Chapter 134: The New Minister of War, Duke of Chengen…

Chapter 134 The New Minister of War, Duke Chengen...

Drops of water fell one by one through the hole as time slipped away unnoticed. Outside the window, the sun cast its lengthening shadows westward.

A gust of wind blew in through the half-open window, rustling the classified report on the desk.

As the pages flipped, black ink on white paper came clearly into view:

—The enormous profits Duke Chengen received yearly from the trade monopoly were unaccounted for and suspected to have been used to bribe several frontier generals, including Lieutenant General Liu Ji of Xingtang Pass.

Her slender fingers pressed lightly on the paper as Huo Ling picked up the report and tossed it indifferently into the brazier.

The sudden flare of flames flickered in her eyes.

Wu Feng knelt on one knee below her, holding his breath in reverence, afraid to disturb her contemplation.

After a long silence, Huo Ling finally spoke, motioning for him to rise: "What have you uncovered during your months at Xingtang Pass?"

Wu Feng dared not conceal anything and recounted his findings over the past months in detail.

In May of this year, Right Vice Minister of Personnel filed an impeachment memorial against Duke Chengen Huo Shiming for hoarding military power and abusing his authority for personal profit.

Wu Feng was ordered to investigate thoroughly at Xingtang Pass.

Initially, his investigation made no progress until he turned to investigating Lieutenant General Liu Ji's record over the past few years, where he noticed something suspicious.

Liu Ji had been shunted to Xingtang Pass as Lieutenant General primarily because Huo Ling sought to check Huo Shiming's growing power there.

Thus, in his first two years at Xingtang Pass, Liu Ji had bitter clashes with the generals under Huo Shiming's command.

Wu Feng said, "Liu Ji is clever enough to know whom he can provoke and whom he cannot, so he usually only bullied subordinates.

"Until one incident where he came into conflict with Yanyu Army Commander Sun Yucheng."

Sun Yucheng was not only Huo Shiming's trusted aide but also an elder who had watched Huo Ling grow up.

As the deeply entrenched Yanyu Army Commander, Sun Yucheng had far more influence than Liu Ji, the newly arrived Lieutenant General of Xingtang Pass.

When the two clashed, Liu Ji naturally got the short end of the stick.

But since Liu Ji had been appointed by Empress Dowager Huo, humiliating him too openly would risk offending her.

Thus, in the end, Huo Shiming intervened by hosting a reconciliation banquet between them.

"From then on, Liu Ji's position at Xingtang Pass grew much stronger."

Huo Ling remarked coolly, "Who was the fool that recommended Liu Ji to me in the first place?"

To be so foolish as to be manipulated without realizing it.

Wu Feng gave a bitter smile and continued, "Beyond that, this subordinate also uncovered another matter. Over the past few years, Liu Ji has acquired extensive farmland and businesses in his hometown."

Huo Ling said, "Purchasing land and shops requires a small fortune. You suspect this money came from Duke Chengen?"

Wu Feng replied, "This subordinate failed to uncover any direct financial transactions between them but accidentally discovered that Liu Ji's confidants could freely enter and exit the trade market."

The Yanxi Trade Market was Huo Shiming's personal cash cow.

Without Huo Shiming's approval, Liu Ji's confidants would never have gotten such privileges.

Here's the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Straight-up bribery is the dumbest move; a more clever approach would be to give Liu Ji a cut—maybe 10-15% of the trading post's annual profits.

Huo Ling closed her eyes briefly, then reopened them. "What does Ding Jinghuan have to say about this?"

Wu Feng replied, "Ding Jinghuan brought Liu Ji in for questioning. Liu Ji admitted taking a share from the trading post but firmly denied siding with the Duke of Chengen."

Huo Ling chuckled softly at Liu Ji's weak defense.

Taking benefits from a superior yet still trying to stay uninvolved and watch from the sidelines?

The moment Liu Ji accepted that substantial sum, he entered into a quiet understanding with Huo Shiming—and gave Huo Shiming dirt on him.

Huo Shiming didn't need Liu Ji to fully defect to his side. All he needed was this tacit arrangement, ensuring Liu Ji looked the other way regarding matters at the frontier garrison of Xingtang Pass.

"My Lady," Wu Feng hesitated, "why would the Duke of Chengen do this?"

"Indeed," Huo Ling mused. "Why would Father do this?"

Recalling past events, she smiled faintly. "It seems my appointment of Sun Yucheng as the Yanyu Army Commander and sending Liu Ji to Xingtang Pass to dilute Father's control displeased him greatly."

She had sent Liu Ji to Xingtang Pass to counterbalance her father's power.

In response, her father used this indirect method to ensure only one voice remained in Xingtang Pass.

