Chapter 102: “The Relationship Between Her Majesty and the Duke of Chengen…”

Chapter 102 “The relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Duke of Chengen…”

To ensure that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor could move into Shouning Palace before the New Year, the Imperial Household Department began an extensive renovation.

When Wen Shengan entered the palace to report, he deliberately took a detour to Shouning Palace. Hearing the noise inside, he frowned slightly, his expression showing displeasure.

Pushing down his feelings, he walked faster toward Xingtai Hall.

Inside Xingtai Hall, Huo Ling sat straight in the main seat while Huo Ze played with Ji Xianshan.

Ji Xianshan ran while looking back over his shoulder, just as the hall doors opened and Wen Shengan stepped in, nearly knocking the boy over.

“Your Majesty!”

Wen Shengan hurriedly reached out to steady Ji Xianshan.

Ji Xianshan blinked and exclaimed, “Ah, it’s Minister Wen!”

Wen Shengan asked, “Did Your Majesty get hurt?”

Ji Xianshan shook his little head. “No.”

Wen Shengan sighed in relief, then glanced at Huo Ze with mild reproach. “Your Majesty’s safety is paramount. If he were to bump or scrape himself, what then?”

Huo Ze looked embarrassed, but Huo Ling intervened on his behalf. “Enough, Minister Wen. The Empress Dowager has been expecting you.”

Wen Shengan took a step back, bowed to Ji Xianshan, and then approached Huo Ling.

Huo Ze rubbed his nose and whispered to Ji Xianshan, “An Er (nickname for Ji Xianshan), let’s go outside to play.”

As Wen Shengan took his leave and exited Xingtai Hall, he saw Huo Ze playing hide-and-seek with Ji Xianshan.

He left them alone but sighed to himself.

Because the Emperor was to live with the Empress Dowager, no one dared suggest he stay in the inner palace forever—hence the necessity of renovating Shouning Palace.

Wen Shengan’s concerns lay not in the present, but in the future.

The Emperor was still too young to understand politics, so conflicts with the Empress Dowager were unlikely.

But when the Emperor came of age to rule, the Empress Dowager would only be in her forties. Would she willingly step back into the inner palace and live as an honored, retired dowager?

Once the Empress Dowager moved into Shouning Palace, persuading her to leave would be difficult.

Wen Shengan shook his head and headed home, burdened by worries.

As soon as he entered, his wife greeted him with delight. “It’s almost dark—why are you so late today?”

Wen Shengan replied, “I had to go to the palace unexpectedly.”

His wife had asked casually, uninterested in his answer, and continued, “We have a visitor. Guess who it is?”

Recalling a letter he’d gotten recently, Wen Shengan felt a stir in his heart. “Has A Xu (affectionate name for Song Xu) arrived?”

“Teacher.”

A clear voice called out. Song Xu stood at the entrance wearing a blue robe and a gray crane-patterned cloak, bowing respectfully.

The setting sun lit up his tired but still bright face.

Wen Shengan strode forward and clapped Song Xu on the shoulder, his face lit up with joy. "I've been waiting for you, my boy. You finally made it to the capital."

Dinner was already ready, and Wen Shengan led Song Xu in, asking about his travels over dinner.

Song Xu said, "On my way north, I saw many official ships heading south."

Wen Shengan replied, "Those must be officials banished from the capital. You likely haven’t heard the latest capital news."

Song Xu said, "Merchants dropped hints, but no specifics."

At this, Wen Shengan’s appetite vanished. Seeing that Song Xu had eaten, he set down his chopsticks. "You’ve come at the right time. I’ve been stuck on something lately. Hear me out and help me brainstorm."

...

The desk candle guttered between light and shadow. Song Xu picked up a wick trimmer to adjust the flame, brightening it again.

"So what you're saying is, within two weeks of the late Emperor’s death, Empress Dowager Huo produced evidence that Prince Duan's residence and Duke Liu's household poisoned him? That very night, Prince Duan’s heir and Duke Liu led troops into the palace, only to walk straight into the Empress Dowager’s trap?"

