Chapter 101 Adding Fragrance to the Red Sleeves

Lin Zheng would certainly not send his sister away; on the contrary, he would do his best to help his sister do what she wanted to do.

He immediately followed up on Consort Jia's words, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty, although the military situation is urgent, your health is the foundation of the nation. I urge you to take good care of yourself."

"The Imperial Concubine is always considerate and attentive, and knows the emperor's needs best. It would be our wish, and also our duty, to serve the emperor and comfort him when he is preoccupied with the affairs of the country."

The implication in Lin Zheng's words couldn't be clearer.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Huo Lin's eyes, but he didn't show it on his face.

He spoke in a deep voice, his imposing presence forcefully steer the conversation back on track.

"General Lin, the key to the Zhennan Army's defeat this time lies in the fact that the scouts failed to discover the movement of the enemy's main force in advance. I ask you, was it due to the scouts' negligence and dereliction of duty, or is there another hidden reason?"

He deliberately emphasized the words "there is another hidden reason," his sharp gaze fixed on Lin Zheng, as if the brief episode about the harem had never happened, and only the cold military intelligence hung over his head.

Lin Zheng felt a chill run down his spine, realizing that the matchmaking attempt was probably doomed.

The Zhennan Army has just suffered a defeat, and it would be unwise to displease the Emperor at this time.

He immediately composed himself and dared not have any further distracting thoughts.

"Your Majesty, I have carefully reviewed the records. The scout captain and several scouts all said that the enemy's main force was deeply hidden and their movements were erratic. Otherwise, how could our scouts have fallen into the trap?"

Upon hearing this, Huo Lin's brows furrowed with worry. He glanced at Consort Jia standing beside him, his voice cold and deep.

"Your Highness, I have important matters to discuss with General Lin. You may return now."

Consort Jia originally wanted to try again, but she saw Lin Zheng shake his head slightly at her.

Consort Jia clenched her fingers, and despite her reluctance, she could only agree.

"yes."

Even after Consort Jia withdrew, the atmosphere in the Imperial Study remained unusually heavy.

Huo Lin and Lin Zheng discussed the border war all night long, and Lin Zheng did not leave until the first rays of dawn shone through the window.

Huo Lin rubbed his almost stiff brow, feeling his temples throbbing. The exhaustion in his body surged like a tidal wave. The weariness from not sleeping all night and the mental strain of being highly focused made his vision blur a little.

He was about to go to court soon and was about to tell Wang Degui to prepare some simple porridge and side dishes when he saw Wang Degui carrying a familiar food box, with an uncontrollable smile on his face, walk in.

“Your Majesty,” Wang Degui’s voice was filled with joy, “Consort Zhuang arrived just before dawn. Seeing that Your Majesty was still discussing matters with General Lin, she did not want to disturb you, so she left this. She also specifically instructed this servant to make sure Your Majesty eats some while it is still hot to warm your stomach.”

As Wang Degui spoke, he opened the lid of the food box.

The food box contained a bowl of glistening, soft red date, lotus seed, and white fungus soup on top, and several refreshing and appetizing side dishes on the bottom. It looked like it had just been delivered and was still steaming hot.

Huo Lin's heart, weary from the strain of military affairs, suddenly warmed up.

He could almost picture Jiang Huan carefully selecting ingredients and patiently simmering them in the dim morning light in the small kitchen.

He's been incredibly busy with official duties these past few days, which has made her worry.

Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll definitely spend some quality time with her.

Huo Lin maintained his imperial composure, but the furrowed brows that had been furrowed all night finally relaxed completely.

He nodded slightly, his voice carrying a barely perceptible gentleness and huskiness.

"Okay, leave it there."

Wang Degui was incredibly shrewd. He quickly and efficiently placed the white fungus soup and side dishes on the small table next to the imperial desk, and then quietly retreated to the side.

Huo Lin picked up the porcelain spoon, scooped up a spoonful of white fungus soup, and put it into his mouth.

The sweet and mellow taste melts instantly on the tip of the tongue, soothing and calming the nerves that have been tense all night.

The refreshing side dishes perfectly balanced the sweetness of the soup, making it even more appetizing.

Her skills are truly unique and exceptional.

I wish I could go to Weiyang Palace to see her now.

Never mind, Shen Yi once said that giving each other some space occasionally helps a relationship develop better.

......

Huo Lin continued to eat his breakfast slowly and deliberately, but the slight upturn of his lips became more and more obvious.

After finishing his breakfast, Huo Lin took the hot towel and carefully wiped his hands and face.

The warm touch invigorated him, making him feel as if his entire body was filled with strength again.

He stood up, and Wang Degui immediately stepped forward and deftly adjusted his dragon robe.

"Attend court."

Huo Lin's voice was not loud, but it carried a long-lost power.

When Huo Lin stepped into the Golden Palace, the ministers almost immediately noticed the difference.

The emperor was still the same emperor, but the oppressive atmosphere that had surrounded him for days seemed to have dissipated considerably overnight.

Huo Lin's brows were relaxed, and although there were still faint dark circles under his eyes, his eyes were exceptionally clear and sharp, and there was even a faint smile on his lips.

The ministers were filled with doubt and exchanged unbelievable glances.

Late last night, bad news of a defeat on the southern border arrived. The Emperor was furious, and the Vice Minister of War was punished with a salary reduction and confined to his residence for reflection. The entire court was shrouded in gloom and fear, and everyone felt insecure.

I had expected a stormy court session this morning, but how come His Majesty's mood has changed so drastically in just one night? It seems...

Excellent?

This transformation is simply unbelievable.

Seeing this, the Minister of Revenue cautiously stepped forward and presented the latest report on the allocation of relief grain and fodder in the north, while mentally preparing himself for being reprimanded.

However, Huo Lin simply glanced at the memorial, succinctly pointing out a few key details and demanding that the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works work together to ensure that the tasks were completed within five days.

Although his tone was serious and earnest, there was not a trace of anger in it.

Seeing this, the Vice Minister of Works also mustered up his courage to step forward and report the important matter. Unexpectedly, Huo Lin did not get angry either, but quickly dealt with the matter.

The emperor's good mood was a great blessing for his ministers, and the atmosphere of the morning court session became much more relaxed.

Some people took this opportunity to speak their minds, so as not to be implicated if the emperor was in a bad mood later.

Throughout the morning court session, the ministers stopped bickering and the process was extremely efficient.

Huo Lin handled government affairs decisively and efficiently, with a clear and quick mind. He often pinpointed the problems in the memorials submitted by his ministers, and his proposed solutions were also to the point, hitting the nail on the head.

Although he remained serious and unsmiling, the aura emanating from him was no longer oppressive and tense.

Several veteran ministers exchanged knowing glances, their thoughts swirling within them.

It seems that after discussing with General Lin all night, His Majesty has already made up his mind.

Could it be that some unknown good news has arrived from the south? Is that why His Majesty is so confident?

Or perhaps it was because a beautiful woman graced my room last night, relieving my worries?