Chapter 97: Stripped of titles, exterminated three clans.

Chapter 97: Revoking Nobility Titles and Executing Three Generations of Kin.

Before dawn fully broke, Huo Ling returned to the palace.

Wen Shengan, Lu Hang, Chen Haoyan, and Prince Cheng had not yet left the palace. Upon hearing of Huo Ling’s return, they hurried to see her.

Before the four could speak, Huo Ling’s gaze first settled on Lu Hang: “The enthronement ceremony is the day after tomorrow. Minister Lu, should you not be preparing for the ceremony instead of lingering in the palace?”

From yesterday afternoon to this morning, less than a full day and night cycle had passed, but the series of events that unfolded left even Lu Hang and his companions—who considered themselves experienced in major affairs—feeling overwhelmed.

First, Empress Dowager Huo had produced evidence of Prince Duan’s and Duke Liu’s poisoning of the late emperor. Then, Duke Liu and Ji Yuanwan led a rebel army into the palace, only for Duke Liu to die and Ji Yuanwan to be defeated and fall upon his sword…

By the time Lu Hang and the others regained their composure and sought answers from Empress Dowager Huo, they learned she had already left the palace.

Fortunately, Huo Ling had not entirely forgotten them. Before departing, she had specifically left Cui Hongyi behind.

Before fully securing Prince Duan’s and Duke Liu’s residences, Huo Ling could not reveal her plans to too many people. But now that the situation was under control, and with her next move being to purge Prince Duan’s remaining faction—a task that involved the Six Ministries and the three regent ministers—it was time to make her position clear with Wen Shengan, Lu Hang, and the others.

As Huo Ling’s trusted confidant, Cui Hongyi knew exactly what to disclose and what to withhold. After hearing his account, Lu Hang and the others were struck silent.

By the time they had processed Cui Hongyi’s account, Huo Ling had returned to the palace.

Yet while their minds were still reeling from the rebellion, Huo Ling was already turning her attention to the enthronement ceremony.

Truly…

Lu Hang, who had always been on good terms with Huo Ling, said with a bitter smile, “After such a major incident last night, how could we have dared leave the palace before Your return?”

“Besides, under Your constant guidance, preparations for the enthronement ceremony are nearly complete. Rest assured, even with ten lives to spare, I would not dare delay His Majesty’s enthronement. It is simply that my heart remains deeply troubled over the capital’s safety.”

Wen Shengan also voiced his stance: “The enthronement is the day after tomorrow. To avoid disturbing the ceremony, we must suppress the unrest in the capital before then. If there is anything Her Ladyship requires of us, She need only command.”

Chen Haoyan asked most directly: “Having remained in the palace, we know nothing of the situation outside. Her Ladyship’s hasty departure last night suggests Prince Duan’s and Duke Liu’s residences have been secured?”

Huo Ling ceased withholding information.

With less than an hour before officials and their wives were to enter the palace for mourning, Huo Ling had returned precisely to reach consensus with them.

“Accompany me to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.”

The traces of last night’s battle had not yet been fully cleared. Imperial guards were busy disposing of corpses and collecting scattered arrows.

Huo Ling also summoned Zhan Ling inside.

Without preamble, she apprised them of the situation outside the palace:

Last night, as Duke Liu and his forces forced their way into the palace, the Swallow Feather Army was ordered to surround Prince Duan’s and Duke Liu’s residences.

Both households put up fierce resistance, but under overwhelming numbers, they were ultimately overrun.

The Princess Consort of Duan took poison and died.

Prince Duan’s residence had a hidden passageway leading to a temple in the outskirts. Prince Duan, his second son Ji Yuankang, and several young lords of the Liu family escaped through it, only to be ambushed and killed by the lying-in-wait Swallow Feather Army.

...

The matter of Huo Ling mobilizing the Swallow Feather Army to the capital was already known to Wen Shengan and the others. What made them uneasy, however, was the news that Prince Duan, the Princess Consort of Duan, and Ji Yuankang had all died?

Didn’t this mean… that Prince Duan’s entire lineage had been extinguished last night?

The group instinctively looked up at Huo Ling, hoping she would clarify further.

Yet Huo Ling appeared to ignore their looks as she picked up a cup of bitter tea beside her and took a large sip.

They looked at each other, unsure whether to press further.

Under normal circumstances, the sudden deaths of a prince and his consort would undoubtedly trigger massive unrest and shockwaves in the capital. Without thoroughly investigating every suspicious detail, such a matter could never be dismissed lightly.

