Chapter 64: The Emperor’s Heart.

Chapter 64: The Emperor's Heart.

It was midsummer in July, with cicadas chirping outside the palace and the heat rising in waves.

Inside Changqing Palace, the coolness emanating from melting ice dispelled the oppressive summer warmth.

Wispy smoke rose from the incense burner on the desk, burning Huo Ling’s favorite incense.

Through the hazy smoke, Huo Ling lifted her gaze to Emperor Jingyuan, who sat across from her.

Emperor Jingyuan’s expression was calm, as if he had just made an offhand remark.

Had he mentioned any other child—even Ji Yuanwan—Huo Ling would not have paid much attention.

But the sudden mention of Ji Sanlang made her unable to dismiss it as idle talk.

She chose a diplomatic answer: "They’re just children. They seldom leave the capital, so I’d be worried if any of them were injured at the summer palace."

Emperor Jingyuan nodded. "For such a young child, a face wound is particularly concerning."

Having lived closely with Emperor Jingyuan, Huo Ling understood him better than most people.

His tone remained composed as usual, but she could sense that her answer failed to satisfy him.

"As the empress and mistress of this summer palace, it’s only proper for me to express concern when a guest is injured. But I wouldn’t usurp their parents’ place."

"This might sound harsh, but I must admit I was relieved to hear that neither princess was hurt."

She spoke sincerely, perfectly conveying her stance.

Her concern for Ji Sanlang came from her position as empress and hostess.

Since Ji Sanlang usually called her “Imperial Aunt,” acting indifferent would have seemed heartless.

But Ji Sanlang had his own parents.

She cared more about the two princesses.

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled at her words. "I know. I heard everything you said to Cui Hongyi."

So, it wasn’t because of her earlier reaction that he had suddenly mentioned “Ji Sanlang.”

Was it because Madam Ji had been frequently bringing her two children over these days?

As Huo Ling pondered, Emperor Jingyuan summoned servants to remove the chilled bowls and bring in a pot of hot tea.

This series of actions showed he wanted to drop the topic of Ji Sanlang.

If Huo Ling simply took a sip of tea and commented on its flavor, the subject would be closed—at least on the surface.

But just because it was brushed aside didn’t mean the underlying issue had vanished.

"Your Majesty," Huo Ling said, holding the warm teacup and gesturing for the attendants to withdraw.

An emperor’s thoughts were hard to read. Even with her deep understanding of Emperor Jingyuan, Huo Ling couldn’t decipher all his intentions. Since she couldn’t, she gave up trying.

He had brought up Ji Sanlang, so she would discuss Ji Sanlang with him openly.

"Do you believe that my friendship with Prince Su’s household is an attempt to set Ji Sanlang against the eldest prince?"

The bluntness of her words almost made Emperor Jingyuan spit out his tea.

He set down his cup, momentarily speechless.

In the silence, Huo Ling suddenly laughed.

Her laugh cut through the tension, and she handed a handkerchief to Emperor Jingyuan.

"Your Majesty, do you remember when I told you that after the decree naming me empress, many people came to present gifts?"

"At the time, I asked if you wanted to see the list of those gifts, but you told me to handle it myself."

Seeing Huo Ling staring at him, waiting for his reply, Emperor Jingyuan said, "That’s true."

Huo Ling spoke calmly, as if merely chatting with Emperor Jingyuan rather than urgently trying to prove her innocence.

"So I never mentioned to Your Majesty that during my dowry ceremony, Prince Su's household sent me a generous gift."

"Prince Su is your late father’s brother, your own uncle, and head of the Imperial Clan Office, holding an extremely high position within the imperial clan. Since they sought to befriend me, I had no reason to push them away, so I went along and picked their second daughter as the princess’s companion."

"Of course, even if Prince Su’s household had no connection with me, I would still have considered their second daughter when choosing a companion for the princess."

Prince Su’s standing was beyond question.

Unless Huo Ling had no intention of selecting someone from the imperial clan,

then as long as she did choose from the imperial clan, the second daughter of Prince Su’s household would naturally be the first choice.

"My interactions with Prince Su’s household have always been out in the open."

"In the capital, every time Madam Ji entered the palace, it was logged at the Vermilion Bird Gate; here at the summer palace, I’ve always received Madam Ji in this very hall."

"If I said I had no idea about Prince Su’s intentions, Your Majesty would surely think me dishonest—"

"But Prince Su’s intentions are just that—Prince Su’s intentions."