This was a secret Wen Shengan hadn't even told his own son or grandson.

But before his prized student, he held nothing back.

Song Xu frowned thoughtfully. "The Empress Dowager set up a mourning hall in the palace. First, Duke Liu claimed illness and refused to attend. Then, within two days, Prince Duan did the same?"

Wen Shengan snorted coldly. "The Emperor’s body wasn’t even cold, and their treachery was already exposed."

A suspicion stirred in Song Xu’s mind, but after glancing at Wen Shengan, he simply smiled and said, "What’s troubling you, Master? Facing the rebellion of Prince Duan and Duke Liu, the Empress Dowager stayed calm and decisive—she played it perfectly."

"True. Without her foresight, His Majesty would’ve been in danger. The traitors might’ve even gotten hold of him. As Regent, I’d have no defense before the late Emperor."

No matter how much he disliked Huo Ling, Wen Shengan had to admit she was capable.

Still, admiration only deepened his distrust.

He didn’t trust Huo Ling.

Back when Emperor Jingyuan chose an empress, Wen Shengan had openly opposed her.

Fairly speaking, she fulfilled all duties expected of an empress.

She upheld ancestral rites, managed the inner palace, and raised the imperial heirs—everything an empress should do.

But she also did plenty she shouldn’t.

"I still believe," Wen Shengan said, "that Empress Dowager Huo never showed the virtues of a proper empress.

"You may not know this, but many posts were left open, and she quickly filled them with her own people. Over the years, she seemed quiet, but secretly built her faction.

"I’ve never seen a virtuous empress who meddled endlessly in court politics, sought power for her family, and pushed her relatives forward. Even under Emperor Jingyuan, her ambition couldn’t be contained. If we let her take full control, what’ll become of His Majesty?"

Song Xu said, "Master, you’re getting ahead of yourself. After all, the Empress Dowager and His Majesty are mother and son..."

Wen Shengan waved a hand, unwilling to hear more. "Once the mourning period ends, there’ll be a grand court assembly. She’ll no doubt rule from behind the curtain. Tell me—is there any way to stop her?"

Song Xu gave a wry smile. "Master, the Emperor’s still in diapers. If she doesn’t preside, are we to leave him alone on the throne listening to ministers argue?"

Wen Shengan sighed, seeing how absurd that sounded.

Song Xu lowered his gaze, then spoke after a pause. "She speaks for the Emperor. Keep fighting her, and you’ll lose. Instead of opposing her outright, why not try clipping the Huo clan’s wings?"

Wen Shengan looked at Song Xu. "Got any bright ideas?"

Song Xu said with conviction, "Recommend Duke Chengen as Minister of War."

Wen Shengan frowned. "Out of the question."

Song Xu said smoothly, like a gentle breeze, "You think recommending Duke Chengen as Minister of War is doing him a favor?"

Wen Shengan replied, "Isn’t it obvious?"

Song Xu continued, "Do you still remember Duke Liu? Back then, Duke Liu’s faction was powerful and held deep prestige in the military. You recommended him as Minister of War to curb their influence, costing him his military authority."

Wen Shengan's brow furrowed—he was beginning to grasp Song Xu’s meaning.

But who was Huo Shiming?

As much as Wen Shengan disliked Duke Liu, he had to admit the man was formidable.

And Huo Shiming—just some imperial in-law, who got ahead through connections—was he really fit to be a Minister, much less his equal?

Seeing Wen Shengan wasn’t buying it, Song Xu asked, "May I ask, does Duke Chengen have any real pull in the capital or at court?"

"No," Wen Shengan answered.

Song Xu pressed on, "Then what’s the problem? After becoming Minister of War, could he bypass you as Regent?"

"No."

"Then what are you worried about?

"Duke Chengen’s promotion to Commander of Xingtang Pass was the late emperor’s decree. He’s the Empress Dowager’s most solid ally in court. If you keep clamping down on him, it will only worsen the tension between you and Her Majesty. But if you dangle the right carrot, neither Duke Chengen nor the Empress Dowager will resent you—even if they suspect your intentions.

