Chapter 107 Caught in the Act

News of the great victory in the south was like a thunderclap in spring, instantly dispelling the gloom that had shrouded the capital for many days.

In the imperial court, as merits were being recognized and rewards were being distributed, Huo Lin quietly eliminated the support of the Lin faction.

On the surface, everything seems settled and the world is clear, but beneath the calm surface, the undercurrents never cease.

At noon, after the good news arrived, Jiang Huan was, as usual, pushed by Xiao Zhao to deliver food to Huo Lin.

Inside the Imperial Study, Huo Lin was engrossed in a mountain of memorials.

"Your Majesty, please rest for a moment and have some food."

Jiang Huan placed the food box on a small table to the side, her soft voice breaking the silence in the hall.

Huo Lin looked up and saw that it was Jiang Huan. Warmth filled his eyes. He put down his vermilion brush and walked over.

She's here, that's good.

Every time I see her, I feel like I could read ten more memorials.

"Thank you for coming every day. You've worked so hard."

Jiang Huan smiled gently, her eyes crinkling, and began to lift the lid of the food box.

"Since Your Majesty sees that I've worked so hard, shouldn't you eat it all to repay me?"

Huo Lin chuckled and naturally sat down next to Jiang Huan, their auras seemingly already intertwined and familiar.

After Xiao Zhao quietly set out the dishes, she bowed and withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the hall.

But Huo Lin was always preoccupied with the battle reports from the front, and he was always distracted during meals.

Although the good news arrived, the enemy's main force, though routed, did not disperse and fled deep into the mountains of southern Xinjiang.

[Yue Zheng is a capable general, but his foundation is still weak, and there is a risk that Lin Zheng's former subordinates might make moves.]

[There are also supply lines, which are long and vulnerable to attack...]

Huo Lin's heavy and worried thoughts instantly dispelled the previous ease.

Jiang Huan's smile faltered slightly, and she sighed softly in her heart.

It looks like we've won, but in reality we still have to rob Peter to pay Paul.

Managing national affairs is truly not easy; it forces even a perfectly capable emperor to adopt a more serious demeanor.

well......

Huo Lin seemed oblivious to Jiang Huan's unusual behavior. He ate his meal without showing any sign of his worry on his face.

Jiang Huan pretended not to know anything, had some snacks with Huo Lin, and then considerately took her leave.

Back at Weiyang Palace, Jiang Huan's mind was far from at peace.

Since she's already played the role of Zhuge Liang twice, it wouldn't hurt to do it a third time.

Let's just consider it a divine intervention.

Jiang Huan immediately instructed Xiao Zhao to prepare pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, and wrote down all the knowledge on the paper.

After finishing writing, Jiang Huan carefully blew away the ink and folded the paper.

In the late afternoon, the sunlight was lazy.

Jiang Huan prepared another exquisite dessert and went to the Imperial Study again, ostensibly to deliver an afternoon snack.

Taking advantage of the moment when Huo Lin looked away, she deftly flipped through the pages and cleverly slipped the paper into the crevice of the memorial.

The spot is neither too deep nor too shallow; it will definitely be visible when you turn it over, but it won't fall off easily.

In the blink of an eye, night fell and all was quiet.

Inside the Weiyang Palace, Jiang Huan had already fallen into a deep sleep.

She slept soundly during the day, having spent so much time figuring out those strategies.

After an unknown amount of time, a strong emotional surge instantly woke Jiang Huan from her sleep.

[The note tucked inside the memorial—was that her?]

[During the last locust plague, she did the same, silently helping me solve my problems.]

Jiang Huan was startled, and her sleepiness vanished instantly.

That voice... it's Huo Lin.

How did he sneak into her bedroom in the middle of the night without a sound?

Jiang Huan didn't move, pretending to be fast asleep, but her ears were already perked up.

The Emperor is indeed the Emperor; he is very perceptive, and his suspicions are always accurate.

But let it be exposed, it's quite comforting to hear his true feelings.

The softest footsteps approached the bed, and a familiar scent of ambergris filled the air.

Jiang Huan could feel a burning gaze on her face, the temperature of which almost pierced through her eyelids.

[She's sleeping soundly.]

Huo Lin's inner thoughts carried a hint of gentle smile that was barely perceptible.

[Why resort to such underhanded tactics when you could offer your advice openly? Are you afraid I won't accept it, or are you afraid of controversy in court?]

Jiang Huan nodded frantically in her heart.

Yes, yes, she doesn't want to be in the limelight; she wants to keep a low profile and stay safe.

Moreover, if she were to reveal those advanced modern knowledge, she might be labeled a "femme fatale."

She was tired enough of dodging open and covert attacks, and didn't want to cause unnecessary gossip or get caught up in the dangerous vortex of power.

[This girl is so clever and perceptive, yet so cautious; she's really... silly.]

The last three words, spoken with a low, mournful tone, were filled with a tenderness that even Huo Lin himself was not fully aware of.

Then, Jiang Huan felt Huo Lin gently sit down by the bed, at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

He didn't touch her, but the strong presence and the constant stream of tenderness and praise flooding into her mind kept Jiang Huan from sleeping at all.

The problems in the southern border have troubled me for a long time. The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue only know how to ask for money and manpower, and now they want her to solve my problems.

That note, though containing only a few words, hit the nail on the head, with extreme precision.

She always manages to bring me such wonderful surprises.

[I will immediately issue a secret order to Yue Zheng to act according to the plan, but...]

Huo Lin's originally excited feelings suddenly turned somewhat serious.

This matter must never be known to outsiders; the palace is treacherous, and people's hearts are unpredictable.

I will remember her contributions, but given the current instability in the court, I have no choice but to put her in this difficult position for now.

A warm feeling washed over Jiang Huan; it really wasn't anything to be ashamed of.

Those strategies were the result of the wisdom of later generations, and were never her achievement alone.

However... he's smart enough to know how to protect himself.

Jiang Huan tried her best to maintain steady breathing, afraid of revealing even the slightest emotion.

The bedchamber was quiet, with only the occasional soft crackling of the candlelight.

Huo Lin looked at Jiang Huan quietly, his gaze seemingly tangible.

Just when Jiang Huan was about to burst out laughing, feeling her facial muscles about to stiffen and cramp, Huo Lin finally moved.

He leaned forward slightly, placed one hand on the edge of the bed, and placed a very light kiss on Jiang Huan's forehead.

The warm touch swept by, as light as a feather, yet it seemed to ignite a spark on Jiang Huan's forehead.

[It's a pity I have too many things to deal with, otherwise I could have seen her a little longer.]

However, with her plan, I will handle those matters as soon as possible.

Huo Lin got up, tucked the blanket around Jiang Huan, and then turned and left.

Jiang Huan's tense body suddenly relaxed, and she opened her eyes in the darkness.

She reached out and touched the spot on her forehead where she had been kissed, a subtle smile playing on her lips.