Wu Feng went rigid at what she implied. "My Lady..."

Huo Ling's gaze settled on him. "You've traveled far and been through a lot. Rest well for now. Take a few days at home before returning to duty."

***

Swallowing his unspoken questions, Wu Feng smiled. "Thank you for your kindness, My Lady. However, after months away from the capital, the Vermilion Guard is backed up with work. I dare not delay further—I can report back tomorrow."

During this time, Huo Shiming had been holding court at *Keyunju*.

The reason he chose *Keyunju* over *Fanlou* was simple.

Though less renowned than *Fanlou*, *Keyunju* was still one of the capital's top-tier establishments.

Operating such a place in the capital required serious connections.

*Keyunju*'s original patron had been Wen Shengan's eldest son.

After Wen Shengan's downfall, that backing dried up fast.

The restaurant's manager then found a way to connect with the Huo family, offering 20% of the annual profits in exchange for their protection.

Hosting at *Fanlou* would require paying out of pocket, but at *Keyunju*, it didn't cost him a dime. The choice was obvious for Huo Shiming.

Amid the lively feast, glasses were clinking and laughter filled the air.

Huo Shiming ate two pieces of freshly roasted venison before setting down his chopsticks, overhearing conversations about Zhu Qingyun's case.

"A child accusing her own father—spitting on filial duty, utterly shocking. That such a case has arisen in Great Yan speaks to the decline of our morals."

"Lord Ding is truly crossing a line. Not only did he fail to punish that Zhu woman, he openly and covertly shielded her, even awarding her a big payout. Isn't this encouraging others to go down that path?"

"If you ask me, the root of the problem lies in the *New Penal Code*."

"Brother Jiang, be cautious—the *New Penal Code* was revised under Her Grace the Empress Dowager's orders. She's kept close tabs on Zhu Qingyun's case." ...

Here’s the refined translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

"Speaking of Miss Zhu, I’ve got some news. I wonder if you’ve heard it."

"What news?"

"This Miss Zhu has caught Her Majesty’s eye and was appointed as a Female Official by her side. Moreover, Her Majesty even gave her a new name."

Hearing this, even Huo Shiming, who had initially shown little interest, glanced up at the speaker.

Someone remarked with admiration, "This Miss Zhu is incredibly lucky."

The speaker shook his head and sighed, his tone filled with envy, "More than just lucky—it’s a meteoric rise. You don’t know what name Her Majesty gave her."

"What name?"

"Qingyun. Zhu Qingyun."

Many drew sharp breaths.

To receive a name from Her Majesty the Empress Dowager was already a huge honor.

To receive the name "Zhu Qingyun" from Her Majesty was practically a ticket to greatness.

For a moment, many couldn’t help but consider sending their own daughters into the palace to seek a position as a Female Official.

If they could catch the eye of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, it would bring nothing but upside to their entire family.

"Father."

Huo Ze suddenly leaned close to Huo Shiming.

"Didn’t you say before that you wanted Her Majesty to give the child a proper name? Now that Wen Shengan’s been kicked out of the capital, perhaps this is the perfect time to bring it up while Her Majesty is in a good mood."

Reminded by Huo Ze, Huo Shiming recalled the matter.

He nodded and said, "Very well. It’s been a while since I last entered the palace. Tomorrow, I’ll personally deliver the New Year gifts prepared by your mother and bring it up casually with Her Majesty."

To Huo Shiming and Huo Ze, requesting Her Majesty to name the child was indeed no big deal.

Huo Shiming had played a huge role in helping the Empress Dowager overthrow Wen Shengan.

While Her Majesty had promoted Qiu Hongzhen, Ding Jinghuan, and Song Xu, she still hadn’t rewarded Huo Shiming.

As the First Rank Chengen Duke and Commander of Xingtang Pass, he’d already reached the top, with nowhere higher to go.

Moreover, Huo Shiming was perfectly happy with his current status and had no intention of leaving Yanxi for the capital.

The capital was indeed prosperous, but it was also home to the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and numerous nobles and ministers—nowhere near as free as being the top dog in Yanxi.

Since he couldn’t benefit from this himself, it might as well go to his sons and grandsons.

If Her Majesty was willing to bestow a name upon a tradesman’s daughter, surely she wouldn’t say no to her own nephew?

Early the next morning, Huo Shiming brought his eldest grandson along with cartloads of New Year gifts into the palace.

It was the Laba Festival, and Ji Xianshan was accompanying Huo Ling in drinking Laba porridge.

Seeing Huo Shiming enter with the child, Ji Xianshan set down his bowl and beamed, "A Xing is here too."

Ji Xianshan took his little cousin A Xing from Huo Shiming's arms and asked, "Has Grandfather had his Laba congee yet?"

