Chapter 75: “The sun enters the embrace, rising from the mountains.”…

Chapter 75 "The sun cradles the mountains as it rises..."

Huo Ling's regular health assessments were now handled by Imperial Physician Hu and Imperial Physician Chen, who checked on her every three days. Emperor Jingyuan personally reviewed all of her medical records.

Most of his previous children had died before reaching the age of three.

For women, childbirth was like walking through death’s door—Huo Ling’s own mother had died from complications while giving birth to her.

Given such tragic history, Emperor Jingyuan not only issued an imperial decree for a general amnesty but also invited senior monks from the Great Xiangguo Temple to chant sutras and bless Huo Ling. He even used the New Year festivities as an opportunity to place numerous auspicious feng shui ornaments in the Phoenix Palace—all said to have been consecrated before the Buddha to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

Huo Ling was both annoyed and amused by it all.

To be honest, she hadn’t had strong feelings about her pregnancy at first. Aside from an increased appetite and deeper sleep, her early symptoms were mild.

But from Emperor Jingyuan down to every servant in the Phoenix Palace, everyone suddenly began walking on eggshells around her, afraid she might bump or hurt herself. Combined with occasional morning sickness, this finally made Huo Ling truly feel that a new life was growing inside her.

Still, in private, she teased Emperor Jingyuan lightly: “Your Majesty has always been composed when handling state affairs. Why are you so anxious over this matter?”

“Have I affected your mood?”

Emperor Jingyuan was aware he had been making a big fuss and tried to reassure her: “Don’t worry. The imperial physicians and I have everything under control.”

Huo Ling smiled and gently stroked her belly. “After this child is born, Your Majesty will surely spoil them rotten.”

Emperor Jingyuan placed his palm over hers. “This is the child we’ve been waiting for together. Of course, we’ll cherish them dearly.”

Huo Ling looked at him and asked suddenly, “What if the child in my womb is a princess?”

Emperor Jingyuan had avoided discussing the child’s gender to spare her pressure, but he didn’t evade the question now.

“A Ling, I won’t hide it from you—we do hope for a prince. That way, he would not only be our only son but also the rightful heir to the throne.

“As long as he is born safely and grows up healthy, he will be the crown prince of Great Yan, the future emperor. No one could dispute his claim.

“If possible, naturally, we would prefer our own flesh and blood to inherit the throne. For you, a child of your own blood would be far more reliable than an adopted child from the royal clan.”

He paused briefly before adding, “But if it’s a princess, that’s fine too. Just having this child is blessing enough.”

Huo Ling leaned into his embrace and said softly, “I understand Your Majesty’s feelings.”

Before the imperial physicians confirmed her pregnancy, she had never imagined she would have a child.

But the moment she learned of it, her first thought was: *This child couldn't have come at a better time.*

Her second thought was: *I hope it’s a boy.*

In that instant, she didn’t consider anything else—only cold political calculation.

If she had a son, her standing with Emperor Jingyuan would be secure; those fence-sitters at court who refused to take her side would begin supporting her. She wouldn’t have to host a rival’s son in the palace, nor would she need to take in Ji Sanlang or any other unrelated child. She wouldn’t have to fret about what might come later.

Take the position of commander of the Swallow Feather Army, for example—it was something she could hardly secure for her father on her own. But once her pregnancy was confirmed, Emperor Jingyuan cleared the path for her.

This child, born into the imperial family, carried political importance from the very start, unlike any ordinary child.

One could even say that the moment she used this unborn child to secure command of the Swallow Feather Army, it became her most valuable bargaining chip.

“When this child is born—whether prince or princess—we will send Yuanyuan back to Prince Duan’s household. What do you think?” Emperor Jingyuan suddenly said.

Huo Ling gave a soft “Mm” of agreement.

Ji Yuanwan remained in the palace, his movements constantly under surveillance. Before this, when she had not yet become pregnant, she had never truly regarded Ji Yuanwan as important; naturally, she had no urgency to drive him out of the palace now.

***

Yanxi, Changle County.

Ever since receiving the letter from Huo Ling, Huo Shiming had been in a state of nervous excitement. He wrote back to Huo Ling that same night without delay and painstakingly drafted a memorial regarding military training to present to Emperor Jingyuan, after which he waited anxiously for news from the capital.

