"What should we do?" Meng Zhelan looked anxious, her beautiful eyes filled with pleading for help as she looked at the Empress Dowager.
It turned out that these people had actually sent the invitations to Tingfeng Courtyard, and Sun Tiantian had gotten them from there, saying that her father didn't know what to do with them.
"What's so difficult about that? Since it's a post, just reply to it," the Empress Dowager said casually.
Meng Zhelan gave a wry smile. "Empress Dowager, I cannot accept this invitation. If I do, I will become entangled with them, and then what will happen to the Emperor..."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand dismissively, "The Emperor knows this too; these people are always good at currying favor."
The retired emperor had just returned and didn't seem to care about the matter, saying casually, "This isn't a difficult thing. The autumn hunt will be in a few days. Every year we hunt in the Western Hills, and then..."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhelan immediately stood up and respectfully bowed to the Emperor Emeritus, saying, "Meng Zhelan greets the Emperor Emeritus."
The Emperor Emeritus waved for her to rise and said in a gentle tone, "Doctor Meng and the Empress Dowager have a close relationship, so there's no need for us to be too formal with each other."
Meng Zhelan stood up, but a sense of unease lingered in her heart. She knew that although the Emperor Emeritus's words were lighthearted, they contained a deeper meaning.
The autumn hunt was a grand occasion that the emperor and his officials participated in every year, and as a woman, she should not have participated in it.
However, the Emperor Emeritus's words undoubtedly implied that she must be prepared to deal with any possible situations.
"It's alright, but I'll take you with me so you can decline those unnecessary banquets and temporarily act as my female physician." The Empress Dowager pulled her away.
The Empress Dowager brought Ling'er to the West Mountain Villa as well. Ever since she tasted Ling'er's cooking, she couldn't eat any other food. "You've come at the right time, I'm starving."
Upon seeing Ling'er, the Empress Dowager immediately beckoned her forward, her tone carrying a hint of coquetry.
Ling'er smiled slightly and obediently stepped forward to bow: "This commoner greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
"No need for formalities, no need for formalities. Quickly prepare some food for me," the Empress Dowager said impatiently.
Ling'er agreed and then turned and went into the kitchen.
"Drink a bowl of digestive soup first, so you don't get bloated and feel uncomfortable at night." Meng Zhelan was afraid that she would overeat and drink without restraint.
"Alright, I'll listen to you." The Empress Dowager looked at her with a smile. There weren't many people who cared about her like this, and she was happy to accept it.
Before long, she came out carrying two steaming bowls of noodles and respectfully presented them to the Empress Dowager: "Your Majesty, please enjoy."
The Empress Dowager eagerly took the bowl and began to eat heartily.
Meng Zhelan also sat down, enjoying this rare moment of peace.
Beside the Xishan Villa stands a temporary palace, which is no ordinary place, but was specially prepared for the annual autumn hunting festival.
With a refreshing autumn breeze, the Crown Prince arrived at the hunting grounds a few days in advance to oversee the preparations for the autumn hunt.
As the crown prince of the royal family, he was filled with complex emotions. On the one hand, he enjoyed the nobility and glory of being a member of the royal family, but on the other hand, he was also well aware of the heavy responsibilities that came with this power.
As the crown prince, his every word and action is heavily restricted. The importance of this autumn hunt is self-evident. If he makes any mistakes, his father will likely be deeply disappointed in him.
Despite being the eldest son and holding a noble position, he was inferior to the Prince of Liang in talent and to the Prince of An in temperament.
Standing on a high point in the hunting grounds, gazing at the distant mountains and forests, a ripple of emotion stirred within him. He recalled his childhood dream: to become a free-spirited knight-errant, roaming the world at will.
The autumn hunt was not only a test of the riding and archery skills of the royal family members and ministers, but also a crucial moment to demonstrate the royal majesty and the strength of the nation.
Therefore, the importance of the autumn hunt is self-evident. The Crown Prince meticulously planned the hunt, striving to make a good impression on the Emperor and his ministers.
"Your Highness, the hunting grounds are fully fortified," the Crown Prince's personal guard reported respectfully.
"Alright, stay vigilant until Father leaves the hunting grounds."
"Yes, Your Highness. We will remain on high alert until His Majesty leaves the hunting grounds." The Crown Prince's guard bowed in response and immediately went to carry out his mission.
His Highness the Crown Prince stood to one side, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze deep, as if deep in thought about something important. After a long while, he suddenly spoke and ordered, "Go to the separate residence to pay your respects to the Imperial Grandfather and Imperial Grandmother."
When the Crown Prince arrived at the villa, Meng Zhelan was drying newly picked medicinal herbs in the garden.
There are many rare medicinal herbs in this courtyard. She couldn't sit still when she saw them, and whenever she had time, she would drag Tian Tian to pick them.
The thought that the medicine made from these herbs would be very helpful to Xi'er filled Meng Zhelan with enthusiasm.
The Empress Dowager allowed her to be free and unrestrained. Why should such a free-spirited woman be forced to learn all sorts of rules?
Meanwhile, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager enjoyed being fed by Ling'er in the pavilion. Apart from working at the shop, Ling'er would come to the villa to cook delicious food for the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager whenever she had time.
These two most honored people in Jingyuan enjoyed this kind of life very much. As people get older, they like this kind of free and unrestrained life.
"Your Majesty the Emperor Emeritus and Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived," Eunuch Su respectfully announced from the side.
The retired emperor's expression was inscrutable. "Summon him!"
The crown prince resembled the emperor quite a bit; he was tall and slender with broad, powerful shoulders, giving him an imposing and extraordinary air.
His waistline was graceful, and his agile steps made him appear light yet steady.
His Highness the Crown Prince bears a striking resemblance to the Emperor. His tall, upright figure and broad, powerful shoulders exude a unique majesty and extraordinary aura. His waistline is smooth and elegant, and his gait is agile and light, steady yet lively.
He entered the garden, bowed deeply, and said in a loud and respectful voice, "Grandson greets His Majesty and Grandmother." His words were full of respect and filial piety towards his elders, leaving no room for criticism.
The Empress Dowager's face beamed with satisfaction and delight. She said softly, "Good, good, the Crown Prince is truly thoughtful. Come and sit down, let me take a good look at you." Her tone was full of love and anticipation for her grandson.
Hearing the Empress Dowager's words, the Crown Prince felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and a joyful smile appeared on his face.
He quickly replied, "Yes, grandson obeys. Thank you for your love and care, Grandmother." He stepped forward and sat down beside the Empress Dowager, allowing her to observe him more closely.
In the presence of this loving grandmother, the prince felt incredibly safe and happy.
She looked at the crown prince with loving eyes and said gently, "My grandson, you have become more and more handsome. You must take good care of your health, be loyal to the country and the people, and be a virtuous ruler."
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