Chapter 71: “Thank you, Empress, for the wine.”…

Chapter 71 "Thank you, Empress, for the wine..."

Being able to support or reject a petition based on her own will—deciding the fate of a million silver taels in just half a day—this feeling of making decisions was simply exhilarating.

When leaving the imperial study, Huo Ling still felt as though she hadn’t had enough.

She asked Emperor Jingyuan if she could take charge of those three petitions.

"These proposals were all selected by me, and I would like to see what results they bring after being implemented."

Soon, the directors of the three government offices, along with the Revenue Minister, received summons from the palace.

The three offices instantly felt as if they had hit the jackpot.

After hearing that His Majesty intended to form a cavalry unit, they had practically given up hope. Who would have thought their petitions would actually catch the Emperor’s attention?

But when the group entered the palace and arrived at the imperial study, Emperor Jingyuan simply pointed to Huo Ling beside him: “The Empress has something to discuss with you.”

They were taken aback.

The Empress wanted to speak with them?

They had no connection with Her Majesty whatsoever.

As they exchanged confused looks, Huo Ling picked up the three petitions from the table and handed them to Cui Hongyi behind her.

Cui Hongyi returned each petition to its respective office director.

Huo Ling said, “His Majesty and I have reviewed the petitions submitted by the three honorable ministers. When you return, please draft more detailed budgets as soon as possible. Once the Ministry of Revenue verifies them, Minister Cao will approve the funds for you.”

These men had spent years navigating officialdom and were exceptionally shrewd.

Though the Empress claimed she and the Emperor had reviewed the petitions together, it was clearly stated that it was the Empress who summoned them.

Who had really chosen these petitions didn’t even need thinking about.

The Revenue Minister, directly addressed, was the first to step forward and accept the order.

After a moment’s hesitation, the three office directors also accepted the situation.

Regardless of who had selected the petitions, their offices stood to benefit.

If they spoke out now and said anything displeasing to the Emperor or the Empress, the hundreds of thousands of taels might be lost.

The fact that the Empress had personally selected their petitions showed her vision and wisdom. They must not act short-sightedly and cause their own ministries to suffer while others rejoiced.

Seeing their compliance, Huo Ling turned slightly and smiled at Emperor Jingyuan.

When the reward was great enough, even the most stubborn officials would abandon their principles and allow her to have her say in governance.

“Once your offices begin work, each of you must submit a report at the beginning of every month, documenting your progress over the past month.”

Before they left, Huo Ling added one final instruction.

The funds came with strings attached.

For every coin she granted, she demanded results.

Even though the officials didn’t make a show of it, every government office had their eyes on the palace—especially the Ministry of Revenue. When they saw the heads of three departments entering the palace alongside the Minister of Revenue, they knew something was up and immediately started digging for details.

As they dug, whispers began making the rounds.

Many couldn’t help but grumble under their breath that this was “out of line.”

But no matter how much they muttered in private, nobody was dumb enough to say it to Emperor Jingyuan’s or Huo Ling’s face.

Huo Ling had moved too fast.

By the time people got wind of it, the three departments had already received the first installment of silver from the Ministry of Revenue.

The money was already distributed—who would dare bring up “rules” now? Did they expect those three departments to give back the money they’d just gotten?

No one wanted to do something so pointless and self-defeating.

Before long, everyone’s attention shifted again—during the latest grand court assembly, Emperor Jingyuan formally proposed forming a cavalry unit, in front of all civil and military officials.

The idea received full backing.

Since the previous emperor’s disastrous northern expedition, the pro-war faction had grown quieter, with most unwilling to provoke another conflict with Great Mu to the north. Still, even the staunchest advocates for peace wouldn’t turn down expanding the cavalry while the state still had the strength.

Emperor Jingyuan handed the task off to the Ministry of War, ordering them to draw up a proposal.

When Huo Ling learned of the decision from the outer court, she was pleased as well.

She had her own ideas about this new cavalry.

