Chapter 173: Someone Who Would Truly Love Her…

Chapter 173: Someone Who Would Truly Love Her...

Ding Jinghuan and Song Xu were destined to fail in persuading each other.

Because they were both shrewd men.

For shrewd men, weighing the pros and cons came naturally.

There was no need for others to point it out—they already knew what each choice represented and the consequences it would bring.

To persist in the same choice despite knowing the outcome could be called sheer obstinacy, but that was precisely what Song Xu desired in his heart.

"Better to take the straight path than grovel on a crooked one. Jinghuan, our goals differ."

"Are you saying that those who follow different paths cannot work together? What, are you going to cut ties with me now?"

"Friendship and politics don’t mix. I do not wish to distance myself from you, nor should you feel troubled because of me."

Ding Jinghuan walked away from Song Xu's presence frustrated, and what angered him even more was that despite their unpleasant parting, he still had to let Song Xu ride back in his carriage!

If he’d known, he would have sent two carriages when picking Song Xu up earlier!

...

The members of the envoy delegation had just returned to the capital and naturally did not need to rush back to their offices immediately, allowing them a few days of proper rest.

Song Xu, however, was not one to stay idle. After a brief respite at home, he began wandering through the streets and alleys of the capital.

During the hottest hours of noon, he would visit theater houses to watch newly staged operas or frequent teahouses to listen to storytellers.

The more he wandered, the more uneasy Song Xu became.

Because nearly everything he saw and heard was related to the Dowager Empress.

One day, in a tavern, Song Xu even encountered merchants from Qiang Rong.

Most of these merchants were backed by Qiang Rong nobles. When Li Yichun and his party entered the capital, these merchants followed behind with large quantities of goods, arriving in the capital alongside them.

The merchants not only brought rare goods from the Western Regions but also spread rumors about the "Divine Stele."

Within just a few days, the tale of the "Divine Stele" spread widely among the people, growing increasingly far-fetched.

Many locals loved gathering in their leisure time to discuss the origins of the Divine Stele and decipher the celestial script inscribed upon it.

No doubt about it—someone was pulling the strings, deliberately guiding this.

Just as these rumors grew louder, the Dowager Empress’s birthday celebration finally arrived.

Before dawn, the Imperial officials had already dressed in full ceremonial dress, processing toward Yingtian Gate by carriage or on horseback.

Once all the officials had gathered and stood solemnly in silence, a voice announced, "Their Majesties have arrived," which rang out over Yingtian Gate.

The officials bowed as one, performing a grand salute in unison, welcoming the two Sacred Ones.

The robes of office symbolizing the Dowager Empress's authority were the first to catch the courtiers' eyes, followed by the imperial robes representing the Son of Heaven.

"You may rise."

The Dowager Empress's voice rang down from the dais.

"Summon Li Yichun, King of Qiang Rong, to court."

As Empress Dowager Huo's voice faded, the Chief Eunuch beside her loudly announced, "Summon Li Yichun, King of Qiang Rong, to court."

Minister Li Hansong of the Ministry of Rites stepped forward, unrolled the sacrificial address in his hand, and recounted the full campaign to subjugate Qiang Rong to the heavens and the past emperors of Great Yan.

During the elaborate, drawn-out recital of the sacrificial address, Li Yichun ascended the altar step by step.

Behind him were two caged wagons, each holding Chieftain Yeli and Clan Leader Tuoba.

Li Yichun dropped to one knee before Huo Ling: "Li Yichun, King of Qiang Rong, representing the people of Qiang Rong, pays homage to the Sage Ruler. I offer the heads of these traitors to seal the century-long alliance between Great Yan and Qiang Rong."

Chieftain Yeli and Clan Leader Tuoba were brought down from the caged wagons and led to a makeshift execution scaffold nearby.

A bronze cauldron blazed with raging flames. After Li Hansong finished the final lines of the sacrificial address, he consigned the manuscript to the flames.

The blade fell; blood arced.

Blood splashed into the cauldron.

For an instant, the flames guttered.

The next instant, they surged back with redoubled fury.

Neither Chieftain Yeli nor Clan Leader Tuoba commanded the same reverence as the former Qiang Rong King, Li Xiangdi. Moreover, the power of the Yeli and Tuoba clans had been all but wiped out during the Qiang Rong civil strife. Thus, they were not treated with the same honor and care as Li Xiangdi had been.

