Chapter 104

Chapter 104 - I Think It's Nice to Have Huo Tian

The bonfire festivities lingered until midnight. Before the Emperor departed, he instructed Imperial Consort Yun to visit Cao Zhiming and escorted his new concubine to rest.

Imperial Consort Yun watched the departing figures, her expression twisted with resentment.

Yun Heran appeared behind her, offering consolation, “Why be upset over such a trivial matter? You know the Emperor's affections are fleeting. Despite his fondness for concubines, his commitment wavers, especially towards Xu's child. How long will his favor last?”

Imperial Consort Yun was well aware, evident from her public airing of the issue. Yet, she also recognized the Emperor's genuine favor toward the concubine, beyond mere pretense.

“Brother, come sit here,” she gestured, leading Yun Heran to her chambers.

Inside, they huddled together, conversing in hushed tones.

“About... that,” Imperial Consort Yun hesitated, “Have you taken care of it?”

Yun Heran nodded, “I've made arrangements and await his return to the palace... What about you? Have you resolved your doubts?”

Imperial Consort Yun appeared distressed, hastily denying, “Absolutely not!”

Disregarding her brother's smirk, she composed herself, “How confident are you?”

“Can one ever be certain? We leave it to fate. But you've paved a way for me; that's enough assurance.”

“A way out?” Imperial Consort Yun was skeptical. Was there a safe exit in regicide, a crime punishable by ancestral extermination?

Yun Heran chuckled, “No need to worry. Even if exposed, I'll pin it on the Second Prince's mother and child. The Emperor won't uncover the truth swiftly.”

“No need for that. They might not even survive until then,” Imperial Consort Yun smirked, hinting at her actions.

“What have you done?”

“You'll see soon enough,” she teased. She preferred secrecy until her plans unfolded.

Yun Heran admired his sister's cunning. Her relinquishment of the throne, retaining harem influence, demonstrated her prowess in palace politics.

“Should've acted sooner. If the Emperor listened to me and neutralized Second Brother at the border, he'd reign unchallenged. But now...”

Imperial Consort Yun scoffed, “Too simplistic, Big Brother. If the Emperor had only two princes, he wouldn't spare the Third. He's the rightful heir!”

“Moreover, the Emperor is vigorous. Who's to say a prince won't be born?”

“It's yet to happen,” Yun Heran hinted.

Despite years passing without princely births, princesses arrived in succession. Suspicions of a harem conspiracy lingered, though evidence eluded investigators.

“Bold of you to mention. This secret must remain guarded,” Imperial Consort Yun warned, stressing caution.

“Fear not. I know my limits,” Yun Heran assured.

Still uneasy, Imperial Consort Yun recognized her brother's limitations.

Before she could caution him further, a palace maid's voice interrupted, “First Prince, visiting the Empress at this hour?”

“Has the Queen retired?”

“No, she's conferring with the Imperial Uncle.”

Sharing a glance, the Yun siblings beckoned the maid inside.

The First Prince entered, jesting, “Uncle, lingering so late? If Father learns, he'll suspect treachery.”

“Our family's been discussing; where are all these conspiracy theories coming from?” Imperial Consort Yun chuckled, rising and taking her son's hand as they seated themselves.

“Have you visited Ze Ming?” she inquired.

“Yes.”

In Huo Zhengquan's estimation, Yin Xu was the foremost threat, possessing the greatest martial prowess he'd encountered.

“Seeking me out?” Yin Xu strolled casually to a chair and seated himself.

Huo Zhengquan had exchanged his attire for regular clothing, occupied with polishing his blade.

“What's your opinion on my knife?” Huo Zhengquan inquired without lifting his gaze.

Pouring himself tea, Yin Xu, having indulged in pastries at Teng Yu's, quenched his thirst. Only then did he respond, “It's adequate.”

“But not exceptional?”

Yin Xu smirked, considering his response a courtesy; such a mediocre blade hardly merited acclaim.

“Why not test your dagger against it? Let's see if your blade outmatches this Commander's.”

Yin Xu's heart quickened; he recognized the reference to the dagger he'd acquired at Sky Piercing Pavilion, capable of slicing through metal like butter.

It came as no surprise that Huo Zhengquan was aware; he possessed knowledge of every capital occurrence.

Extracting a dagger from his boot, Yin Xu tossed it to Huo Zhengquan, “Give it a try. If your knife proves superior, remember your promise of a thousand silver.”

The black dagger sliced through the air with a faint whistle, indicating its controlled release.

Huo Zhengquan caught the dagger effortlessly with his right hand engulfed in flames, the blade gleaming under the fiery aura.

Unaware of this aspect of the dagger, Yin Xu watched with intrigue.

With a sudden motion, Huo Zhengquan gripped the dagger's tip, extinguishing the flames in an instant.

A droplet fell to the ground. Yin Xu smirked inwardly; his dagger wasn't so easily subdued.

Ignoring the wound on his palm, Huo Zhengquan grasped both weapons. Clang!

Yin Xu's gaze fell on the blade, now bearing a newly formed hole, evidence of the earlier clash.

Shaking his head, Yin Xu sighed, “What a shame,” whether for the damaged dagger or the blade remained uncertain.

Huo Zhengquan discarded the weapons and tended to his wound, “Not bad. Acquiring such an item for a thousand gold is already remarkable. Sky Piercing Pavilion seems quite generous.”

Yin Xu extended his hand, indicating payment.

Receiving the thousand silver notes, Yin Xu felt a surge of satisfaction. The now-damaged blade, likely Huo Zhengquan's personal weapon, had been diminished to half its former glory, a testament to Yin Xu's prowess.

“Since the target's been sighted and the dagger ruined, may I take my leave?”

Huo Zhengquan lifted her gaze, piercing as a blade; anyone else might have quailed under the intensity.

After a prolonged stare, he remarked, “You're not bad.”

Yin Xu shrugged, candidly responding, “No need to emphasize it.” He knew his worth.

“To have honed your skills and imparted such abilities, your master must be extraordinary. If opportunity allows, you should bring him back. He's a benefactor to the Huo Family.”

Yin Xu smiled, declining to reply. Huo Zhengquan's intent was clear: he sought to recruit this supposed external expert.

“No need. He's an old recluse. Who knows where he roams? He might have perished long ago.” There was no guilt in condemning a nonexistent person.

Huo Zhengquan nodded, dropping the matter, and changed the subject, “In fifteen years, I plan to unveil the Ancestral Hall and inscribe your name in the family tree.”

Yin Xu was taken aback; aware the original owner lacked a place in the Huo Family tree, he didn't care for Huo lineage. But to inherit the Huo Family, he had to be included in this genealogy.

He and Teng Yu had previously discussed how to secure a foothold.

“There's no need to alter my name. Huo Tian suffices.” Yin Xu reasoned; with two names already, adding another seemed excessive.

Fortunately, Huo Zhengquan didn't assert dominance over such a trivial matter, nodding in agreement.