With the power balance still shaky, those shrewd old-timers in high positions wouldn’t easily side with her. She could only try to win over mid- to low-level officials, or some promising up-and-comers.

To quickly strengthen her influence, the best way was to build up her family’s clout.

In officialdom, the higher you climbed, the fewer spots there were.

The position of Deputy Commander at Xingtang Pass wasn’t exactly top-tier, but among military officers, Huo Shiming was someone who mattered.

Now that Great Yan was at peace, he couldn’t win glory in battle, nor could he replace the main commander, Zhou Jiamu.

Given the current power structure, if she wanted to push Huo Shiming forward as much as possible…

The idea of forming a cavalry—a move beneficial to the nation and perfectly aligned with Huo Ling’s personal interests—came naturally to mind.

If she could secure this opportunity for her father, letting him lead the cavalry, the Huo family’s power would rise significantly.

But soon after, Huo Ling let out a quiet sigh.

She wasn’t the only one who saw the advantages—the others could see it too.

Though Huo Ling believed in her father’s abilities, he had never worked with cavalry before, and his standing in the military wasn’t especially strong. Once the Ministry of War released its plan, she had no idea how many would jump into the fray.

After thinking it through, Huo Ling decided to put it on the back burner for now, waiting until the Ministry of War produced their proposal before deciding her next move.

***

Forming a cavalry from scratch involved countless complexities, so the Ministry of War couldn’t move quickly.

After several autumn rains, the capital turned cold overnight.

Huo Ling woke later than usual today, and the chill hit her like a shock when she threw off the covers.

Wu Mo pulled back the bed curtains and helped her into an outer robe before allowing the other palace maids to come in and assist with her morning routine.

Huo Ling said, "The weather changed so fast."

Wu Mo replied, "Right? It was sweltering just yesterday. In the middle of the night, Shang Lan and I had to get up and grab an extra blanket."

Huo Ling asked, "Has the letter been sent?"

A few days ago, she had received a letter from Huo Shiming. She had intended to reply promptly, but the matter of the cavalry delayed her response. Only after the court's decision did she write back to Huo Shiming, mentioning the matter in her letter.

"It's already been sent," Wu Mo answered with a smile. "The Imperial Wardrobe Bureau has delivered newly tailored clothes. Would you like to see them later, Your Highness?"

Huo Ling agreed and instructed, "Tell the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau to make two sets of autumn clothes for everyone in our palace."

Hearing this, the attending palace maids broke into smiles.

As the palace manager, Huo Ling didn’t need to try hard to win favor. But for her, a simple order could make the servants more diligent—easy but effective, so why not?

After breakfast, Huo Ling went to the side hall to inspect the new clothes delivered by the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau.

There was no need to try them on—each piece was custom-made to her measurements, using the finest materials. All she cared about was whether the styles suited her taste.

While examining them, she heard servants paying respects outside.

Huo Ling set down the garment in her hands and turned to see Emperor Jingyuan entering the hall. She smiled and asked, "Shouldn’t you be handling state affairs in the study at this hour?"

Emperor Jingyuan replied, "I’m going to step out of the palace."

Only then did Huo Ling notice that the emperor had changed into a blue robe, with a purple flute tucked at his waist—a casual rich-person outfit.

She blinked, then understood, "Are you taking me along?"

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled, "Go change—quick!"

"Where are we going?"

"Didn’t you want to see Ding Jinghuan and the others? I happen to be visiting the Ministry of Personnel today."

Clearly, the emperor had official business to attend to, so Huo Ling didn’t dawdle.

She pulled her hair up with a single hairpin and went without jewelry before leaving the palace with Emperor Jingyuan.

For convenience, the Six Ministries were all located in the same district.

As the carriage entered the lane, officials in different-colored robes could be seen moving about.

This was Huo Ling’s first visit to the Six Ministries.

Red walls, black tiles, curved roof corners—the ministries looked nearly identical from the outside, with huge stone beasts flanking their vermilion gates.

However, while stone lions stood guard outside five of the ministries, only the Ministry of Revenue had a pair of money-drawing pixiu statues at its entrance.