However, day after day passed with no word, and as New Year's Eve approached, there was still no message from the capital.

In principle, regardless of who was appointed as the cavalry commander, the capital should have sent notification by now.

The prolonged silence could only mean that the decision regarding the commander's appointment had yet to be finalized.

Thinking thus, Huo Shiming grew increasingly uneasy.

He waited all the way until the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Within Changle County, households were decorated with lanterns and festive joy filled the air, embodying the spirit of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.

Amidst this celebratory atmosphere, several swift horses galloped in, breaking through icy surfaces after a long, arduous ride straight into the county town.

Kneeling on the cold ground, Huo Shiming listened to the imperial decree.

Upon hearing the words "Huo Shiming, the benefactor, is hereby appointed Commander of the Yan Yu Cavalry," his heart surged with elation.

This was one of only two elite cavalry units in the great nation of Yan!

He couldn't even imagine how Ahling had managed it, but she had actually secured this position for him.

After accepting the decree, Huo Shiming invited the eunuch messenger to sit and have tea, hoping to learn about Huo Ling’s recent situation in the capital.

The eunuch took out a letter from within his robe: “My lord, the Lady said that if you asked about her well-being, I should give you this letter. After reading it, everything will become clear.”

In the letter, Huo Ling detailed the entire process of securing the cavalry commander position, mentioning almost as an afterthought that she was now pregnant.

When Huo Shiming reached the end of the letter, he exclaimed in delighted surprise: “The Lady is pregnant?”

Startled and waiting nearby, Huo Ze cried out: “What! My older sister is pregnant!”

Madam Fang also expressed happiness for her stepdaughter: “Amitabha Buddha! It must be heaven's blessing.”

Unable to contain his joy, Huo Shiming burst into laughter, finally understanding why the position of Commander of the Yan Yu Cavalry had fallen into his hands.

By then, the eunuch who delivered the decree had already departed, yet Huo Shiming still struggled to suppress his excitement. Rising from the senior armchair, he paced back and forth in the hall, rubbing his hands together and saying: “If only Ahling could give birth to a prince, that would be even better.”

This good news thrilled him no less than his appointment as Commander of the Yan Yu Cavalry.

In fact, so long as Ahling safely bore a royal prince, a mere command over the Yan Yu Cavalry would hardly seem significant at all!

Madam Fang held him and asked: “How many months along is she?”

Huo Shiming replied: “Already three months. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have spoken so calmly about it.”

Madam Fang smiled: “Then it must have happened around late September or early October. What a pity we didn’t know earlier; otherwise, when preparing the New Year gifts, I certainly would have added some items useful for a child.”

Huo Shiming nodded repeatedly: “The palace lacks for nothing, but this is our grandparents' heartfelt gesture from outside. If we can’t deliver it before the New Year, we’ll send someone with presents after the celebrations.”

“The letter says the due date is in July—it’s still early enough.”

After their joy, Madam Fang's thoughts involuntarily drifted toward another matter.

Within just an hour or two, the news that Huo Shiming had become general of the Swallow Feather Army and that the empress was with child spread throughout the county of Changle.

In the military camp, Zhou Jiamu—who had been left in charge—sighed, his heart a mix of envy toward Huo Shiming and concern for Prince Duan's faction.

Finally, Zhou Jiamu let out a bitter chuckle. Rather than worrying about Prince Duan, he might as well worry about his own future first.

Having a subordinate like Huo Shiming, with such formidable background, was hardly welcome news for any commanding officer.

Fang Jianbai and Sun Yucheng immediately set aside their tasks and hurried to the Huo residence to offer their congratulations.

Dressed in freshly made New Year’s clothes, Huo Shiming sat with imposing posture in the main hall, his face radiating determination and readiness to take on great challenges.

"You've come at just the right time."

"I've already received the cavalry manual and plan to go through it thoroughly these next few days, preparing whatever can be arranged during the New Year period."

"Once the festival is over and the weather warms slightly, we'll begin selecting soldiers from the army and recruiting new troops from the western Yan counties."

"The emperor has appointed me general of the Swallow Feather Army. I must not fail his and Her Majesty's expectations—I will train a proper cavalry unit as quickly as possible."

Sun Yucheng, excited by this, leaned in eagerly to ask Huo Shiming for more details.

Seeing them deep in discussion, Fang Jianbai didn’t interrupt but instead went to the rear courtyard to see Fang Shi.

