Chapter 38 He only has eyes for Li Yuanzhao, how can he even see me, his sister?
On the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the Beiyuan hunting grounds were bustling with activity and flags fluttering in the wind.
On a vast grassland, there were many long-maned horses, which neighed and pounded the ground from time to time, raising clouds of dust.
The civil and military officials of the capital gathered in riding attire, bows and arrows at their waists, and reins in their hands, all looking spirited and eager to try their skills.
Besides the men serving as officials in the court, many young ladies from prominent families and noble households in the capital also set up seats in the nearby corridor to watch this grand hunting ceremony.
These young ladies usually stayed in their secluded chambers, and at most attended banquets and poetry gatherings. How could they possibly have the opportunity to meet the young officers and newly appointed officials of the various armies?
Therefore, everyone looked forward to this archery and horsemanship ceremony, hoping to meet their ideal husband on the day of the hunt in Beiyuan.
They gathered in twos and threes, whispering among themselves, their eyes constantly glancing at the valiant men on the field, their faces flushed with shyness.
The Imperial Concubine's tent was set up to the Emperor's left, and it was very grand and enormous, with curtains fluttering in the wind, showing its luxury.
Li Yuanshu sat beside her, dressed in a brightly colored children's skirt, but he couldn't contain his excitement and kept looking into the arena.
“Mother, if Li Yuanzhao can go, why can’t I? I want to go too.”
Her tone was full of resentment, and as she looked at the figures on the field, her heart had already flown away.
The Imperial Concubine comforted her, saying, "Why are you comparing yourself to her? She always tries to be as competitive as a man, which is why she attracts criticism. Besides, the hunting grounds are full of men's sweaty smells. What are you going there for? What if some clueless person bumps into you, or you encounter some wolves or tigers?"
“She wasn’t the only woman there; there were so many women on the field!” Li Yuanshu retorted indignantly. “Even the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister Su’s family went. She can ride a horse and shoot arrows, so why can’t I? Am I, a princess, inferior to her?”
"My dear, a woman should be gentle and obedient. Don't associate with them." The Imperial Concubine patted the back of her hand and subtly changed the subject. "Go and call your second brother. I have something to tell him."
"I'm not going," Li Yuanshu said angrily, turning her head to the side.
The Imperial Concubine asked, somewhat puzzled, "What's wrong? Did you two have another argument?"
“He only has eyes for Li Yuanzhao, how can he even think about me, his sister? Last time I suffered such a great injustice, he actually said I deserved it.”
Li Yuanshu was furious whenever this matter was mentioned.
Her own brother always followed Li Yuanzhao's lead and didn't respect his own sister. Not only did he not strive for progress, but he was also always overshadowed by Li Yuanzhao.
And now, they can't even win a small sacrificial ceremony, letting Li Yuanzhao steal the limelight for nothing.
The Imperial Concubine's expression darkened.
His eldest son was taken to his grandmother's side after birth and raised until he was seven years old.
She only took the child back to her side after the Empress Dowager passed away.
But to my surprise, he was never close to his mother and younger sister, but instead followed Li Yuanzhao around every day.
No matter how many times I've tried to teach him, he just won't change.
She gently comforted him, "Alright, don't be angry. Your second brother is still your own brother, how could he not love you? He must have his reasons for doing this. The hunting ceremony is about to begin, and if we don't call him now, it will be too late."
Li Yuanshu was still sulking.
Not only was Li Yuanzhao favored by his father, the emperor, but even in his mother's eyes, his brother was always the most important person.
Why is it that, even though they are both princes and princesses, she always has to be inferior to them in everything?
At this moment, the Imperial Concubine said, "I see that Young Master Pei has arrived as well, and he's standing with your second brother. If you're not going, I'll send a maid over."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yuanshu stood up abruptly and looked in the direction his mother was looking.
Sure enough, Pei Huaijin stood beside Li Yuanyou, dressed in a simple blue robe, his posture as upright as a pine tree.
She immediately lifted the hem of her skirt and ran outside, saying, "No need to trouble them, I'll go."
The imperial concubine watched her retreating figure, smiled helplessly, and called out to her, "Run slowly, be careful not to lose your composure."
"Okay!"
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