After a quick look, Huo Ling remarked objectively, "The Six Ministries aren’t as impressive as I imagined."

Emperor Jingyuan laughed heartily, "You’ve already seen the most magnificent place in the world—of course, the Six Ministries seem kinda plain."

Emperor Jingyuan had given Wen Shengan a heads-up before leaving the palace.

Wen Shengan, along with his deputy ministers, had been waiting at the entrance. Spotting the emperor’s carriage, they immediately stepped forward.

Before they could even offer their greetings, they heard the emperor laugh from inside the carriage.

Wen Shengan's heart skipped a beat—he already guessed who Emperor Jingyuan was speaking to.

Sure enough, the carriage curtain lifted and the emperor and empress emerged together.

Wen Shengan sighed inwardly but bowed dutifully. "Your Majesties' presence brings great honor to the Ministry of Personnel."

Huo Ling smirked at Wen Shengan’s forced politeness before following Emperor Jingyuan into the ministry.

Great Yan had a tradition of “officials neglecting their offices.” The exterior of government compounds looked unimpressive enough, but the interiors were even more run-down. Especially now in autumn, with once-lush plants wilting, everything felt dingier than usual.

Huo Ling said, “I originally thought Minister Wen was just being polite.”

Emperor Jingyuan turned toward her, waiting for her to continue.

She added, “But now it seems Your Majesty and my arrival have indeed brought honor to the Ministry.”

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled. “You’re merciless.”

Still, he noted that Huo Ling seemed livelier outside the palace than usual.

Wen Shengan twitched his lips, itching to say: *If Her Majesty finds the Ministry so shabby, maybe she could approve some funds for repairs while she’s at it.*

Along the way, they met many officials from the ministry.

Most didn’t get a clear look at the emperor and empress, but seeing Wen Shengan and the two vice ministers leading the way, they quickly figured out who was coming. They hurried aside, bowing low with arms full of paperwork, not daring to rise until the imperial entourage passed before scurrying back to work.

Wen Shengan led the emperor and empress into the meeting hall and had tea brought in, then pulled out a thick stack of documents. “Your Majesty, here’s everything.”

Huo Ling glanced at the papers and finally understood the purpose of Emperor Jingyuan’s low-key visit.

It was still about the horse administration corruption case.

The scandal had implicated dozens of officials—many executed or demoted—leaving numerous vacancies, mostly among posts below third rank.

Appointments and transfers for those ranks fell under the Ministry of Personnel’s jurisdiction.

But this time, with so many openings, the ministry hesitated to act alone. Upon learning of this, Emperor Jingyuan decided on a low-key visit, conveniently bringing Huo Ling along to meet Ding Jinghuan and others.

“Ugh, life in the capital isn’t as good as it was in Anping Prefecture.”

***

In a paper-strewn nook of the Censorate, Ding Jinghuan slouched with a miscellany book over his face, muttering to himself.

Last summer, he’d been sent by the court to look into the pasturage districts in Anping Prefecture. Through his own efforts, he first became a favored guest of horse traders, enjoying free drinks daily, then climbed his way up to become close friends with the Pasturage Commissioner of Anping. Every day brought another round of top-shelf liquor—far beyond what his salary could afford.

Drinking that fine wine, Ding Jinghuan was deeply moved. When the time came to turn in his friend, he felt real reluctance.

When the imperial envoy stormed in with the guards, hauling his friend away in cuffs, Ding Jinghuan shut his eyes in pain, unable to bear watching. He soaked his regrets in a few extra cups and even managed to walk off with a jar of wine as he left the banquet.

If not for the envoy’s strict oversight, Ding Jinghuan would’ve cleaned out his buddy’s stash before returning to the capital.

Now cut off from the freebies, he had to pay for his own drinks.

At this thought, Ding Jinghuan suddenly sat up straight, the book slipping from his face—only to be caught deftly by his long arm.

“Isn’t payroll day this month?”

