The entire group set off towards the western mountains in a grand procession. Along the way, everyone exchanged hunting experiences and techniques, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
They looked forward to a bountiful hunt on the western hills, while also enjoying the pleasure of being close to nature.
Surrounded by a crowd, the emperor rode in his imperial carriage and slowly headed towards the Western Hills.
Sunlight shone on the golden roof of the imperial carriage, shimmering with dazzling light, showcasing the majesty and nobility of the royal family.
The trees and flowers along the way swayed in the breeze, as if paying homage to the emperor.
After noon, the group finally arrived at the imperial palace in Xishan.
The emperor decided to travel alone to the villa in his imperial carriage to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility.
Although Consort Li was unwilling, she knew that the Emperor's decision was not to be disobeyed. She tried her best to compose herself, maintaining a dignified and elegant demeanor, and followed the procession to the main hall of the imperial palace.
"Emperor, what are you doing here? This is absurd." The Empress Dowager looked at Emperor Wenyuan with great helplessness.
Despite being so disliked by his own mother, the Emperor showed no embarrassment or unease whatsoever.
He held a steaming bowl of braised pork intestine noodles in his hand, a satisfied look on his face. He knew that the Empress Dowager often left the palace for these kinds of folk delicacies.
"Your Majesty, please try this bowl of braised pork intestine noodles. It tastes really good." His Majesty the Emperor handed the bowl of noodles to the Empress Dowager, his eyes shining with anticipation.
The Empress Dowager stared blankly at the bowl of braised pork intestine noodles in front of her.
"Your Majesty, as the supreme ruler and a grandfather, how can you be so unconventional?" The Empress Dowager said, both amused and exasperated.
"Mother, you and Father have been traveling the world all these years. Have you ever thought of me? There have been times when I wanted to put down this heavy burden and travel with you, but as the Emperor, I bear the heavy responsibility of the people. I cannot do that," the Emperor said with emotion.
Upon hearing this, a hint of tenderness flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes. She knew the Emperor's predicament and understood his helplessness.
She gently patted the emperor's hand and said, "Your Majesty, do you know what your mother loves most about you? It's your sense of responsibility and duty. Although your mother and father are traveling the world, we always keep you in our hearts. You are our pride."
"I understand. You and Father also have important responsibilities abroad, all for the sake of Jingyuan's empire," Emperor Wenyuan said solemnly, putting down his chopsticks.
"I know that what Mother and Father have done is for the sake of the people. Although I cannot travel with Mother and Father, I will do my best to protect this country and ensure that the people live in peace and prosperity."
Hearing this, she said with great relief, "Good, I believe in you. Remember, all the people under heaven are your subjects, and you must treat them well."
Seeing that the Emperor and Empress Dowager were still discussing state affairs at the dinner table, the retired Emperor couldn't help but interrupt, saying, "Alright, alright, you two should stop discussing these political matters. Hurry back to the palace; the ministers are all waiting for you."
Not long after, Emperor Wenyuan returned to his temporary palace.
The Crown Prince has been staying here these past few days, saying it's to strengthen his relationship with the Emperor Emeritus. Aside from going to the hunting grounds to set up defenses, he's spent almost all his time here.
He wanted to go out with Wanqing for a few days, but he couldn't find the time.
There's nothing I can do; they're all my children and grandchildren. What can I do but spoil them?
Seeing the Emperor Emeritus's aggrieved expression, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but laugh out loud, "You old man, you're even jealous of your own son?"
"His entire family is over there. If he doesn't appease them properly, won't the harem be in turmoil?" Since the retired emperor relinquished the heavy burden of being emperor, he has found it much easier to live and work.
"You're such a worrywart," the Empress Dowager rolled her eyes at him, then couldn't help but laugh. "But speaking of which, we should both show our faces tomorrow."
She hasn't participated in the autumn hunt for a long time, so it's time to keep everyone on edge and stop them from getting into all those complicated schemes.
"Alright, I'll listen to you." The Emperor Emeritus nodded with a smile, always obeying the Empress Dowager's words without question.
The next morning, as the sun shone brightly, the Emperor and Empress Dowager arrived at the hunting grounds in their magnificent phoenix palanquin. From afar, the hunting grounds were bustling with people, horses galloping, and a lively scene unfolded.
The Empress Dowager watched this scene with a satisfied smile. She turned to Meng Zhelan beside her and said, "Lan'er, is everything ready?"
Meng Zhelan had been busy with the autumn hunt these past few days, but she answered confidently, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I have already made all the preparations."
Just then, the messenger shouted loudly, "The Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager have arrived!"
The sound echoed across the hunting grounds, and everyone turned to look, dismounting and bowing.
Surrounded by a large entourage, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager walked calmly into the hunting grounds, ready to begin the grand autumn hunt. Their arrival made the atmosphere at the hunting grounds even more lively and solemn.
"Father, Mother, it's wonderful that you've come too!" Emperor Wenyuan smiled with delight upon seeing the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager.
He knew they didn't usually like these kinds of occasions, so their arrival today was a pleasant surprise. He immediately ordered those around him, "Someone, prepare the seats."
Following Emperor Wenyuan's order, the attendants quickly sprang into action, preparing comfortable seats for the retired emperor and empress dowager.
The crowd gathered around and bowed to the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager.
The hunting party was ready. The knights were dressed in luxurious hunting attire, their horses were strong and powerful, and the soldiers held long spears with resolute expressions.
The hunting dogs frolicked among the group, their eyes fixed on their master's steps, eagerly anticipating the start of the hunt.
Just then, the eunuch, carrying a tray, slowly walked up to the crowd.
He smiled mysteriously, then quickly unveiled the red cloth on the tray.
In an instant, everyone's eyes lit up like stars, their gazes fixed on the treasures on the tray.
On the tray lay a jeweled purple-gold crown, each gem radiating a dazzling light that intertwined with the purple-gold brilliance, creating a breathtakingly magnificent scene.
The emperor pointed to the purple-gold crown, his face beaming with pride and arrogance: "This purple-gold crown was won by me when I was still a prince, during an autumn hunt. It not only represents my glory back then, but also symbolizes the nobility and authority of the royal family. Today, I am using it as a prize, hoping that someone can demonstrate outstanding horsemanship and archery skills, just like I did back then, and win this supreme honor."
The emperor's words ignited the passion and fighting spirit in everyone's hearts. They all secretly resolved to go all out in the hunt and try to win the purple-gold crown, a symbol of glory and honor, for the prince on their side.
The crown prince was filled with fear and unease. He was the crown prince, yet he had to compete for this honor with his other younger brothers.
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