Chapter 148 Autumn Hunt

Chapter 148 Autumn Hunt

"Doesn't His Majesty know very well what the future holds? He is diligent and loves his people, and the world is at peace."

Xie Yan's voice was as cold as icicles in winter, and although the words were squeezed out from between his lips, they pleased the emperor greatly.

He stroked the brush in his hand with his fingers and said to Xie Yan, "With such a compliment from you, I am very pleased."

"I will give you one day to arrange an autumn hunt that will last for three days. The list of invitees will be the same as that for ice skating. I want to see more of the pleasures of this world."

Xie Yan looked at the emperor in front of the imperial table. He was like a candle that was about to burn out. Knowing that his body was about to reach its end, he disregarded his safety and went his own way.

It was really difficult for him to prepare in just one day, as he usually received more than a month's notice in advance.

He's always like this; he spends his whole life finding amusement in making things difficult for others and enjoys seeing him in a state of utter distress.

If he didn't do well, he would be severely reprimanded, and he always wanted to make him kneel down in front of him and beg for mercy.

But he refused!

"yes!"

Seeing that he agreed, the emperor smiled and let out a long sigh of relief. "After the autumn hunt, I will put you in charge of the country."

Regent?

Isn't this fulfilling the responsibilities of the Crown Prince?

They are often considered the emperor's preferred successor.

Of course, there are many risks, such as testing his abilities, the emperor delegating power but not relinquishing control, and so on.

Xie Yan was initially shocked to hear this, but then he remembered that at yesterday's birthday banquet, he had drunkenly said that he would leave the country to Xie Yu.

He turned and left.

If we only have one day left, we can't go back to Prince Jing's residence today, or we won't be able to go back for the next few days.

Upon leaving Shengming Hall, Xie Yan immediately instructed Wuying to send a message back to Shen Nanzi.

After Shen Nanzi finished washing up and was about to go to bed, Qinghe entered the room.

"His Highness Prince Jing sent word that the Emperor has ordered His Highness to prepare for the autumn hunt and that he cannot return to his residence tonight."

"Please prepare yourself. We will depart from the Imperial Road at the Palace early the day after tomorrow."

Shen Nanzi was startled, "The day after tomorrow?"

"Yes, the day after tomorrow."

"I've never heard of this before, why the rush?"

"I asked Wuying, and he said it was a sudden order from the Emperor."

"Your Majesty?" Shen Nanzi thought to herself, how could His Majesty, in his health, go on an autumn hunt?

Shen Nanzi sensed something was amiss and immediately sent Qinghe to deliver a message to her brother to see if he knew anything inside.

Consort Wei was equally shocked. Upon receiving the news, she rushed to Shengming Palace, only to be dismissed with the same words the Emperor used.

He also told her to prepare well and spend a few days with him.

Xie Yan worked through the night to find the list of invitees to the ice skating event and had someone deliver the message.

There are also many other matters to attend to, such as arranging for the army to escort the emperor, selecting a location, and setting up camp. If the emperor gives a word, those below cannot close their eyes from tonight until departure.

Xue Yubai was naturally summoned by Xie Yan as well.

Working until midnight, Xue Yubai looked exhausted and yawned: "Has His Majesty mentioned Qing Ning?"

Xie Yan shook his head. "No."

"She and Hong'er had spots at the last ice skating event."

Xue Yubai then explained, "As everyone knows, His Majesty's health is not good these days. I went to Qingning's place today."

"She said she wanted to fulfill her filial duty to the Emperor."

"Please make an exception and let her bring Hong'er to see the Emperor."

“This cannot be accommodated. She has been ordered to live in seclusion by the Emperor and can only be released with the Emperor’s decree.”

Xue Yubai looked at Xie Yan. Xue Qingning was right; he had changed.

In the past, no matter how difficult the situation, he would have said, "I'll think of a way."

After that, no matter what, he would give it a try.

Tonight, he didn't even suggest asking the Emperor; he simply denied it outright.

"Then forget it! When the Emperor returns, you can mention it to him again."

Xie Yan didn't reply, but instead dumped a bunch of tasks on him, "Make sure you're ready by tomorrow."

