Chapter 281: Killing Two Birds with One Stone
Chapter 281: Killing Two Birds with One Stone
After paying her respects to the Retired Emperor, Meng Qianqian went to Changchun Palace to meet with Princess Zhou Nanyan.
Princess Zhou Nanyan was the first consort of Emperor Zong Zhengxi, and he had bestowed upon her the position of Consort Guifei, the highest-ranking among the four consorts.
Emperor Zong Zhengxi's harem consisted of only two consorts—the Empress and Consort Guifei.
"Elder Sister Meng!"
Upon seeing Meng Qianqian, Princess Zhou Nanyan rushed out, overjoyed.
"Your Highness!"
The palace maids were startled half to death.
Princess Zhou Nanyan pulled Meng Qianqian's hand and said to the maids and eunuchs, "All of you, step back. I want to have a private chat with Elder Sister Meng."
"Yes."
The crowd retreated outside the hall.
The two sat down on the Consort's bed.
Meng Qianqian tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "How have you been these past few days?"
Princess Zhou Nanyan sighed, "There's nothing much to complain about in terms of food, clothing, and accommodation, but it's been rather boring."
Meng Qianqian smiled, "Didn't Xiao Ru and Rou'er come to visit you yesterday?"
Princess Zhou Nanyan pouted and said, "But no one is coming tomorrow."
Meng Qianqian said, "Do you want someone to visit you every day?"
Princess Zhou Nanyan leaned her head on Meng Qianqian's shoulder, "Yes."
Meng Qianqian curved her lips slightly, "Alright, I'll come to see you tomorrow."
Princess Zhou Nanyan's eyes lit up, and she sat up, asking excitedly, "Really?"
"Mhm."
Meng Qianqian nodded with a smile.
Princess Zhou Nanyan was thrilled. Leaning on Meng Qianqian's shoulder, she said, "Elder Sister Meng, life in the palace isn't as bad as I thought. The Empress is easy to get along with, and His Majesty is busy with state affairs, rarely entering the harem. It's almost like there's no difference from being at home."
Meng Qianqian held her hand, "That's good. If you ever feel wronged, remember to tell me. You have not only the Zhou family but also the Twelve Guards and the Governor's Mansion supporting you."
Princess Zhou Nanyan hugged Meng Qianqian tightly, "Elder Sister Meng, wouldn't it be great if I had married you instead?"
Meng Qianqian: "..."
Thinking of something, Princess Zhou Nanyan said, "Oh, right, Elder Sister Meng. I heard that His Majesty will be going on the autumn hunt. He will definitely bring the Empress, and I was wondering if I could sneak out of the palace to play with you?"
That evening, they learned from Lu Yuan that the autumn hunt was indeed happening.
The family was having dinner.
Bai Yuwei couldn't help but ask, "What is the autumn hunt?"
Meng Qianqian explained, "The Imperial Hunt is an ancient tradition where the emperor goes on a spring hunt, summer hunt, autumn hunt, and winter hunt to demonstrate his military prowess to the world. During the Retired Emperor's reign, the autumn hunt was held once every three years. While it's called a hunt, it's actually a military exercise. Various military forces compete, and the winning army receives generous rewards from the emperor. Additionally, a Martial General, an exceptionally brave warrior, will be chosen."
"Martial General?"
Finally, something other than the usual literary pursuits, and Bai Yuwei was interested in the conversation.
Meng Qianqian patiently explained, "The Martial General is the most formidable 'hunter' during the autumn hunt, holding a position equivalent to the top scholar on the imperial examination."
Bai Yuwei asked, "So, it's like the Martial Champion?"
Meng Qianqian replied, "You can understand it that way."
Bai Yuwei thought for a moment, "Are there also Martial Scholars and Martial Runners-up?"
Meng Qianqian shook her head, "There's only one Martial General."
When the Retired Emperor abdicated in favor of Emperor Zong Zhengxi, the new emperor was still young, and the border regions were in constant turmoil. Emperor Zong Zhengxi had never led troops on the autumn hunt.
This year, with the victory at the border regions in the spring and the imperial examinations held in the same year, Emperor Zong Zhengxi took over the reins of power and married.
With the heavens, earth, and people in harmony, it was time for an autumn hunt to train the troops.
Bai Yuwei didn't care about the reasons for the autumn hunt; she was only concerned about whether she could go and have fun, as she had enjoyed hunting in Miaojiang.
"Will you be going?"
She asked Meng Qianqian and Lu Yuan.
The two exchanged glances, understanding each other's thoughts, and replied, "We will."
They stepped out of the courtyard.
Meng Qianqian asked Lu Yuan, "If both of us go, will it be appropriate? Shouldn't one of us stay behind to look after the house? Tell me your reasons."
Lu Yuan said, "To find someone."
Meng Qianqian raised her eyebrows, "Coincidentally, so am I."
Lu Yuan gave her a sidelong glance, crossed her arms behind her back, and said calmly, "The Xun family will be going, and Luo San will definitely be there. I can handle him alone."
Meng Qianqian muttered, "Who said I'm going to find Luo San?"
Lu Yuan looked at her suspiciously.
Meng Qianqian clapped her hands, "I'm going to find a man."
Lu Yuan's face darkened, and her killing intent surged, "Meng Xiaojiu!"
Meng Qianqian shuddered, "I-I'm not finding a man for myself! It's for Princess Wanping! I'm finding her a prince consort!"
The Great Villain: You haven't even secured your own man, and you're already thinking of finding a prince consort for someone else.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
