After five years apart, the Emperor had initially intended to sternly reprimand Huo Bu Yi with words like 'Do you now realize your wrongdoing after all your reckless actions back then?' But upon seeing his adopted son's gaunt and haggard appearance, his nose tingled with emotion, and no words of reproach could emerge. He personally helped his son rise, murmuring like any aging father welcoming home a wayward child: "It's good you're back, it's good you're back..."
Seeing his father's tearful joy, the Crown Prince felt a weight lift from his heart. Then, surveying the seating arrangements in the hall, he frowned slightly.
His gaze first fell upon the Second Prince seated at the head of the right side—the same Second Brother he had once disdained but now deeply respected. It was no easy feat for a person to reform, let alone undergo such a complete transformation. Thus, in recent years, he had always shared the right-side head table with the Second Prince. After all, one was a widower and the other unmarried—they made perfect table companions.
Next, the Crown Prince looked toward the Grand Princess and her consort at the head of the left side. Having made up his mind, he stepped forward decisively: "Elder Sister, Brother-in-law, His Majesty hasn't seen Zisheng and Cui Hou for many years and surely has much to discuss with them. Might the two of you move to the secondary seats to allow His Majesty this reunion?"
Though phrased as a question, the current Crown Prince—unlike his predecessor—was known for his stern demeanor, unyielding nature, and forceful methods. Many court officials had suffered setbacks at his hands in recent years. The Grand Princess's husband, ever the diplomat, and currently holding some indiscretions the Crown Prince knew about, immediately rose with a laugh: "The Crown Prince speaks wisely! We see His Majesty often, while Zisheng has been away for years. This is only proper, only proper!"
The Grand Princess fumed but was pulled down to the next seat by her husband. When the Emperor turned back and saw his eldest daughter and son-in-law having "voluntarily" yielded their seats, he felt deeply gratified.
Originally, palace maids were about to add a seat for Luo Jitong at the far end when the solitary Third Princess beckoned to her. Overjoyed, Luo Jitong respectfully took the offered seat.
"Where is your consort?" Luo Jitong asked curiously.
The Third Princess smiled. "He's slightly unwell today—rest assured, truly ill. We've finally learned how to be proper spouses to each other now."
Luo Jitong glanced around. "The Fifth Princess and her consort aren't here either?"
The Third Princess replied, "They had another quarrel a few days ago, scratching each other's faces. Probably still recovering."
Luo Jitong was astonished. The changes in the palace over these five or six years were staggering.
Setting aside major events like the change of crown prince and empress, the once reckless Second Prince had become a composed widower; the Fourth Prince had married a gentle-tempered princess consort; the quarrelsome Fifth Prince now wore a perpetual smile; the sharp-tongued Third Princess had rounded out considerably but gained measured speech and conduct. In contrast, the ever-graceful Grand Princess now seemed somewhat unreliable, currently casting irritable glances around. The younger princes had grown beyond recognition.
Perhaps the only unchanged ones were the Second Princess and her husband—still as amiable and affectionate as ever.
"...I must thank Your Highness for allowing me to share your table," Luo Jitong said, raising her cup in gratitude.
The Third Princess returned the toast, murmuring, "Consider this my overture of goodwill."Seeing Luo Jitong's confusion, the Third Princess explained, "Neither Mother Empress nor my elder brother cares much for me. While Father Emperor is still here, it's manageable, but once the third brother takes over, I must consider my future. The third brother treats Huo Bu Yi closer than his own kin—his prospects are boundless. Who knows, I might even need to rely on you someday."
Luo Jitong's hand trembled, her cheeks flushing as a few drops of wine spilled. Having grown up in the palace, she had always thought the Third Princess was a fool who couldn't read people's expressions, incapable of even pretending—deserving of her parents' constant disdain and scolding. She never expected...
"There will be many more people coming to curry favor with you in the future," the Third Princess remarked, glancing pointedly at the Grand Princess and her husband. "After all, my mother and brother have risen in status. Some must be feeling even more uneasy now."
"Your Highness, I... I..." Luo Jitong was caught off guard, at a loss for words.
