Chapter 62: “Then continue to hunt a deer for me…”

Chapter 62: "Then go hunt another deer for me..."

For Huo Ling, this trip to the royal hunting grounds felt more like a trip down memory lane.

Her feelings were completely different now.

The stares that once followed her for her beauty now carried an added weight of caution and reverence.

Once the entourage had settled into camp, young nobles from different families called out to their friends, urging one another to go hunt farther out.

Huo Ling stepped down from the phoenix carriage, planning to go straight to Emperor Jingyuan, when she heard the clear laughter of children not far away.

Following the sound, she saw a group of children dressed in fine clothes playing together.

Among them was Prince Su’s son, Ji Sanlang.

Huo Ling remarked to Wu Mo beside her, "Last year when we came to the retreat palace, I didn’t notice so many children."

Wu Mo teased, "Your Majesty only had eyes for His Majesty back then—how could you have noticed anything else?"

Someone chuckled softly behind them, and both Huo Ling and Wu Mo turned around.

It was Emperor Jingyuan. Wu Mo quickly bowed her head in apology. "Forgive this servant, Your Majesty, for speaking out of line."

Huo Ling spoke before the emperor could. "Enough. You just told the truth—would His Majesty punish you for that?"

Emperor Jingyuan smiled helplessly and echoed Huo Ling’s words. "The Empress sees you as a sister. A little teasing between you two is nothing for me to fuss over. You may step aside."

Once Wu Mo had withdrawn, Huo Ling took Emperor Jingyuan’s arm and asked, "What brings Your Majesty here?"

Emperor Jingyuan replied, "You didn’t show up, so I came looking."

Huo Ling turned her attention back to the children. "I was watching them play. Does Your Majesty know whose children they are?"

The emperor glanced at them and said uncertainly, "They all appear to be imperial relatives."

Huo Ling nodded. "No wonder they seem a bit familiar."

After this brief reflection, she changed the subject and began discussing horseback riding with Emperor Jingyuan.

Compared to riding in the phoenix carriage, Huo Ling much preferred riding on horseback. She planned to take the two princesses riding the next day.

Emperor Jingyuan raised an eyebrow. "Why the two princesses?"

Huo Ling explained, "They’ve been training with their riding master for a year and have improved greatly. Plus, they’re young and full of energy—I’m sure they’d love to get some fresh air."

Emperor Jingyuan hummed noncommittally, hesitating as if wanting to say more.

Li Man, watching nearby, grew impatient and nearly spoke up to remind the empress. *Your Majesty… don’t you see His Majesty wants to ride with you too?*

At first, Huo Ling truly hadn’t considered this.

Last year during the journey, Emperor Jingyuan had remained in the imperial carriage the entire time, never once riding on horseback. But after catching Li Man’s repeated meaningful glances, Huo Ling took a closer look at the emperor’s face and suddenly amended, "If Your Majesty wishes to join me, the two princesses can ride together instead. The imperial guards will keep them safe—nothing will happen."

Emperor Jingyuan asked, "Do you truly want me to join you?"

Huo Ling looked away, hiding a smile before answering, "Very much so."

Emperor Jingyuan wasn't great at archery and riding. As a young man, he had trained diligently for a time, and his horsemanship was actually quite decent.

He played dumb about Huo Ling's expression. "Fine then, I'll ride with you."

Huo Ling couldn't help laughing. Once inside the tent, she whispered, "Your Majesty, if you want to ride next time, just say so. Why be so weird about it?"

The emperor coughed lightly. "I wasn't being weird. I was just surprised you chose the two princesses over me."

Huo Ling defended herself. "You never left your carriage last year."

Jingyuan smiled but didn't argue the difference between this year and last. He simply said, "Then ask me first in the future."

As they spoke, Li Man announced from outside, "Your Majesty, the eldest son has come to say hello."

The emperor raised his voice. "Send Yuanyuan in."

The tent flap lifted and Ji Yuanyuan stepped inside.

At eight years old, his cheeks still held some baby fat that gave him an age-appropriate childishness, but his carefully practiced manners made him seem more mature than other children his age.

After bowing respectfully to Emperor Jingyuan, he quickly turned to bow to Huo Ling as well.

"Why are you here, Uncle?" the emperor asked.

With admiring warmth in his voice, the boy replied, "Nanny Zhuang taught me how to roast a rabbit. I wanted to give it to Granduncle to taste."

"Since this is your thoughtful gift," the emperor said, "I shall enjoy it properly. You must be worn out from riding all day—go rest now."

Ji Yuanyuan obediently withdrew, instructing Nanny Zhuang to hand the food box to Li Man before leaving with her.

Outside, with too many people around, Nanny Zhuang couldn't speak freely. But once back in their tent, she pressed him urgently. "Why didn't His Majesty invite you to eat with him?"

The boy whispered, "Because Mom was there with Granduncle."