But given the current situation…

"The operations outside the palace were entirely managed by the Capital Prefect Qiu Hongzhen and the Swallow Feather Army’s commander, Huo Shiming. They will present a memorial soon detailing the specifics of the operation. If you have any questions, you may inquire after their reports are submitted."

Huo Ling set down her cup, showing no intention to explain further.

"The most pressing matter now is how to manage the consequences and whether to disclose the truth behind the demise of the late Emperor."

Hearing this, Wen Shengan and the others immediately stopped dwelling on Prince Duan’s death.

Though Prince Duan had not joined the rebels in storming the palace last night—instead escorting a group of children to flee—Wen Shengan and the others found his actions rather suspicious. Regardless, the poisoning of the late Emperor and the armed rebellion were undeniable truths.

The rebellion was one thing—it couldn’t be concealed—but the poisoning of the late Emperor was an imperial scandal that must be contained if possible.

Wen Shengan quickly voiced his objection: "Your Majesty, this matter is of utmost sensitivity. It absolutely must not be revealed."

Lu Hang also firmly stated: "Indeed, Your Majesty. For the stability of the court and the dignity of the imperial family, this news must never be leaked."

Huo Ling replied, "Minister Wen and Minister Lu raise valid concerns. But in that case, how should we explain Prince Duan’s death to the court officials?"

Chen Haoyan’s lips twitched slightly.

They had only partial knowledge of the situation outside the palace, yet the Empress Dowager was shifting the question to them—how to justify Prince Duan’s death to the court…

At this critical moment, Prince Cheng stepped forward.

"To the late Emperor, Prince Duan was both a younger brother and a subject. After the late Emperor’s passing, Prince Duan pretended illness to shirk mourning duties and took advantage of the court’s instability to launch a rebellion, disregarding the Empire’s safety and betraying our ancestors. As the head of the Imperial Clan Court, I beseech Your Majesty to permit me to remove Prince Duan from the imperial lineage."

Prince Cheng’s meaning was clear—suppress the poisoning incident and charge Prince Duan solely with feigning illness and rebellion.

Huo Ling lowered her gaze slightly, her eyes resting on Prince Cheng. From his words, she sensed his gesture of goodwill.

Admittedly, this also aligned perfectly with her own intentions.

"Prince Duan was Emperor Gaozong’s youngest son. On his deathbed, Emperor Gaozong held the late Emperor’s hand and urged him to take good care of this brother. Yet insatiable greed—even the title of prince could not satisfy his ambition, leading to this tragic brother-against-brother conflict."

"Such a man, who showed neither loyalty nor righteousness, who disrespected both sovereign and father, will no longer be allowed to hold the title of prince."

"Strip him of his princely rank, bury him as a commoner, strip him of the imperial surname, and command the execution of his entire family."

An audible gasp—

The group inwardly recoiled in shock.

The punishments of demotion and execution were expected. What truly stunned them was the phrase "strip him of the imperial surname." To deprive him even of the right to keep the imperial surname…

After the initial surprise, the group tacitly accepted The Empress Dowager's decision. As long as the overall direction was sound, they were willing to let Her Majesty vent her anger on these minor details.

Chen Haoyan asked, "What about the Liu ducal estate?"

Given The Empress Dowager's ruthless streak, Wen Shengan was genuinely concerned she might order the annihilation of the entire Liu clan. Clearing his throat, he said, "The prominent families in the capital often intermarry. Since Emperor Taizu established the capital in Luocheng, the Liu family has flourished here, with far-reaching ties. It would be unwise to involve too many."

Huo Ling smiled faintly. "I understand Minister Wen's concerns, but I have my own concerns as well."

"The Prince Duan's household and the Liu ducal estate dared to commit treason—there must be accomplices behind them. All officials involved in the rebellion, whether leaders or followers, must be executed. The Ministry of Justice will then determine the severity of their crimes, punishing them with confiscation, exile, or execution of their families. What do you think, esteemed ministers?"

Her tone was gentle, as if she were discussing the matter politely, yet the ministers sensed a chilling undercurrent of ruthlessness.

Only after they hesitantly nodded did Huo Ling appear to ponder further. "The Liu family is indeed a major clan in the capital, and it would be unwise to involve too many. I am not one who delights in bloodshed..."

"Then strip them of their titles and execute three generations of the family."