"Aunt, I heard A Ling is pregnant. Did her letter mention anything else?"

Fang Shi, who had been anxious, immediately frowned at Fang Jianbai’s question: "The letter said she has little morning sickness, eats and sleeps well, and everything is fine."

Fang Jianbai smiled. "That’s good to hear."

His reaction only made Fang Shi angrier. She gave his arm a sharp pinch. "Jian Bai, do you remember what you told me before A Ling left for the capital?"

"You said you needed time to get over A Ling. Fine, I gave you space—I even shielded you from your parents' pressure. Because of that, my sister-in-law has quietly resented me for it."

"Now that A Ling is not only empress but also expecting, surely it's time for you to move on."

Fang Jianbai’s smile froze for a moment before he replied gently, "Aunt, I know you mean well. Please give me a little more time to think things through. As for my mother, I’ll make things right with her when I go home next—I know you’ve suffered because of me."

Fang Shi wasn’t buying it anymore.

Over the past two or three years, Fang Jianbai had excelled under Huo Shiming’s command. At just twenty-two, he already led three battalions totaling fifteen hundred men.

In Yanxi, many official families had approached Fang Shi about his marriage prospects. Some of the young ladies were fine prospects, but Fang Shi had reluctantly declined each time, hoping to give him more time.

But did Fang Jianbai show even the slightest sign of moving on?

The Fang family had only this one son to carry on the line—he couldn’t remain unmarried forever!

Meanwhile, in the palace, Xu Shidu was likewise talking marriage with Huo Ling.

Over a year and a half ago, en route to the imperial hunting grounds, Xu Shidu had told Huo Ling that Elder Princess Ningxin was vetting suitors for her.

Only recently had her marriage finally been settled.

Huo Ling was curious. "Which gentleman could have passed muster with both you and Ningxin?"

Elder Princess Ningxin had exceedingly high standards, and Xu Shidu was even pickier.

She couldn't care less about pedigree—Ningxin had already handled that side of things.

Her main concern was whether the person would appeal to her.

Xu Shidu answered gracefully, "It's Minister Lu's eldest grandson, named Lu Huai. He had been studying in his hometown until this year when he came to the capital and now holds a position at the Hanlin Academy."

Huo Ling smiled, "Though I haven't met Lu Huai, judging by Minister Lu and Consort De's character and temperament, I can tell he must be well-suited for you."

Xu Shidu nestled against Huo Ling's shoulder affectionately, "I knew Aunt would say that."

Huo Ling nearly choked on her tea, "The pregnancy is taxing enough—don’t you start acting up too."

Xu Shidu’s attention shifted immediately, "Has the morning sickness been bad these days?"

Huo Ling picked up a candied fruit and placed it in her mouth, "Worse than before, but still manageable. It doesn’t affect my eating or sleeping."

Xu Shidu asked, "So you’ve been staying in Fengyi Palace recuperating?"

Huo Ling nodded, "With the roads so slippery in this weather, even walking a few laps in the courtyard has the palace maids holding their breath in anxiety, let alone venturing farther out."

Xu Shidu supported the maids’ caution, "You should be careful. If you want to move around, stroll inside the hall or play some games like pitch-pot or archery. When the weather warms up, have Uncle the Emperor take you to the Western Villa for a while."

"If you’re really bored, I can visit more often to keep you company."

Huo Ling thanked her warmly.

Xu Shidu stayed until Emperor Jingyuan arrived before taking her leave.

Noticing Huo Ling’s smile, Emperor Jingyuan asked, "What were you discussing so happily?"

"About Princess Jiale’s marriage."

"Princess Jiale’s marriage is finally settled?" Emperor Jingyuan couldn’t help his curiosity, "Who is the lucky man?"

Upon hearing it was Lu Huai, he remarked, "He is indeed handsome—no wonder Princess Jiale agreed."

Huo Ling said, "I told Princess Jiale that after the New Year, Your Majesty would decree the marriage."

Emperor Jingyuan readily agreed. After lunch and a nap, he joined Huo Ling in the study to write spring couplets.

During the New Year, it had become tradition for the empress to present spring couplets to noble ladies, just as the emperor did for his ministers.