His colleague next door, hearing the noise, replied, “It’s only the start of the month. Payday’s weeks away.”

On Ding Jinghuan’s face—youthfully radiant and handsome—a look of anguish flickered.

“This can’t be right. I blew through last month’s salary already. How come this month’s hasn’t been handed out yet?”

His colleague was at a loss. The whole Censorate was well aware of Ding Jinghuan’s weakness for alcohol.

After all, it wasn’t every day that someone would hog all the wine during a banquet hosted by the Left Censor-in-Chief, practically drinking his superior’s entire cellar dry.

If Ding had enough sense not to drink on Censorate grounds or show up reeking of booze at work, many of the colleagues who had it out for him would’ve impeached him long ago.

“Didn’t the court reward you with plenty of treasures after returning from Anping Prefecture?”

Ding replied without a hint of shame, “You know I’ve been in the capital all this time and still haven’t tried Fan Tower’s finest wine…”

His colleague had enough of this nonsense and stood up to head off for lunch.

Ding let out a long-suffering sigh, melodramatically flopping back into his chair as he pondered his upcoming promotion.

Just how much would his salary go up this time?

As he mulled over the matter, his nose suddenly twitched. He straightened up, his slit eyes narrowing further.

Rubbing his chin, he muttered, “Someone actually dares to drink in the Censorate? That’s *my* line.”

He stood up, determined to find out which bold colleague it was.

Once he got the goods on them, heh—he’d have free drinks for weeks.

Following the scent of wine, Ding arrived at a secluded courtyard not far from his office.

The courtyard was quiet and unassuming, with a stone table at its center.

On the table sat several jars of fine wine, lined up in a row.

One had been opened, with several bowls filled beside it.

“Bamboo Leaf Qing from Fan Tower.”

Ding approached, sniffed again, and scanned the area—there wasn’t a soul in sight.

He announced, “I wonder which friend laid out this spread here for me?”

From beyond the curved moon gate, a woman laughed softly. “How does Lord Ding know this wine was prepared especially for you?”

Ding hadn’t expected the reply to come from a woman—and judging by her voice, a young one, no less.

But what kind of ordinary woman could appear inside the Censorate and smuggle in so many jars of wine right under the Censorate’s nose?

“Everyone in the Censorate knows about my weakness for wine,” Ding said.

“These are placed right next to my office, and one is already open. Isn’t that meant to bait the hook?”

The woman responded, “Lord Ding speaks truly.”

With a practiced flick of his wrist, Ding picked up the nearest bowl.

“In two years at the Censorate, fearing impeachment from my colleagues, I’ve never dared touch even a drop of alcohol here.”

He tilted his head back and knocked it back in one swig.

"Now I finally have a proper excuse. Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress, for the wine."

Now that her identity was exposed, Huo Ling no longer tried to hide. She led Wu Mo and Cui Hongyi through the round archway into the small courtyard.

Ding Jinghuan’s gaze rested on Huo Ling for a moment before he quickly lowered his eyes, set down the empty bowl, and cupped his hands respectfully. "Your subject Ding Jinghuan pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress."

Huo Ling’s eyes also settled on Ding Jinghuan’s face.

He wore the green robe of a sixth-rank official—a color that would look awkward on most men—but with his youthful good looks and carefree air, he looked damn good in it.

"Back in the imperial study, I heard Minister Wen speak of your deeds," said Huo Ling. "Even then, I knew you were not like other officials."

"And today proves this trip was worth it."

Even someone as self-assured as Ding Jinghuan couldn’t help but feel flattered by such praise. After all, given the Empress’s high position, she had no reason to offer polite words to a minor official like him in a green robe.

Besides, the Censorate had its ear to the ground, and Ding Jinghuan had heard plenty about this Empress—how even his superior, Imperial Censor Chen, wouldn’t come out unscathed when she was angry.

"You honor me, Your Majesty," he replied solemnly.

Huo Ling smiled. "No need to stand on ceremony, Lord Ding."