Xue Yubai glanced at his task list and casually accepted it.

Are you trying to work me to death?

"Distribute the work to your subordinates, find more, and the imperial court will provide the funds."

＊

On the day of the autumn hunt, Shen Nanzi went to the imperial road at the north gate of the palace very early.

The sky was still barely light when the imperial road was already full of carriages.

Cheng'er was very excited to participate in the autumn hunt for the first time, and he brought his little bow and dagger with him in the carriage.

A three-day trip will definitely require staying in a tent.

It's early autumn now, neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for children to go on outings.

These may be the happiest three days for many people, but after that, no one knows what will happen!

How many officials will rise and fall with this change of imperial power?

Just thinking about this makes the autumn hunting trip anything but relaxing.

That day, she sent a letter to her brother but did not receive a reply. Shen Nanzi searched for the Grand Commandant's carriage among a group of carriages.

We didn't see the Grand Commandant's carriage, but we did see Xie Yan's figure in the dawn light.

He rode his black steed, dressed in a crimson court robe, with a three-finger-wide black leather belt around his waist and a short sword hanging on his side, making him appear broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, and with an upright posture.

Her long legs were wrapped in a crimson robe, and her black boots were on the saddle as she gave instructions to a subordinate.

He looked noticeably thinner after just two days, and stubble had appeared on his chin.

Shen Nanzi withdrew her gaze, lowered the carriage curtain, and thought about the message he brought back, asking her to prepare his luggage.

When Shen Nanzi married him, he didn't ask her to prepare anything. Now she doesn't know why he brought this news.

She didn't understand, nor did she want to prepare anything for him, so she just let Shi Tou watch and pretend to prepare some.

They were all placed in camphor wood chests at the back of the carriage.

Shen Nanzi said to Qinghe, "Go and see if the Grand Commandant's carriage has arrived yet?"

Qinghe received the message and immediately jumped off the carriage.

Since Cheng'er was leaving early, his aunt was worried that he would be hungry, so she took out a steaming hot bun from the food box and sandwiched it with oil paper.

"Your Highness, please make do with whatever you have while you're out and about."

Instantly, the carriage was filled with the aroma of meat buns.

Cheng'er put down the small bow in her hand, took the plump meat bun, and held it in her hands to bite into it.

Shen Nanzi smelled the food and felt hungry, so her aunt quickly handed her one.

At this moment, the carriage curtain behind her was lifted from the outside, and Shen Nanzi turned around, only to be met with Xie Yan's eyes, which were as deep as a cold pool.

"Did you sleep well last night? You can come a little later; the Emperor's carriage hasn't arrived yet."

He spoke casually, as if they were an ordinary couple.

Shen Nanzi was always unaccustomed to his attitude, and even forgot to eat the steamed bun in her hand.

He jumped off his horse, grabbed the bag, and exclaimed, "It smells delicious! I'm hungry!"

As he spoke, he rested his right arm on the car window and took a bite.

Someone was looking for him from behind, and he ate while explaining things to that person.

"Ask again: once the tents are delivered, set them up immediately. There can't be a moment's delay. The main force should arrive by noon."

His aunt handed Shen Nanzi another meat bun. After finishing his conversation, he stuffed the small half of the bun into his mouth, turned his head, and looked at her.

"Is there any more? I'm hungry."

Shen Nanzi, not being petty, gave him the steamed bun in her hand.

He took it, and his cold, sharp eyes softened slightly.

"Have I brought everything? I need to change my clothes when we get to the hunting grounds; they're almost spoiled after two days."

Shen Nanzi looked at him and found him quite strange. When did their relationship become harmonious?

“It’s in the box in the back,” she answered truthfully.

"Third Brother, everything is ready. Father is already on his way to the East Gate," Xie Yu's voice came.

Xie Chengze's eyes lit up, and he called out across the carriage, "Sixth Imperial Uncle."

Xie Yu, riding his horse outside, looked down to see Cheng'er inside the carriage, but Xie Yan blocked his view with his body. The carriage was not large to begin with, and his block completely obscured his view.

"Cheng'er, when you see your sixth uncle, get off the carriage and come to talk."