Huo Ling held Emperor Jingyuan’s hand and said softly, "You might not like hearing this, but—you’re still in your prime, and I’ve only been in the palace less than a year. Even if there were any plans, there’d be no need to hurry things along now."

Faced with Prince Su’s overtures, Huo Ling couldn’t say she was entirely without motives.

But more than anything, she was simply playing along.

Prince Su extended goodwill, and she accepted it.

But to say she was eager to drive out Ji Yuanwan and bring Ji Sanlang into the palace—that wasn’t the case.

The ones truly eager to remove Ji Yuanwan and bring in Ji Sanlang were Prince Su’s people.

There were so many children among the imperial clan, and she had met Ji Sanlang fewer than ten times in total. He wasn’t the only option.

She wasn’t firmly established yet—why would she stick her neck out for Ji Sanlang now?

After Ji Yuanwan entered the palace, Emperor Jingyuan’s attitude toward Prince Duan and the Duke of Liu—others might not see it, but Huo Ling knew better.

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled and asked Huo Ling, "Why bring this up now?"

Seeing him play dumb, Huo Ling couldn’t help but laugh too. "It crossed my mind, so I figured I’d mention it."

She turned her gaze toward the palace entrance, changing the subject. "What’s taking Cui Hongyi so long?"

Emperor Jingyuan said, "Since we have nothing better to do, why not go and take a look?"

Huo Ling replied, "Alright."

But just as Huo Ling stood up and took two steps, Emperor Jingyuan pulled her back.

"A Ling, regarding Yuanwan's matter, I have my own considerations."

Huo Ling looked at Emperor Jingyuan, waiting for him to continue.

However, Emperor Jingyuan only hinted at it: "Think it over yourself first. If you truly can't figure it out, then come and ask me."

Originally, Emperor Jingyuan hadn't planned to reveal his thoughts or considerations. But just as he decided to change the subject, Huo Ling shared her feelings about Prince Su's family.

Perhaps to reassure her, he was willing to let her see his real thoughts about the succession.

The summer palace was shaded by massive trees with thick canopies.

***

Walking beneath the dense canopy, Huo Ling turned over Emperor Jingyuan's words in her mind.

Before she could make sense of it, they arrived at their destination.

Things were still in chaos there. Even from a distance, Huo Ling could hear arguing voices from the crowd.

Princess Elder Ningxin and Xu Shidu had also arrived.

The mother and daughter stood under a large tree, some distance from the crowd. Unless someone was specifically looking for them, they were easy to miss at first.

Princess Elder Ningxin appeared calm, as if she wasn't overly concerned about the dispute.

Xu Shidu, however, wasn't as composed as her mother, showing clear anxiety on her face.

Emperor Jingyuan waved at Li Man, who was about to announce "His Majesty and Her Majesty have arrived," and walked with Huo Ling toward Princess Elder Ningxin.

Princess Elder Ningxin waved her round fan and greeted them, "Brother Emperor, Sister Empress, you've come too."

Huo Ling inquired of the mother and daughter, "How are things?"

"They'll be at it for a while," Princess Elder Ningxin said. "You came a bit early."

Her mother's attitude of enjoying the show was far too obvious, Xu Shidu thought with some exasperation, before adding on her behalf, "San Lang has already been taken to a nearby hall to treat his wounds."

"Yuan Kang was frightened and got some bumps and bruises, so he was also taken aside to calm down."

Ji Dalang and Ji Yuanwan, however, remained here.

Prince Su was too senior to get involved in matters among his grandchildren, so only Second Lord Ji and his wife came.

Prince Duan and Princess Consort Duan came straight over when they heard the news.

While Huo Ling spoke with Xu Shidu, Wu Mo brought Cui Hongyi over.

After Cui Hongyi bowed in greeting, Huo Ling asked with concern, "Where are the two princesses? I don't see them."

Cui Hongyi replied, "The two princesses have taken the Ji family's second daughter to rest."

Huo Ling caught the unease in his voice: "Sent away to rest? What happened to the second daughter?"

Cui Hongyi didn't dare hide the truth: "Ji Sanlang was hurt on the face. When Madam Ji arrived and saw him covered in blood, she nearly passed out at the sight. In her distress, she blamed the second daughter for not watching over her younger brother properly and not rushing forward to protect him like Ji Dalang did."

