SFS Chapter 214 The Hunt Begins
Chapter 214 The Hunt Begins
After leaving the tent, Zhong Ning faintly heard Zhang Wanyu's voice admonishing her elder sister:
"Even if Eldest Sister wants to visit the princess, she should consider the time. How can she make the elders worry when she is away from home?"
Then Zhang Wanting replied in a low voice: "I understand. Don't read it anymore... Be more careful next time..."
"Eldest sister, do you want to have another chance?"
"No no...."
"Madame Yu is here too, so it's a good opportunity to correct my elder sister..."
"No, I was really wrong..."
.......
"Zhang Wanyu doesn't seem to be as arrogant and disrespectful to her elder sister as the rumors say..." Zhong Ning couldn't help but murmur.
Su Xin poured her another cup of tea and then said, "I heard that Miss Zhang Er, although young, is very opinionated and behaves like an older sister..."
"Wanting is lazy and only wants to be a nobody. No wonder Madam Hou and Miss Zhang are so disappointed in her!"
Zhong Ning smiled, picked up a plate of camellia cake from the table and put it into his mouth, savoring it carefully.
This is good. In this era, if you don’t have capital, how can you really be a lazy fish?
The next day, early morning.
When Zhong Ning, wearing red riding clothes and riding a white horse, arrived at the hunting ground, everyone was shocked.
Perhaps it was her flame-red attire, or perhaps it was the white horse she rode, but when she appeared, everyone's eyes were focused on her.
Zhong Ning had a blank expression on her face, but she was actually screaming inside. The feeling of being stared at by everyone was too terrifying.
Why were they so idle? Just staring at her?
At this time, Zhong Ning didn't know that it was because the news of choosing a son-in-law for Princess Zhaohua came out from the emperor's tent last night that everyone paid special attention to her existence today.
Those who can come to the Shanglin Garden Autumn Hunting this time are basically officials of the fourth rank and above and their families. Those whose families have sons who are somewhat capable have been ordered by their families to keep a low profile today and never let Princess Zhaohua notice them.
As for those young men from families who were incompetent and only looked good on the outside, they were told to be more outspoken and behave better today and make sure Princess Zhaohua took a liking to them.
So, when Zhong Ning came slowly over on horseback, some people avoided her eyes, some people took the initiative to smile at her, and another group of people wanted to come over on horseback to chat with her.
Of course, this group of people were stopped outside by the imperial guards, and Su Xin even took notes in a small notebook.
"Royal sister!" After Zhong Ning dismounted, the second prince Murong Yun came to greet him. Zhong Ning touched his little head and said with a smile, "You seem to have grown taller!"
"Royal sister, you are lying. We haven't seen each other for just a few days. How could you grow that fast?" Murong Yun retorted. He knew his own height.
"Children's height changes every day. How could my sister lie to you?"
"Really?" Murong Yun was skeptical.
"Yes!" Zhong Ning nodded heavily, and while leading the horse, he asked him, "Have you been practicing martial arts with Master recently?"
"I learned it. My master said I have made great progress!" Murong Yun raised his little chin with an expression that said, "Praise me!"
Zhong Ning couldn't help but pinch his little cheek, "Then I'll ask you for advice later, okay?"
Murong Yun puffed his face in anger and said dissatisfiedly, "Royal sister, you bully me again. I'm already grown up, you can't pinch my face anymore!"
"Hmm?" Zhong Ning glanced over calmly. "I didn't hear you clearly just now. What did you say?"
Murong Yun: ...No, nothing! As long as my sister likes it!
That’s good!
Zhong Ning smiled with satisfaction and rubbed his little head again.
Everyone was stunned when they saw this. Wasn't Princess Zhaohua just an illegitimate daughter? How could she have such a good relationship with the prince in the palace?
Is this look of deep affection between brother and sister just an act?
The second prince is His Majesty's only prince. If nothing unexpected happens, he will become the crown prince and the next emperor of Dayong in the future.
Everyone silently raised Princess Zhaohua's status. If she was really loved by two emperors, then even if they wanted their most outstanding son to come to their house and become a prince consort, she would be qualified.
Everyone thought so, but many wanted to wait and see for a while. It was the first time that Zhong Ning saw so many noble families in Kyoto, so he couldn't help but pay more attention.
Fortunately, women were not particularly harsh in this era. Not only did young men ride horses to participate in hunting parties, but many noble ladies were also among them.
But they looked at Zhong Ning with eyes that seemed to want to say something but hesitated. They wanted to go forward but were afraid of being rejected. After all, it was well known that Princess Zhaohua had a cold personality!
At this time, everyone had arrived, and Emperor Yong's carriage was approaching from afar.
Zhong Ning looked around and saw a bright yellow riding uniform, a tall chestnut horse, and a white flame-shaped birthmark on the horse's forehead. It was obvious that the horse was a precious horse that could run a thousand miles.
The imperial guards led the way on the left and right, followed by two exquisite sedan chairs, each carrying two beauties in palace dress.
They were the new beauties brought into the palace recently, Concubine Yao and Concubine Gu.
Concubine Yao had a face like a silver plate, eyes like spring apricots, and a very pretty face. Upon closer inspection, she was at least three-quarters similar to the Empress.
Lady Gu was like a lotus after the rain, with a figure like a willow, graceful and charming, extremely beautiful.
Both of them are beauties, and they are in their prime.
Looking at the emperor again, he was over forty years old. Although he was well maintained, he was old after all.
It's really like an old cow eating young grass.
So shameless!
Zhong Ning rolled his eyes speechlessly, and was seen by Emperor Yong. He felt upset and wanted to explode immediately, but when he thought that this was his daughter, he swallowed his anger.
She secretly met Qi Yu before she got married, and I didn't say anything!
How dare she roll her eyes at me?
You are allowed to like old men, but I am not allowed to like young girls. I want to!
Emperor Yong snorted coldly and officially began to preside over today's hunting. As the emperor, he first made a few remarks and then encouraged everyone to be the vanguard today. Whoever hunts the most today will receive the golden curved bow bestowed by him!
Everyone exclaimed in surprise when they heard this. The precious bow was not important. What was important was that it was a gift from His Majesty himself!
This is something that can be passed down to future generations!
It is also Dayong’s first-class honor!
If he could obtain this bow, it would mean that he had received the approval of His Majesty, and his future career would be smoother.
Before the official hunting session, Emperor Yong would be the first to hold the arrow and shoot into the sky!
When this arrow cuts through the sky, it means that the hunting party has officially begun!
Everyone mounted their horses and headed towards the enclosed hunting forest in Shanglin Garden. Zhong Ning also jumped on his horse, kicked the horse's belly hard, and rushed forward.
Emperor Yong opened his mouth and wanted to tell him to be careful and just ride outside, but he swallowed the words back.
He only signaled the imperial guards to catch up quickly and not let the princess be left alone.
"Your Majesty, this is the princess's first time participating in the autumn hunt, and she is not as good as me..." Qi Yu had just uttered these words when he was frozen in place by a nonchalant glance from Emperor Yong.
"Zhaohua has someone to protect you, you come with me..."
"Yes, I obey your order!"