"A Minister’s a top-tier position at court."

Sometimes, limiting someone’s power doesn't mean going after them directly.

The Huo family’s power base is the military. Moving Duke Chengen out of the army might look like a promotion, but isn’t it really cutting him down?

Wen Shengan’s expression softened.

***

At the training ground, Huo Ling idly toyed with a bow and arrows while Ding Jinghuan stood quietly watching.

When she was done, he stepped forward. "Your Majesty seems lively today."

"Lively?" Huo Ling placed the bow back on the rack and walked up to the platform with him. "I just needed to stretch my legs. Being cooped up all day makes you stiff. By the way, check out these estate plans—see if any catch your eye."

Ding Jinghuan studied the blueprints in surprise. "Your Majesty intends to give me a residence?"

"I heard from Wu Feng that you’re flat broke," she said. "On your salary, you’d be lucky to buy a shoebox in the capital."

Ding Jinghuan gave Wu Feng a mental thanks. "...Then why not reward me with gold and jewels instead?"

Huo Ling smirked. "So you can trade them for wine?"

He forced a smile. "Of course not! I’d treasure them forever in gratitude for Your Majesty’s kindness."

Still feeling awkward, he flipped through the plans again.

The estates Huo Ling picked weren’t huge—just two courtyards—but they were in prime spots, convenient for both official duties and palace visits.

There's just one thing...

"With a mansion, I'll need to hire gatekeepers and servants. At least one maid for daily cleaning too. My monthly salary barely covers my own expenses—how am I supposed to afford hiring staff?"

Ding Jinghuan gave up the act—he'd long been seen through anyway—"Empress Dowager, just give me the silver as wine instead. Once the national mourning period ends, let me drink all you want. I haven’t had a single drink lately."

Huo Ling pulled a token from her robes and flipped it over to Ding Jinghuan.

He scrambled to grab it. "What is this?"

"Wu Feng won't be bringing you wine anymore. With this token, you can freely enter Fan Tower and drink all you want. Of course, if you dare let alcohol interfere with my affairs..."

Her voice carried a subtle threat at the end.

Ding Jinghuan, however, dropped his usual carefree act and slipped the token into his robes.

Huo Ling tapped the blueprint with her fingertip. "Now surely you can afford a few servants?"

Ding Jinghuan chuckled. "Well, if you're being this generous, I won't say no. I'll take the one in Pear Wine Lane."

Huo Ling remarked, "You just like the lane’s name, don’t you?"

He shrugged. "Any place you pick would be great. No way I'm getting a bad deal."

"Alright, enough of that—let’s get down to business." Huo Ling handed him a memorial from the Ministry of Personnel. "Take a look."

As he opened it, Ding Jinghuan’s eyes widened in surprise.

For the position of Minister of War, the Ministry of Personnel had recommended one person—

Commander of Xingtang Pass, Huo Shiming.

"Interesting," Ding Jinghuan muttered, finding it unbelievable. "What’s Minister Wen up to? This isn’t his usual move."

"Why do you say that?" Huo Ling asked.

Ding Jinghuan tutted. "Minister Wen is..."

He spread his hands, letting the meaning hang.

Huo Ling couldn’t help but smile. "Then what do you think his intention is?"

Ding Jinghuan couldn’t figure out the reason, but he was certain: "This recommendation isn’t a bad thing."

Huo Ling agreed. "Indeed not. My greatest weakness is lacking allies among the senior court officials. If my father becomes Minister of War, along with Vice Ministers Li Hansong and Qiu Hongzhen, I would have full control over the Ministry of War among the Six Ministries."

Ding Jinghuan asked, "Have you figured out why Minister Wen is doing this?"

Huo Ling replied, "It's simple—this is an open ploy. Once my father becomes Minister of War, he can no longer stay at Xingtang Pass."