Her brow furrowed.

For Madam Ji to say such a thing, she must’ve lost her composure completely.

Emperor Jingyuan said, “Tell us exactly what Prince Duan’s and Prince Su’s households did after they arrived.”

The two families arrived almost at the same time.

When Madam Ji saw Ji Sanlang’s bloodied face, she clutched him and burst into tears.

It wasn’t until the imperial physician arrived that she finally stopped crying.

Meanwhile, the Princess Consort of Duan checked Ji Yuankang for injuries.

Seeing the scrapes on Ji Yuankang, her heart ached.

But Ji Yuankang was clearly at fault. The Princess Consort had gotten a good look at the wound on Ji Sanlang’s face.

So after Ji Sanlang and Ji Yuankang were taken away, she apologized to Madam Ji on Ji Yuankang’s behalf and promised to use the best ointments so Ji Sanlang wouldn’t be scarred.

Huo Ling asked, “Madam Ji didn’t accept this resolution, did she?”

Otherwise, they wouldn’t still be arguing.

Cui Hongyi confirmed it and, after softening his words, recounted the points of contention between the Princess Consort of Duan and Madam Ji.

Madam Ji refused because she believed Ji Yuankang pushed him on purpose.

Otherwise, with so many kites scattered on the ground, how could Ji Yuankang have chosen the exact same one Ji Sanlang had his heart set on?

Hearing this, the Princess Consort snapped back, accusing Madam Ji of making a big deal out of nothing and trying to pick a fight.

After all, Ji Yuankang was actually a few months younger than Ji Sanlang. What toddler would be told to do something so cruel?

Ji Dalang, on the other hand, was already nine years old. However worried he was about Ji Sanlang, he shouldn’t have pushed Ji Yuankang.

If anyone acted deliberately, it was Ji Dalang who seemed more likely.

With both sides digging in their heels, the situation quickly became a stalemate, and things got heated—neither side willing to give an inch.

To admit fault now would feel like admitting their own child had intentionally harmed a cousin.

Xu Shidu had only arrived a little before Huo Ling and hadn’t known any of this.

Now, hearing Cui Hongyi’s account, her eyes went wide: “We’re all family—we see each other all the time. How did it come to this?”

She was the only one who would ask such a question.

Huo Ling didn’t respond aloud but understood perfectly why it had come to this.

On the surface, this was just a case of children roughhousing without care.

Even though Ji Sanlang was hurt, the injury wouldn’t leave a scar. Since they were close relatives, a little diplomacy, some sincere apologies, and proper amends should’ve been enough to move past it.

But when the people involved happened to be Ji Sanlang, Ji Yuankang, Ji Dalang, and Ji Yuanwan, a simple matter became anything but.

It could even be said that what Madam Ji and the Princess Consort of Duan were competing over was no longer just about who was right or wrong.

...

Madam Ji and the Princess Consort of Duan were at odds with each other, leaving Prince Duan unable to get a word in edgewise. He could only console Ji Yuanwan off to the side.

While speaking with Ji Yuanwan, Prince Duan caught sight in his peripheral vision of the group standing beneath a tree.

At his reminder, the Princess Consort of Duan and the others also noticed Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan.

Madam Ji said, "This arguing is getting us nowhere. Since His Majesty and Her Majesty are here, let them settle this."

Madam Ji’s proposal was reasonable, but upon hearing this, the Princess Consort of Duan felt her stomach drop—

Huo Ling and Madam Ji were clearly in cahoots. If Huo Ling were to judge, she would surely favor Ji Sanlang’s side.

At this thought, the Princess Consort of Duan’s anger was doused like a flame, leaving only smoldering remnants.

"Mother?"

Ji Yuanwan followed Prince Duan for a few steps, then noticing the Princess Consort of Duan wasn’t following, turned back to call her.

The Princess Consort of Duan quicklyened her pace to join them.

"Your Majesty, you must ensure justice is done for our San Lang."

As the Princess Consort of Duan approached, she happened to hear Madam Ji say this to Huo Ling, confirming her suspicions completely.

She clenched her jaw, then suddenly turned to Emperor Jingyuan and said, "Your Majesty, seeing San Lang injured grieves us elders deeply."

"But to escalate a children's quarrel into a conspiracy seems far too dramatic."

Emperor Jingyuan raised an eyebrow slightly but did not respond.

Prince Duan was baffled by the Princess Consort’s maneuver.

