Chapter 65: Why couldn’t he share power with her…

Chapter 65 Why Couldn’t He Share Power with Her...

A flurry of thoughts raced through Huo Ling’s mind, yet in reality, only moments had passed.

Emperor Jingyuan looked surprised.

He had only told Huo Ling that afternoon that regarding Ji Yuanwan, he had his own reasons.

Less than two hours had passed, and now Huo Ling said she’d already figured out his thinking.

How could Emperor Jingyuan not be astonished?

After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Jingyuan asked, “What exactly have you figured out?”

Some things went without saying between them—some matters were best left unspoken.

Thus, Huo Ling answered succinctly.

“Your Majesty must be deeply conflicted.”

“Much of what Prince Duan’s household and the Duke of Liu’s household do has displeased you. Between your empress and the eldest son, you have always favored me. But since one wrong move could upset everything, to avoid disrupting the hard-won stability, you must maintain the status quo.”

Resting his hand behind Huo Ling’s ear, Emperor Jingyuan drew her close and sighed softly, “It seems you’ve indeed guessed correctly.”

A cool breeze swept through, extinguishing a palace lantern.

Outside the hall, suddenly there was noise—the howling winds whipped through the trees, rustling loudly, while debris intermittently struck the roof and windows with dull thuds.

After a full day of stifling humidity, the gathering storm finally broke, engulfing the entire palace.

The daybed stood by the window, and as Huo Ling listened to the unending rain outside, she remained completely calm.

“Why so silent?” Emperor Jingyuan asked.

Huo Ling countered, “Does Your Majesty wish to have a heart-to-heart talk with your empress?”

Without waiting for his reply,

Huo Ling slipped out of his arms and sat facing him, settling into position for a serious talk.

Feeling her absence in his arms, Emperor Jingyuan smiled helplessly, but upon reflection, he did not refuse.

Not having an heir of his own blood remained an inescapable issue for him.

If they didn’t discuss it now, they would eventually. Since the topic had naturally arisen, they might as well speak plainly.

“A Ling, since you understand my considerations, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

The rain intensified, and above the noise, Huo Ling’s voice softened.

“If Your Majesty wishes to hear the truth, then your empress will speak honestly.”

“Whatever stance Your Majesty takes, your empress will stand with you—there is no doubt in that.”

“But you are the emperor, and I am the empress.”

“Whether it is the eldest son or Ji Sanlang being raised in the palace, to you, it might not matter much.”

“But for your empress, having a child who is close to me in the palace is undoubtedly better than one who resents me.”

Emperor Jingyuan considered her tensions with Prince Duan’s faction and had to concede she had a point.

Disputes among the children were clearly better mediated by the Empress when both Emperor and Empress were present.

Yet that afternoon, when Madam Ji sought her intervention, Princess Consort of Duan went over her head and appealed directly to him for judgment.

This reckless move revealed Princess Consort of Duan’s distrust.

She was convinced the Empress would favor Ji Sanlang and target Ji Yuanwan.

But had there been favoritism? Had anyone been targeted?

No one knew Huo Ling’s stance and conduct in this matter better than Emperor Jingyuan.

As for Ji Yuanwan’s hostility toward Huo Ling—

Emperor Jingyuan recalled walking with Huo Ling in the imperial garden when they came upon Ji Yuanwan playing there, out of breath from running. Rushing to bow, he tripped on a pebble and stumbled.

Huo Ling, nearest to him, caught his arm.

Clever as the boy was, he was still a child. He always behaved respectfully around Huo Ling, but his body gave away his discomfort.

When Huo Ling touched Ji Yuanwan’s shoulder, the boy froze up, taking a while to relax before hurriedly bowing and thanking her specifically.

The reaction was unmistakable—Emperor Jingyuan saw it immediately, and he believed Huo Ling had seen it too.

Yet she said nothing.

“You’ve always been exemplary as Empress,” Emperor Jingyuan praised, “handling matters fairly.”

Huo Ling gave a small smile, understanding his implication. “Your Majesty refers to Princess Consort of Duan going over my head this afternoon? She already held prejudices against me, and worry for her child made her lose control.”

“She needs to learn her place,” Emperor Jingyuan said coolly.

Huo Ling thought briefly before replying casually, “The anniversary of the late Empress Dowager’s passing is approaching. Have Princess Consort of Duan copy some scriptures as an act of filial piety.”

Emperor Jingyuan said nothing further, implicitly endorsing her decision. “Does Yuanyuan’s hostility bother you?”