Qiang Rong officials who had accompanied Li Yichun stepped forward, presenting a carefully prepared tribute list and announcing the tribute Qiang Rong had prepared for Empress Dowager Huo's birthday.

From jade artifacts to gold and silver treasures, from rare Western curios to celestial horses.

Among the dazzling array of gifts, the most eye-catching was the final offering—the "Divine Stele from Heaven."

Four strongmen labored to haul the carriage bearing the stele, which made its first appearance before the assembled Imperial officials.

All eyes instinctively turned to the stele, eager to see if it truly lived up to the rumors of its divine and extraordinary nature.

Li Yichun knelt once more, his voice ringing out from the altar to the crowd below.

"Under my leadership, Qiang Rong never witnessed any auspicious signs. Yet, the moment I resolved to submit to Great Yan and to the Sage Ruler, a heaven-sent portent appeared. Surely, this is the will of fate.

"As King of Qiang Rong, I present the royal seal of Qiang Rong and the Document of Submission bearing the royal seal. I humbly beg Your Majesty's acceptance."

Huo Ling motioned back the approaching eunuch and personally received the Qiang Rong royal seal and the Document of Submission, raising them high above her head.

"From this day forth, Qiang Rong shall cease to exist. There shall only be Qiang Prefecture of Great Yan."

As Huo Ling's words fell, the sun on the horizon suddenly erupted in a sudden corona.

The sun shone brilliantly, its radiance bathing all present.

***

The divine portent stood manifestly confirmed at the moment Li Yichun presented the Document of Submission.

Not only because of the radiant sun, but more importantly, to deny the divine omen would be to deny the words spoken by the Qiang Rong King during his submission.

What treacherous designs might such doubters conceal?

After Empress Dowager Huo, representing the court, accepted the Document of Submission, Chief Eunuch Cui Hongyi stepped forward with a prepared imperial decree, proclaiming the imperial dispositions for Qiang Prefecture and the rewards for Li Yichun, Clan Leader Wei Mu, and others.

In this imperial edict, Huo Ling fulfilled her promise to Li Yichun.

Li Yichun was granted the title of Duke of Stabilizing the State, with the hereditary title for three generations without reduction in rank.

Li Yichun knelt once more to express his gratitude.

Keen observers noticed the shift in his manner of bowing.

Though he still bowed deeply, it had shifted from the Qiang Rong customs to the Great Yan court’s rites of a subject to his sovereign.

In addition to rewarding the Qiang Rong officials who had defected, the envoys were also rewarded.

Moreover, in her capacity as Empress Dowager Regent, Huo Ling issued a decree reducing taxes across all prefectures and counties of the realm.

This decree left many uneasy.

By noon, the lengthy and formal ceremony finally concluded, and the Imperial officials exited Yingtian Gate in an orderly fashion, preparing to change clothes at home. By evening, they would return with their families into the palace for the Longevity Banquet.

This Longevity Banquet was held both to celebrate Huo Ling’s birthday and to commemorate the Qiang Rong’s submission to Great Yan, making it an especially lavish affair.

It was grander than even the Empress Dowager’s or the emperor’s own birthday celebrations.

Empress Dowager Huo was the undisputed center of attention.

The emperor and empress’s tables were placed at a slightly lower position.

Lu Zuo was visibly pregnant, and due to the sweltering summer heat, she did not wear the full set of heavy ceremonial robes. Instead, she wore loose, comfortable attire, with only a few simple hairpins for decoration.

Ji Xianshan sat beside Lu Zuo, downing cup after cup of wine. He gave only curt replies when she spoke to him, occasionally serving her food with his chopsticks.

Lu Zuo gently advised, "Your Majesty, have something to eat first. Don’t drink so much."

Ji Xianshan replied, "It’s fine. This wine isn’t strong enough."

Though not the most politically savvy, Lu Zuo’s position allowed her to sense the odd tension in the palace earlier than most.

Yet whenever she tried to inquire, both the emperor and the Empress Dowager urged her not to dwell on it, emphasizing that focusing on her pregnancy was what mattered most.

Lu Zuo touched her belly, hoping these oppressive days would soon pass.