Nanny Zhuang understood immediately, fuming but helpless.

Ever since the empress entered the palace, the emperor's eldest son had found himself in an increasingly awkward position.

"Nanny," Ji Yuanyuan whispered even quieter, "I saw Mom and my little brother today."

He still didn't fully understand imperial politics and succession, but through constant reminders from his parents and Nanny Zhuang, he had learned what was appropriate.

He couldn't stay by his father and mother's side like his little brother could. No matter how much he missed them, he didn't throw tantrums like he used to.

"Today I gave Granduncle the roasted rabbit. Tomorrow let's roast a pheasant for Mom and my little brother."

Nanny Zhuang held back tears and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Just then, another of Ji Yuanyuan's maids quietly entered with a food box. "Young Master, the Duan Princess Consort sent this. Please eat it while it's warm."

Ji Yuanyuan's face lit up with a bright smile. Peeking inside, he gasped. "It's my favorite mixed chicken congee!"

As Ji Yuanyuan happily ate, Nanny Zhuang told the maid to stay with him while she took the chance to visit the Duan Princess Consort's tent to pay her respects.

Inside, the Duan Princess Consort was feeding her second son, Ji Yuankang, chicken congee.

Three- or four-year-olds are at that mischievous age—taking ages to finish a bowl of porridge. Only after driving the Princess Consort of Duan to distraction did the child put on an act of being well-behaved, taking a few sips before going back to his mischief.

By the time Nanny Zhuang arrived, only a small portion of the porridge remained in the bowl.

The Princess Consort handed the bowl to a maid, instructing her to continue feeding Ji Yuankang, then dismissed everyone else outside the tent. She pulled Nanny Zhuang aside and began pumping her for information about Ji Yuanwan’s situation in the palace.

As one of the Princess Consort’s most trusted confidants, assigned to serve Ji Yuanwan personally, Nanny Zhuang didn’t mince words.

“After the Empress entered the palace,” she began, “many who used to surround the young master daily have backed off. The Eldest Princess remains unchanged, but the Second Princess had a falling-out with the young master over Chancellor Jiang and has since thrown in her lot with the Empress.”

She also recounted everything that had happened that day.

Mopping her eyes with a handkerchief, the Princess Consort suppressed the urge to go see Ji Yuanwan. “I understand. You should return quickly—the boy needs you.”

Nanny Zhuang curtsied and turned to go, but after a few steps, she suddenly remembered something. “The Second Princess has a study companion, the second daughter from Prince Su’s household.”

“Among all her companions, this Ji girl is the closest to the Second Princess. Whenever the Second Princess goes to pay her respects to the Empress, she never brings the others—only this Ji girl.”

A child from Prince Su’s household?

The Princess Consort felt her heart lurch, sensing trouble. “And what about that San Lang from the Ji family? Does he often enter the palace?”

Nanny Zhuang shook her head. “I’ve asked around, but I haven’t heard much about him.”

After Nanny Zhuang left, the Princess Consort wore a path pacing back and forth in the tent, too agitated to sit still. Finally, she decided to visit Duke Liu’s tent.

Duke Liu was going over horse administration business with his heir.

Recent court actions regarding horse administration had the Hereditary Prince on edge—after all, it was he who had secretly partnered with He Tai within the Duke Liu household.

He had originally kept this from his father, only confessing everything when He Tai revealed his hand to Prince Duan, making concealment impossible.

Furious at his son’s shortsightedness, Duke Liu nonetheless couldn’t stand by and watch him fall. So he personally stepped in to mop up after him, shielding his son from the fallout of He Tai’s case.

With his father’s help covering his tracks, the Hereditary Prince had initially felt safe. But Emperor Jingyuan’s latest moves had him sweating again.

A shrewd man himself, Duke Liu sensed ominous forebodings as he watched his eldest son squirm.

“Tell me honestly—aside from He Tai, are you involved anywhere else?”

The Hereditary Prince hesitated, then finally confessed.

He himself hadn’t been directly implicated, but one of his subordinates had pledged loyalty, kicking back hefty sums every year.

Now that the court had sent investigators down to root out corruption in horse administration, that very official was under scrutiny…

Duke Liu squeezed his eyes shut. When he opened them again, he grabbed his cane and struck his son several times.

The Hereditary Prince winced in pain but dared not dodge, enduring the blows silently.

Luckily, just then, someone announced the arrival of the Princess Consort of Duan to pay respects.

Wanting to preserve some dignity for his son in front of younger family members, Duke Liu hissed through clenched teeth, “We’ll settle this later,” before raising his voice to welcome her in.

Upon entering, the Princess Consort immediately sensed the tension between her grandfather and father, but she had no time to dwell on it. She repeated Nanny Zhuang’s report word for word…

She repeated everything verbatim.

The Duke of Liu sighed; his face showed no surprise.

Princess Consort of Duan asked, "Grandfather, you saw this coming?"