The ministers forced awkward smiles, though they knew in their hearts that the Liu ducal estate—once the foremost among nobles, enjoying nearly a century of prosperity—was now utterly finished.

***

Luocheng's vast network of waterways bustled daily with countless vessels transporting grain, goods, and travelers from afar.

This was precisely why Emperor Taizu had chosen it as the capital.

However, Luocheng also faced a significant problem.

With its population continuously expanding, the city's early street planning and drainage systems could no longer support over a million inhabitants.

Whenever heavy rain fell, the city's flooding grew worse.

The relentless autumn rains had persisted for nearly half a month, and the previous night's torrential downpour left many households in the outer city flooded by morning—even the inner city, where the nobility resided, was no exception.

The lanes where the Liu ducal estate and Prince Duan's household stood were not far from the palace, situated near the heart of the inner city and surrounded by the residences of numerous officials.

This meant that many had heard the sound of hooves splashing through shallow water as troops marched, along with the clashing of weapons.

Amid these noises, occasional bloodcurdling screams pierced the night, sending shivers down spines.

Many officials were too frightened to sleep, wanting to send servants to investigate but unsure where to look amid the downpour.

Some households, after deliberation, summoned the courage to dispatch servants.

These servants were halted at the lane entrances by stationed soldiers, who ordered them to turn back immediately or be arrested as suspected conspirators.

Thus, by dawn, most remained ignorant of what had transpired the previous night—or who the opposing forces had been.

"What should we do now? With those soldiers guarding the alleys, should we still enter the palace to mourn?"

But soon, they no longer needed to deliberate.

The soldiers at the alley entrances knocked on their gates, instructing them to proceed to the palace to mourn as usual.

The armor of the capital's imperial guards differed from that of the frontier troops. The previous night had been too dark for the dispatched servants to discern, but now, in daylight, many went pale upon recognizing the soldiers' gear.

—Had the frontier troops entered the capital?

"Which army do you belong to?"

Upon learning they were from the Capital Prefecture's forces and the Swallow Feather Army, acting on The Empress Dowager's orders, most sighed in relief—though a few turned ashen.

Whatever their misgivings, under the urging of the Capital Prefecture officers and Swallow Feather Army soldiers, they reluctantly boarded their carriages and headed for the palace.

Soldiers patrolled everywhere along the way.

Anyone acting suspicious was immediately apprehended and taken aside for questioning.

Once inside the palace, everyone realized they were heading away from the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

"Young eunuch, where are we going?"

"Don’t worry, my lords. You’re headed to the Xingtai Hall."

"But… isn’t the mourning hall set up in the Hall of Supreme Harmony? Why bring us all to Xingtai Hall?"

"You’ll see when we get there, my lord."

The young eunuch kept his mouth shut. Though the group grew increasingly on edge, they had no choice but to quietly share what little they knew. The eunuch leading them made no move to stop them, letting them talk freely.

"Do you know what happened last night?"

"Listen—this morning, my carriage passed the entrance to Duke Liu’s alley. Damn… I saw soldiers carrying corpses out. From the number, something must’ve gone down at Duke Liu’s place last night."

"Wait, that’s weird. The noise I heard came from Prince Duan’s mansion."

"Really!?"

"You know my residence is just a street behind his. The commotion was so loud, even my servants heard it."

Others began glancing around nervously. "Where’s Minister Wen?"

"Now that you say it, I don’t see Minister Lu or Imperial Censor Chen either."

Inside the Xingtai Hall, another mourning hall had been hastily arranged, looking bare and unfinished.

As people exchanged glances and whispered together, they pieced together most of what had happened outside the palace the previous night.

Some went from pale to ghostly white, their bodies swaying unsteadily.

Those nearby edged away from each other, creating space.

On purpose or not, the young eunuch who led them vanished after bringing everyone into the Xingtai Hall.

They waited inside for a long time, until the sun was blazing overhead, before Zheng Xinjue finally strolled in.

He still wore the same armor from last night, with bandages showing beneath. In his hand was a list, the ink still wet, and he smiled as he said, "When I call your name, step forward and stand to my left."

"Right Vice Minister of War, Tan Tingyu."

Tan Tingyu went sheet-white and, under the eyes of the crowd, shuffled forward like a corpse.

Happy Tan didn’t resist, Zheng Xinjue smiled again and called the next name.