"But there's no need to rush," the Third Princess mused, as if speaking to herself. "You don’t hold any official position yet, do you? Has Huo Bu Yi promised you anything? Hmm, it seems not. No matter, take your time. Secure Huo Bu Yi first, and boundless wealth and power will follow. If things don’t work out..." She smiled at Luo Jitong. "Just pretend I never said anything."
Luo Jitong's breath quickened, her body stiffening.
The Third Princess leaned in and patted her shoulder. "We princesses are born into our fates—there’s little room for change. But you’re different. With beauty and skill, you can still fight for more. Take General Huo Guang from the previous dynasty—a regent for three reigns, wielding immense power. His wife, Huo Xian, was once a nameless servant, but she had the wiles of a woman. Tsk, tsk—later, even noblewomen of high birth had to defer to her. You’ve read more than I have; you know I speak the truth. So, Jitong, work hard, push forward—great fortune is within reach. These are my sincere words."
As if entranced, Luo Jitong looked toward Huo Bu Yi at the head seat. The Emperor was chatting warmly with him, the Crown Prince treated him like a brother, Empress Yue kept ordering palace maids to serve him more dishes, and even the Eldest Princess and her husband yielded their seats to him... At that moment, her heart burned with unprecedented fervor.
Slowly, she set down her wine cup, her expression returning to its usual gentle deference. "Your Highness jests. But I won’t hide it—I’ve admired General Huo since childhood. Five years ago in the northwest, when I saw him wounded and weak, I only wished to care for him properly..."
"Save those words for someone else. Moving me is useless—you must move Huo Bu Yi. Failing that, at least move Father Emperor and the third brother to your side," the Third Princess said with a smile. "Back then, Cheng Shaoshang only needed a few sweet words, and Huo Zisheng was so smitten he’d have carried her in his arms if he could. Learn from her."
"..." Luo Jitong forced a weak smile.
The Third Princess poured herself another drink, watching her coldly before smiling in satisfaction.
At the head table, the Emperor grew increasingly distressed as he studied his adopted son, his voice choked. "You... even your hair has turned white..."
Huo Bu Yi smiled faintly. "Just a few strands at the temples. The frontier is harsh—this is common."
"Common nonsense," Cui Hou interjected. "I was there too, and my hair hasn’t whitened at all."Everyone turned their heads to look and indeed saw that Cui Hou had hardly changed in the past five years. Just as the Second Prince was about to ask why, Huo Bu Yi chuckled lightly and said, "Uncle Cui, you must be in high spirits from good fortune. With continuous happy events over these five years, naturally, you've remained in good spirits."
Cui You cursed under his breath, "You little rascal, must you always poke at my heart to feel satisfied?"
"What's this all about?" the Crown Prince asked with a smile, sensing Huo Bu Yi's reluctance to draw attention to himself and helping to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Cui You cheerfully began to explain.
As it turned out, the father and sons of the Cui family had lived an extraordinarily eventful life over the past five years. Apart from the first year when they had just arrived in the northwest and were too busy to think of anything else, from the second year onward, romantic encounters had flocked to their doorstep like moths to a flame.
First, Cui Da happened upon a young lady from a prominent local clan one day. The two hit it off immediately, competing in archery, then swordsmanship, and finally drinking contests... Before long, Cui Hou had gained his first daughter-in-law. However, on the wedding day, a farcical incident of 'sister substitution' occurred—it turned out the young lady's birth mother had passed away early, and her stepmother, hearing that Cui Hou was the Emperor's confidant and the Cui family were founding heroes of the dynasty, had hatched a wicked scheme.
After a chaotic and tumultuous series of events, and with the persuasion of many northwestern noble families, Cui Da ended up marrying the elder sister as his wife and the younger stepsister as his concubine, on the condition that the stepmother was divorced for her cruelty.
The Emperor slapped his thigh and pointed at his foster son, laughing and scolding, "Look how capable they are! Cui Da was only sixteen at the time, and already had both a wife and a concubine!"
The entire banquet erupted in laughter.
No sooner had Cui You caught his breath from arranging his eldest son's marriage than his second son's romantic escapades proved even more dramatic.
The northwestern border was home to many tribes. The barely adolescent Cui Er, with his glib tongue, managed to befriend two Barbarian girls in quick succession—one bold and fond of horseback riding and hunting, the other romantic and enamored with his tales of talented scholars and beauties from the Central Plains.