Over the years, Huo Ling had diligently practiced calligraphy, emulating masterpieces and receiving occasional guidance from Emperor Jingyuan. Her calligraphy had become increasingly fluid and spirited, retaining the strengths of the Yan style while developing her own flair.

Emperor Jingyuan observed admiringly for some time, "You’ve improved greatly since writing on the victory painting commemorating the city's capture."

Huo Ling laid down her brush and accepted the praise gracefully, "A master’s guidance yields a fine student."

"I've not only improved in calligraphy but also in chess. Whenever Your Majesty wishes for a game, I'd be happy to play."

True to her word, Huo Ling’s chess skills had improved significantly. She put up a good fight against Emperor Jingyuan for a long time before finally losing.

Emperor Jingyuan remarked, "Your study of chess manuals hasn’t been in vain."

Three months ago, she wouldn’t have lasted nearly as long.

Huo Ling rubbed the edge of a black piece thoughtfully, not discouraged. Compared to her early days of being utterly crushed, she could now hold her own against him.

Huo Ling sorted through the chess pieces, placing them back into the box as she chatted with Emperor Jingyuan about the upcoming New Year’s Eve banquet and the following rituals.

As empress, Huo Ling had to attend both the banquet and the sacrificial ceremonies.

Emperor Jingyuan gave her a warning: “Don’t touch the wine or pastries at tomorrow’s banquet. If you get thirsty, just tell me.”

Huo Ling asked, “Is Your Majesty concerned about poison?”

Emperor Jingyuan replied, “My people are watching closely. It’d be hard to tamper with anything, but better safe than sorry.”

As they were talking about the banquet, Consort De came to see Huo Ling regarding the event: “Your Majesty, here’s the guest list for this year’s palace banquet.”

Huo Ling skimmed through the list and noticed several names noted as excused. “Why is the Duke of Chengen absent?”

This was Empress He’s father, the Duke of Chengen.

Since Huo Ling entered the palace, the Chengen estate in the capital had faded into the background. She hadn’t heard from them in ages.

Consort De explained, “His household said he’s caught a bad cold and is too sick to get up. They’re worried about passing it on to Your Majesties.”

Huo Ling said coolly, “Getting sick now of all times—then he shouldn’t push himself to come.”

Given the Duke’s status, the palace usually would’ve sent medicine upon hearing of his illness.

But since neither Huo Ling nor the Emperor made a move to do so, Consort De naturally held her tongue.

Huo Ling and the Duke’s family had bad blood between them.

As for Emperor Jingyuan, he’d long been annoyed with the Duke for repeatedly submitting memorials opposing Huo Ling’s ascension as empress and pushing to cut costs during her coronation.

Now the Duke had gotten sick right after news of Huo Ling’s pregnancy broke, which only deepened the Emperor’s displeasure.

Who knew if he really had a cold—or if he’d simply been scared into illness by the news of the Empress’s pregnancy?

If it had been anyone else, someone without any grudge against the Empress, the Emperor wouldn’t have thought twice.

But with the Duke of Chengen, the suspicion felt entirely reasonable.

Time flew by, and soon it was New Year’s Eve.

It was an oddly still day—no wind, no snow—a rare bit of good weather.

This was Huo Ling’s first public appearance since announcing her pregnancy.

Below the main dais, Prince Duan, Princess Consort Duan, the Duke of Liu, Wen Shengan—all eyes, whether they meant to or not, drifted toward Huo Ling.

Under their collective gaze, she remained perfectly composed.

She wore no makeup that day, just a touch of kohl on her brows. But this simplicity only highlighted her radiant complexion.

Her glow said it all—she’d been thriving.

In contrast, Prince Duan, Princess Consort Duan, the Duke of Liu, and others tried in vain to hide the exhaustion etched across their faces. The dark circles and haggard expressions told of sleepless nights.

The Duke of Liu, especially, had coughed up blood in a fit of fury.

Older and more fragile, such intense anger had taken its toll. The physician prescribed many remedies and urged him to rest indoors, avoiding the cold.

But the Duke of Liu pushed through his pain and came anyway.

After the song and dance performances, everyone lined up with wine cups to toast Huo Ling, pouring on lavish praise.

Huo Ling drank the honey water prepared in advance by Wu Mo. When encountering unfamiliar faces, she would take only a small sip; for those she was close to, she would finish the cup to show respect.

At one point, more people came to toast Huo Ling than Emperor Jingyuan.

