At dawn, the Grand Eunuch announced in a loud voice, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Everyone knelt down and bowed.
The Emperor, dressed in a bright yellow riding outfit embroidered with dragon patterns, and Consort Yan, dressed in a red satin riding outfit, walked slowly towards them.
They walked to the head seat and took their seats, when the emperor's majestic voice rang out: "All of you, rise."
Everyone slowly stood up, but each one kept their head down, not daring to look up.
Qingying rarely gets to see the Emperor. She has only attended a few palace banquets, and men and women are always seated separately. She only started accompanying the Emperor on the autumn hunt last year, but she always keeps her eyes down and doesn't dare to look around. So far, the Emperor only gives her a majestic and unapproachable image, without any specific appearance.
She remembered that whenever she was about to enter the palace or had the chance to see the emperor, Zhang Mama would warn her in advance not to look directly at the emperor, so as not to offend him. So she simply kept her head down.
At this point, the emperor delivered a few generous words and then announced the start of the autumn hunt.
The group moved into the hunting grounds, and those who were vying for the championship mounted their horses one by one. Each of them carried a quiver of arrows on their backs, with their names written on the fletchings.
Wei Dongchen stood out among them, firstly because of his outstanding appearance, and secondly because of his confidence.
Today he was dressed in a maple-red, narrow-sleeved, belted riding outfit, his dark hair tied up with a small gold crown, and a bright smile on his face. He truly deserved to be called a spirited young man.
Qingying could clearly sense the restlessness of the girls nearby, who were pointing at the men on the field and chattering away. She listened carefully and, sure enough, heard the name Wei Dongchen.
Noble Lady 1: "The Prince Yu's heir is really handsome, it's just a pity he's a playboy."
The second noblewoman said, "Yes, his family background and appearance are both top-notch. The only worry is how difficult it will be to manage the household after he marries her."
The third noblewoman said, "Don't talk about how difficult he is to manage. He's handsome and a dignified young master. What's wrong with having a few women?"
I'd like any amount more.
She thought about it but didn't say what she was going to say.
The noblewoman glanced at her and said sarcastically, "You dare to covet the young master? You're just the daughter of a lowly sixth-rank official. Even if you marry into the Prince Yu's mansion, you'll only be a concubine in name at best."
Qingying looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the noble lady who spoke was the daughter of a fourth-rank military officer. No wonder she dared to be so arrogant.
The daughter of the sixth-rank official was mocked, but she did not retaliate; instead, she silently endured it.
She didn't want to get involved in these things, so she quietly moved to the side.
Looking at the center of the hunting grounds, Wei Huaixu arrived late. Today he was dressed in a moon-white, narrow-sleeved, belted riding outfit, with a small white jade crown on his head. Although it was a somewhat aloof outfit, it exuded a gentle and refined quality on him.
Qingying looked at him, and he happened to look over as well. Their eyes met for a moment, and Wei Huaixu gave her a faint smile.
Qingying lowered her head instinctively.
Whispers immediately arose behind him:
Noble Lady Four: "Why is His Highness the Crown Prince looking this way? Who is he looking at?"
Lady Five: "Quickly check if my clothes are appropriate, and if my makeup is smudged..."
Noble Lady 1: "Oh~ you think His Highness is looking at you? You're like a toad without a mirror, unaware of your own ugliness."
Noble Lady Five: "You, you... Wu Miaoqing, don't push your luck!"
"So what if I bully you? You think you can hit me?"
Her arrogant tone confirms that she is indeed the daughter of the Martial Commander from earlier.
Qingying couldn't help but glance at her again.
It is said that one's appearance reflects one's heart, and Wu Miaoqing's appearance was indeed exactly like her temperament: thin eyebrows, triangular eyes, a high nose, and thin lips, making her look rather mean and unapproachable.
However, I've heard that Wu Dusi is also a hot-tempered person. He dares to curse anyone he doesn't like, regardless of their rank. Like father, like daughter.
While Qingying was lost in thought, she noticed that bright gaze had shifted to her. Suddenly snapping back to reality, she met Wu Miaoqing's sharp eyes. She unconsciously swallowed and hurriedly looked away.
My God! That's terrifying! How could someone's eyes look like those of a mother leopard ready to pounce at any moment!
No, we absolutely must not mess with this kind of person.
She calmed herself down for a while before looking back at the field.
The women's team was also ready to go, and the most dazzling of them all was Chu Lingyu, who wore a plain blue dress with a heroic and spirited air.
Among these elegantly dressed noble ladies, Ah Yan stood out even more. Riding a white horse, her lowered eyes made her almost unnoticed.
Once an incense stick had burned out, the autumn hunt officially began with a command.
Young men and women on horseback in the hunting grounds galloped away like arrows released from a bow, heading towards the distant dense forest.
The autumn hunt lasts for three days, with four hours of hunting time each day.
Those who stayed behind didn't just stand there waiting. There were many places to explore in the hunting grounds, and after they dispersed, they could invite their friends to have fun together.
Xie Jiaoying was not good at riding and archery, so she did not participate in the autumn hunt. Instead, she came to play with Qingying.
"Sister Liu." She affectionately took Qingying's arm and whispered in her ear, "I just heard some interesting rumors again."
"What?" She immediately became interested.
"Last time I told you about Princess Yongning and Grand Tutor Jin. Later I had someone secretly spread rumors, but they were quickly suppressed before they could spread."
"I've heard someone mention this before. They say the Emperor is determined to send the Princess to marry a foreign ruler."
“That’s right, so here comes the most interesting part.” Xie Jiaoying’s gossipy smile became even more unrestrained. “This time, it’s finally Grand Tutor Jin’s turn to get restless.”
Qingxin blinked curiously, "What did he do?"
"The reason I didn't go to find you earlier was because I heard from my men that rumors are spreading that the Emperor intends to send Princess Yongning to marry a foreign ruler. She is the orphan of Prince Xian, who died in battle and left behind many of his former subordinates. They are now active and stirring up public anger. I'm afraid it won't be long before the opposition from the people intensifies."
Qingying sorted out her thoughts and then understood. "You mean, Jinheng did all this? He's inciting the people to oppose the princess's marriage. In that case, even the Emperor will have to think twice before he decides to go his own way."
It is said that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. The emperor is a wise ruler and cannot ignore the opinions of the people. Jin Heng has taken a dangerous path. He used the people to pressure the emperor. Although it is not certain that the emperor will be able to trace him, he will probably find it difficult to be trusted by the emperor again as before.
"Yes," Xie Jiaoying sighed and shook her head. "His career is probably coming to an end, unless someone of high rank and power steps in to protect him, but who would be willing to offend the Emperor for his sake?"
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