Chapter 64: The Good Warrior
Zhu Yuhuan found the horse unfamiliar. After Zhu Zhanji left, he said with emotion, "This imperial horse is more majestic than my father's original one."
When Wang Jin heard her speak, he immediately smiled and responded, "Your Highness is right. The original horse was not as strong as this one and could not bear the weight of the dragon's body, so the Imperial Horse Administration sent a replacement."
Zhu Yuhuan's heart moved, and he pretended to be angry and said, "The Imperial Stables have such a fine horse, but Fan Banban didn't tell me. Could it be that he was afraid that I would take it to the imperial farm for breeding? He really is keeping it a secret!"
Wang Jin quickly pleaded for Fan Hong's safety, saying, "If Your Highness wants something, Fan Hong will definitely do his best to deliver it. How could he keep it for himself?"
Zhu Yuhuan had already made up his mind, and he smiled instead of being angry. He said, "Then Banban must help me say a few more words in front of Fan Banban, otherwise I'm afraid Fan Banban will be reluctant to give me the horse."
Wang Jin responded, "Yes."
Zhu Yuhuan took a few steps forward, put his hand on the railing and looked out. He couldn't help but smile as he watched Zhu Zhanji and his two sons riding horses.
Zhu Yuhuan had previously heard from a few palace servants that Zhu Zhanji's clothes had gotten bigger, and with the change of horses today, it was certain that Zhu Zhanji had indeed gained weight. Furthermore, he was sweating, and it seemed more like puffiness than strength, indicating that Zhu Zhanji's physical condition was increasingly approaching that of Zhu Yuhuan's "Three Tall Grandfathers."
After all, Zhu Gaochi was not light when he was young, and there is a certain possibility that the three highs are hereditary.
Wang Jin saw that she was so engrossed in watching that he asked, "Why don't you have someone bring a horse over for Your Highness so that you can go for a few laps and shoot some rabbits and pheasants to your heart's content."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "My prey is already in my bag, so why should I go hunting again? Everyone is looking forward to seeing His Majesty and his son today, and I am no exception."
Hearing her being so humble, Wang Jin felt that the princess knew how to act and act with propriety, and he became even more respectful to her.
How many people, once in high positions, lose their sense of self and ultimately suffer disastrous defeat? Few can be as adaptable as Princess Shunde, capable of both advancement and retreat, of rising and falling.
When Zhu Zhanji returned with his two sons, the guards following them already had a lot of prey, even a deer.
Zhu Yuhuan pretended to be disappointed and said, "It seems that father is really better at being a teacher. In the past, I took my two younger brothers to practice riding and shooting, but I didn't see such results from them." She secretly looked at Zhu Zhanji's face. Perhaps it was because of the exercise, he looked full of energy.
Zhu Zhanji knew at a glance that Zhu Yuhuan was acting this way on purpose, and laughed, "You are so cunning!" He dismounted amidst the waiting of palace servants and said, "Go with your two brothers and deliver the clean prey to your grandmother. This is a filial act from your two brothers."
Zhu Yuhuan responded and then left with his two younger brothers.
Not only did Zhu Qizhen keep asking Zhu Yuhuan to reward him along the way, but when the three siblings arrived in front of Empress Dowager Zhang, they presented the prey one by one. Empress Dowager Zhang and Concubine Sun were overjoyed and praised Zhu Qizhen repeatedly, as if Zhu Yuhuan didn't exist at all. Empress Dowager Zhang did glance at Zhu Yuhuan, but didn't say anything.
Zhu Yuhuan returned to his seat. Zhu Youtong then approached him and said excitedly, "Sister, Renzhi Hall has sent me another painting. Let's hang it up in Taiping Teahouse as well!"
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and responded, "I specifically asked the three Mr. Yangs for calligraphy and paintings. Later, I'll borrow a few paintings from my aunts to hang in the teahouse. Together with the calligraphy of Mr. Li Chun, the teacher in Huangzhuang, we can even hold a calligraphy and painting exhibition. Taiping Teahouse has the staff and materials ready, so we can prepare it at any time. When the time comes, we can call Wangzhi to join us. It would be perfect to hold it before the end of spring."
When Hu Shanxiang heard her say this, she coughed softly and said, "Why should I ask the gentlemen for their own signatures..."
Zhu Yuhuan chuckled and said, "Don't worry, mother. The gentlemen just happened to have some questions to ask me, and I was just going along with it."
Hu Shanxiang felt even more helpless. "What can these gentlemen ask you for advice? Don't forget that they are all your father's court officials."
Zhu Yuhuan revealed a hint of playfulness and said, "Don't worry, mother. I have already reported this to father. Wang Dayang's godson heard everything clearly and will definitely tell father later."
Hu Shanxiang gently tapped Zhu Yuhuan's forehead. "You, you..." She said to Zhu Yuhuan, "His Majesty said that Zhong'er had done you great service in protecting you. Since the wedding is approaching, if you have anything to give me, I will have someone send the reward to the Duke of Ying's mansion."
Zhu Yuhuan didn't expect his own mother to be so considerate. He immediately offered her tea and said, "As expected of you, mother. You have already prepared everything for me."
Hu Shanxiang couldn't do anything about her and said, "Look at you, you have such a gangster vibe."
Zhu Youtong, who was standing next to him, also imitated Zhu Yuhuan and said, "Mom, have some tea!"
Unable to bear the two little girls, Hu Shanxiang could only take a sip of tea. She glanced at Concubine Sun, who was speaking well of Empress Dowager Zhang across from her, and then whispered to Zhu Yuhuan, "When you were away, the Concubine talked to the Empress Dowager about choosing a husband for you in advance. I rejected it for you."
Zhu Yuhuan was even more surprised now, and finally he understood what Empress Dowager Zhang meant by that look. It turned out that it was because Hu Shanxiang had just directly refuted Concubine Sun.
Hu Shanxiang's expression remained calm as she glanced at the crowd. She said, "This is a matter of life and death for you. It's not up to anyone else to make the decision."
Zhu Yuhuan felt warm in his heart and said, "Thank you, mother. Don't worry, I have my own way."
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