Chapter 869 Xie Shang, be careful...
The Royal Hunting Grounds were packed with people today, a lively and bustling scene.
Colorful flags fluttered in the wind at the sidelines of the stadium, and the seats of envoys from various countries and members of prominent families were arranged in order. The scene was noisy and bustling with discussion. It had been several years since such a grand event had been held, so many people had come to participate.
To liven up the atmosphere, the Ministry of Rites also set up many rewards, attracting many young men from prominent families to participate.
In the very center of the horse farm, a group of young men rode their horses with abandon, exuding youthful energy. The surrounding decorations all showcased the prosperity and strength of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Xie Shang wanted to make all the men of the Great Zhou into heroes on horseback, so he spent more time and energy on this during the two years after his ascension to the throne.
Jiang Fenghua and the concubines all changed into comfortable riding outfits, becoming a beautiful sight in the hunting grounds.
The eldest prince of Beixiao Kingdom said in a deep voice, "I thought that only men in the Great Zhou Dynasty had the heroic bearing on horseback, but I didn't expect that the women of the Great Zhou Dynasty are also so heroic and beautiful!"
Xie Shang sat in the main seat, a smile playing on his lips, and said casually, "Don't the women of Beixiao Kingdom have anything special about them?"
Xiao Shang chuckled and said, "The women raised in the climate of the Northern Owl Kingdom are not as charming and beautiful as those in the Great Zhou Kingdom."
Xie Shang followed his gaze and saw that his eyes were fixed on Jiang Fenghua.
He said to the guards, "Go and invite the Empress over."
Why is this man from Beixiao Kingdom always staring at Jiang Fenghua? What are his true intentions?
After Jiang Fenghua arrived, she greeted the Emperor.
Xie Shang extended his hand to her, and Jiang Fenghua calmly offered her her fingers. When he held them in his palm, Jiang Fenghua even blushed a little; his palm was very warm.
Xie Shang said, "Empress, let's watch the game together!"
Xiao Shang said, "The common people of the Great Zhou Kingdom are all saying that the Emperor and the Empress are a loving and harmonious couple. Seeing this now, we are truly envious!"
Jiang Fenghua smiled and said, "Your Highness seems to know a lot about the folk tales of our Great Zhou Kingdom. Do you often go among the people to listen to these rumors?"
She was implying something; no wonder there were so many rumors about Da Zhou—it turned out he was the one who orchestrated them.
Xiao Shang smiled slightly, "The customs and culture of the Great Zhou Kingdom are indeed captivating. Your Majesty is right. I have often heard of and enjoy reading stories from the Great Zhou Kingdom. Recently, there has been a rumor circulating among the people. I wonder if Your Majesty has heard of it."
"What rumors?" Jiang Fenghua, of course, knew the rumors he was referring to about the Queen of Yinchuan.
Xiao Shang smiled. "The Ice Phoenix has been reincarnated, and the world has changed hands. Hasn't Your Majesty heard?"
Jiang Fenghua frowned, and the red spider lily between her brows seemed to have turned even redder.
Xie Shang found it strange. Many noble ladies and wives had come today, and they all had floral decorations on their foreheads, in all sorts of styles, some even imitating the floral decorations on the Empress's forehead.
Upon hearing Xiao Shang's words, the envoys from other countries also became interested. "We seem to have heard this rumor as well. We wonder where the ancient Yinchuan Kingdom is located and how such a rumor could have spread."
“I’ve heard about it too. I heard it’s a country that practices witchcraft, and it’s very sinister.”
People were discussing it animatedly.
At this moment, Xie Shang gripped Jiang Fenghua's hand and changed the subject, "Next up is the polo match. I've heard that the people of your Northern Xiao Kingdom are also good at playing polo. Why doesn't the Crown Prince join in for a game?"
Xiao Shang deliberately targeted Jiang Fenghua, saying, "Your Majesty the Empress is quite skilled at polo, isn't she? Why don't I, the Prince, play a game with Her Majesty?"
Xie Shang was really angry now. Why was he staring at Jiang Fenghua all the time?
Jiang Fenghua grasped Xie Shang's hand in return and said gently, "The Emperor also plays polo, doesn't he?"
She knew Xie Shang was very good at polo. What was the point of winning an argument? They'd see who was the real deal on the field!
At the same time, she knew that Xie Shang was holding such an event not only to entertain the envoys, but also to convey a message to them that the prosperity and strength of the Great Zhou could not be divided up by them at will.
Whoever stands out on the field today will bring glory to the Great Zhou Dynasty. The event will last for three days, and the competition has just begun. Everyone is very excited and regards this as an opportunity.
Xie Shang gave Xiao Shang a deep look and said in a deep voice, "If the eldest prince is interested, why not let me accompany him in a match?"
As he spoke, Xie Shang stood up, ready to go down to the field himself. Several young team leaders had already formed a team. There was no rule that polo matches could only be played between two teams. The polo field could accommodate more than a dozen teams at the same time, making the scene quite intense.
Now that the Emperor is going to take the stage in person, the entire arena erupts in cheers that pierce the eardrums and are truly exhilarating.
The eldest prince of the Northern Owl Kingdom was also dressed in white today. The cuffs of his clothes were embroidered with the whale totem of the Northern Owl Kingdom in gold and silver thread. The totem was particularly dazzling in the sunlight. He was accompanied by the three envoys from the Northern Owl Kingdom, who were all dressed in white, as if they were wearing team uniforms.
Jiang Fenghua was also thinking that the people of Beixiao Kingdom were really strange, they all liked to embroider totems on their clothes. Was this whale really that beautiful?
Xiao Yu walked to the Empress's side and bowed, "Your Majesty is in high spirits today."
Jiang Fenghua glanced at him, "Minister Xiao, you will also compete with His Majesty."
"I don't know how to play polo..."
Before he could finish speaking, Xie Shang suddenly said, "Xiao Yu, come on stage."
Xiao Yu was stunned and speechless. He bowed to Jiang Fenghua and said, "Your subject will go first."
Jiang Fenghua smiled slightly. At this moment, Song Qing and the concubines also walked to Jiang Fenghua's side. Song Qing said, "Why doesn't Your Majesty go and fight?"
Jiang Fenghua knew Song Qing wanted to go, so she was well-prepared today. "I'll just watch His Majesty fight. Consort Song, if you're interested, you can go and have some fun too!"
Song Qing paused for a moment, "His Majesty didn't say that the concubines in the harem could play polo, so let's forget about it! I'll just stay and watch His Majesty play with Your Highness and all the other ladies."
Jiang Fenghua forced a smile, her mind not on Song Qing at all; her gaze followed Xie Shang, who was running back and forth on the field.
He looked exceptionally dashing today, his black riding attire accentuating his tall and straight figure. Every swing of his club drew soft gasps from the ladies in the stands.
In the third game, Xie Shang's team was leading by two points. Da Da and others were physically strong, and Xiao Shang's skills were also very impressive. Originally, Bei Xiao Kingdom was in the lead, but now Da Zhou has overtaken them, which instantly ignited the entire stadium.
Both countries are strong, making the game exciting to watch. Everyone's heart was in their throat one moment and then back down the next. After a few matches, people with heart problems had already fainted.
Just then, Xiao Shang spurred his horse and charged straight towards Xie Shang. Seeing this, Jiang Fenghua recalled the scene from the banquet that day, and she suddenly cried out involuntarily, "Xie Shang, be careful..."
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