After spending some time together, both girls developed feelings and simultaneously demanded that Cui Er propose marriage. Open-minded as ever, Cui Hou told his son to investigate the girls' family backgrounds and choose the better match.
Upon inquiry, Cui Er broke out in a cold sweat—both girls were daughters of tribal chieftains, and worse still, from two long-feuding tribes. Truth be told, the two chieftains had initially been reluctant to let their daughters marry a Han man. But upon hearing that the rival's daughter was also vying to become the Cui family's new bride, what had been a youthful romance quickly escalated into a diplomatic affair of 'not letting the opponent outdo us.'
Once again, chaos ensued. Had it not been for Huo Bu Yi's foresight and skillful handling, the border city might have witnessed a bloody tribal clash. In the end, the governor of Liangzhou personally intervened, offering reassurances and persuasions while smoothing over the conflict with copious diplomacy. Cui Er ended up with two wives of equal standing.
The Second Prince choked on his drink, coughing uncontrollably while the Crown Prince tried to suppress his laughter and pounded his back. The Fourth Prince sprayed wine all over the table, and the Fourth Princess Consort hurriedly wiped his face. The Emperor was laughing so hard he couldn't speak—he had received Cui Hou's private report on the matter earlier but hadn't realized the details were this hilarious. After all, the court's strategy for managing the northwestern tribes was to 'ally with the smaller to control the larger,' so marrying into two minor tribes wasn't a bad idea.Just as everyone thought the two Cui sons had made up for their father's lifelong lack of romantic luck, Cui Hou's life began to stir. Once, while Cui You was patrolling the border, he encountered fierce bandits. With too few men at his side, he had no choice but to flee wounded into the snowy mountains, where he was rescued by a poor widow from a hunting family.
Later, Cui You learned that since her husband's death, the woman had struggled to support the elderly and children but refused to abandon them to remarry. Admiring her resilience, Cui You told her, "The position of wife in my heart has long been taken. If you're willing, I can take you as a concubine and help care for your family." Thus, the lifelong bachelor Old Cui finally had someone in his chambers.
In truth, if it were just an ordinary life-saving favor, money and support would suffice. Everyone knew Cui You took the woman in because something unspeakable must have happened during their time in the mountains.
The Emperor sighed deeply: "This is good. I've always felt uneasy seeing you alone all these years, yet no one could persuade you... Now it's settled. A-Yuan, with a woman to attend to you closely, I can rest easy."
As usual, he couldn't resist glaring at his adopted son. "Did you hear that? Even your Uncle Cui has someone now!"
Huo Bu Yi smiled gently: "This subject heard."
The Grand Princess, nursing resentment, thought that if not for that meddling Huo, the Eastern Palace might still be under her more agreeable full brother's control, sparing her the Third Prince's arrogance. Unable to resist needling, she said sourly, "Speaking of which, Zisheng also had someone. Five years ago, they were nearly married. What a pity, one day—"
"Silence!"
"What nonsense is Eldest Sister saying?!"
Empress Yue and the Crown Prince both shouted sharply. The Grand Princess jolted awake in alarm, while her consort hurriedly apologized: "The Princess had too much wine, she's drunk, speaking carelessly. Zisheng, don't take offense. Your Majesty, Crown Prince, please forgive..."
Huo Bu Yi lowered his head without speaking, his expression unreadable.
The Emperor stared at his eldest daughter expressionlessly for a long moment. The hall's atmosphere grew heavy; no one dared speak. Then a junior palace attendant quietly entered, whispering to Cen Anzhi, who bowed to the Emperor: "Your Majesty..."
The Emperor nodded, then addressed his daughter: "Since you can't speak properly, reflect carefully at home before speaking again. You are forbidden from entering the palace for a year."
"Imperial Father..." The Grand Princess pleaded, knowing a year's banishment was severe punishment.
Her consort looked on in dismay.
Ignoring them, the Emperor continued: "That's enough for today. Crown Prince, Zisheng, and Cui You will stay. The rest may leave. Oh, Luo-shi, you stay too."
Empress Yue rose first and exited through a side door. The others bowed in farewell before filing out.