Yes, it was oppressive.

Even though the emperor always feigned composure in her presence, Lu Zuo could still feel the unshakable sorrow within him—a quiet torment that only surfaced in moments when no one was watching.

"Your Majesty."

Clan Leader Wei Mu approached with a cup of wine.

At his words, both Huo Ling and Ji Xianshan looked up.

Clan Leader Wei Mu raised his cup to Huo Ling and recited a long birthday toast in flawless Han dialect, expressing his admiration for her.

Huo Ling smiled and lifted her cup in return. "Clan Leader Wei Mu, you flatter me. By the way, I’ve long heard of your admiration for Central Plains culture. Have you ever considered adopting a Han surname?"

Clan Leader Wei Mu was momentarily stunned before delight spread across his face.

He immediately seized her words. "How could I not? Now that Qiangzhou is part of Great Yan, this lowly official has dreamed of taking a Han name to integrate fully into Great Yan."

"I beseech Your Majesty to grant a Han surname upon the Wei Mu clan."

Huo Ling replied, "The Li surname of the Duke of Stabilizing the State was granted by the former dynasty's imperial family as a National Surname, originally a native Han surname that has been used for many years without need for alteration. The Wei Mu clan is the second-largest tribe among the Qiang people. Since you have sincerely submitted, I shall bestow upon you the surname Huo..."

"Mother Empress," Ji Xianshan suddenly interjected, "the Wei Mu clan has been close to Great Yan for generations and proved invaluable in dealing with the Tuoba clan. In my humble opinion, we might follow the precedent of the former dynasty's imperial family by granting them a National Surname as a reward from the court."

The previously noisy banquet hall fell deathly silent in an instant.

Huo Ling turned to look at Ji Xianshan, but he avoided her gaze, instead locking eyes with Clan Leader Wei Mu and repeating with a smile, "Clan Leader Wei Mu, I am willing to bestow a National Surname upon your clan. Shouldn’t you show your gratitude at once?"

Clan Leader Wei Mu was genuinely elated, never expecting his clan to receive such an honor.

Ding Jinghuan knit his brows and was about to rise and speak when Huo Ling waved her hand, stopping him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty." Clan Leader Wei Mu bowed deeply to Huo Ling and then hastily bowed to Ji Xianshan.

"Fool," Li Yichun murmured into his cup, shielding his lips with his wine cup.

No sooner had Li Yichun set down his cup than Huo Ling called his name.

"Duke of Stabilizing the State."

Li Yichun stood and came forward. "Your Majesty."

"We have known each other for many years, Duke. There is no need for such formality."

Li Yichun dared not presume upon their past familiarity. "Protocol between sovereign and subject must be maintained. This is only my duty."

Huo Ling spoke gently, "In the future, the military affairs of Qiangzhou will rely heavily on your efforts."

As the former Qiang Rong King who had voluntarily surrendered, it would be inappropriate for Great Yan to strip Li Yichun of his military authority outright. After much consideration, he was allowed to retain command of one army, but the Swallow Feather Army would be relocated from Xingtang Pass to Qiangzhou to serve as a counterweight and keep his power in check in the region.

Li Yichun quickly pledged, "I wouldn't presume such honor, but I shall give my all."

Huo Ling allowed a small smile. "Speaking of which, the newly appointed prefect of Qiangzhou, who will work alongside you, is someone you know well."

Li Yichun was surprised. "The colleagues I am familiar with are limited to the members of the diplomatic delegation."

Huo Ling nodded calmly. "Indeed. Deputy Envoy Song is a capable administrator. I intend to assign him to Qiangzhou to administer the region."

Ji Xianshan abruptly looked up, gaping at Huo Ling.

...

"Grandfather."

After the Longevity Banquet concluded, the guests departed to their respective residences.

Lu Huai helped Lu Hang into the carriage. Once the curtains were drawn, he burst out, "What are your thoughts on today’s events?"

Lu Hang shut his eyes wearily. "Patience. We shall discuss everything once we return home."

In the study of the Lu residence, before Lu Huai could repeat his question, Lu Hang spoke bluntly, "Ready yourself. In a few days, submit a memorial petitioning for an assignment to Qiangzhou."

Lu Huai gasped, "Grandfather!"