But when the third name was called, the man bellowed, "What do you think you’re doing!? I want to see His Majesty! I want to see Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

Zheng gave a cold smirk and flicked his hand. A palace guard marched straight for the third man.

Not wanting to catch the heat, the others quickly stepped aside.

The imperial guard didn’t erupt into instant violence, but they certainly weren’t gentle. One of them unstrapped the saber from their belt and bashed the hilt against the man’s head until it drew blood, then yanked him out of the crowd by force.

This brutal example of making an example of one to cow the rest ensured that those whose names were called afterward fell in line quickly.

Zheng Xinjue rattled off nine names before slowly rerolling the scroll in his hand and ordering his trusted men to haul them off.

“Minister Cui.”

Zheng Xinjue didn’t leave with his subordinates. His eyes swept through the gathered officials and settled on Cui Ming, the Minister of Justice.

Cui Ming stiffened at the call, and Lady Cui clutched his arm tightly. After what had just happened, who wouldn’t fear being summoned by this executioner?

Seeing her fearful reaction, Zheng Xinjue realized she’d misunderstood and hurriedly explained, “Minister Wen and others are waiting for you at the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Please accompany me there—Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has new orders for the Ministry of Justice.”

***

After settling the broad strategy with Wen Shengan and the others, Huo Ling returned to rest.

Among the palace’s tightest-secured areas, aside from the Hall of Supreme Harmony, was the Phoenix Palace.

Lately, Huo Ling had been bunking with Ji Xianshan in a side hall of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which was exactly why Liu Guogong and his forces had made a beeline for that location.

But once she sensed Liu Guogong was about to move, Huo Ling had Ji Xianshan moved back to the Phoenix Palace.

The two princesses were also staying there (though they hadn’t yet been formally elevated to elder princesses).

Upon returning to the Phoenix Palace, Huo Ling didn’t rush to see Ji Xianshan. First, she bathed in the royal bathing chambers, then sent word summoning Wu Mo.

Wu Mo arrived almost instantly, clearly too antsy to wait after hearing of Huo Ling’s return. “Your Majesty, are you alright?”

“What could happen to me?” Huo Ling replied. “How were An Er and the others last night?”

“Your Majesty needn’t worry—His Majesty and the rest are all safe.”

Knowing Huo Ling hated whitewashed accounts, Wu Mo laid out everything step by step.

Last night, Wu Mo and Huo Ze had personally stood guard over Ji Xianshan while the two princesses rested in the next room.

When the uproar erupted up front, the princesses woke up, and Ji Xianshan was badly shaken.

Hearing the child cry, the two sisters hurried over to soothe him.

Only with the comfort and presence of his older sisters did Ji Xianshan finally calm down.

“Once the noise outside died down completely and Cui Hongyi came back reporting everything was under control, the three of them finally drifted off again. They’re still asleep now.”

Hearing the children were still resting, Huo Ling relaxed.

After finishing her bath and changing into fresh robes, she walked toward the main hall.

Huo Ze stood at the entrance in full armor, saber cradled in his arms. When he saw Huo Ling return, his face lit up: “Elder Sister, you’re finally back.”

Huo Ling raised an eyebrow. “Why are you guarding here in person?”

He scratched his head. “Didn’t you tell me to watch over An Er with Sister Wu Mo? Since Sister Wu Mo didn’t sleep, how could I slack off? The two princesses are inside watching over An Er, so I couldn’t stay in there. I figured I’d stand guard at the door instead.”

“Good job,” Huo Ling said approvingly. “If you’re tired, go get some rest.”

Huo Ze gave a tired stretch and didn’t argue. “Alright, I’ll find someone to take over first.”

Without another word, Huo Ling entered the hall with Wu Mo.

The two princesses had already woken up and were chatting quietly. When they saw Huo Ling enter, their faces brightened with joy.

Huo Ling complimented them briefly and, knowing they were thinking of their mother, had them escorted back.

Seeing that Ji Xianshan was still asleep, Huo Ling didn’t want to wake him. She grabbed a blanket and lay down to get some rest.

With many things on her mind, Huo Ling didn’t sleep for long. When she woke again, Ji Xianshan was sitting beside her, fidgeting with his fingers.

“What are you doing?” Huo Ling asked Ji Xianshan.

Ji Xianshan looked up, his shiny dark eyes shining brightly. “Mother! You’re awake!”

Huo Ling reached out and touched Ji Xianshan’s belly—it was round and full. “Have you eaten?”

“I have.”

