Chapter 736: Even if there is no chance to create an opportunity, we must go up
East Palace.
Zhao Chen sat behind the desk, the tea in front of him had already gone cold.
Qian Zhenyun was dressed in a blue shirt and stood quietly in the hall.
"Zhenyun," Zhao Chenan's voice sounded as gentle as ever, as if what happened that night had never happened.
"I've been looking through the files recently and discovered that floods in several southern provinces, despite years of efforts to control them, continue to plague us. My father is also quite worried about this matter."
Qian Zhenyun lowered his eyes and did not respond.
"I want you to go to the Hanlin Academy's library and compile a detailed summary of all the memorials and blueprints regarding river management and water conservancy projects since the founding of the Eastern Jin Dynasty."
Zhao Chenan looked at him and said sincerely, "This matter is complicated and requires a careful and steady person to be competent. Of all the civil and military officials in the court, you are the only one I trust the most."
It's winter now, but we have to deal with summer floods?
This compliment is very significant.
Qian Zhenyun raised his eyes and met Zhao Chenan's gaze calmly.
Of course he knew that this was a trick to lure the tiger away from the mountain.
The flood and the collection were just excuses. An excuse that prevented him from appearing at the Xiyuan Winter Hunting Ground and staying by Gu Qingchen's side.
"This is my duty." Qian Zhenyun bowed slightly, his expression unchanged. "I wonder when Your Highness will need this summary?"
Zhao Chenan lightly tapped his fingertips on the table, and the corners of his mouth curled up in a perfect arc.
"This matter concerns the national economy and people's livelihood, so naturally the sooner the better. Winter hunting is just for fun and entertainment, and business is more important. You can start from today and don't need to participate in the hunt."
Having said that, it is an obvious conspiracy.
Qian Zhenyun felt cold in his heart, but his face remained calm.
"As you command, my lord."
After leaving the Eastern Palace, Qian Zhenyun did not go directly to the Hanlin Academy, but went back to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion first.
Gu Qingchen was choosing riding clothes to wear for hunting. When she saw him come back, her eyebrows curved.
"GunGun, come and help me see, which one looks better, red or white?"
Qian Zhenyun looked at her bright smiling face, and the words on his lips suddenly felt heavy.
"Qingchen."
"Hmm?" Gu Qingchen picked up the fiery red riding clothes and compared them on his body.
"His Highness has assigned me an errand. I cannot accompany you on this winter hunt."
Gu Qingchen stopped moving.
She slowly put down her clothes, turned around, looked at Qian Zhenyun, and the smile in her eyes faded little by little.
"What errand is so important? Can you even skip His Majesty's winter hunt?"
She scoffed, her tone carrying undisguised sarcasm, "Water control again, and national security again? He's really good at making excuses."
Qian Zhenyun remained silent and did not speak.
"He's afraid you'll get in the way, so he wants to pick me out separately."
Gu Qingchen sat on the chair, supporting his chin with one hand, his eyes a little cold, "He thought that if he sent you away, I would be afraid of him and obey his orders?"
"Doesn't he want to play?" She raised her eyes, a flame of unwillingness to admit defeat ignited in them, "I'll accompany him to the end."
Qian Zhenyun looked at her high morale and shook his head helplessly, but a trace of imperceptible doting flashed in his eyes.
He walked over, picked up a candied fruit from a plate beside him, and handed it to her mouth.
"The forests of Xiyuan Hunting Ground are deep and the grass is dense. Be careful when riding." He whispered, as if admonishing an ignorant child, "Don't be stubborn. Your father is here for you."
Gu Qingchen opened his mouth and took the candied fruit in it. The sweetness melted on his tongue, diluting the irritability in his heart.
She made an indistinct "hmm" sound, which was considered as her agreement.
Three days later, in the Royal West Garden.
The winter sky is high and blue, and the cold wind blows across the wilderness, rolling up the fluttering colorful flags.
The noble families in the capital gathered here, dressed in gorgeous clothes, riding fine horses, laughing and talking, creating a lively scene.
What Gu Qingchen was wearing today was the fiery red riding suit.
