Chapter 587: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 587: Approaching Storm (5)
With only four days left before their return to the capital, the young men who had yet to make a good catch and earn Emperor Huian's favor grew increasingly anxious. These individuals, who hadn't excelled in their studies, had only their martial skills to rely on. Fortunately, their starting point was far superior to that of ordinary scholars. Even if they couldn't join the ranks of nobles, they could still secure some minor official positions through family connections. However, these were mostly idle roles, and seeking a promotion or a substantive post was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.
Opting for such positions meant a lifetime of mediocrity, a path taken only by those truly resigned to their fate or those who couldn't seize opportunities. Anyone with ambition or ability would disdain such a route.
Among the dozen or so princes, apart from the ailing Crown Prince, all wanted to impress Emperor Huian and earn his favor. Yet, after ten days, only Prince Heng had managed to earn a faint compliment from the emperor by catching a deer and two roe deer. The others, either too young and inexperienced in archery or simply unlucky, brought back little more than pheasants and hares—small game unworthy of note. The best among them might have caught an extra fox or two.
In stark contrast to the lackluster hunting results of the princes, Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu stood out, having each hunted seven or eight deer within just three days. They had even collaborated to bring down a tiger, earning more praise from Emperor Huian than all the other princes combined.
Yan Junyu was a different case; though he was friendly with the Crown Prince, he was considered a "good-for-nothing" playboy, holding the title of a young lord without any real power. Despite his association with the Crown Prince, he wasn't seen as part of the faction because his grandfather, Wu An Gong, a loyalist to Emperor Huian, neither formed cliques nor played politics. Therefore, the other princes, though annoyed by Yan Junyu's favor with the emperor, didn't see him as a threat. Wu An Gong was known for being fiercely protective and wouldn't hesitate to defend Yan Junyu, even against princes, in front of the emperor. Emperor Huian would likely respond with a smile and praise Wu An Gong for his discipline.
Xiao Ruiyuan, however, was a different matter. With numerous military achievements and high regard among the military's younger leaders, Xiao Ruiyuan was a first-rank general with real power. He not only commanded half of the troops under the Five Armies Command but also served as the Chief Inspector of the Imperial Guard, overseeing the ten thousand troops in the capital.
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Though the Chief Inspector didn't have direct command over the troops, those in the position were invariably trusted and valued by the emperor. Xiao Ruiyuan's clear alignment with the Crown Prince made him a formidable figure. With Emperor Huian's trust, Xiao Ruiyuan's position posed a significant threat, especially as the frail Crown Prince, Chu Heng, seemed unlikely to survive much longer. Should Chu Heng pass away, Xiao Ruiyuan would become an even more desirable ally, albeit one difficult to control, likely to shatter any attempts to manipulate him.
Unable to eliminate Xiao Ruiyuan or fearing that rivals might gain his allegiance, the princes plotted to bring him down completely, ensuring no one could benefit from his downfall. This autumn hunt and the unexpected storm presented them with the perfect opportunity.
Beneath the calm surface of the hunting grounds, a meticulously planned conspiracy simmered. At the midday banquet, when the eight-year-old Sixteenth Prince requested permission from Emperor Huian to join Xiao Ruiyuan in the mountains for hunting, Xiao Ruiyuan's eyes instantly grew cold.
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