Ding Jinghuan understood. "A trade-off, then. How do you plan to choose?"

Huo Ling said, "No need to choose.

"Whether it's an open ploy or a hidden scheme, the best countermeasure is not to play into their hands, but to stay the course.

"Vice Minister Li Hansong was highly regarded by the late emperor. He has years of experience in the Ministry of War and knows the ministry inside out. From the beginning, I intended for him to succeed as Minister of War, with Qiu Hongzhen taking over as Vice Minister."

"Moreover, my father's lifelong ambition is to fight on the battlefield and reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan-Yun. Keeping a battlefield commander in the capital as Minister of War, entangled in political schemes, would be a waste of his abilities."

Ding Jinghuan was slightly taken aback, looking at Huo Ling with surprise, hardly believing these words came from an Empress Dowager Regent.

After a long pause, he smiled faintly and affirmed, "Your Majesty must be very close to the Duke of Chengen."

Huo Ling shook her head with a light laugh and simply said, "When I was young, I often heard my father speak of his ambitions. And most importantly, Yanxi has already lost one Zhou Jiamu. If my father is also transferred away, it will affect the military's strength."

Speaking of Yanxi, Huo Ling picked up the memorial and smoothly changed the topic: "What are your thoughts on the matter of Yanxi?"

Ding Jinghuan sat up straight: "The key to Yanxi, to put it plainly, lies in Xingtang Pass. And the key to Xingtang Pass depends on three people—the Commander, the Deputy Commander, and the Yanyu Army Commander.

"Now that the Duke of Chengen has been promoted to Commander of Xingtang Pass and also commands thirty thousand troops of the Swallow Feather Army, what Your Majesty is likely considering is the selection of the Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass."

Huo Ling nodded: "Correct."

Ding Jinghuan then asked: "Currently, both General Huo and General Zhou are in the capital. Who is the officer left in charge at Xingtang Pass?"

Huo Ling replied: "It's my father's deputy, Sun Yucheng. My father came to see me in the palace a few days ago, intending to secure the position of Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass for Deputy Sun."

Ding Jinghuan's expression turned grave: "Your Majesty, this must absolutely not be allowed."

Huo Ling picked up the osmanthus-sweetened water in front of her and took a small sip.

A chilly breeze brushed past, lifting the loose strands of hair at her temples.

Huo Ling narrowed her eyes slightly, gazing at the hazy sky with a relaxed expression: "Deputy Sun has kept Xingtang Pass running smoothly while stationed there, which deserves recognition. My father leading the Swallow Feather Army to the capital to protect the throne is also meritorious."

Ding Jinghuan pondered, trying to read between the lines of Huo Ling's words.

Suddenly, he said: "Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but the Duke of Chengen holds a ducal title and commands a hundred thousand troops at Xingtang Pass. It's no longer appropriate for him to concurrently lead the Swallow Feather Army. The late Emperor died suddenly and did not specify this in his will, but as Your Majesty's own father, the Duke should put the greater good first."

Ding Jinghuan took a deep breath before continuing.

"—Of course, the Duke has served with distinction, and the Swallow Feather Army was built from the ground up by him. Putting someone else in command might not only be rejected by the army's officers and soldiers but could also damage the relationship between the Duke and Your Majesty.

"How about this: let Deputy Sun take command of the Swallow Feather Army. As for the position of Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass, assign another officer loyal to Your Majesty."

Huo Ling pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and looked at Ding Jinghuan: "I fear my father might misunderstand."

Ding Jinghuan cupped his hands: "If Your Majesty issues a direct decree, it would certainly be inappropriate. Minister Qiu Hongzhen gets along well with the Duke. Why not ask Minister Qiu to persuade the Duke first? Once the Duke understands Your Majesty's intentions, Your Majesty can have him come to the palace so you can reassure him."

Huo Ling knew Ding Jinghuan had fully grasped her thoughts.

In truth, regarding the arrangements for the Commander and Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass, Huo Ling had long understood the pattern.

