RPAGF Chapter 422 Spring Hunt 1
Chapter 422 Spring Hunt 1
Emperor Fu's mood improved a little in the past two days after he saw that Fu Jinyuan was no longer focusing on Dou Kun's case.
He discussed going to the hunting ground with Queen Ruan.
Every spring, the royal family would organize a grand hunting event, which was not only to test the riding and archery skills of the royal family members and the children of aristocratic families, but also to understand the situation of each family.
In the past, Queen Ruan had little interest in this event because the Crown Prince was not fit to attend, so the Queen rarely went out.
This year is different.
Queen Ruan said she wanted to go hunting and take the prince with her.
"What is the prince going for? Does he know how to ride and shoot?" Emperor Fu refused subconsciously. He did not want the prince to be too close to the children of aristocratic families.
"Even if the prince doesn't come out, can't he go and watch?" Queen Ruan asked calmly.
Empress Ruan slowly put down the pen in her hand and said, "Your Majesty, which concubine do you want to take with you? I will make all the arrangements for you."
Emperor Fu was somewhat displeased when he saw that Queen Ruan was determined to go hunting this time.
Forget it. Anyway, the prince will not suffer any consequences, so Yu'er's glory will still belong to Yu'er.
"Let Concubine Ning accompany you, and select a few other concubines who are good at riding and shooting." Emperor Fu said.
Queen Ruan smiled faintly, "What about Concubine Liu?"
"She never likes going to such occasions." said Emperor Fu.
"Okay." Queen Ruan nodded slightly.
After Emperor Fu left Kunning Palace, she sent people to various palaces to announce the news that they would go to the hunting ground in three days.
When the news reached the Summer Palace, Concubine Liu showed no interest.
I asked casually, "Who will be accompanying you this year?"
"Your Highness, in addition to the Empress, there are also Noble Consort Ning, Concubine Zhen, Noble Consort Dong, and Noble Consort Liu."
Concubine Liu's originally bored expression suddenly changed, "Concubine Ning is going too?"
"I heard that the emperor personally chose to bring Concubine Ning along." Lu'e said in a low voice.
"Fox charmer!" Concubine Liu snorted coldly.
Seeing her trusted maid hesitate to speak, she narrowed her eyes slightly and asked, "What else have you heard?"
Lu'e said cautiously, "It is now widely rumored in the palace that Concubine Ning is in favor now. The emperor only has Concubine Ning in his heart. The other concubines were arranged by the empress, but Concubine Ning was specially requested by the emperor."
"Oh, are you still saying that I have fallen out of favor, and now Imperial Concubine Ning is above me?" Imperial Concubine Liu gritted her teeth in anger.
Lu'e didn't dare to say it was true, as the rumors outside were even worse.
It is said that the fact that Concubine Liu cannot go to the hunting ground is enough to prove everything. The emperor is now thinking only of Concubine Ning.
"Is Concubine Ning good at riding and shooting?" asked Concubine Liu.
Lu'e lowered her head, "I heard...I heard that Concubine Ning is very good at riding and shooting."
Concubine Liu took a deep breath and said, "Go to Kunning Palace and tell the queen that I will also go on the spring hunt this time."
"Slave, go now."
"I will go there myself," in order to prevent Queen Ruan from finding excuses to hinder her.
……
The spring hunt lasts for eight days, and the accommodation for the female members of the family must be arranged in advance. Queen Ruan is looking at the list sent by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the arranged accommodation.
When she heard Concubine Liu asking for a meeting, a gleam of light flashed in her eyes.
"Please let Concubine Liu in." Queen Ruan said lightly.
Concubine Liu walked into the hall gracefully, knelt down and bowed, "Long live the Queen."
"What's the matter?" Queen Ruan asked indifferently.
"Your Majesty, I heard that the list of people going to the spring hunt is being finalized. I haven't left the palace for a long time, and I would like to ask for a favor so that I can participate in the spring hunt this year as well." Concubine Liu said respectfully.