Who would bypass the Empress and go directly to the Emperor?

He quickly tried to cover for her: "Imperial Brother, the Princess Consort is simply flustered with concern."

Prince Duan then steered Ji Yuanwan by the shoulder, signaling him to stand behind Emperor Jingyuan and Huo Ling.

Ji Yuanwan obediently walked over, bowed, hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Imperial Uncle, Imperial Aunt, Yuan Kang definitely didn’t push San Lang down on purpose."

Huo Ling replied, "Don’t worry, we elders will see this settled fairly."

"You and Dalang have been outside for so long—go rest now. And check how your younger brothers are doing."

Huo Ling had Cui Hongyi take the two children away before turning back to the group.

"His Majesty and I understand the situation completely."

"Attendant Cui interviewed the palace staff nearby. It’s true that San Lang fell and scratched his face while tussling over the kite with Yuan Kang."

Huo Ling intended to handle the matter straightforwardly.

Since Ji Sanlang was injured, Ji Yuankang should make proper amends to him.

Ji Dalang pushed Ji Yuankang down in the heat of the moment. While understandable, he should also apologize to Ji Yuankang.

Ji Yuanwan and Ji Dalang’s tussle was justified, not only excusable but even commendable.

Fair and square, when there's fault, an apology is due.

This approach might not be the best possible, but it was the most widely acceptable.

Even the Princess Consort of Duan fell silent after hearing Huo Ling’s words.

Huo Ling waited briefly before announcing, pleased, “Then it’s settled—no objections.”

“Myself and His Majesty would like to check on the children. Let’s all go together.”

The Princess Consort of Duan and the others had only looked in on Ji Sanlang and Ji Yuankang at first. Later, as the children were taken to rest in the palace, the adults became so caught up in their arguments that they never returned to see them again.

Now, upon hearing Huo Ling’s words, everyone remembered the children and quickly followed the Emperor and Empress.

As soon as they entered the palace, Imperial Physician Hu came to greet them.

Huo Ling asked carefully about Ji Sanlang’s wound and Ji Yuankang’s condition.

Learning from the physician that Ji Sanlang’s injury wouldn’t leave a scar, Madam Ji breathed a sigh of relief.

Ji Yuankang had been frightened and had a good cry, but was now asleep from exhaustion, with nothing serious to worry about.

Huo Ling waved away the physician and proceeded with Emperor Jingyuan to visit Ji Sanlang.

In the side room where Ji Sanlang lay, he wasn't alone.

The Eldest Princess, the Second Princess, and Ji Erniang were all there.

The three girls surrounded Ji Sanlang, keeping him company.

His plump little face had already been cleaned.

Children have delicate skin, and the wound on his right cheek stretched about half as long as Huo Ling’s palm, with bruises around it and on his chin from the fall, making for a frightening sight.

After showing her concern, Huo Ling decided not to stay long.

She asked the Eldest and Second Princesses if they wanted to return with her.

They answered together affirmatively, leaving the side room to Ji Sanlang’s family.

After walking some distance, Huo Ling asked, “Did this scare you?”

The Eldest Princess shook her head and said no.

The Second Princess placed a hand on her chest: “I wasn’t scared by the fighting, but the arguing among the elders really scared me.”

The Eldest Princess twisted her sleeve in her hands and murmured, “If I hadn’t asked everyone to fly kites together, none of this would’ve happened. I caused trouble for Father and Mother.”

Huo Ling reassured her, “What trouble? When kids play together, some bumps are bound to happen. It’s wonderful that you, as the older sister, want to spend time playing with your younger siblings. Don’t blame yourself.”

The first hints of sunset appeared on the horizon—it was nearly time for dinner.

Huo Ling simply took the two princesses back to Changqing Palace, sharing a meal with them and having the kitchen prepare comforting treats to calm their nerves.

When both young girls had cheered up again, Huo Ling had them escorted back to rest.

After such a tiring day, Huo Ling herself felt somewhat weary.

Leaning back in the bath, she closed her eyes and slowly reflected on the day's events.

When thoughts of Prince Su came to mind, Huo Ling suddenly wondered.

She stepped out of the bath, changed into her sleeping robes with the help of her maids, and returned to the main chamber.

Emperor Jingyuan was lounging on the daybed reading a book. Huo Ling walked over, sat beside him, and took the book from his hands.