Huo Ling met his gaze; candlelight flickered in her eyes. “Just hearing you ask makes up for it.”

He paused at the glimmer in her eyes. “What do you mean?”

She took a sip of tea before continuing. “My issues with Prince Duan’s family can’t be explained in a few words. From the moment I met Your Majesty, I braced myself for the Eldest Young Master’s resentment after entering the palace.”

“Nothing he does would surprise me.”

“But since Your Majesty has noticed and acknowledged how I feel, any hurt I felt is gone.”

Taking her hand, Emperor Jingyuan gently stroked it. “Even if I don’t send Yuanyuan away, you wouldn’t resent it?”

“I understand,” she replied. “You are the Son of Heaven, meant to be a great emperor. You could act decisively, but you hold back for stability’s sake.”

“If you don’t wish to send the Eldest Young Master away, then he stays.”

“And if you think I’ve become too close to Prince Su’s household, I’ll keep my distance going forward, so they won’t develop any mistaken ideas because of me.”

After a pause, Emperor Jingyuan shook his head. “You’ve never done anything improper with Prince Su’s household. No need to worry about that.”

"Besides, you know that's not what I wanted to hear."

Huo Ling's eyes curved into crescents, her wrist shifting subtly as she intertwined her fingers with Emperor Jingyuan’s. "I once told Your Majesty that you are like the midday sun, yet those court officials forced you to adopt an heir while you were grieving the loss of your son and wife."

"That painful and humiliating scene—the court ministers putting Your Majesty through it once was bad enough."

"As Your Majesty's wife, whom you cherish deeply, it was already my regret that I couldn't accompany you through those agonizing times. I would never place Your Majesty in such a difficult position again, nor would I take advantage of your love to force you into sending away Yuanyuan and bringing Ji Sanlang into the palace."

"I don't care about political strategies, but just as you asked whether I felt wronged, I, more than anyone else in this world, care about your feelings and would never wish to put you in a difficult position."

These were the most moving words Emperor Jingyuan had ever heard in his life.

He lowered his gaze, looking at their clasped hands, and the phrase "Hold your hand, grow old with you" surfaced instinctively in his heart.

But she was in her bloom, while he was no longer young.

In the end, he would leave this world before her.

If only he had a son of his own, if only he and A Ling had a son together—then he wouldn’t be in such a dilemma.

Huo Ling comforted him, "Children come when they're meant to, Your Majesty. There's no need to grieve over it."

Emperor Jingyuan knew this truth as well—some things, even for him, could not be forced.

Just then, Emperor Jingyuan felt a weight in his arms as Huo Ling nestled back against him.

"Your Majesty, love me."

Emperor Jingyuan's eyes grew intense as he traced her cheek with his fingertips. "Haven't I been good to you enough?"

Huo Ling's long lashes fluttered as she kissed the corner of his lips. Emperor Jingyuan instinctively deepened the kiss and moved to carry her to the bed, but Huo Ling tugged at his sleeve.

In the brief pause between their lips parting, she whispered an invitation by his ear, "Your Majesty, shall we try our luck right here?"

Dampness and heat spread through the long rainy night. After their lovemaking and bathing, the dim candlelight filtered through the layers of bed curtains. Watching Huo Ling nestled in his arms, Emperor Jingyuan gently stroked her brow.

Huo Ling's voice was heavy with sleep. "Your Majesty, what is it?"

Emperor Jingyuan replied tenderly, "Rest now."

Feeling her breathing gradually steady in his embrace, Emperor Jingyuan slowly closed his eyes—yet he couldn't sleep.

She understood his considerations and ultimately accepted them calmly, but Emperor Jingyuan knew that doubts and worries remained in her heart. It was only because she trusted him to arrange everything for her that she forced herself to suppress those doubts and worries.

For the empire's stability, he could not send Yuanyuan away now, nor could he bring a child close to her into the palace—yet he also could not stand by and watch her be slighted.

She possessed outstanding political talent, excelled at seizing opportunities, and could discern the bigger picture.

Her greatest flaw was acting purely on instinct and intuition; in some matters, her methods were occasionally unpolished.

Such a flaw was not difficult to correct.

As long as—

He was willing to support her growth.

Her past actions had already demonstrated her abilities.

Yet her grasp of affairs of state remained limited.

What he taught her, she learned.

In his prime, his grip on the court was still strong. Through moves like appointing an empress, he had temporarily suppressed the restless factions within the court.

But whether Emperor Jingyuan liked it or not, he had to acknowledge one thing: this situation would not last forever.