However, once the honey water Wu Mo had prepared ran out, Huo Ling pleaded drunkenness and excused herself, leaving the banquet early with Emperor Jingyuan.

After the New Year's Eve banquet, the year turned to the 24th year of Jingyuan’s reign.

After a series of grand, elaborate rituals, Huo Ling remained unharmed, but Emperor Jingyuan caught a cold without realizing it.

Worried he might pass his cold to Huo Ling, Emperor Jingyuan moved to a side chamber of Fengyi Palace for a few days, only returning to the main hall after fully recovering.

Huo Ling could only laugh in exasperation: “Your Majesty always reminds me to take care of my health, yet forgets to look after your own.”

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled and asked how she’d been eating and resting.

Huo Ling replied, “I’ve been fine, but I heard Your Majesty’s meals have been pretty plain these past few days.”

Emperor Jingyuan said, “Sickness makes everything taste bitter.”

“Has your appetite returned now?”

“Once recovered, the appetite naturally comes back.”

Huo Ling said, “I’ve instructed the palace kitchen to prepare many of Your Majesty’s favorite dishes. Please join me for a proper meal at noon today.”

Emperor Jingyuan smiled and agreed.

Overall, the New Year went smoothly. However, after the Lantern Festival, when Emperor Jingyuan returned to court, the Cheng’en Duke’s family sent a death notice.

After being bedridden with illness for many days, the Cheng’en Duke ultimately did not survive the winter.

The Cheng’en Duke’s sons and grandsons all held official positions. With his passing, they had to resign for mourning—a standard procedure. Except for high-ranking officials who might receive special exemption from the emperor, others were expected to step down and observe mourning.

The Cheng’en Duke’s family had long mentally prepared for this.

Their real concern was not their posts, but the noble title of Cheng’en Duke.

Traditionally, the title of Cheng’en Duke was granted to the father of the empress.

Now that Empress He was gone and the Duke had passed away, the court should revoke the title.

But it was customary for the court to grant an exception, allowing the descendants to inherit a lower-ranked version—such as reducing it from Duke of Cheng’en to Marquis of Cheng’en.

Regarding this matter, Minister of Rites Lu Hang went to the palace himself to seek Emperor Jingyuan’s instructions.

However, when he arrived at the imperial study, Li Man stopped him and asked him to wait outside with tea: “The Empress is with him.”

Huo Ling had come to see Emperor Jingyuan because, earlier that morning, shortly after he left Fengyi Palace, she suddenly felt the baby in her womb kick—just once, but it was the first time she had ever experienced fetal movement.

“It happened so fast, I didn’t even have time to react.”

Emperor Jingyuan placed his hand on Huo Ling’s slightly rounded belly, waiting a long time, but the child did not move again. Disappointed, he said, “I left too soon today and missed our child’s first greeting.”

Just as Emperor Jingyuan finished speaking, his hand was lightly nudged by the baby’s kick.

He was stunned into momentary silence.

Huo Ling's eyes curved into a smile: "Seems the first kick was just for me; this one's for you."

Emperor Jingyuan asked nervously, "Should we call Imperial Physician Hu to take a look?"

Huo Ling had learned much from the imperial physicians and matrons recently: "It's only the baby moving. He took my pulse yesterday."

The emperor didn’t insist. After waiting a while longer and seeing that the baby wouldn’t move again, he reluctantly withdrew his hand: "Maybe it wore itself out."

Huo Ling turned her head away with a laugh: "Or just being lazy."

Emperor Jingyuan pinched her wrist lightly, refusing to let her speak of the child that way: "This one’s definitely your child, not mine."

Huo Ling said, "Most homes have stern fathers and doting mothers, but with us, it’ll likely be reversed."

After chatting about the child for a while, Emperor Jingyuan remembered that Lu Hang was still waiting outside and had Li Man invite him in.

After paying his respects to the Emperor and Empress, Lu Hang raised the issue of the hereditary title.

Emperor Jingyuan was still deliberating.

But Huo Ling raised an eyebrow and remarked lightly, "What merits have the He family achieved that the court should grant them additional favors?"

"Honoring the late Duke of Chengen posthumously is understandable—after all, he was the father of the late Empress. Out of respect for her, we can't slight him. But why reward the rest?"

At these words, even Lu Hang couldn't help but glance up at Huo Ling.

