Chapter 573: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 573: Life's Last Days (2)
As the sun rose, Emperor Hui'an, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, emerged from the palace under the protection of the imperial guards. Following him was the Crown Prince, who was pushed out in a wheelchair by an attending eunuch. Despite the disdain some princes and kings had for the seemingly useless Crown Prince, none dared to act recklessly in Emperor Hui'an’s presence. They followed in line, obediently walking behind the Crown Prince, and assembled on the raised platform that had been set up, standing on either side of Emperor Hui'an.
The officials and their families, who had been waiting below the platform, knelt on the ground in unison, their voices ringing out with respectful cheer: “Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long, long lives! Long live the Crown Prince, long live the Crown Prince, long, long lives!”
The thunderous cheers echoed across the quiet wilderness, reverberating far and wide, startling countless birds into flight.
Despite having witnessed such grand events before, the princes and kings on the high platform couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. The ambition hidden within them swelled uncontrollably at this moment.
Chu Heng, closest to Emperor Hui'an, glanced at the heavily breathing Prince Heng beside him with a trace of mockery in his lowered eyes. He then calmly looked out at the crowd below, his gaze as calm as a still pond.
“Everyone, rise! Since we are outside the palace, you may be more relaxed,” Emperor Hui'an said, his voice echoing.
At nearly fifty years old, Emperor Hui'an, despite his well-maintained appearance, showed some wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and slightly sagging skin, evidence of his aging. However, as the ruler of Da Chu, his accumulated imperial authority ensured that even those who were unfamiliar with him did not dare to regard him as an ordinary old man.
Although he smiled and told those below to “relax,” no one dared to be truly casual in his presence. Everyone stood up cautiously, fearing any display of disrespect might lead to Emperor Hui'an's displeasure.
...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....
Emperor Hui'an looked at the young talents gathered below and delivered his usual encouraging words: “You are all the future pillars of Da Chu. Today is the first day of the Autumn Hunt. I will be observing your performance. Whoever brings down the most and best game will be heavily rewarded!”
The young talents were excited, with those who were more composed quickly expressing their gratitude, while the more energetic ones eagerly readied their bows and arrows.
Seeing these spirited young people, Emperor Hui'an couldn’t help but glance at his son in the wheelchair. A deep, sorrowful look crossed his sharp eyes.
At this moment, the Chief Eunuch, Liang Gonggong, reminded: “Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived!”
Emperor Hui'an snapped back to attention, masking his troubled expression. He led his sons down from the high platform and approached the waiting white horse, taking the reins and the dragon-tongued bow from the attendant.
There was an unwritten rule in the royal hunts: on the first day, the Emperor would shoot the first arrow. Only after the Emperor had secured the first game could the others set off to display their skills in the forest.
However, this time, Emperor Hui'an did not follow the tradition. Instead of riding into the woods to hunt the first prey, he personally led the well-chosen horse and carried the dragon-tongued bow. In the puzzled gazes of others, he approached Chu Heng and handed him the bow and reins: “My son, you will shoot the first arrow this year!”
Chu Heng suppressed his surprise, his eyes fixed on the dragon-tongued bow in Emperor Hui'an’s hands. No man could refuse a fine steed and bow, and he was no exception, even if he couldn’t ride or shoot.
Amidst the envious, jealous, and resentful looks from those behind him, Chu Heng took the reins and bow with composure, saying with respectful reverence, “I obey your command, Father.”
Emperor Hui'an clapped his hands in delight: “Good, good, good! My son resembles his father. Excellent, excellent!” Anyone could hear his genuine joy. This wasn’t the typical imperial encouragement but the heartfelt affection of an ordinary father for his son.
Chu Heng smiled faintly, displaying appropriate joy. Ignoring the various thoughts of the onlookers, he wheeled himself to the gentle white horse and, with Xiao Ruiyuan’s help, mounted it smoothly.
The dragon-tongued bow required significant arm strength to draw. With Chu Heng’s body ravaged by poison, he could barely sit for long periods, let alone draw the bow.
Emperor Hui'an would not allow his son to be embarrassed. Once Chu Heng was on the horse, Emperor Hui'an also mounted and assisted him, drawing the bow for him. He accurately shot the arrow into the neck of a medicated deer, killing it instantly.
“Truly worthy of Second Brother, just as mighty as Father!” Even though they were displeased with Chu Heng receiving such special treatment, Prince Heng and the others could only suppress their jealousy and praise him with admiration.
Such words might seem like blatant mockery from others, but Emperor Hui'an was pleased, listening to the praise with satisfaction. He looked at Prince Heng and the others, his words a blend of warning and other sentiments: “Among you brothers, only the Crown Prince resembles me the most! He is my legitimate son, my Crown Prince, the heir to Da Chu. You should treat the Crown Prince with the same respect you show to me!”
The younger, naïve princes might have taken it in stride, but those like Prince Heng, who had previously schemed against Chu Heng, were terrified. Prince Heng, who shuddered at the thought of his plot now that Chu Heng was involved in the hunt. He feared Emperor Hui'an might already know about it.
Chu Heng maintained a calm expression. After Emperor Hui'an finished speaking, he pointed to the deer on the ground, still bleeding, and with a hopeful tone said, “Father, I recently learned to roast meat. Since the deer is fresh, why not let me roast it for you? Father can taste my cooking.”
“Good, good! I’ll have someone prepare the deer for you. I look forward to tasting the meat roasted by Heng’er himself.” Emperor Hui'an was overjoyed, showing no concern that the Crown Prince, as the heir to the throne, was personally preparing the roast.
Seeing this fatherly affection, the other princes and kings felt even more discontented.
Roasting meat? They had gone to great lengths to gather rare treasures, yet received no praise from the Emperor. Now, a mere piece of deer meat seemed to bring such joy. The Emperor’s favor was indeed biased!
Despite their dissatisfaction, someone soon carried away the deer. Shortly after, a hot grill, cleanly cut deer meat, and various seasonings were presented.
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