Chapter 246 Show Some Face
The long procession marched in perfect order toward the winter hunting grounds. Xiao Qing sat quietly in the carriage, closing his eyes to rest, and went through all the recent events in his mind.
Nothing seemed amiss in the palace. Ma Hong had been following her closely and hadn't noticed anything wrong. So, the palace was safe.
With Mr. Wu and Mo Dan keeping an eye on things at Tianyin Temple, no particularly important figures have emerged so far.
In the imperial court, the Dali Temple's investigations have stalled, the Wang and Xiang factions are gloating, and the Grand Tutor remains low-key and silent.
If those people tampered with things at the He residence and put worms in Mingxiu's mouth, they will definitely take further action.
The emperor left the palace to participate in the winter hunt with his ministers. Moreover, many women were also present at this year's winter hunt. All security arrangements were handled by Wang Xiang and others. The emperor did not interfere, and the Grand Tutor did not get involved either. Wouldn't it be a waste if they didn't do something about such a good opportunity?
In fact, over the years, whether due to differing political views or other reasons, the conflict between Wang Xiangyi's faction and Fu Mingyi and others has deepened.
Her decision to distance herself from Fu Mingyi and get closer to Wang Xiang at this time, even if it was partly due to disillusionment and impulsiveness, was not without other considerations.
What she wanted to determine was whether the events at the He residence were related to Wang Xiang and others.
For three years, they remained inactive, but in recent months, those hiding in the shadows have been making frequent moves.
So she took the opportunity to fall out with the Grand Tutor and then went on a grand winter hunt outside the palace, which was somewhat like using herself as bait.
The memory of He Shu's frenzied state before her death constantly tugs at her heart with a sharp pain.
Mingxiu is sensible; even when she feels wronged, she doesn't tell her, preferring to handle the troubles herself.
But all of that was because of her; they came for her.
Xiao Qing couldn't help but sneer. They were so eager to make their moves, and they had even targeted people she cared about. She had to catch them to prevent them from harming others again!
However, due to some awkward thoughts at the time, she did not inform Fu Mingyi of many of the arrangements she made in advance.
Later... she didn't say anything.
Although she arranged for Zhao Youchen to do mostly passive defense and act according to circumstances.
As for Yu Zaiting, although she had sent a letter, she wasn't entirely sure he could make it in time. When he actually arrived in Nanhua, after much deliberation, she decided to leave for the time being.
Neither Fu Mingyi nor Mr. Wu inquired about these matters.
But she felt that they might know.
What could possibly be kept from the Grand Tutor? Even after returning to Nanhua, he could still think of adding fuel to the fire.
In the brocade pouch she always carried was the letter that Fu Mingyi had asked Mr. Wu to give her.
She neatly folded them and put them in; it was just a natural thing to do. After she finished, she felt at peace.
The Grand Tutor's carriage was right behind, probably still following Wang Xiang.
She could imagine him sitting quietly inside, not feeling embarrassed even if he was treated coldly.
Just like his previous quiet and composed demeanor as he stood before His Highness.
Xiao Qing propped his head up, his thoughts drifting back to the dilapidated carriage that sped south from Ping'an City three years ago, amidst the rumbling of the wheels.
This was the first time she had treated the Grand Tutor so coldly in public, yet the Grand Tutor remained completely calm.
Boring.
Winter hunting was not the first since the Southern Xiao Dynasty established its capital, but it was the first time that so many women of marriageable age had participated.
The young emperor was still young and naturally had little interest in women. Moreover, the country was in dire need of rebuilding at that time, so he couldn't afford to indulge in pleasure.
Now that Nan Xiao has recovered, the young emperor has grown into a thirteen-year-old boy, and the selection of concubines and the enactment of personal rule are on the agenda, so naturally there are more options than usual.
When Xiao Qing and his group of important officials arrived at the hunting grounds, the women had already arrived.
She glanced at the colorful and alluring women in the room, initially intending to appreciate them, but soon realized that no matter how long she pretended to be a man, she could never truly become one...
There's no way to change aesthetic preferences.
However, these delicate girls all fell in love with the lightweight and figure-flattering riding outfits, and some of them stood out with their exceptional temperament.
She quickly found Chu Lianzhou inside.
Chu Lianzhou was considered tall among the group of girls.
She was slender and dressed in a royal blue riding outfit. Her long eyebrows were lightly drawn, and her phoenix eyes were slightly lowered. She sat there quietly, exuding a cool and heroic air. Her unique temperament made people want to take a second look.
Xiao Qing nodded in satisfaction, a slight smile appearing on her lips.
Some people are born with an aura.
Xiao Fu was also present today. As a legitimate member of the royal family, she and the Duke of Anguo were seated quite close to Xiao Qing.
She was dressed in red today, looking dashing and spirited. Just then, she saw Xiao Qing staring at Chu Lianzhou, and couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh out loud.
Xiao Qing, with her sharp ears, turned her head and saw this scene. Realizing that she had been watching too intently, she felt a little embarrassed and pretended to clear her throat.
Xiao Fu pursed her lips, suppressing her smile.
You should still be careful in public places.
Even if one is young and infatuated, one must still give the young emperor some face.
Before the hunt begins, everyone naturally sits together and shares a drink.
Seeing that the young emperor was only looking at the group of women, Wang Xiang walked over and whispered, "Your Majesty, the hunting grounds are ready inside and out. Your Majesty may announce the start of the hunt."
Xiao Qing nodded and said in a serious manner, "Although this year's winter hunt did not follow the old system, I have long heard that there are many heroes and heroines in my Nanhua, and there are some women whose riding and archery skills are better than those of men."
She glanced at Xiao Fu and said with a smile, "For example, Princess Xiao Fu, I heard that she has loved horses since she was a child and is very skilled at riding. She once fought a ball game on horseback and took on three opponents by herself. She is truly a heroine among women."
Xiao Fu was slightly surprised.
This old story from her childhood was something she let slip in her excitement while playing with the young emperor in the palace.
She hadn't expected the young emperor to remember such a trivial matter and bring it up in this setting.
She thought of the Northern Capital, Ping'an City, and felt somewhat dazed.
"Today, I invite you all to hunt to your heart's content. I will see who hunts the most prey, and I will reward them accordingly! Please drink this cup with me!" With that, she raised her wine cup first and drank it all with everyone.
"I hereby declare the hunt over!"
The drums thundered, their sound deafening, and the cheers of the middle-aged men were perfectly synchronized, stirring the hearts of the people.
Seeing that she was chatting and laughing normally and behaving properly, Fu Mingyi couldn't help but narrow his eyes as he put down his cup, comparing it to the situation at the He residence that day.
Having survived the perilous journey to Yingzhou and the painful experience at the He residence, His Majesty has truly grown up.
However, His Majesty was still a bit too soft-hearted.
Some opportunities, once missed, are hard to come by again. Minor setbacks are harmless and won't shake anything fundamental.
so……
Fu Mingyi tightened his grip on the wine glass slightly.
I have to live up to the journey of traveling so far and dedicate myself to this performance.
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