Chapter 54 First Clues
However, this good mood did not last long. In the afternoon, Hongzhao was sitting on a small colt, holding a miniature bow and arrow specially made for him, slowly practicing his starting run.
On his left and right were Amur, who was tightly gripping the reins, and Lü Jiusi, who had his arms outstretched, surrounding him like a pair of black and white demons.
This was the scene that greeted Yinzhen as he strolled over.
The bright yellow figure was extremely eye-catching, making it impossible to pretend not to see him. Hongzhao looked up in surprise—"Father, you've come to watch your son's horseback archery!"
He then dismounted, ran quickly to him, knelt down, and greeted him.
Yinzhen looked gloomy, but he still bent down and helped Hongzhao up himself. He then waved to the two companions, one in black and one in white, behind him and said, "Rise."
"I heard someone wanted to pay their respects to me, but they haven't come after waiting for a long time, so I had to come and collect the debt myself." Although he was in a bad mood, he still wanted to tease the child he liked in front of him.
Hongzhao pursed his lips, glanced at his empty hands hanging by his side, and casually slipped his own hand into them—"It's obvious that Father Emperor is busy and has no time to see his son. Now that you're here today, how about we test your riding and archery skills?"
Yinzhen felt a small hand slip into his grasp, and after a moment of surprise, he didn't pull away—"Hongzhao, have you ridden a large horse during your days of learning riding and archery?"
Hongzhao looked up at him and shook his head regretfully—"No, the master said that I need to grow a little taller before I can ride a big horse."
"It's alright, Father Emperor will take you along today, let's run a few laps." With that, he gestured with his chin toward Su Peisheng, and in no time, a brown horse was led forward by a palace servant.
Hongzhao stared in disbelief. This horse was truly extraordinary, far superior to his own foal. The steed's muscles were clearly defined, giving it a strong and powerful appearance. Its dark coat was smooth and glossy, clearly indicating that it had been carefully raised. His own foal standing in front of him looked like a grandfather and a grandson.
His gleaming eyes pleased Yinzhen greatly. He dodged the outstretched hands of Su Peisheng and the instructors, put Hongzhao under his armpits, lifted him onto the horse, and then, with one hand on the saddle, flipped himself onto the horse.
This series of actions drew repeated exclamations of amazement from Hongzhao.
Men understand, so naturally you have to provide them with plenty of emotional support at this time.
He settled himself in his arms, held Hongzhao close, and with a gentle flick of the whip, the horse galloped off like lightning. The powerful push made Hongzhao involuntarily squint and lean back.
As expected of the winner of the struggle for the throne among the nine princes, he is proficient in all aspects.
Out of consideration for Hongzhao in his arms, Yinzhen rode the horse around a few times. Feeling that the frustration in his chest had dissipated somewhat, he pulled on the reins, and the horse changed from running to walking, starting to stroll around the training ground.
It took Hongzhao a while to regain his composure and feel his heart return to his chest. He laughed heartily twice and looked up at the Emperor, saying, "Father, you are so amazing! This horse is so strong and yet it is so obedient in your hands. Your son wants to learn from you."
Yinzhen stretched out his long arm to help him sit up more steadily, and a smile appeared on his face when he heard this: "The riding and archery instructors I hired for you are all top-notch. If you train well with your instructors, you will naturally have this day too."
But as he spoke, he became less happy—"The horse is growing stronger and stronger, and it is still obedient now because it is afraid of the whip in my hand. But what if one day it is no longer afraid? It will want to throw me off hard."
Hongzhao listened to the words, which hadn't changed in tone but whose atmosphere had suddenly become tense, and his mind raced through the plot.
He remained facing forward, leaning against his father's chest, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone: "Your subject only knows that all land under heaven belongs to the emperor, and all people within the realm are his subjects. Your father possesses the entire world, and he has more than just this one strong horse. If one day he truly develops the mindset of not fearing the whip, then you should replace it early, as a warning to others and a way to set a precedent for future horses."
These words struck a chord with Yinzhen. He was now completely pleased with the child in his arms.
A four-year-old child doesn't lie, and no one taught him this beforehand. To have such insight and courage at only four years old is truly worthy of being my son.
Now he was truly overjoyed, laughing loudly as he gripped the reins tightly—"Sit tight, Father Emperor, I'll take you for a few more spins."
“Okay!” Hongzhao responded excitedly.
Watching the father and son galloping around from the outside, Su Peisheng became even more convinced of his idea. The Fifth Prince was truly no ordinary person, and the Emperor really liked him. There was something to look forward to in the future.
——
Consort Hua was unusually happy today, so she graciously let An Lingrong off the hook and did not ask her to sing in front of her again.
Inside Yongshou Palace, the main hall was bustling with activity. The silvery laughter of three children echoed from one after another, occasionally interspersed with the Emperor's hearty laughter.
Meanwhile, Baojuan was carefully serving An Lingrong the medicine to soothe her throat. In recent days, every time she went to Yikun Palace, Consort Hua would first give her a bowl of sweet soup and watch her drink it before she started singing.
Sweet soup is very soothing to the throat, and her singing over the past few days has made her voice hoarse, no longer as clear and melodious as it was two days ago.
Hearing the laughter beside her, An Lingrong's loneliness deepened.
Seeing this, Baojuan couldn't help but speak up—"Please don't worry, Your Highness. Consort Hua has already told us not to go anymore. We don't need to suffer that injustice anymore."
An Lingrong was not relieved. Instead, she gripped the medicine bowl tighter, coughed lightly, and her usually smiling eyes were now dim and unclear in the dim light of the room.
She chuckled softly upon hearing this, and said in a hoarse voice with self-deprecation, "Consort Hua treats me like a singing instrument, ordering me around as she pleases, and the Emperor also indulges her in humiliating me like this."
Baojuan also looked distressed and whispered to comfort her, "Don't be sad, Your Highness. Consort Xin is still protecting us, and Consort Wan has also helped you."
It would have been better if this hadn't been mentioned, because it only made An Lingrong more upset. She lowered her eyes and looked even more sorrowful. "Consort Xin has three children and her position is secure. Sister Wan has the Emperor's favoritism and care. Who would stand up for me and offend Consort Hua for long?"
Baojuan's eyes darted around, and she leaned close to her ear, lowering her voice excitedly as she said, "My lady, let's go and beg the Empress! The Empress is the head of the harem; she will surely be able to uphold justice for us!"
"Your Majesty the Empress..." An Lingrong murmured, lost in thought and then fell silent.
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