Only then did Huo Ling get up to freshen up.

Ji Xianshan followed her like a shadow, sticking close wherever she went. But being short, he almost got knocked over when a palace maid entered carrying something.

Huo Ling reached out and pulled Ji Xianshan onto her lap. “Were you scared last night?”

Ji Xianshan announced, “Not scared at all!”

Huo Ling pinched his nose. “Then why did Auntie Wu Mo say you cried?”

Ji Xianshan’s eyes instantly widened. He turned to glare at Wu Mo, his face full of accusation—as if saying, “Auntie Wu Mo, how could you tell Mother about this?”

“I didn’t cry,” Ji Xianshan insisted, wringing his small hands as he tried to explain. “I just wanted to see Mother. But the older girls said you were busy, so I behaved.”

“So well-behaved.”

Huo Ling gave him a spoonful of rice porridge as a reward.

They’d only eaten half when Li Man hurried in.

“My Queen—”

Li Man was about to report, but noticing Ji Xianshan nearby, immediately stopped.

Huo Ling glanced at Wu Mo, signaling her to take Ji Xianshan away.

“What happened?” Huo Ling asked Li Man.

“Consort Liu has hanged herself.”

Huo Ling stopped eating. “Explain.”

This Consort Liu came from a collateral branch of the Liu Duke’s family, a former attendant from the late emperor’s princely days. Among the imperial consorts, her rank was not low. However, being childless, she ranked below Virtuous Consort and Noble Consort.

After Huo Ling entered the palace, Consort Liu, warned by her family, avoided appearing before Huo Ling except for necessary greetings and never caused trouble.

In fact, unless someone brought her up, Huo Ling would often forget such a person even existed in the harem.

Who would have thought Consort Liu would choose this moment to kill herself?

Li Man dared not hide anything. “After learning of this, I immediately interrogated Consort Liu’s chief maid.”

“Last night, when the commotion started, Consort Liu was too frightened to sleep and summoned her closest maids to keep her company. After things quieted down, she even sent someone to find out what happened.”

"It wasn't until noon today that news of Duke Liu's death spread. When Consort Liu heard the news, her expression changed noticeably, and she dismissed all the attendants from her chamber. By the time her head maid sensed something was wrong and re-entered, Consort Liu had already died."

When a woman becomes an imperial consort, she is considered part of the royal family.

Even if the Liu clan were to be executed to the ninth degree of kinship, it would never implicate Consort Liu.

Therefore, Consort Liu's suicide must have other reasons behind it.

Huo Ling put down her spoon, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, and said calmly, "Let Ding Jinghuan investigate this case."

In his earlier investigation, Ding Jinghuan had indeed suspected Consort Liu, but to avoid tipping anyone off, he dared not conduct an open investigation and ultimately found nothing incriminating against her.

Now, however, he could investigate freely.

After Li Man left, Huo Ling went to find Ji Xianshan and told him she would take him to Taihe Hall.

Wen Shengan and others had only managed a fitful sleep before returning to work. Seeing Huo Ling bring Ji Xianshan over unharmed, they breathed quiet sighs of relief.

Huo Ling had Ji Xianshan seated in the place of honor while she sat beside him, listening as Zheng Xinjue and Zhan Ling delivered their reports.

The nine individuals captured by Zheng Xinjue had already been transferred to the Ministry of Justice.

Zhan Ling's report was about the Black Tortoise Battalion and Chai Chengsi.

As commander of the Black Tortoise Battalion, Chai Chengsi had conspired with Liu Yun in rebellion. Even though most members of the battalion might be innocent, the court would have to thoroughly vet its personnel.

Huo Ling listened carefully to Zhan Ling's proposal and approved his handling of the Black Tortoise Battalion and Chai Chengsi, telling him to proceed without hesitation.

Upon hearing the words "proceed without hesitation," Zhan Ling felt a surge of excitement.

The position of Commander of the Imperial Guard had always been reserved for the emperor's most trusted confidants.

Though not exceptionally capable, Zhan Ling had secured the role due to his cautious nature and his status as Emperor Jingyuan's childhood study-mate.

With Emperor Jingyuan gone, Zhan Ling was mourning deeply.

Amid his sorrow, he couldn't help but worry about his own future.

These days, he barely slept three hours a night, diligently carrying out the Empress Dowager's orders without a moment's slack—all to demonstrate his loyalty in her eyes.

