this time, Her Majesty Huo Ling was meeting with Doctor Chen in the palace.

Doctor Chen had received Wu Mo’s letter around the Lantern Festival. Without much hesitation, he packed his belongings and brought his family to the capital.

Upon arriving, he followed the instructions in the letter and found the residence of the Commandery Lady.

Huo Ling had left some of her people at the Commandery Lady’s residence, so as soon as she received word, she summoned Doctor Chen.

Doctor Chen said sincerely, "I thank Your Majesty for remembering me."

His medical skills were decent in Yanxi, but compared to the talented physicians of the Imperial Hospital, they pale in comparison.

If not for Her Majesty giving him this opportunity, he would never have been able to secure a position in the Imperial Hospital on his own.

Huo Ling replied, "I befriended Doctor Chen in humble times. This is merely a small effort on my part. As long as you serve diligently in the Imperial Hospital, my intentions will not have been in vain." She then asked where he was staying and whether he had brought his family to the capital.

Doctor Chen was even more moved by her words.

After reminiscing, Huo Ling instructed Cui Hongyi to escort Doctor Chen to the Imperial Hospital and ensure he was properly settled.

For Huo Ling, Doctor Chen was just a backup plan—not needed right away—so once Cui Hongyi left with him, she put it out of her mind and began attending to palace matters.

After their lessons, the Eldest Princess and the Second Princess came together to greet her.

"What brings you here?" Huo Ling asked the two girls.

The Second Princess, who had grown fond of her stepmother for being so reasonable and regal, excitedly told how Chancellor Jiang had apologized.

Huo Ling thought to herself, "I originally thought he was a fool, but it turns out he has some brains after all."

"That's good. You are princesses, so there's no need to tolerate ministers, but don’t go out of your way to antagonize them either."

The Second Princess nodded repeatedly. "Don’t worry, Mother. I’m generous and have already forgiven Chancellor Jiang."

The eldest princess finally added, "Mother, I’m not angry anymore either." Then she teased her sister, "At most, you’re barely grown-up."

Huo Ling had the palace kitchen prepare some snacks for the two princesses. Hearing the eldest princess’s remark, she couldn’t help but smile.

When Emperor Jingyuan visited that evening, Huo Ling told him about the apology.

Emperor Jingyuan shook his head with a laugh. "At least he knows which way the wind blows."

Huo Ling replied, "It’s only because Your Majesty is magnanimous. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let him off so easily."

Emperor Jingyuan glanced at her twice, suppressing a chuckle. "That Jiang Tang must have been quite spooked by your 'gentle' methods."

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have changed his tune so fast.

Huo Ling took Emperor Jingyuan’s arm. "Did Your Majesty get startled too?"

Emperor Jingyuan laughed heartily and praised her, "Excellent work."

Huo Ling smiled knowingly, now fully understanding Emperor Jingyuan’s intentions.

The Emperor surely understood the purpose behind her supporting the princesses’ studies at the Tianzhang Academy.

Yet he still approved of her approach.

If she wanted to build an empress's faction and win over court officials to her side, she had to increase her influence over the court and show her political acumen.

He didn’t just express his support in words—he also stood with her in deed.

That was why she could effectively discipline Chancellor Jiang.