Chapter 461 The Dust Settles
The standoff in the Golden Palace, the deposition of the Empress Dowager, and what followed was a thorough purge.
The core members of the Empress Dowager's faction were either dismissed from their posts and stripped of their titles, or imprisoned and questioned, and their supporters scattered when the tree fell.
The imperial court underwent a major reshuffle, with many previously suppressed officials who were loyal to Huo Lin being promoted and given important positions.
Xie Yunzhi was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel by Huo Lin for his effective handling of the matter.
When these events reached Weiyang Palace, they were also tinged with a festive red hue.
At this moment, Jiang Huan was facing a bronze mirror, being served by palace maids, trying on the empress's dress that had just been sent by the Imperial Wardrobe.
The Empress's bright red robe was embroidered with a phoenix soaring through the heavens in gold thread, and adorned with pearls and gemstones, making it magnificent, dazzling, and extremely dignified.
The nine-dragon, four-phoenix crown was an exquisite work of art, adorned with red gold and kingfisher feathers, its jewels gleaming and shimmering. It weighed heavily on her hair, yet it accentuated her beautiful face and natural elegance.
"Your Majesty is so beautiful. I have never seen anyone more suited to wear this dress than Your Majesty."
The palace maids surrounding them were stunned. When they came to their senses, they couldn't help but admire them sincerely, their eyes filled with amazement.
"You guys are practically a praise squad."
Jiang Huan smiled, her eyes crinkling as she looked at her reflection in the mirror—a reflection that was both familiar and somewhat unfamiliar—and felt a mix of emotions.
From a modern office worker to a concubine in the imperial palace, and then to the empress who will soon rule the world, how many knives have she been stabbed in the head and body, how many blames have she shifted, how much suffering has she endured to achieve what she has today!
But then again, it was all worth it.
Not only did they gain friendships, but they also had two children who were related to them by blood, and they found a way to make a living in this era.
Especially...
Her gaze shifted slightly, and through the mirror, she seemed to see the man who appeared cold and aloof, yet whose inner world was so rich it could hold a tea party.
Hehe, especially after winning over this "tsundere" little emperor.
Just then, Huo Lin strode in.
He had clearly just finished court, his brows showing a hint of fatigue from handling official business, but more than that, a sense of relief that everything had settled down.
He waved his hand to dismiss those around him, leaving only the two of them in the hall.
Huo Lin walked up to Jiang Huan in a few steps, scrutinizing her from head to toe with intense gaze, his amazement turning into genuine pride.
"So beautiful! My Empress should be this stunningly beautiful, unparalleled throughout history."
[This robe, at least, can now be rightfully worn by her.]
He couldn't help but reach out and hold Jiang Huan's hand tightly, his palm burning with excitement.
“Madam,” his voice was more solemn than ever before, “the Ministry of Rites has chosen an auspicious day. After the investiture ceremony, you will be my rightful Empress, the only female ruler of the dynasty.”
His gaze was intense, filled with anticipation for the future.
[The day has finally come! From this day forward, the empire will be our dowry, and the world will be our witness. Let's see who dares to utter a single word of dissent against her now.]
Jiang Huan felt the warmth of his palm and the deep affection in his words, and her heart was filled with warmth.
To be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with him and receive his unreserved love and respect is already an immense fortune in this deep palace.
Just as she was about to respond, Huo Yue's loud crying suddenly came from the inner room, followed by Huo Chen's dissatisfied groan.
Well, these two little devils really know how to pick their timing.
If one cries, the other will surely join in the fun, and the duet begins again.
When a mother hears her child cry, her feet just want to move on their own...
Jiang Huan almost reflexively wanted to pull her hand away and turn around to look at the child.
Her instinctive action made Huo Lin, who was in a highly sensitive state, feel a jolt in his heart.
He tightened his grip on her hand, refusing to let her break free. The joy and eagerness on his face froze instantly, replaced by obvious panic.
She pulled her hand away; she actually wanted to let go of my hand!
"Does she not want to be my empress? No, that's impossible, we already have two children!"
But why would she rather go see those two little troublemakers than hold my hand a little longer?
[Am I not as attractive as two little babies who only know how to eat, drink, poop, and sleep? Waaah...]
Huo Lin's thoughts were urgent and chaotic, carrying an almost childish panic.
Upon hearing his thoughts, Jiang Huan knew that he was overthinking things again.
She thought to herself that she was complaining, but when she saw Huo Lin looking so nervous, she found him kind of cute.
She then turned her wrist and took Huo Lin's hand in return.
Her hands were soft and warm, carrying a soothing power.
Huo Lin felt her grip return and looked up at her, his eyes still showing lingering tension.
Jiang Huan smiled sweetly at him, winked, and said with a hint of teasing, "Your Majesty is holding me so tightly, are you afraid I'll run away? Yue'er is crying, I want to go see her."
She paused, then gently shook their clasped hands, her voice soft.
"However, there's no rush to take care of the child. Now that I've taken your hand, I won't let go easily. And since I've promised to be the Empress, I'll walk with you to the end."
Huo Lin stared at her blankly, listening to her words, and the huge weight in his heart instantly lifted.
[So that's how it is... I was terrified!]
[She's just trying to scare me, but she said she won't let go of my hand.]
[Hehe, I knew it! She still cares most about me!]
His pitiful imperial majesty had long since vanished in front of Jiang Huan, and now his eyes and brows were filled with smiles, like a child who had received a favorite candy.
"Yes!" He nodded emphatically, holding Jiang Huan's hand but carefully controlling it, afraid of hurting her. "I'll go with you."
The two walked hand in hand into the inner room. The wet nurse held Huo Yue, whose little face was red from crying, and gently comforted her. Huo Chen lay in the cradle, his big, dark eyes wide open, looking at his parents with curiosity.
Jiang Huan released Huo Lin's hand, stepped forward to take her daughter from the wet nurse's arms, and softly hummed a soothing melody.
The little one smelled the familiar scent of his mother, and his crying gradually subsided, turning into a plaintive sob.
Huo Lin also walked to the cradle and bent down to look at his son.
Huo Chen reached out his little hand and grabbed a strand of his father's hair that was hanging down, babbling incoherently.
The child's innocent voice and Jiang Huan's gentle humming intertwined, creating a very heartwarming scene.
Huo Lin's gaze gradually shifted from his son to Jiang Huan.
She wore elaborate and gorgeous empress's robes, yet she did the most ordinary things that any mother in the world would do. This ultimate elegance and ultimate gentleness blended in her, creating a breathtaking beauty.
Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, falling perfectly on half of her body, bathing her in a soft golden halo. Even the jewels on her phoenix crown seemed to shimmer with a gentle, understated radiance.
His gaze gradually deepened, and a long-suppressed, burning emotion surged within his eyes, growing stronger and stronger.
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