Chapter 303

Chapter 303: The Southern Hunting Lodge.

"In that case, what about the second-place scholar?" the Noble Consort asked curiously.

"My sister might not know, but the second-place scholar's appearance is really... oh my," Consort Jin De shook her head.

Everyone laughed.

It's become a tradition, generally. The second-place scholar is either older or not as handsome.

After all, the most handsome is usually the top scholar.

"Minister Fan is a trusted official of His Majesty. His son, Fan Yang, will surely not be far behind," Consort An Chongyi said with a smile.

In Da Jin, there's no rule against princes by marriage participating in politics, so marrying the princess is indeed a joyous occasion, a great celebration.

Regardless of the Fan family's joy, which they couldn't see, the Empress's happiness was evidently clear.

After dispersing, Consort Jin De returned to Zhao Hua Palace and laughed, "The Empress hasn't made any progress."

"What does Your Highness mean?" Lan Zhi asked, puzzled.

"Initially, with Qi Qingluan pressing step by step, the Empress was cautious. Over the years, perhaps due to frequent disappointments, she seems to have exhausted the little capability she had accumulated at the start. Now, she's complacently happy for the Grand Princess to marry a desirable groom, simply because she thinks the Fan family can support the Crown Prince," Consort Jin De said, shaking her head lightly.

"This... I'm also worried, after all, the Crown Prince's health has been improving lately," Lan Zhi said.

"How much better? Is it really better, or just compared to his own past condition?" Consort Jin De scoffed, "I don't believe the other consorts don't wish to compete. Just watch, even just Yunli alone is enough to give the Empress a hard time. No wonder the Xie family has come to this. They had the handle on the Qi family but couldn't pull them down. Now, the Qi family remains as they were, yet the Empress..."

It seems like she has all the advantages, but in reality, it's all a castle in the air.

"Do you remember when His Majesty used to call the Empress by her name?" Consort Jin De once envied that.

After all, the Empress, and also the former Consort Lan, were called by their names by His Majesty.

And now, Yunli.

"Yes, I remember. Now His Majesty calls her 'Empress.' Maybe he still uses her name in private?" Lan Zhi said.

"Is that so? Back then, it was Yi Yao even in front of others, and now only behind closed doors?" Consort Jin De laughed.

Lan Zhi also laughed, "That must no longer be the case."

"If I can see it, His Majesty surely can too. Yunli..." Consort Jin De seemed to chew on these words.

"Previously, I thought Yunli was trying to please the Empress, thinking that if the Crown Prince fails, the Empress would choose a son close to her, Yunli's son."

"Is that not the case?" Lan Zhi thought so too.

She wondered if Yunli was somewhat naive?

"Looking at it now, is Yunli really such a naive person?" Consort Jin De questioned.

Lan Zhi shook her head.

Consort Jin De didn't continue; she didn't understand either.

Is Yunli such a naive person?

Who knows.

Being close to the Empress has its benefits.

For instance, the Empress might lower her guard and not seek trouble.

Or the Empress might have to speak well of someone for the sake of appearances.

Occasionally, the Empress might also show magnanimity and get close to Yunli.

Moreover, with Yunli close to the Empress, might His Majesty think more of the Ninth Prince when looking at the Crown Prince?

With so many princes, how can one ensure a prince always has presence in front of their father, the Emperor?

Of course, it can't always be by making oneself too conspicuous; a subtler approach is needed.

Naturally, Yunli was unaware of Consort Jin De's extensive thoughts.

His Majesty had already announced the list of consorts accompanying him on this hunting trip.

At the top were the Noble Consort, Consort Shu, and Yunli.

Followed by Consort Hui, Consort Yu, and Lady Jiang.

Zhou Baolin, Yun Baolin, Zhu Yuniang, and Feng Yuniang were clearly just making up the numbers.

The princes and princesses could go.

Along with children from the imperial clan and some officials' offspring.

By the time they reached the hunting lodge, it was past noon.

Yunli had someone settle the children down, feeling tired herself, she decided to take a nap first. Whether to eat or not was less important than lying down for a bit.

When mother and child woke up, the sun was setting. The Ninth Prince woke up crying out in hunger.

After setting the table and having their fill, he was taken out to play.

With summer days being long, there was still time for play.

"Your Highness, Lady Ji from Concubine Qi's quarters came by just now, asking when would be a suitable time for a visit," Lu Wei said.

"Tsk, I had actually forgotten about her. Tell her to visit the Noble Consort first. No need to see me," Yunli directed.

"Yes, I will send the message right away," Lu Wei replied.

"No need for you to go yourself, just have someone else do it."

Lu Wei, being one of Yunli's top maids, there's no need to pay much attention to Concubine Qi.

"Yes, I'll have someone go then," Lu Wei eagerly said, pleased to be valued by her mistress.

"Later on, find out who plans to join the hunt tomorrow," Yunli instructed.

Despite the tragic incident involving the Empress in the past, Emperor He hasn't forbidden women from participating in the hunt.

So, there will surely be participants this year.

"Yes, I will inquire. But surely the Noble Consort will be going," Lu Wei said.

Zhi Fu, who came in with water, also mentioned, "The Noble Consort is skilled in horseback riding, having just returned from the grasslands, she's even less likely to make mistakes."

"Concubine Shu, like me, doesn't ride. As for others, Lady Yu is capable but just average, I guess? I'm not sure about the rest," Yunli shared.

"I don't know which consorts and concubines wish to participate, but the Second Prince has his horse here, he's likely to join the hunt," Zhi Fu added.

Yunli nodded, "What a pity the Crown Prince doesn't ride."

With the Crown Prince unable to ride, surely Consort Jin would want the Second Prince to stand out.

After all, the people of Great Jin still esteem martial prowess; historically, emperors have been competent in archery and horsemanship.

Yet, the Crown Prince can't even ride a horse.

The Empress's fall from a horse has already become a jest, using horsemanship to undermine the Empress and Crown Prince hits the mark every time.

The Empress didn't attend this time, but the Crown Prince did come.

It seems tomorrow, the Crown Prince can only stay in the viewing stand.

Ah, how awkward.

Though it's not the Crown Prince's fault he ended up like this, and he's a victim too, it's pitiful.

Yet, being weak is a sin for a Crown Prince.

Especially when he has a bunch of healthy brothers.

Truly, it's a sorrowful situation.

The logic is simple, no one would fail to understand.

Emperor Hejin also feels the same, yet he can't help but feel disappointed looking at the Crown Prince.

"Son awaits Father Emperor's victorious return," the Crown Prince bows.

"Alright, take your seat," Emperor Hejin smiles.

Sighing internally, he then looks at the Second, Third, Fifth, and Sixth Princes, "You're all still young, don't just seek speed, but also stability. While bravery is required, your safety is paramount."

All the princes agree, lively regardless of their skill level.

He then comforts the Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth Princes, "You are too young now, but in a year or two, you can join me in hunting. So, you must learn well, understand?"

"Yes, we will remember," the three respond.

[Got a bit to do, next chapter will be a bit late. Will try to make it before nightfall.]