Lu Hang said, "You are the empress's biological father—your position is far too sensitive. Take this chance to leave while you still can. Bring your wife with you to your new post."

Lu Huai remained unconvinced. "Is it really that serious?"

Lu Hang replied, "Don’t think of it as a bad thing. Look at the bright side.

"Though Qiangzhou is a desolate backwater, precisely because it is in need of rebuilding, there is greater opportunity to achieve something meaningful. You were born into wealth, your career has been smooth—never having faced adversity like others is both a blessing and a curse.

"Moreover, as long as I remain in the position of Minister of Personnel, you will never be promoted to head a ministry. It would be better for you to leave the capital and find new opportunities."

Lu Huai said, "But my mother-in-law’s health is deteriorating. She couldn’t even attend tonight’s Longevity Banquet. My wife may not be willing to leave the capital at this time."

Lu Hang responded, "If your wife truly cannot go, let her stay. But you must leave."

"Yes," Lu Huai agreed firmly. "I’ll go write the petition now."

After Lu Huai left, Lu Hang sat alone in his study and sighed deeply. "This court... never gives a moment's rest."

***

When Ji Xianshan suddenly spoke up, proposing to bestow the imperial surname upon Clan Leader Wei Mu, Song Xu knew trouble was coming, he thought. And when the empress dowager publicly announced his appointment in front of the entire court, Song Xu’s worst fears came true.

Worried that Ji Xianshan might be deeply affected, Song Xu submitted a memorial at the first opportunity the next morning, requesting an audience with the emperor as soon as the palace gates opened.

Last night's celebrations still echoed, but within the Hall of Supreme Harmony, only an icy stillness hung in the air.

Ji Xianshan sat by the window.

After the previous pot of Weeping Crabapple had been smashed, the palace servants had rearranged the placement of the potted plants.

Sunlight danced across the back of Ji Xianshan’s hand as he asked Song Xu, "Teacher Song, can you not go to Qiangzhou?"

Song Xu smiled bitterly. "I wish I could refuse. This is Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s command."

Ji Xianshan fell silent for a moment before saying in anguish, "It’s all because of my impulsive move last night that angered Mother, and now you’re suffering the consequences."

Song Xu was startled and quickly denied it. "Your Majesty must not think that way."

He borrowed Ding Jinghuan’s earlier reasoning: "The court needs capable officials to pacify Qiangzhou, to educate its people and reform its customs. I am familiar with Qiangzhou’s local conditions and unafraid of hardship—I am well-suited for this role."

Ji Xianshan shook his head. "No, I know Mother. She is exiling my people one by one from the capital, and now even you, Teacher Song, are being banished. And you’ve only just proven your worth."

Song Xu stepped forward and placed a hand on Ji Xianshan’s shoulder. "Your Majesty, mind your words."

"Cautious…" Ji Xianshan laughed self-deprecatingly. "Even in my own palace, in my own bedchamber, I must measure every word?"

"I’ll beg Mother," Ji Xianshan suddenly stood up. "I’ll plead with her to change her mind."

"Your Majesty," Song Xu held him back. "It’s not that I’m stopping you from seeking an audience with the empress dowager, but you are too agitated right now. You might say something regrettable and damage your bond. It’s better to calm down first."

"I can’t calm down. I don’t understand why Mother is treating me this way."

"You and the empress dowager, Mother and son, are bound by blood. If there is any conflict or misunderstanding..."

Song Xu trailed off, realizing how empty his words rang.

Petty disagreements could be resolved, but when it came to power struggles—how could they be avoided? Who would willingly step back?

Amidst the transfer of power, how much affection could truly remain?

"Flesh and blood..." Ji Xianshan's eyes moistened as if something had stirred his memory. "Yes, after all, my mother and I are flesh and blood..."

Long-buried memories surged back—that bloodstained New Year's Eve in the snow, from the ninth to the tenth year of Celestial Reign, unfolded slowly before his eyes.

It was the greatest secret of his life, and also his greatest nightmare.

"Does Mother truly love me?"

Ji Xianshan murmured to himself, as if asking Song Xu, or perhaps questioning his own heart: "Can a person genuinely cherish a mere tool?"

In his mother's eyes, was he truly her beloved child, or merely a puppet for her power games?

If she truly loved him, why did her love hurt him so much?