Empress Huo’s feud with the Duke of Chengen’s family was well-known, so her reluctance to grant them favors was unsurprising.

But by rejecting additional honors for the Duke of Chengen’s family today, she would set a precedent that might later apply to her own family as well.

Huo Ling’s expression remained calm.

The Huo family’s situation was entirely different from the He family’s. As long as she and her child remained, a title like Marquis of Chengen would be merely a bonus for the Huo family—losing it wouldn’t be a great loss.

Rather than worrying about the distant future, she cared more about payback now.

After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Jingyuan said, "Have the Ministry of Rites grant funeral rites on behalf of the Duke of Chengen. Once he's buried, the He family’s noble title will be revoked."

Lu Hang kowtowed and retreated respectfully, though he understood in his heart that the Duke of Chengen—indeed, the entire He family—was finished.

On the surface, they had merely lost the title of Marquis of Chengen, but in truth, they had lost the Emperor’s favor.

A family with no high-ranking members, out of the Emperor’s sight, and at odds with the favored Empress—what hope was left?

After the Duke of Chengen was laid to rest, the court soon issued the formal decree.

The He family patriarch lamented bitterly: "Empress Huo is wielding her pregnancy as a weapon to crush our family."

Yet even such resentful words were spoken only in hushed tones, behind closed doors.

He was utterly broken.

Upon hearing the news, the court officials remained silent. When it came to weakening the influence of imperial in-laws, many quietly approved.

By the third month, the spring breeze softened, and Fengyi Palace’s Weeping Crabapples burst into bloom.

The baby in Huo Ling’s womb was moving more and more frequently, with increasing strength.

Huo Ling privately summoned Imperial Physician Chen.

Everyone else was dismissed from the hall, leaving only Wu Mo at her side.

Huo Ling rested her wrist on the pulse-rest cushion, waiting for Imperial Physician Chen to examine her.

This time, Imperial Physician Chen took quite a while to check her pulse. He checked the pulse on both her wrists before standing up to reply, “Your pulse suggests it’s a boy.”

Huo Ling and Wu Mo exchanged glances.

Even though she knew Imperial Physician Chen was not one to make baseless claims, Huo Ling couldn’t help but confirm again, “Are you certain?”

Imperial Physician Chen said, “You may rest assured, Your Majesty. I am quite certain.”

Huo Ling asked, “Would Imperial Physician Hu be able to tell?”

Imperial Physician Chen replied, “I can discern this due to my family’s ancestral pulse-diagnosis method. Imperial Physician Hu has more medical experience than I do, so while he may not be entirely certain, he should still detect some indications.”

Huo Ling nodded, and Wu Mo stepped forward and slipped Imperial Physician Chen a silk pouch.

Huo Ling instructed, “You must keep this matter absolutely secret.”

Imperial Physician Chen bowed again and took his leave.

“Your Majesty, drink some tea,” Wu Mo handed Huo Ling a cup of warm tea, her face alight with genuine happiness.

As Huo Ling reached for the tea, she noticed Wu Mo’s expression and couldn’t help but smile, “I assumed you’d favor a girl.”

Wu Mo said, “I’ve no intention of marrying or bearing children. As long as it’s Your Majesty’s child, whether a boy or a girl, I will love them.”

“But if this one is a boy, Your Majesty’s position will be more secure.”

Huo Ling looked at Wu Mo in surprise, her eyes softening with warmth, “Is that what you think?”

“Yes,” Wu Mo reached out and gently touched Huo Ling’s swollen belly across the table. “I look forward to this child’s arrival not for any other reason, but simply because they are Your Majesty’s child. They will be both your companion and protector.”

Huo Ling took a sip of tea before setting the cup down and vowing to Wu Mo, “After he is born, let’s take good care of him together. We’ll give him all the affection we were denied in our own childhoods.”

Even Emperor Jingyuan was not informed of this confidential examination.

However, that night, Huo Ling had an extraordinary dream.

When she woke from the dream, it was still dark outside.

Huo Ling tried to fall back asleep but couldn’t. Every time she closed her eyes, images from the dream echoed in her mind.

She simply sat up.

Emperor Jingyuan was roused by her stirring, fearing she was in discomfort, and was about to summon a physician.

Huo Ling quickly stopped him, whispering, “Your Majesty, I just had a dream—it seemed like a prenatal omen.”

