Chapter 74: “If the person sitting on the throne now were…”

Chapter 74 "If the person on the throne today..."

As it turned out, Duke Liu had overestimated the situation.

When Liu Cheng, filled with anxiety, hurried to Prince Duan's manor, fearing that his proud cousin—who couldn't tolerate the slightest imperfection—might do something irrational,

Princess Consort of Duan was sitting alone in the courtyard, spaced out.

She had sent all her maids and servants away.

The nanny who looked after Princess Consort of Duan, worried she might do something rash, quickly went to find Prince Duan.

Prince Duan had just learned about Huo Ling’s pregnancy.

He leaned back in his chair, swamped with mixed emotions.

Hearing the nanny’s words, he didn’t dare delay. Pulling himself together, he rushed back to the main house.

Seeing Princess Consort of Duan quietly seated in the pavilion, showing no signs of distress, Prince Duan relaxed slightly: "My lady, it's windy outside. Perhaps—"

Princess Consort of Duan suddenly interrupted him: "Her name is Huo Ling, isn't it?"

Prince Duan hesitated: "...Yes."

Princess Consort of Duan didn’t turn around, her back to him, perfectly poised: "There's something I've always been curious about. I wonder if you've ever thought about it."

"Choosing between being a prince's concubine and the empress of the realm—that isn't a difficult decision."

Prince Duan had heard similar words from Huo Ling herself before. Now to hear them again from his wife made his expression shift.

Unaware—or uncaring—of Prince Duan’s reaction, Princess Consort continued to lay out her thoughts carefully.

"With her beauty, it's no surprise His Majesty would take her as a consort. But to promise her the position of empress outright, keeping her in his favor since the day she entered the palace... She must have already been involved with His Majesty before arriving in the capital and before entering the palace."

Prince Duan remained silent.

Princess Consort of Duan pressed on: "Deep down, have you always believed that His Majesty forced her?"

"Or perhaps, you’ve known all along. You'd rather believe His Majesty forced her, that she's a faithless woman, than admit you're not as powerful as the Emperor."

Being mercilessly belittled by his own wife, Prince Duan felt a wave of shame, his face now clearly showing his discomfort.

He could no longer stay silent: "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Princess Consort of Duan gave a bitter laugh: "Your Highness, even now, haven't you seen her true colors?"

"In Yanxi, she chose you because you were the most powerful there."

"After returning to the capital, she dropped you because she found the most powerful man in the world."

Princess Consort of Duan slowly turned her head.

Pale winter sunlight cast a faint glow on her face, revealing tracks of tears.

Yet her voice showed no sign of tears.

"Face it. If you were the one on the throne today, she would never have thrown you away like yesterday's garbage."

Prince Duan’s face darkened as he snapped, “Have you gone mad? How can you say such things?”

His eyes darted around instinctively, and only after confirming the courtyard was empty did he exhale slightly in relief.

The Princess Consort of Duan clamped her mouth shut and said nothing further.

Prince Duan rubbed his forehead, clearly unwilling to continue the conversation. “What we should be concerned about is what will happen to Yuanwan after the Empress’s pregnancy becomes known.”

“His position in the palace has always been awkward—it will only grow worse now.”

“As for me and the Empress… that’s ancient history.”

The Princess Consort let out a mirthless laugh.

Prince Duan ignored her. “No one knows whether the Empress’s child is a boy or a girl. If it’s a girl, everything will be fine.”

Her voice came out hollow. “Pregnancy lasts ten months. She’s at most three months along now. Are you saying we must suffer through this for seven more months?”

It felt as if a guillotine blade had pressed against the Princess Consort’s neck.

She could already feel its lethal edge—cold, deadly—but it neither fell nor withdrew.

Balancing on the brink of doom, she would have to endure this agony for seven long months. The thought made her blood run cold.

Prince Duan moved in close, placing his hands on her shoulders. Even though they were alone, he spoke in a bare whisper, his lips nearly brushing her ear.

“This child is one His Majesty and the Empress prayed for. If you dare harm it, have you considered the consequences?”

“Even if it *is* a boy…”

“His Majesty has had sons before. Don’t forget why Yuanwan was kept in the palace in the first place.”

The Princess Consort’s lips trembled. “Then what about Yuanwan…?”

Prince Duan said, “I feel for the boy too. But whether he stays in the palace or returns to the manor is up to the palace.”

The Princess Consort lowered her head, seething at the helpless wait.

Once, the households of Prince Duan and Duke Liu held the upper hand against Huo Ling.

But now, the hunter and prey had switched places.

The Empress, unable to strike them down with swift force, chose instead to bleed them dry, slow and steady.

Yes—so long as they remained inactive, they wouldn’t make mistakes, and thus avoid bringing ruin upon their families. But over time, their influence would erode. Would they still have the strength to fight back against Huo Ling then?

He Tai was a cautionary tale.

***

As for the news of the Empress’s pregnancy, reactions varied—some were shocked, some delighted, others surprised.

But regardless of how people responded, the next day at the grand court assembly, Emperor Jingyuan took his seat, smiling.

After delaying for over a month, he finally announced the name of the new cavalry unit: the Swallow Feather Army.

And the commander of the Swallow Feather Army—

Duke of Cheng’en, Huo Shiming.

The hall went dead silent.

No one stepped forward to object.

Emperor Jingyuan was satisfied with the court's response and continued, "The Empress is with child. I will grant amnesty across the land to pray for blessings upon the Empress and the imperial heir."

If yesterday it was just palace rumors, today marked Emperor Jingyuan’s formal announcement to the court.

Such happy news naturally meant celebrations throughout the entire court.

After the court session, many officials hurried back to their offices, taking out blank memorials to draft congratulatory messages, using the most elaborate and flowery words to express their praise and anticipation for the child in the Empress’s womb.