A wisp of steam trailed after her, and her damp hair brushed against Emperor Jingyuan’s neck.

Glancing at his now-empty palm, he absentmindedly twirled a loose strand of her hair: "What is it?"

Huo Ling tossed the book aside: "Your Majesty, I heard that Prince Su had been bedridden with illness for the past two years—is that true?"

Emperor Jingyuan looked surprised but answered nonetheless: "Indeed, since the year before last, the prince’s household frequently summoned imperial physicians to treat him."

So Prince Su’s illness was not fabricated.

Huo Ling remembered Emperor Jingyuan mentioning that Prince Su’s health had improved because they had found a new physician.

But after today’s events, Huo Ling suspected that Prince Su’s ability to wrest more time from fate—even accompanying the royal procession to the palace—might not be due to a new physician.

Rather, it was because Ji Sanlang had come into new fortune.

What had helped Prince Su endure his illness wasn’t the skill of any physician.

It was power.

Just like Prince Duan in the past—who was already possessed supreme wealth and rank—yet because his eldest son was raised in the palace, he could temporarily leave behind the comforts of the capital and go to oversee the warfront in Yanxi.

"Why ask about this so suddenly?"

Emperor Jingyuan’s voice pulled Huo Ling back from her thoughts.

She replied: "Your Majesty’s thoughts, I believe I have guessed them."

To say Emperor Jingyuan valued Ji Yuanwan greatly would be an overstatement.

Since Huo Ling entered the palace, Ji Yuanwan’s precarious position had been obvious to all.

If Emperor Jingyuan truly saw Ji Yuanwan as his sole future heir, he wouldn't have allowed him to remain in such an untenable position.

He would have tried to ease the relationship between Huo Ling and Ji Yuanwan.

Even if such "easing" were merely a pretense—to placate the palace staff and court officials—Ji Yuanwan’s position would have been more secure.

But to say Emperor Jingyuan was indifferent to Ji Yuanwan would also be untrue.

After reigning for years without an heir, the court grew restless, and Emperor Jingyuan himself was even more so.

In over two decades, he had failed to secure a healthy heir. Now, while he might still hold hope for a biological son, for the stability of the Empire, he had to make provisions.

Keeping Ji Yuanwan at court, allowing him to study in the Tianzhang Pavilion, and selecting ministers to instruct him—this was less about Emperor Jingyuan urgently needing an heir than the court needing such a child.

With such a child in the palace, even if Emperor Jingyuan never named him crown prince, should disaster strike…

The courtiers knew whom they should back for succession.

Great Yan would not descend into chaos due to a lack of successor.

For Emperor Jingyuan, Huo Ling's appearance was a welcome surprise.

Her boundless energy, radiating from her very being, allowed him to rediscover the nourishment of love. He, who had fallen into gloom after a series of setbacks, was invigorated by such vitality.

He wasn't young anymore, that was true.

Yet he hadn't suffered any serious illness in recent years, and his health was still in good shape.

Everyone said the Emperor might live ten thousand years. He didn't aspire to such longevity, but living another decade or two was certainly doable.

When it came to what came next—

His future, Huo Ling's future—of course, he would consider them all and make the necessary arrangements.

But not now, not when she had just entered the palace less than a year ago, making him worry about her future.

Ji Yuanwan was already in the palace.

If Emperor Jingyuan insisted on sending Ji Yuanwan away, the courtiers couldn't stop him. However, it would not be long before petitions would flood in, urging him—for the stability of the Empire, for the good of the nation—to select another child to be raised in the palace.

Ji Yuanwan already had a large bloc of officials supporting him.

If he abandoned Ji Yuanwan and chose Ji Sanlang to enter the palace, another group of officials would swiftly rally behind Ji Sanlang.

Those behind Ji Sanlang and those behind Ji Yuanwan would battle endlessly over the heir apparent's position.

The dispute between Madam Ji and the Princess Consort of Duan today was living proof of this.

This was different from forming an empress's faction.

Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan were one; the strengthening of the empress's faction was something Emperor Jingyuan welcomed.

But courtiers forming factions and competing would only disrupt the careful equilibrium that Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan had painstakingly achieved.

The current situation was so fragile that a single wrong move could unravel everything.

The matter of Ji Yuanwan being raised in the palace was decided long before Emperor Jingyuan met her.

Rather than directly sending Ji Yuanwan away, Emperor Jingyuan was leaning toward keeping things as they were.