Emperor Jingyuan immediately perked up, “Tell me about it.”

Huo Ling said, “I dreamed of a colossal mountain standing at the horizon, immovable and unconquerable by anyone. Then one day, as I walked along a path, the sun in the heavens suddenly fell into my arms, transforming into a creature with the power to swallow the heavens and spit out the earth. With a single bite, it held that great mountain in its mouth.”

Had this dream occurred to anyone else, Emperor Jingyuan would not have believed it.

But since the dream was dreamed by Huo Ling and concerned their child, Emperor Jingyuan immediately believed it.

"The sun entering your embrace, holding a mountain in its mouth—what an auspicious omen indeed."

As soon as Emperor Jingyuan finished speaking, Huo Ling felt the child in her belly move again, more strongly than before.

The bedchamber was dimly lit, with only a faint lantern glowing by the bedside. Hearing Huo Ling inhale sharply, Emperor Jingyuan quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

Huo Ling replied, "It's nothing. The child just turned over. Let's go back to sleep, Your Majesty. You have court assembly tomorrow."

But Emperor Jingyuan was wide awake now. He summoned the palace attendants waiting outside, and soon, the court physician on duty at the Imperial Hospital was also called in.

Late at night, the entire Fengyi Palace was roused from sleep, only for the physician to declare after taking her pulse that all was well.

Huo Ling smiled. "I told you there was nothing wrong."

Emperor Jingyuan said, "Having a physician on night watch is precisely for situations like this. Don't mind the trouble. Are you sleepy now?"

Huo Ling had intended to lie, but under Emperor Jingyuan's gaze, she quietly admitted, "No."

Emperor Jingyuan stayed with Huo Ling, chatting further about the pregnancy dream before shifting the topic to the western border regions: "Border generals are required to report to the capital every three years. Since your due date is in July, would you like your family to come to the capital early to assist with your delivery during the confinement period?"

Huo Ling shook her head with a smile. "I have plenty of people to look after me. My father is busy training the cavalry this year and likely won't be able to leave for now. They can come at year's end instead."

After some idle conversation, Huo Ling finally grew drowsy again and drifted back to sleep.

By the fifth month, the capital’s weather had become oppressively humid. Every palace began using ice, but since Huo Ling was far along in her pregnancy, having ice directly in her room was inadvisable. Instead, maids fanned her constantly.

The Ministry of Imperial Households had also long prepared midwives and wet nurses in advance.

Yet the child in Huo Ling’s womb was remarkably patient. Everyone waited from May to June, then to the expected due date in July, but the child gave no sign of coming.

It wasn’t until the night of July 10, when heavy rain poured over the capital, that things changed.

With her large belly, Huo Ling moved with increasing difficulty. After changing into her nightclothes with the help of her maids, she lingered by the window, feeling the humid summer air.

"A Ling, look at this."

A familiar voice came from behind.

Since July had arrived with no sign of labor, Emperor Jingyuan had grown visibly restless. Now, however, he wore an uncharacteristic smile as he handed Huo Ling a scroll.

Taking it, Huo Ling unrolled the painting and paused in surprise.

The artwork depicted the exact pregnancy dream she had dreamed—a towering stone mountain beside an infant bathed in radiant sunlight.

As Huo Ling’s fingers traced the image of the baby, she suddenly gasped, clutching her belly in pain.

Emperor Jingyuan hurriedly reached out to steady her, but the attending nurses and maids were already prepared.

The imperial physician and midwives, who had been staying in the adjacent chambers of Fengyi Palace, rushed over at once upon hearing that the empress had gone into labor.

While Emperor Jingyuan was ushered out of the chamber, Wu Mo slipped inside without being stopped.

Huo Ling, her long hair drenched with sweat from the contractions, was drinking ginseng soup under the midwife’s instructions to gather strength. Spotting Wu Mo from the corner of her eye, she forced a weak smile.

Throughout her pregnancy, Huo Ling had strictly followed the two physicians’ advice, neither overdoing tonics that might make the baby too large nor neglecting her own health.

Though it was her first childbirth, the delivery proceeded smoothly. Labor began at the hour of Hai (9–11 PM), and by the time the first light of dawn touched the horizon, a strong newborn’s cry resounded through Fengyi Palace.

After over four hours of labor, Huo Ling successfully delivered a son.