Of course, some quicker-thinking officials had already prepared their memorials overnight, submitting them immediately after the grand court session concluded.

Emperor Jingyuan took these memorials to Fengyi Palace.

Inside Fengyi Palace, Huo Ling reclined on a daybed chatting with Wu Mo while the other palace attendants waited outside the hall.

Huo Ling wore loose, comfortable robes, her long hair loosely gathered with a hairpin and casually draped behind her ears, radiating relaxation.

And truly, she was relaxed.

For over a month now, neither court nor palace matters needed her attention. Aside from focusing on her pregnancy, she spent her time reading, practicing calligraphy, and playing chess.

Huo Ling asked Wu Mo, "Have you confirmed with him?"

Wu Mo replied, "Yes, it's confirmed."

"Imperial Physician Chen said that by six months he will be able to determine the child’s gender."

Huo Ling nodded slightly and said nothing more, resting a hand on her still-flat belly.

The whole court was watching this child, waiting for its birth. If this child were born into an ordinary family, she would hope for a daughter, but born into the imperial family, facing such circumstances...

As these complicated thoughts filled her mind, the sound of greetings came from outside the hall, and soon, Emperor Jingyuan stepped around the screen and entered.

Wu Mo quickly said, "I'll prepare some tea."

Emperor Jingyuan sat beside Huo Ling and told her about the day's court session.

Huo Ling arched a brow. "The Swallow Feather Army?"

Emperor Jingyuan said, "This cavalry was your proposal. Naming it with the character for 'feather' is fitting."

Huo Ling replied, "Your Majesty could've at least warned me. Now the ministers will laugh at you."

Emperor Jingyuan squeezed her hand. "Who'd dare laugh at me?"

Huo Ling was quiet for a moment before suddenly saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Jingyuan sighed softly. "Don't be silly."

"Between Your Majesty and me, gratitude is unnecessary. What I thank you for is your continued trust in the Huo family and willingness to employ them."

Emperor Jingyuan stroked her hair. "No need to thank me for that either. Enough of this—come, see how the ministers praise you."

***

Ding Jinghuan packed a few things and left the Censorate with his hands in his sleeves, walking home.

As he walked, he let out a long, gloomy sigh.

He'd finally talked someone into buying him drinks, but before even two months had passed, his good friend was refusing to pay anymore.

With Empress Huo now pregnant, even more people are scrambling to get in her good graces. I bet even those five monthly wine jars will soon disappear.

The icy wind lashed at Ding Jinghuan’s face.

He lowered his head, hunched his shoulders, and buried most of his face in his cloak, leaving only his eyes to watch the path beneath his feet.

About time you showed up. I've been freezing my ass off out here.

Just as Ding Jinghuan was nearing his doorstep, he heard a familiar voice.

He looked up to see Wu Feng sitting on the front of a carriage, arms folded, sword across his lap. "Why are you waiting for me? It's not wine delivery day yet."

Wu Feng jumped down from the carriage. "New Year's right around the corner. I'm not just bringing wine—I’ve got New Year’s gifts for you too. Honestly, your place is a dump. How the hell do you make it through winter? Do you burn charcoal?"

Whatever, never mind. I ordered a cartload of charcoal for you. It’ll arrive tomorrow morning—already paid for—enough to last you the whole winter.

Perhaps because it was too cold outside, Ding Jinghuan wasn’t his usual joking self.

His expression was calm, almost cold, his slightly lowered eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny. Only now did he reveal the sharp, no-nonsense air that had once wiped out corrupt officials amid laughter and banter.

Ding Jinghuan walked to the carriage and lifted the curtain to inspect its contents.

The spacious carriage was packed full—more than ten jars of wine alone, along with fine furs and fabrics that could be tailored into clothes.

Ding Jinghuan wasn't dumb enough to think these were gifts from Wu Feng.

"Quite the royal treatment for a drunkard like me."

Wu Feng, used to manual labor, had already set aside his sword and was busy unloading the wine jars. "Our lady has always been kind-hearted. When she heard how dirt poor you were, she threw some things your way."

"Her Majesty said you’re a minister who’s served the Empire with merit. She couldn’t just stand by and watch you freeze to death during the New Year."

The seriousness lasted only a moment before Ding Jinghuan grinned. "Way to kill the mood."

Wu Feng rolled his eyes and kicked at Ding Jinghuan in annoyance. "Quit standing around! Can’t you see I’ve been working this whole time? Are you just going to stand there?"

Ding Jinghuan dodged to the side and began helping Wu Feng unload the carriage, carrying the items into the house.

Standing by the door, he surveyed the now-crammed hall. "Her Majesty's 'favors' are getting more and more extravagant."

Wu Feng laughed. "Thought you loved your booze? Isn’t this exactly what you’d want?"

Ding Jinghuan shrugged. "Bigger the gift, steeper the price."

Wu Feng patted his shoulder. "Her Majesty's real easygoing."

Ding Jinghuan raised an brow. From all the stories he’d heard about Empress Huo, she could be praised for her skill, her brilliance, or even the lingering folk admiration of her beauty as "a living Goddess of the Luo." But whether her temper was good—that was debatable.

"—As long as you don’t anger her," Wu Feng quietly added the second half.

Ding Jinghuan tucked his hands back into his sleeves and sighed inwardly: This is a play right out in the open.

And indeed it was. Ding Jinghuan wasn’t wrong. After news of Huo Ling’s pregnancy spread, everyone and their mother came sucking up within days.

A fifth-rank official like Ding Jinghuan was small potatoes compared to them.

Yet precisely because of that, Huo Ling had specifically sent Wu Feng with a whole damn cart of New Year's presents.

Delivering gifts at this moment packed way more punch than at any other time.