Empress Ruan glanced at her and said, "It's not that Concubine Liu doesn't like to go hunting. Besides, the emperor specifically requested concubines who are good at riding and shooting to accompany him this time. You..."
"Although I don't know how to ride and shoot, it won't affect my ability to serve the Emperor and... the Empress." Concubine Liu said hurriedly.
Queen Ruan lowered her eyes slightly and did not answer immediately.
"Empress, if you are worried that the Emperor will not agree, then I will go and ask for his consent." Concubine Liu thought that Empress Ruan wanted to deliberately make things difficult for her and did not agree to let her accompany the Emperor.
"The Emperor has always responded to Concubine Liu's requests. Since you want to go, I will write down your name." Queen Ruan said in a calm voice.
Concubine Liu raised her lips, "Thank you, Queen."
Queen Ruan looked at Concubine Liu's back as she turned and left and smiled faintly.
As expected, she couldn't stand the provocation. She was the one who spread those rumors in the palace. She knew very well the weakness of Concubine Liu. The only one she could rely on was the Emperor. Naturally, she was afraid that the Emperor's favor would be snatched away by other concubines.
Now Concubine Liu regards Concubine Ning as her rival.
"Send this list to the Yangxin Palace."
Concubine Liu's name had already been written on the roster.
When Emperor Fu saw that Concubine Liu was also on the list, he thought that the Queen was deliberately trying to make things difficult for Concubine Liu. But when he learned that it was Concubine Liu's own request, he stopped asking any more questions.
……
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of spring hunting.
The spring sunshine shines on the vast northern suburbs forest farm, with green grass and wild flowers blooming everywhere. In the distance, there are rolling mountains and lush forests covering the hillsides.
A gorgeous tent had already been set up in the hunting ground, with colorful flags flying above it. The royal guards, dressed in neat armor, stood guard around the tent with serious expressions.
Eunuchs and palace maids were moving around, busy preparing items needed for hunting.
As a horn sounded, Emperor Fu and Queen Ruan walked side by side, leading everyone slowly into the venue.
The three princes, Fu Jinyuan, the crown prince and Fu Yuxuan, walked behind the emperor, followed by princes, ministers, and children of noble families, and the concubines and women of each family followed behind.
After Emperor Fu and the Empress took their seats, the others followed suit and returned to their respective seats in the stands.
"I am the ruler of the world, and I have come to this fertile land. I am leading you all to hunt. First, you can stretch your muscles, sharpen your riding and shooting skills, and remember the martial spirit of our ancestors. Second, you can hunt and see the beauty of the mountains and rivers, and understand the foundation of people's livelihood. The hunting ground is the battlefield. You should be brave and compete to be the first, and show your prowess. The prey you get can also be used to add food to the palace and reward the soldiers and civilians. I hope you will not let this trip down."
Fu Di's loud voice had just fallen.
There were stirring shouts from below, "Long live the emperor."
"Yu'er, today it's up to you." Emperor Fu looked at Fu Yuxuan with a smile. He hoped that his beloved son could win the championship today.
Fu Yuxuan knelt on one knee and said, "I will definitely live up to your expectations."
"Prince Chen, take the prince for a walk and just hunt something." Queen Ruan said.
Emperor Fu was originally worried that Prince Chen would steal the Second Prince's limelight today, but when he heard that the Queen wanted him to take the Crown Prince with him, Emperor Fu felt relieved.
Fu Yuxuan lowered his eyes slightly and clenched his hands unconsciously.
Today... he prepared a big show for the prince.
It would be great if we could get rid of Prince Chen as well.
"Brother, I have never participated in a hunt. Bringing me along will slow down your speed. Let's hunt separately." The prince wanted Fu Jinyuan to win more than anyone else.
"I'm going to find my sister-in-law and go hunting with her."
Fu Jinyuan grabbed the back of his collar and said, "No, you come with me."
We can’t let this kid ruin Shen Sui’an’s plans.