Huo Shiming laughed heartily, "I had a bowl first thing in the morning, though your grandmother's cooking doesn't hold a candle to the imperial chefs."

Ji Xianshan ordered another bowl of Laba congee: "Grandfather should sample the imperial chefs' cooking."

Huo Shiming replied, "Very well. I've always had a hearty appetite, and the smell's making me hungry again."

As Ji Xianshan amused the child, he casually inquired why Huo Shiming had come to the palace.

Huo Shiming spoke of the New Year's gifts.

Among the several carts of presents, some were prepared by Sun Yucheng, others by the Fang family, all brought with him to the palace.

"In years past, when our family prepared New Year's gifts for His Majesty and Her Majesty, we would have them ready early and dispatch the steward from Xingtangguan Pass to the capital."

"This year, being fortunate enough to remain in the capital, we needn't go through such trouble. I may present them directly to Their Majesties."

Huo Ling, who had been quietly taking her Laba congee, now spoke softly: "It has indeed been many years since I celebrated the New Year with Father."

Huo Shiming sighed, "By my count, fourteen years have passed."

Huo Ling smiled and said to Ji Xianshan, "Cease amusing the child now. You'll be late for your lessons at Tianzhang Pavilion."

Ji Xianshan departed with evident reluctance.

"Qingyun, bring the child to me," Huo Ling instructed, turning to Zhu Qingyun at her side.

Huo Shiming took the opportunity to observe her.

So this was the highly regarded female official Zhu Qingyun.

Zhu Qingyun placed the child beside Huo Ling, who cradled the babe with one hand while gently stroking its plump cheeks with the other.

"This little A Xing bears such resemblance to A Ze."

Hearing Huo Ling mention the child, Huo Shiming's smile broadened as he shared charming stories about the boy and the recent commotion when he'd fallen ill.

Huo Ling remarked, "When His Majesty was young, each illness set all in my palace anxious. Even in sleep, we kept watch, fearing sudden worsening of his condition."

Huo Shiming agreed, "Just so. A child's illness brings suffering to the adults as well."

The moment being ripe, Huo Shiming took the opportunity to make his request.

Huo Ling arched a delicate brow in surprise. "Is Huo Xing not the child's given name?"

Huo Shiming quickly demurred, "Your Majesty is mistaken."

"A Xing is but a pet name I devised. As the child hasn't yet reached his first year, we saw no urgency for a proper name."

Huo Ling nodded slightly, yet smiled. "I see no need for such trouble. The name 'Xing' carries most auspicious meaning and would serve well as his given name."

Huo Shiming's smile faltered. "This..."

Seeing Huo Ling prepared to decide the matter, Huo Shiming could no longer hold back: "Your Majesty's noble standing—should this child be named by Your Majesty, he would be favored with Your Majesty's wisdom and grace."

"Since Father is so insistent..."

Seeing Huo Shiming's determination, Huo Ling acquiesced: "Then let this child be named Huo Xing."

Huo Shiming barely kept his smile from slipping.

The Empress Dowager had chosen the child's name, and at first glance, it seemed he had achieved the purpose of this visit, but...

A Xing, Huo Xing, Huo Xing...

The name seemed far too careless.

Moreover, "Xing"—

Did it mean "fortune," or maybe... "favor"?

This suspicion crossed Huo Shiming's mind, making his brow twitch. No matter how dissatisfied he was with the name, he didn't dare press Huo Ling further and could only vaguely agree, thanking the Empress Dowager on behalf of his eldest grandson, Huo Xing, for bestowing the name.

The tea before him had gone somewhat cold, so Huo Ling had it replaced with a fresh cup.

Holding the warm teacup, her tone unchanged, she continued chatting casually with Huo Shiming.

Huo Shiming couldn't read Huo Ling's meaning, so he decided to appeal to sentiment. With a sigh, he abruptly shifted the topic: "After the New Year, I must return to garrison duty at Xingtang Pass. By the time I next return to the capital, A Xing... A Xing will probably be running about."

Huo Ling stroked the child’s head. "A Xing is so clever—no wonder Father can't bear to be apart from him."

"It’s not just him I’m reluctant to leave. It’s you, His Majesty, and A Ze as well. Over these years, if not for you and His Majesty keeping an eye on him, given his temperament, who knows what trouble he might have stirred up."

Huo Ling said, "If Father is so reluctant, why not stay in the capital? The family could be reunited."

Huo Shiming stiffened, looking up in shock.

Had the emotional appeal worked too well?

He forced a smile. "I’m just a rough soldier, only good for drilling troops and waging war. Staying in the capital would be of no help to His Majesty or Your Ladyship. Remaining in Yanxi, this old soldier can still be useful."