When He Tai served as Commander, Zhou Jiamu was Deputy Commander—they didn't get along.

When Zhou Jiamu served as Commander, Huo Shiming was Deputy Commander—they didn't get along either.

Of course, it wasn’t necessary for the Commander and Deputy Commander to be in constant conflict. The crucial point was that the two officers guarding a strategic location mustn't see eye to eye.

She did not wish to see her father's talents wasted, but she also could not stand by and watch Yanxi's military power fall entirely into one person's hands.

—Even if that person was her father.

This was not about trust, but about maintaining balance.

"Go see Qiu Hongzhen," Huo Ling said. "Also, find out who gave Minister Wen this advice."

***

When Ding Jinghuan left the palace, Huo Ling even arranged a carriage for him to get acquainted with Pear Wine Alley.

After wandering around the alley for a bit, Ding Jinghuan took the carriage to Vermilion Bird Street. Catching a whiff of the scent from a nearby pancake stall, he told the coachman to drop him off there.

Swinging the token at his hip, he made his way back to his residence, grabbing assorted street food as he went.

From a distance, Ding Jinghuan saw someone waiting at his door.

As he drew closer, he smacked his hands together in recognition. "So it's you who came to the capital. That was your doing, wasn't it? Getting Minister Wen to recommend the Duke of Chengen for Minister of War?"

Song Xu raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback.

He had only suggested that idea to his mentor the previous night—he hadn’t expected Ding Jinghuan to know about it so soon.

"You really have a knack for showing up at just the right time," Ding Jinghuan said, waving the snacks he’d bought. "How did you know I picked up so much good food today?"

Song Xu lifted the pastries and snacks in his own hands. "I was worried I might show up out of the blue and you wouldn’t have anything to offer me. Guess I worried for nothing."

Ding Jinghuan pushed the door open. "Come in and sit down first. Just now, when I left the palace, the Empress Dowager actually told me to look into you. And here you are, delivering yourself right to my doorstep—saves me a lot of trouble."

Song Xu followed him inside. "Did the Empress Dowager agree to my mentor’s proposal?"

Ding Jinghuan smirked. "Like I'd spill state secrets to a mere civilian like you."

Song Xu chuckled and shook his head. "Suit yourself."

Ding Jinghuan tried to pour Song Xu some water but was mortified to find there was no hot water left in the house. He grabbed the kettle and hurried next door to scrounge up some hot water from his neighbor and colleague.

"When did you arrive in the capital?"

Song Xu pulled out a chair and sat down. "Last night."

Ding Jinghuan tsked, sounding unimpressed. "And then you just happened to give your mentor that suggestion?"

Song Xu glanced at him. "Judging by your tone, it seems the Empress Dowager didn’t approve of my mentor’s recommendation."

Ding Jinghuan replied, "Her Majesty already has plans for Yanxi."

Song Xu went quiet, considering this.

Ding Jinghuan unwrapped the snacks he had bought and handed Song Xu a pair of chopsticks. "Want to know what Her Majesty’s plans are?"

Song Xu said, "I’ll find out sooner or later."

Ding Jinghuan made a face. "You’re such a killjoy. Why not just ask me instead of waiting? Aren’t you even a little curious?"

Song Xu parroted back Ding Jinghuan’s earlier words. "Like I'd spill state secrets to a mere civilian like you."

Ding Jinghuan made a show of pouting. "Then go ahead and guess."

Song Xu shook his head. "I’m an outsider, seeing through a haze—so many things remain unclear to me."

"Well then, does this mean you've finally decided to enter officialdom this time?"

Ding Jinghuan and Song Xu had been old friends for many years.

Unlike Ding Jinghuan, who came from a humble background, Song Xu hailed from the prestigious Hengyang Song clan.

The Hengyang Song clan was just as powerful as the Chenping Lu clan.

However, Song Xu had only an illustrious family name to his credit. Before he could even form memories, his father passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind only his mother and child.