In a few years, when his strength started to wane and his health showed signs of weakness, those temporarily suppressed forces would stir even more fiercely.

Then, he’d need someone he trusted completely to help him balance the courtiers and stabilize the political situation.

Courtiers had their own agendas, and an adopted heir might grow closer to his birth parents in the future.

Only his wife would stand unshaken at his side, intimidating the courtiers for him, and even after his death, safeguarding his legacy.

The next few years would give her time to come into her own...

Emperor Jingyuan lost himself in thought for hours, only falling into deep sleep as dawn broke.

Huo Ling rose at her usual hour and waited a while. Seeing that Emperor Jingyuan had not yet risen, she stepped out of bed quietly and went to the side hall to freshen up.

After a quick bite, she called for Cui Hongyi and sent him to the residence of the Princess Consort of Duan, instructing her to copy scriptures dutifully to show her filial devotion.

Cui Hongyi accepted the order and withdrew.

Whatever rage or humiliation the Princess Consort of Duan felt upon hearing Cui Hongyi’s message, Huo Ling brushed characters in the study for a while before setting down her brush and asking the attendants whether Emperor Jingyuan had woken.

Hearing that he had not, she said to Li Man, "If His Majesty’s still asleep by noon, remember to wake him so he doesn’t miss the midday meal."

With that, Huo Ling headed out with Wu Mo and her attendants.

After a night of heavy rain, the palace’s green bricks and white tiles glistened with rainwater, and the grounds had already been swept clean by the palace servants. Only the fresh young leaves strewn across the flower beds told of the storm’s fury.

As she walked, Huo Ling eventually arrived at the palace that housed the relics of Emperor Taizu from the previous dynasty.

Her eyes flicked to the plaque before she stepped forward, pushing open the door.

As the dust cleared, she entered, idly flipping through a book, though her thoughts were far from its pages.

Emperor Jingyuan typically woke half an hour before her to attend morning court, but today he had yet to rise—likely because he had slept very late the night before.

What kept him up last night? Had she gotten under his skin?

Huo Ling was a master of reading the room. Once she understood Emperor Jingyuan’s intentions, she wouldn’t openly defy him or voice too many opinions on the matter of children.

But just in case, she had to prepare.

Hence, last night’s conversation.

Prince Duan’s faction and the Duke of Liu’s camp feared she would act against Ji Yuanwan, and at the sight of her closeness to Ji Sanlang, they lost their nerve. But they had mistaken their opponent.

Their greatest adversary was never her—it was the Emperor.

This emperor, with the power to make or break lives, decided whom to share his authority with. Only those he chose could possess such power.

He had selected Ji Yuanwan not because the child was particularly beloved or outstanding, but out of necessity.

A choice born of necessity was never one he’d be happy with.

Moreover, the biggest issue with Ji Yuanwan is that he comes from a powerful paternal clan and an even more powerful maternal clan.

Had it not been for the support of Prince Duan's estate and the Duke of Liu's estate, Ji Yuanwan might never have been chosen to enter the palace.

Yet, it is precisely because of the existence of Prince Duan's estate and the Duke of Liu's estate that Emperor Jingyuan has been hesitant to formally name Ji Yuanwan as his heir.

Unhappy with this candidate yet having no alternatives, Emperor Jingyuan is forced to groom another.

Someone who can help him counterbalance the court officials, protect his reputation during his reign and beyond, and continue his political ideals.

He had already intended to build her a faction and consolidate her influence—so why not take it a step further? Why not mentor her, guide her, and pave the way for her ascent to power?

An idea crystallized in her mind. Huo Ling closed her eyes, her breathing heavy and rapid.

After several deep breaths, she slowly opened her eyes again.

"Is it raining again?" she asked softly, turning to Wu Mo beside her.

Wu Mo listened carefully and nodded. "It does sound like rain."

"Did you bring an umbrella?"

"Yes."

"Then let's return."

Huo Ling handed the book she had been holding to Wu Mo and walked out of the palace, waving off attendants who moved to shield her.

She opened the dark-green umbrella herself and strode through the drizzle back to the shared residence of the emperor and empress, Changqing Palace.

The upturned eaves, carved with dragons frolicking among pearls, loomed through the downpour. Huo Ling lifted her oil-paper umbrella and looked toward the emperor waiting for her at the palace gates, the rain between them like a veil. Her eyes kindled with fire.

The fire in her eyes burned brighter, hotter, until it became a wildfire no storm could quench.

He was the emperor. He was her husband too. If he could share his power with his courtiers, with an adopted child who fell short of his expectations—why couldn’t that power be hers?