Chapter 245 Each with their own thoughts
"It's nothing serious. It's just that Yan hasn't seen the Grand Tutor for many days and has some questions about his studies. He wants to visit the Grand Tutor's residence to ask for his guidance."
Xiao Qing raised an eyebrow.
The news of her strained relationship with the Grand Tutor has probably spread throughout the court and beyond. Xiao Yan has always been deeply attached to Fu Mingyi, so he must have heard some rumors in the palace. It's remarkable that he has been able to hold back until now before speaking out.
"Grand Tutor has been busy lately and probably won't have much time to answer your questions, Your Highness. The winter hunt is just around the corner, so Your Highness can go after that."
It's better to stay still than to act rashly. At this moment, Xiao Yan is not involved in the situation, so it's best for him to remain inactive.
Xiao Yan didn't insist, and after hearing Xiao Qing's words, he said nothing more.
Seeing that the sun was high in the sky, Xiao Qing smiled and said, "Since you're here, let's have a meal together."
So he instructed Ma Hong to prepare.
Xiao Yan secretly glanced at Xiao Qing and found that she was in a stable mood and her demeanor was natural and calm, so he began to ponder.
When he came last time about the two cats, his elder brother seemed quite distressed, but now it seems he has moved on.
Afterwards, Xiao Qing chatted with Xiao Yan about his studies, and then they talked about the winter hunt. She told him to come with her and that she would prepare a small horse for him. She said that riding and archery were just for fun and he didn't need to take them too seriously.
After all, he was a child of that age, and he didn't have any pressure from his family or career. Xiao Qing felt that he could seriously enjoy his childhood.
She had always known that Xiao Yan was a workaholic, and that he was mature and thoughtful at a young age.
I wonder if he learned this from Fu Mingyi.
This made Xiao Qing want to try every time to see if she could transform him into a sunny, handsome, and passionate young man.
It's a bit difficult.
Before I knew it, the winter hunting season had arrived.
Moreover, Wang Xiang also arranged for the important event of local officials paying homage to the emperor before the winter hunt.
This was a momentous event for the entire court. The Grand Tutor was finally allowed to enter the palace, where he stood on either side of Wang Xiang in the magnificent hall, leading the assembled officials in paying homage to the Emperor.
The Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ministry of Rites, among other departments, participated in the planning and follow-up arrangements for the winter hunting activities.
After the officials paid homage, they prepared for the ceremony, including the ceremonial guards.
We proceeded step by step without any confusion.
Wang Xiang stood confidently beside the emperor, guiding him, and was extremely satisfied with his arrangements.
To put it bluntly, if it weren't for the relocation of Bei Xiao to the south, he might not have had this opportunity to rise to prominence.
Although this was his first time arranging a winter hunt for the emperor and his ministers, he remained calm and composed, handling all matters in an orderly manner. These were all his achievements!
What is Fu Mingyi? He's just a greenhorn. What can he do now besides stand there and watch?
He didn't even receive a glance from the young emperor.
When the procession began, Xiao Qing brought Xiao Yan along, with Xiao Yan's carriage following behind her. Zhao Youchen and Zhao Ziyuan waited beside her carriage.
When Wang Xiang helped Xiao Qing into the carriage, he saw Zhao Ziyuan and had some thoughts in his mind. However, he did not show it. After watching Xiao Qing get into the carriage and sit down, he greeted Zhao Ziyuan with a smile before returning to his seat.
He glanced in Fu Mingyi's direction again and felt that his figure was rather lonely.
Wang Xiang was in an even better mood.
After the winter hunt, his dreams would finally come true. At that time, he would be a figure of immense glory, not only within the Wang family but throughout the entire Great Xiao Dynasty…
It sounds wonderful.
Outside Xiao Qing's carriage, the Zhao family uncle and nephew behaved differently. Zhao Youchen, who had been by Xiao Qing's side for a long time, was naturally more relaxed. Now that Wang Xiang had left, he exchanged a glance with Xiao Qing.
Everything is arranged, Your Majesty, please do as you please!
On the other side, Zhao Ziyuan, having just arrived in Nanhua, and feeling somewhat guilty about his actions in Yingzhou, and given the occasion, this grown man was now a little nervous.