Her skin looked whiter than snow, her eyebrows and eyes looked picturesque, and her whole body looked like a burning flame, making her particularly eye-catching in the crowd.
She dismounted swiftly and threw the reins to the servant, with a look of aloofness and indifference between her brows.
"Qingchen." Chu Ruohan came over and straightened her slightly messy temples, whispering, "There are many people around today, so stay with Daddy and don't cause any trouble."
"I understand, Mom." Gu Qingchen responded, but his eyes involuntarily swept across the crowd not far away.
She saw the ceremonial procession of Prince Yongding's Palace at a glance.
Princess Jiahe was surrounded by several noble ladies. She was wearing an elegant goose yellow palace dress today, with a decent smile on her face. She was gentle and quiet, completely different from her usual arrogance and domineering personality.
As if sensing Gu Qingchen's gaze, Princess Jiahe turned her head.
Their eyes met, but there was no expected sparks flying, nor any resentful glares.
Princess Jiahe even nodded slightly at her, with a faint smile on her lips. The smile was dignified and distant, as if she was looking at an unrelated stranger.
This sudden change made Gu Qingchen's heart tremble.
If a dog that bites suddenly starts wagging its tail at you, it doesn't mean it has become docile, but that it is preparing to bite you harder from a place you least expect.
"Oh, isn't this Miss Gu?" Princess Yongding walked over, fanning herself with a round ball, surrounded by a group of ladies. Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone around to hear.
"I haven't seen you for a few days. You look better."
Gu Qingchen restrained his expression and bowed politely, "Greetings, Princess."
"I don't deserve it." Princess Yongding helped her up with a forced smile. "Now Miss Gu is the future Crown Princess. As your servants, we should pay our respects to you."
The sarcasm in these words was sharp and piercing.
Gu Junze's tall figure blocked his daughter's way. "Princess, you're joking. Don't take things that haven't even been discussed yet seriously."
Just then, there was a commotion.
"His Majesty has arrived! His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Everyone knelt down and saluted, shouting "Long live the emperor".
Gu Qingchen lowered his head and listened to the familiar footsteps approaching step by step.
"Everyone, please stand." The emperor's voice was tinged with a smile, suggesting he was in a good mood. "Today is a family dinner, so there's no need to be so rigid about formalities."
Zhao Chen'an followed behind the emperor. He was also wearing a dark-colored suit that was convenient for riding and shooting, which made him look tall and straight and handsome.
His gaze passed over the crowd and fell directly on the dazzling red figure.
There was a gentle smile on his face, as if the quarrel that night had never happened.
"Qingchen," he took the initiative and walked over, his tone as natural as if we were long-time friends, "Your riding clothes complement the red plum blossoms in the West Garden very well. It seems that today's first prize must go to you."
To outsiders, this gesture was seen as the Crown Prince showing his affection and goodwill towards the future Crown Princess.
But when Gu Qingchen heard it, he just felt hypocritical and disgusting.
She didn't even bother to look up, and simply replied calmly, "Your Highness, your compliments are too kind."
Zhao Chenan's smile froze for a moment.
The emperor saw all of this and laughed heartily, trying to smooth things over. "This girl from the Gu family has a wild temper, just like her father. Chen An, you have to be more patient with her."
He looked at Gu Junze and said meaningfully, "Young people should get closer to each other. The hunting grounds are vast today, which is a good opportunity for them to ride their horses and cultivate their relationship."
Gu Junze bowed and replied, "Your Majesty is right."
Having said that, he always stood by his daughter's side, like a silent guardian, blocking all malicious covetousness.
With the sound of a long horn, the winter hunt officially began.
The sons of nobles who had been suppressed for a long time cheered and spurred their horses, rushing into the vast forest like arrows.
Gu Qingchen seemed to have finally been relieved. She nodded at her parents and kicked the horse's belly. The handsome black horse neighed, turned into a red lightning, and rushed out first.
She needs the wind and speed to blow away the boredom in her heart.
Zhao Chenan looked at her resolutely leaving back, and his hand holding the reins tightened unconsciously.
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