Huo Ling saw Zhan Ling's reaction and inwardly nodded in approval.

Her most reliable subordinates, such as Zheng Xinjue and Wu Feng, along with those she had cultivated in recent years, were only mid-level officers in the Imperial Guard. Even with her support, it would take at least a decade for them to rise to the rank of commander.

Thus, from the beginning, Huo Ling had no intention of removing Zhan Ling.

By repeatedly giving him opportunities to prove himself—partly because she had few capable people at her disposal—she was also putting his mind at ease.

—If your superiors still value you, there's no need to fear for your position.

Later on, Huo Shiming also entered the palace.

Standing before the hall, he clasped his fists and bowed: "Huo Shiming, commandant of Xingtang Pass, presents his respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. Long live Your Majesty."

Huo Shiming first reported on official matters to Huo Ling.

Most of what he shared, Huo Ling had already heard from others, though his account was more detailed.

Huo Ling asked, "What's the status of Zhou Jiamu?"

Huo Shiming said, "Since being captured, he seems to have accepted his fate. Not only has he caused no trouble, but he has also helped us calm his officers. However, he absolutely refuses to speak about Prince Duan."

Huo Ling: "Is he still with the Swallow Feather Army?"

Huo Shiming: "Yes. Would Your Majesty like to see him?"

Huo Ling shook her head: "We'll deal with it after the enthronement ceremony. Father, please transfer him and his officers to the Jingzhao Prefecture."

Hearing Huo Ling call him "Father," Huo Shiming knew their business talk was over. His rigid posture relaxed slightly as he sighed, "You look far more worn out than the last time I saw you."

Huo Ling lowered her gaze to her hands holding the teacup and replied softly, "It will be better after the enthronement ceremony."

Huo Shiming couldn't help but glance at her again.

He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he felt his eldest daughter had changed quite a bit.

Then again, considering the Emperor's death, Prince Duan's rebellion, and her rise from Empress to Regent Empress Dowager, it would be strange if she hadn't changed after such turbulent events.

"Huo Ze has grown much steadier these past two years," Huo Ling changed the subject to Huo Ze. "I told him to stay by An Er's side and guard him properly, and he truly stood guard at the palace gates all night, only resting when he saw me return."

Huo Shiming swelled with pride: "He has indeed matured."

"I hadn't planned to bring him to the capital, but he got wind of it and came to me himself, persistently pleading to come along. He even said that back when I was severely wounded on the battlefield and unconscious, he was too young and would have been a burden, so you didn't let him accompany you to Chang'an County to see me. But now that he's grown up, he can come to the capital to help you."

Huo Shiming threw up his hands: "He made it sound like if I refused, I'd be hindering him from helping you."

Huo Ling smiled faintly.

Huo Ling was meeting with Huo Shiming in Fengyi Palace. As they spoke, the door was suddenly pulled open a crack from the outside, and two heads—one large, one small—peeked in.

Huo Shiming didn't even glance at Huo Ze, instead looking at Ji Xianshan with obvious fondness.

Since they had been spotted, Ji Xianshan stepped inside properly: "Mother, is this Grandfather?"

When Huo Ling nodded, Ji Xianshan said cheerfully, "Hello, Grandfather."

Huo Shiming spoke gently: "I hadn't realized you'd grown so much. It's a pity I came in such haste and didn't prepare any gifts."

Ji Xianshan shook his head: "Mother said Grandfather came to the capital to help us, so your arrival is the best gift."

Huo Shiming was delighted and said to Huo Ling, "I never believed in tales of child prodigies, but after seeing Your Majesty as a child and now the Emperor, I'm convinced."

There was still much to handle with the Swallow Feather Army, so Huo Shiming didn't linger in the palace for long. After the enthronement ceremony, they'd have plenty of time to catch up.

"Then I—" Huo Ze glanced at Huo Shiming and instinctively started to say he would leave with him.

Huo Shiming gave him a warning glare: "You stay right here in the palace. If Her Majesty has orders, obey them. If not, remain faithfully by the Emperor's side and help lighten Her Majesty's load."

Huo Ze quickly corrected himself: "Father, why the hurry? I was just saying I'd see you off."

After seeing Huo Shiming off, Huo Ling had a proper bath and lay down on the bed before full darkness fell.

Since the Emperor's death, this was the first time Huo Ling had slept peacefully.

No anxiety, no nightmares, no sudden urgent matters requiring her attention—just slept peacefully through till morning.