The Duke pressed his throbbing temples. "The Empress needs an heir."

"If she can't produce one herself, there are plenty among the imperial relatives eager to offer their children for her to raise. Prince Su's faction was merely the first to act, but they certainly won’t be the last. This is only the opening move—how can you lose your cool so easily?"

How could Princess Consort of Duan remain calm? "What about my Yuanyuan?"

The Duke said gravely, "You must remember: just because the Empress favors a child doesn’t mean that child will become the future heir of Great Yan. Yuanyuan has been raised in the palace for nearly two years now. As long as he makes no mistakes, no one can easily replace him."

Princess Consort of Duan bit her lip hard, suppressing the lump in her throat. "Are we just going to let her get away with this?"

The Duke gave a bitter smile. One wrong move leads to disaster. Once the Empress’s influence could no longer be stopped at its source, it had now grown unstoppable. Challenging her at this stage wouldn't be easy.

In fact, the Empress might even welcome their interference.

"Let’s wait and see."

These were turbulent times, and with the uncertainties surrounding the horse administration, the Duke really didn’t want any additional complications.

***

The journey over the next few days proceeded smoothly. Whenever Huo Ling rode on horseback, Emperor Jingyuan would accompany her, much to Princess Ningxin’s surprise.

"What’s so special about that?" Xu Shidu didn’t get why her mother was so impressed.

Princess Ningxin replied, "Did Uncle the Emperor ever ride on horseback last year?"

Xu Shidu leaned against the window, watching the emperor and empress conversing in the distance. "Last year, no one rode with him either."

Riding alone, constrained by the pace of the procession without the freedom to gallop freely, was totally boring.

Princess Ningxin fell silent, suddenly understanding her imperial brother’s feelings.

"Stop sulking," she said, patting her daughter’s head. "I’ll ride with you."

"Really?!"

Xu Shidu immediately perked up.

Perhaps inspired by the sight of the imperial couple riding, many more joined in on horseback this time—even the frail Prince Su made an exception to join.

Amid the scorching June heat, Prince Su stood out in the crowd, still wearing a heavy robe. Huo Ling noticed him at once.

Following her gaze, Emperor Jingyuan introduced, "That is Prince Su. I believe Your Majesty hasn’t met him yet."

Huo Ling nodded. "I’ve only met others from Prince Su’s household."

Catching their glance, Prince Su quickly rode forward to greet the imperial couple.

"Your Majesty, please, no formalities," Huo Ling said gently. "Your health hasn’t fully recovered—don’t ride for too long."

Prince Su thanked her for her concern with a smile. "Seeing Your Majesties so harmonious makes this old man happy. That’s why I tagged along, but now it’s time for me to rest."

As they watched Prince Su return to his carriage, Huo Ling remarked to Emperor Jingyuan, "The Prince seems kind."

Emperor Jingyuan agreed. Among his uncles, he got along best with him.

"Prince Su is quite capable himself, too bad his health isn't good—he's stuck at the Imperial Clan Office."

Huo Ling mused that she hadn't personally seen Prince Su's abilities in action, but he was clearly no fool.

After eight days of travel, the royal procession finally reached the Cangzhou Palace.

This time, besides Princess Elder Ningxin's family, Prince Duan's and Prince Su's families also moved into the palace.

The Ministry of Rites had arranged the hunting schedule much like last year. On the first day of the hunt, everyone who came along gathered at the training grounds, waiting for the Emperor.

Emperor Jingyuan wore light armor and carried his imperial sword. Huo Ling walked beside him up to the platform, listening as he announced, just like last year, that treasures would be offered as prizes—whoever bags the most game takes all.

Once the Emperor finished speaking, Huo Ling spoke up. "Let me join in the fun too and offer a prize."

"What do you want to give?" the Emperor asked.

"The physical strength of women simply can't match men's. Even if their riding and archery skills are equal, women can't keep going as long," she explained.

"Besides, the three treasures Your Majesty offered are mostly suited for men. If we're giving prizes, why play favorites? Why not add another one to make it more interesting?"

The Emperor glanced at the treasures he'd brought and chuckled. "Our mistake."

Knowing he agreed, Huo Ling lowered her eyes and looked over the crowd below, raising her voice slightly.

"I will prepare three additional treasures as prizes for the woman who gets the most game today—I'm looking forward to seeing what you ladies can do."

As soon as she spoke, not only were the noblewomen excited, even the First and Second Princesses, both beginners, were itching to give it a shot.

Xu Shidu was practically bouncing with excitement, ready to dash into the forest at the earliest chance.

When the Emperor spoke again, everyone rushed into the hunting area, and the once-busy training ground quickly emptied out.

The Emperor turned to Huo Ling. "Shall we go too?"

She nodded and took the bow and quiver Wu Mo handed her, strapping them onto her back. "What are you hunting for this time?"

He smiled. "Get me another deer."