Outside, the younger princes scattered immediately. The Grand Princess stormed off in angry strides, her consort scrambling after her. The Second Prince, noticing the Fourth Prince's flushed face and unsteady steps, helped the Fourth Princess Consort support him. Unaware of the earlier events, the Fourth Princess Consort thought this somewhat disheveled Second Imperial Brother seemed truly kind.
The Second Princess had her consort leave first, then grabbed the Third Princess's sleeve, whispering sharply: "What did you just say to that Luo woman! Though I couldn't hear, don't you know I can read lips?!"Third Princess slowly withdrew her sleeve: "Since elder sister knows what I said, why come to reprimand me? I didn't say anything wrong."
Second Princess sighed softly: "Zisheng is pitiable enough. Now that he finally has someone by his side, why must you stir up trouble?"
"I simply can't stand Luo's face - outwardly deferential but inwardly smug."
"How do you know her deference is false? In earlier years when Luo served by Consort Xuan's side, she was quite renowned for virtue."
"Whether her deference is genuine or not, I neither know nor care to know." Third Princess said idly, "I've reconciled with my husband's family and made peace with my chaotic past. These days I've few other amusements. Rest assured, elder sister, I know my limits." Though she smiled, her expression was unmistakably lonely.
Second Princess ceased lecturing and took her sister's arm as they walked away.
Not far off, Yuan Shen followed a junior palace attendant toward the Hall of Proclamation of Virtue, just missing them.
Upon entering the hall, Yuan Shen found only the Emperor and a few others remaining in the vast chamber. As he prepared to kneel before the Emperor and Crown Prince, he suddenly noticed Huo Bu Yi standing nearby and was instantly unsettled.
Huo Bu Yi, seeing it was him, fixed him with a steady gaze.
The Emperor was questioning Luo Jitong: "...So if not for your watchfulness, Zisheng would have acted recklessly?"
Luo smiled modestly: "General Huo forgets to eat and sleep when immersed in work. This humble woman merely provided some care - I dare not claim merit."
"Yet merit there is," the Crown Prince interjected. "Cui Hou's letter described everything in detail - you might as well be half of Zisheng's household manager. Who knows how he'd manage without you airing quilts in summer and heating charcoal in winter!"
Cui You couldn't resist adding: "Surely not so incapable... When I lived with Zisheng, though the residence lacked the comforts of local gentry, basic needs were always met..."
—Must you exaggerate Luo's merits so, Crown Prince?
"My eldest son's wife joined the household the following year. That girl suffered much under her stepmother, yet after marriage she showed me utmost filial piety and treated Zisheng as an elder brother, doing her utmost to manage the household of men..." Though admittedly not with Luo's refinement.
The Crown Prince ignored Cui You's words and continued praising Luo, who blushed demurely while Huo Bu Yi observed silently.
Noticing Yuan Shen's arrival, the Emperor said kindly: "Shanjian, you've come at an opportune time. Approach."
Yuan Shen complied. The Emperor continued: "Shanjian, draft an edict for me. Zisheng has returned today after five arduous years abroad with great achievements. I decree he be enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoyong, appointed General Piaoji with ten thousand bushels official rank, retaining his position as Palace Attendant, with additional fief revenues..."
Huo Bu Yi suddenly smiled: "Your Majesty, you've already bestowed much upon me. A solitary man needs not vast estates. Moreover, with land measurement imminent, prominence invites scrutiny. Are you certain you wish to grant more?"
The Emperor laughed: "Cunning rascal! Those weren't for you, but for your father! Whether he's present or not, whatever Yuhou and others receive, he shall lack nothing! Very well - since you distinguished yourself in the Shu campaign, I'll allocate you some properties from the usurper king's confiscated wealth."
After the Emperor's lengthy instructions, the Crown Prince and Cui Hou knelt contentedly to the side.Yuan Shen acknowledged each point, having no opinion on what rewards the Emperor intended to bestow upon Huo Bu Yi. However, he wondered why he had been specifically summoned here—couldn’t this have been discussed at the Department of State Affairs?
The Emperor leaned forward, placing a hand on his adopted son’s shoulder, and said solemnly, “Zisheng, you know Shao Shang is betrothed to Shan Jian now, don’t you?”
Before the words had fully left his lips, everyone in the hall stiffened, Luo Jitong paling especially.
Huo Bu Yi slowly raised his head. “I know.”