A few years ago, Song Xu's mother passed away from illness. He remained in his hometown, living in a mourning hut to observe filial piety. After the mourning period ended, he began traveling across Great Yan and even joined a merchant caravan on a journey to the northern lands of Great Mu.

Song Xu said gently, "There's no hurry. The New Year is almost upon us."

***

---

On the hillside, Huo Shiming held back his frustration as he personally escorted Qiu Hongzhen.

Once Qiu Hongzhen's figure had completely disappeared into the distance, he approached Kong Yi with a grim expression. "Master Kong, the bet goes to you. But Old Sun really did get promoted. Want to take a guess at what position?"

Kong Yi hesitated, unable to answer immediately. Huo Shiming said, "He was made Yanyu Army Commander."

Kong Yi was stunned. "This... then has the Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass been decided?"

Huo Shiming shook his head. "That, I don’t know."

Kong Yi asked, "Is this bothering you, General?"

Huo Shiming let out a long sigh, covering his face. "Ah, it’s just... unexpected. I had thought..."

When Huo Shiming didn’t continue, Kong Yi pressed, "What did you think, General? That after reminiscing with Her Majesty about childhood memories and putting in a good word for Lieutenant Sun, she would appoint him as Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass?"

Huo Shiming smiled bitterly. "Master Kong, must you rub salt in my wounds?"

Kong Yi sighed. "General, do you know what you should focus on most right now?"

Huo Shiming: "See Her Majesty?"

Kong Yi: "That needs to be done, but that’s not what I meant."

Huo Shiming: "Secure my position as Commander of Xingtang Pass?"

At this point, Huo Shiming could no longer suppress his indignation. "Her Majesty has already stripped me of my position as Yanyu Army Commander. Does she intend to divide my military command as well?"

Kong Yi quickly soothed him. "General, don’t speak in anger."

Huo Shiming took a deep breath, feeling a suffocating tightness in his chest. "Master Kong, I truly don’t understand what Her Majesty is thinking. She wrote to me, ordering me to capture Zhou Jiamu, to lead the Swallow Feather Army into the capital, to cooperate with the capital’s authorities in taking down Prince Duan’s residence and Duke of Liu’s estate... I carried out every one of her commands. Even if there’s no merit, surely there’s effort?

"I know I’ve only recently been promoted to Commander of Xingtang Pass, my position isn't secure, and further promotion is unlikely. But even if Her Majesty won’t promote me, must she split my authority..."

Only after Huo Shiming finished venting did Kong Yi speak. "General, what you need most now is to strengthen your ties with Her Majesty and His Majesty. You guard the border, you only see them once every few years, exchanging at most one letter a month. Though you are kin, even the strongest blood ties grow distant over time."

Huo Shiming had to admit Kong Yi was right. "But what can I do?"

Kong Yi said, "You’ve done one thing very well—having the young general stay in the palace to accompany His Majesty in play."

An idea occurred to Huo Shiming. "You mean... keeping A Ze in the capital?"

Kong Yi nodded. "Precisely. Your position has changed, but all your connections and influence remain in Yanxi, with no presence in the capital. In the long run, that is not ideal. Having the young general stay in the capital will not only maintain closer ties with Her Majesty and His Majesty but also allow him to represent you in befriending court officials.

"Moreover, the young general will turn nineteen after the New Year. By then, it'll be time to arrange his marriage."

Huo Shiming stood up and paced back and forth in the tent. After a long while, he clenched his right fist and slammed it into his palm decisively. "Tomorrow when I go to the palace, I’ll bring this up with Her Majesty."

---

Just as Huo Shiming was heading to Xingtai Hall, he ran into Wen Shengan on the palace path.

Huo Shiming gave a respectful salute and started to move past, but Wen Shengan called out to him. "What a shame. I had hoped to serve alongside General Huo in court."

Huo Shiming paused, surprised. "Minister Wen, what do you mean?"

Wen Shengan stroked his beard. "Your recent service, General, has been witnessed by all in court. I submitted a memorial recommending you for Minister of War—only for Her Majesty to flatly reject it."