...

"Father, how did it go? Did Her Ladyship name the child?"

Huo Ze had knocked off work early today, eager to hear his son’s formal name the moment he returned.

Yet when he arrived home in high spirits, he found the child already asleep, his father sitting rigid by the cradle, his face dark and unreadable.

At Huo Ze’s words, Huo Shiming shook off his trance, his voice slightly hoarse. "They've decided on the child's name."

Huo Ze noticed nothing amiss. "What is it?"

"Huo Xing."

Huo Ze hesitated. "This name..."

Huo Shiming waved a hand. "Her Ladyship's made her decision."

Huo Ze bit back his complaint.

Huo Shiming had no attention to spare for his son’s feelings—his thoughts were entirely occupied by the Empress Dowager's proposal that he stay in the capital.

"By the way, Father, I caught wind of something at the yamen today. Since you were at the palace, you probably haven't heard yet."

Huo Shiming scowled impatiently. "What is it?"

Here is the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Huo Ze said, "Elder Wu Feng has returned to the capital. Next time we host a banquet, don't forget to send him an invitation as well."

Huo Shiming abruptly raised his head, his face dark as thunder.

"What did you say? Wu Feng is back in the capital!?"

"Y-yes," Huo Ze stammered, startled by his reaction. "I ran into him during my guard rotation today. He said he missed the child's full moon banquet and hundred-day ceremony, but he'd make up for the gifts later. I told him not to be so formal."

Huo Shiming stood up from his chair and began pacing back and forth, his expression agitated.

In June, the Right Vice Minister of Personnel, under Wen Shengan's direction, submitted a memorial petition accusing him of misusing authority for private ends and hoarding military power.

Wu Feng had been sent to investigate at Xingtang Pass under the Empress Dowager's orders.

After receiving the imperial edict, Huo Shiming personally escorted Deputy Commander of Xingtang Pass Liu Ji back to the capital.

However, Wu Feng and the team of subordinates he had brought did not return with him but remained at Xingtang Pass.

Huo Shiming ordered his close confidants to keep a close watch on Wu Feng's movements before hastily escorting Liu Ji to the capital.

In the following months, all his attention was consumed by his power struggle with Wen Shengan. Moreover, his trusted men at Xingtang Pass reported nothing unusual, so he completely forgot about Wu Feng.

***

Now that Wu Feng had suddenly returned to the capital, and the Empress Dowager's demeanor had grown so strange—could it be that Wu Feng had actually unearthed some evidence?

The palace housed four archive halls, collectively holding tens of thousands of volumes from successive dynasties.

Among them, the Wenyuan Pavilion was the largest and most extensive, storing not only ancient texts and paintings but also memorial petitions submitted by court officials, filed by year.

Wu Mo carried a bright lantern, closely following Huo Ling as they weaved through the stacks, finally stopping before the section containing all the memorial petitions from the 26th year of Jingyuan.

Her fingertips lightly brushed over the dust-covered documents. Suddenly, Huo Ling paused, her finger hooking back to pull out one particular memorial.

"Found it."

Wu Mo, both curious and puzzled, asked, "What memorial were you searching for, coming here so late at night?"

Huo Ling opened the memorial petition.

By the lantern's glow, Wu Mo saw the seal and signature at the end:

Wen Shengan.

—In the eleventh month of Jingyuan's 26th year, the late emperor passed away, and the Duke of Liu fell in battle, leaving the position of Minister of War vacant.

Wen Shengan submitted a memorial petition recommending Duke of Chengen Huo Shiming for the post of Minister of War, in a bid to undermine the Empress Dowager's influence.

Huo Ling summarily dismissed Wen Shengan's recommendation and promoted Left Vice Minister of War Li Hansong to Minister of War.

This recommendation memorial was then archived in the Wenyuan Pavilion, left to gather dust for years.

The years slipped by. Wen Shengan retired, leaving the position of Minister of Personnel vacant.

Precious few qualified to assume the role of Minister of Personnel. The Empress Dowager left the appointment in abeyance, leaving the eligible candidates in anxious suspense.

Finally, after great anticipation, on the second day after the Laba Festival, before the entire court, the Empress Dowager announced her appointment—a choice that stunned the entire court.

The position of Minister of Personnel did not go to any of the expected candidates but was instead given to the last remaining Councilor-Regent, Minister of Rites Lu Hang.

The former Minister of War, Li Hansong, was reassigned to the Ministry of Rites to assume the role of Minister of Rites.

The now-vacant second-rank position of Minister of War was filled by the Commander of Xingtang Pass, third-grade General of Pacification, Huo Shiming.

The tides had turned. After eight long years, Wen Shengan's recommendation had come to fruition at last.