The Emperor asked, “Do you have anything to say?”
Silence filled the hall. Yuan Shen realized he had unconsciously swallowed hard.
Huo Bu Yi turned his gaze to Yuan Shen, then slowly shook his head. “Imperial Attendant Yuan is steady and principled in conduct. For Cheng Niangzi to marry him… she will be well cared for all her life…”
Both Yuan Shen and Luo Jitong exhaled in relief.
Cui Hou glanced at the Emperor, shaking his head meaningfully as he stroked his beard but said nothing.
The Crown Prince was puzzled. On one hand, he was glad his sworn brother had decisively severed past ties to stride toward the future. On the other, he felt that Huo Bu Yi’s words just now… had carried a faint tremor.
“Good.” The Emperor slapped his thigh, then looked at Luo. “And what of your plans hereafter?”
Huo Bu Yi sat rigidly, as if frozen. “Five years ago, I wronged a girl who trusted me wholeheartedly. Yet three days before our wedding, I committed an unforgivable crime. I often wondered afterward—had my name not been cleared, what would have become of her? With a betrothed guilty of a capital offense, would Your Majesty have suspected her of withholding knowledge? Would the people of the Capital City have pointed fingers, mocked and scorned her?”
Hearing the bitterness in his words, the Crown Prince said sympathetically, “That might not necessarily—”
“Now that she has found a worthy match, I can only rejoice for her. Beyond that, I have nothing more to say.” Huo Bu Yi continued, “The past is past. One must always look ahead. Your Majesty need not worry. Once I have restored the Huo family graves and ancestral hall, I will report to my forebears, take a wife, and continue the incense offering.”
“As long as you can move forward.” The Emperor nodded. “Very well. Cui You and I have matters to discuss. You may withdraw.”
The Crown Prince sighed, then smiled as he led Yuan Shen and the others in taking their leave. Luo Jitong followed closely behind the three men.
“This is how it should be. What’s done is done. Now you can settle down, build your careers, and live well.” The Crown Prince spoke as they walked. “Zisheng, Luo, isn’t that right?”
Huo Bu Yi smiled faintly. “Your Highness speaks with wisdom and clarity.”
Luo gazed at him adoringly, lowering her head shyly.
Yuan Shen felt lighter than ever, thinking for the first time that Shao Shang’s words might come true—perhaps after he and Huo Bu Yi were both married, the two couples could indeed interact as old friends.
The four chatted amiably along the way—though it was mostly the Crown Prince speaking while the others responded—creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Both Huo Bu Yi and Luo Jitong had come straight to the palace after long journeys and now needed to return home to rest. The Crown Prince accompanied them all the way to the palace gates, with Yuan Shen cheerfully keeping them company. Just then, a junior palace attendant behind the Crown Prince suddenly cried out, “Your Highness, look! Something seems amiss at the palace gates!”
The four turned to see the Upper West Gate wide open, with clamoring voices outside—something was clearly happening.
The Crown Prince’s expression turned grave. “Let’s go see.”
They quickened their pace. As they approached, an angry, booming voice rang out beyond the gates: “…You little brat, just what do you think you’re doing?!”The voice was unfamiliar to everyone present, except for Yuan Shen, whose heart gave a violent leap.
Then came the voice of a young girl that everyone recognized, sounding as if she were laughing.
"What do I want? Warrior Fifth, you must be joking! The question is, what do you want? Was it me who attempted the assassination the other day? Was it me who came to kidnap someone today? You’re the one who came looking for trouble with nothing better to do—don’t blame me for being prepared! Someone, tighten that net! If this warrior escapes, I’ll roast you all alive!"
Before the Crown Prince could react, there was a sudden cracking sound beside him. He quickly turned his head to see Huo Bu Yi staggering, his foot having crushed a green brick beneath him—his handsome face was deathly pale, yet seemed to glow with an unnatural radiance.
The Crown Prince froze.
Author's Note:
I finally understand how kids feel when summer vacation is ending and their homework isn't done. That's me right now—
With fifteen days of internet cleanup, I completely slacked off. I binge-watched several dramas plus a certain lotus prince, so... don't hit me, everyone.
Updates will return to the usual schedule—normally every other day. If there are extra updates, don’t scream; if there aren’t, don’t complain, okay?
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