Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 21 : Autumn Hunt

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It rained several times in the tenth month of the lunar year, following which the maple leaves in Mount Feng turned red. Shen Zechuan had already caught sight of some slight frost while herding the elephants during the morning court. Emperor Xiande's illness improved somewhat along with the coming of autumn. Word had it that his meals had resumed, and his coughing during the morning court had eased off a lot.

According to tradition, the Emperor could only head to the Nanlin Hunting Grounds only in the eleventh month. But Emperor Xiande seemed to be worried that traveling might prove difficult in cold weather, so he gave orders for the preparations of the Autumn Hunt to be carried out at the start of the tenth month.

"The ones responsible for patrol duty are still the Eight Great Training Divisions and the Imperial Bodyguards." Chen Yang carried the blade for Xiao Chiye and said, "Viceroy, didn't His Majesty flew into a rage the last time?"

"That was last time." Xiao Chiye had just come from the military drill grounds. He wiped his sweat. "His Majesty was furious last time because he felt that there were safety concerns both on the inside and on the outside. But it's different this time. Xi Gu'an had been despised and shunned by Her Majesty. Having been left out in the cold for two months, he will be desperately wanting to put himself back into the limelight."

"Are such small favors able to move Xi Gu'an?" When Chen Yang saw no one nearby, he said, "After all, Her Majesty has been gaining power for a long time, and His Majesty is ill. Even if he is willing to hand Xi Gu'an an olive branch, Xi Gu'an wouldn't dare to accept it, would he?"

"You said it yourself, that it's a small favor." Xiao Chiye put on the outer garment he had grabbed. "What if His Majesty gave Xi Gu'an great power and authority? A few days ago, His Majesty even asked about the age of the Xi Clan's daughter. Prince Chu does not have a Princess Consort. If he really bestowed marriage upon them, then even if Xi Gu'an did not have the intent to, it would appear differently to Her Majesty."

Chen Yang said, "A pity we don't have a Missy at home."

"It's better that way." Xiao Chiye said, "If I were to have a sister, she would have to be like Commander-in-Chief Qi. Otherwise, she would have no control over her life. Most likely, she will be forced to marry a husband she has never seen before."

Having said to this point, he slowed his pace.
"The Hua Clan has always been the first choice for imperial concubines. At this age, Hua Xiangyi, who has been raised and nurtured by the Empress Dowager, has yet to be bestowed a marriage. Even His Majesty does not dare to offend her and could only call her his younger sister. When it comes to whom she will be betrothed to in the future, it's Her Majesty's arrangements that they still have to go along with."

Chen Yang said, "Fortunately, our Hereditary Prince is already married... But who else can Third Missy Hua be betrothed to? Viceroy, I really can't tell at all. "

"The Qi Clan is the best choice." Xiao Chiye smiled. "If Qi Zhuyin was born a man, the Empress Dowager would have long betrothed Third Missy Hua to her. A pity Qi Zhuyin is a girl, and the Hua Clan does not have any man of lawful birth in this generation. So they can only eye this piece of meat but not move their chopsticks. They are getting anxious."

The horse was led over, and Xiao Chiye stroked it.

"Come on. Let's go to the East Market on Donglong Street again."

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Shen Zechuan had only just stepped into Donglong Street.

Having been released from his imprisonment, he could naturally no longer stay in Zhao Zui Temple. As no one mentioned it at the outset, this matter was set aside. But in the eighth month, Qiao Tianya suddenly took notice of it and followed him to Zhao Zui Temple. When he saw Grand Mentor Qi all covered in mud acting like a lunatic, he got Shen Zechuan to open an account in advance with the Imperial Bodyguards so that he could find a proper place to live in. Thus, at the end of the ninth month, Shen Zechuan moved to an old alley. The rent was cheap, and the place, suitable for his current status.