So when he saw Xiao Qing looking at him, he quickly performed a deep bow, a stark contrast to his fearless and arrogant demeanor in front of the palace.
Seeing this, Xiao Qing smiled and said, "Rise. Governor Zhao is not a stranger, and he is not in the court right now. There is really no need for such formalities."
She paused for a moment, then said, “I should have summoned Governor Zhao earlier, but unfortunately, I have been too busy with many matters lately to attend to them. There is still some distance to the hunting grounds from here, so why don’t you sit with me, Governor Zhao, and take this opportunity to tell me about the situation in Yingzhou and Feng County?”
Zhao Ziyuan was overjoyed, his heart full of words already waiting to be spoken, so he didn't stand on ceremony and quickly bowed and thanked her, saying, "As you command."
Seeing that the young emperor was kind to his uncle and that his uncle was so happy, Zhao Youchen felt both gratified and somewhat bittersweet. He suppressed these feelings and simply followed the carriages and entourage, keeping his horse upright, his hand on his sword, and his eyes alertly watching the movements in all directions.
The emperor and his ministers made their way to the hunting grounds.
Zhao Ziyuan then got into the carriage with the emperor, and they quickly got down to business.
Zhao Ziyuan knew the situation in Yingzhou and Feng County over the years in his heart and could describe it in detail on his own. He had not had such an opportunity before, but now that he had some free time, he did his best to tell Xiao Qing about it in detail, which made Xiao Qing feel very emotional.
The Zhao family members all seem to possess exceptional talent in military affairs. This is true of Zhao Youchen, who commands the Imperial Guards, and it is also true of Zhao Ziyuan, who commands the Yingzhou army.
"Your Majesty, please forgive my frankness. I was wholeheartedly devoted to the court. Although I failed to report to Your Majesty in time, it was indeed for Your Majesty's sake, for the sake of my Great Xiao, that I recruited and trained soldiers. I know that my actions were against the rules, and I was prepared to accept my punishment. However, I am fortunate to have Your Majesty's mercy. Your Majesty is wise and benevolent. I am truly... extremely fortunate to have Your Majesty's understanding and protection..."
As Zhao Ziyuan spoke, she knelt down, her heart filled with gratitude, and her face became even more moved.
Xiao Qing waved his hand, "I know your sincerity, you don't need to worry too much. The Dali Temple is still investigating, and I believe there will be results soon."
Zhao Ziyuan hadn't spent his time in Nanhua sitting at home all day, doing nothing and thinking nothing. He felt that the power dynamics in Nanhua were complex, and even if the Dali Temple wanted to be impartial, it would be difficult to reach a fair conclusion. However, he wasn't there to explain this matter at the moment. He had a more important request.
"Your Majesty, I have been away from Feng County for some time now. Although I was responsible for the defense of Fengqi Gorge, many people came there that day, and I am worried that without someone in charge, some unforeseen circumstances might arise. I implore Your Majesty to quickly send someone to incorporate and train the elite troops in the gorge!"
This matter...
Xiao Qing was already mentally prepared. "Does Governor Zhao have anyone he would recommend?"
Zhao Ziyuan didn't mince words, "In recent years, I have been looking for a suitable person to train the troops, but I haven't found a particularly suitable candidate. I will follow Your Majesty's arrangements."
This surprised Xiao Qing somewhat.
She thought for a moment, "This matter really needs to be arranged as soon as possible. Let's arrange it together with this winter hunt."
Halfway through the journey, Zhao Ziyuan stepped back and rode alongside Zhao Youchen to protect the emperor.
Zhao Youchen glanced at him, but before he could speak, Zhao Ziyuan had already moved closer.
“You said a few days ago that His Majesty was in a bad mood, which delayed things. Now I see that His Majesty is not like those who dwell on grief, so you should make preparations.”
Zhao Youchen raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly.
He had been preparing for this for a long time, and was just waiting for the winter hunt before he left.
He glanced at the young emperor's carriage. The curtain swayed slightly, and the person inside was gentle and dignified. His upright posture made him take a second look.
Why……
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