At this, Cui Hongyi, who stood behind her, spoke up. "Hearing of Lord Ding’s fondness for wine, Her Majesty had this servant go to Fanlou to buy some. Not knowing which kind you prefer, I picked up a few random jars. I hope they meet your liking."

Ding Jinghuan grinned. "Nothing I love more in life than free wine. As long as it's free, no matter the taste, it’s good wine."

Cui Hongyi beamed. "With Her Majesty’s orders, I wouldn’t dream of shortchanging you, Lord Ding."

The attitude of a superior toward an inferior doesn’t have to be seen in the superior’s own behavior—it can be read in the manner of those around them.

Not your average official…

Recalling the Empress’s remark, Ding suddenly asked, "Has Your Majesty ever visited the Censorate before?"

"This is my first time," Huo Ling replied.

"If that’s the case," said Ding, "it would be my honor to show you around personally."

Talking to a sharp man sure made things easy. But just as Ding finished speaking, footsteps echoed from outside the courtyard.

Wu Mo chuckled. "That must be His Majesty."

Sure enough, Emperor Jingyuan entered, escorted by attendants.

As Left Imperial Censor, Chen naturally accompanied the Emperor on this visit.

But the moment they stepped inside, the strong scent of wine hit them. Imperial Censor Chen shot Ding Jinghuan a death glare.

Ding paled—this was one hell of a misunderstanding.

Emperor Jingyuan, unaware of the silent exchange, zeroed in on Ding Jinghuan. "So you're Ding Jinghuan?"

Ding didn’t have time to explain himself and hurriedly bowed to the Emperor.

Jingyuan waved away the formalities and turned to Huo Ling, who had approached. "You said you'd draw out Censor Ding with wine. Did it work?"

While the Emperor remained oblivious to Chen’s killer look, Huo Ling caught it immediately.

She explained to Imperial Censor Chen, while also helping Ding Jinghuan out of an awkward spot: "Please excuse this, Imperial Censor Chen."

"It was a bet between His Majesty and me. As the saying goes, 'Jiang Taigong fished, relying on willing bites.' Imperial Censor Ding is a pillar of the nation. I wanted to meet him but didn’t wish to summon him directly, so I played this amusing trick with these jars of wine."

Imperial Censor Chen relaxed slightly.

Ding Jinghuan was moved as well. The Empress had said he was unconventional—wasn’t her own method of luring him out with fine wine even more unconventional?

But truth be told, compared to a direct summons, this approach was much more his style.

"His Majesty and I have urgent business to attend to, so we won’t stay to look around the Censorate any longer."

Huo Ling’s words were clearly in response to what Ding Jinghuan had just said.

Then she pointed at the wine on the stone table: "This wine was bought for you, Lord Ding. Please help yourself."

"Especially those bowls of Zhuyeqing—since they’ve already been poured, you might as well not waste them. You and Imperial Censor Chen should share them."

With that, Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan left the courtyard together.

Ding Jinghuan and Imperial Censor Chen quickly bowed as they left.

Once the emperor and empress were out of sight, Ding Jinghuan coughed lightly and asked, "Lord Chen, care for some wine?"

Imperial Censor Chen shot him a fierce glare.

Ding Jinghuan chuckled. "I know you wouldn’t break your rule, sir. I’ll drink it for you." He reached out with both hands and knocked back two bowls in seconds.

Honestly, drinking free, high-quality wine in the Censorate under the Empress’s orders, right in front of his superior—it was the best damn wine he’d ever tasted.

Just as Ding Jinghuan was about to reach for the last bowl, Imperial Censor Chen swiftly grabbed it first and scolded, "You rascal, couldn’t you leave me one?"

"And besides, is this really breaking the rules? I’m simply following Her Majesty’s instructions," he added with a smirk.

In all his years at the Censorate, this was the first time he’d ever openly drunk wine there.

Ding Jinghuan almost spoiled this rare chance for him.

Ding Jinghuan was taken aback, but when he caught sight of the remaining jars of wine from the corner of his eye, his grin returned.

He was set for wine for the next half-month.