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Chapter 495: Taming the Horse King
Chapter 495: Taming the Horse King
In an unprecedented move, officials from Prince Jin's camp refrained from making any memorials, aiming to shorten the morning court session and immediately declare Prince Huang Changsun absent without a valid reason.
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner, holding his tablet, spoke up, "Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to report."
The Liang Emperor replied, "Approved."
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner cleared his throat.
Prince Qi smiled and asked, "Grand Agricultural Commissioner, are you deliberately stalling for time?"
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner sighed, "Prince Qi, do you know how many areas in Daliang have not had a proper rainstorm for months? If this continues, Daliang will be filled with puddles and dry ruts, leaving the land barren for miles."
Prince Qi's smile froze.
Elder Meng stroked his beard, "Spring rain is precious as oil. Without it, how can there be an autumn harvest?"
Prince Qi felt embarrassed.
This is what they call 'lifting a rock only to drop it on one's own feet'.
He thought the Grand Agricultural Commissioner was stalling for Prince Huang Changsun, but he didn't expect the Grand Agricultural Commissioner to genuinely have an important matter to report.
Now, he had judged the Grand Agricultural Commissioner with a petty mind, and ended up looking like someone who didn't care about the people's welfare.
Prince Rui lowered his voice, "I told you not to be impulsive. You're on our side, but if something happens to you, it will implicate your brother and Prince Qi."
Prince Qi glanced at Prince Rui and then at Prince Jin, replying in a low voice, "I understand, Third Brother."
Zhang Qufeng feigned surprise and asked, "Elder Meng, you've attended court for two consecutive days, what a rare occurrence!"
Elder Meng, being of advanced age, was excused from the morning court by the Liang Emperor. He only occasionally attended, at most three to five times a month.
Elder Meng asked, "Is Zhang Qufeng dissatisfied with this old man attending court?"
Zhang Qufeng held his tablet and forced a smile, "As you can see, I'm just concerned about your age and the inconveniences it may cause. Your health is important."
Elder Meng brushed his wide sleeves, "No need for Zhang Qufeng to worry. I advise you to spend less time on intrigue and more on how to do practical things for the people. Regarding the Grand Agricultural Commissioner's report, do you have any countermeasures?"
"I..."
Zhang Qufeng was silenced.
With a few words, he turned the tables and took control of the situation, as befitting the leader of the elders.
Elder Meng's gaze swept across the court, and he asked the Grand Tutor, "Do you have something to say to me?"
"This student dares not!"
The Grand Tutor immediately became obedient.
Elder Meng's position was inconspicuous, and like Zhang Qufeng, he also thought Elder Meng wouldn't attend court today, especially after seeing Elder Meng's unsteady appearance yesterday. It seemed he needed to rest in bed for a while.
"Your Majesty, this subject also has a matter to report," Elder Meng said.
"Approved," said the Liang Emperor.
Elder Meng spoke solemnly, "The Ministry of Revenue has delayed the funds again. The original plan was to deliver 10,000 taels for the repair of the Wenyuan Pavilion by the beginning of last month, but not a single copper has been seen."
The Minister of Revenue trembled: Why are you dragging me into your dispute?
The Grand Tutor said, "Your Majesty, this subject also has a matter to report."
Prince Rui lowered his voice and said to Prince Jin, "Brother, these people are all neutral parties we can't win over. Now, they're all speaking up for Lu Lin Yuan. Just two competitions, and Lu Lin Yuan has won over so many hearts. If this child isn't eliminated, it will cause endless troubles."
Prince Jin's eyes narrowed.
One after another, civil officials stepped forward with their tablets, bringing up even the smallest issues like a missing manhole cover on a street.
If this continued, the morning court would never end.
Prince Rui scanned the officials who were trying to stall for Lu Yuan and then glanced at the Liang Emperor, who was attentively listening. He calmly said, "Brother, we can't wait any longer. It's time to make a decision."
They had plenty of experts outside, and with just one order from the elder brother, they could completely trap Lu Zhaoyan and his son on the road.
He didn't believe that by nightfall, these old men wouldn't be able to do anything.
Prince Jin's fingertips moved slightly.
"Oh, it's so lively here."
Accompanied by a familiar voice, Lu Yuan entered the Jinluan Pavilion with great vigor.
Everyone's eyes turned to him.
He looked hurried, slightly out of breath, but his clothes and crown were neatly arranged, indicating he had tidied himself before entering the Jinluan Pavilion.
He walked to the center of the hall, standing side by side with Lu Qi, and respectfully bowed to the Liang Emperor on the dragon throne, "Your Majesty."
The Liang Emperor nodded, "How is your father? Is he better?"
Lu Yuan replied, "Thanks to Miss Yan from the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, my father is out of danger. I came to the palace first, and my mother is accompanying my father in the carriage. They will arrive soon."
With these words, he not only explained his late arrival but also provided a reasonable excuse for his mother's late arrival.
Paying respects to the Liang Emperor was important, but taking care of the sick was even more so, especially since the sick person was the Liang Emperor's own son. If his mother had left his father to enter the palace, it would have offended the Liang Emperor.
Prince Fu spoke up, "Do you know how close you were to losing just now?"
Hearing this, Lu Yuan sighed helplessly, "My father suddenly developed a high fever and became bedridden. As a son, I must prioritize my father's health over winning or losing."
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner sighed, "Prince Huang Changsun not only understands the people's hardships, but he is also broad-minded, knowledgeable, pure in character, and deeply filial. Truly admirable."
Meng Ge Lao stroked his beard, "Filial piety is the greatest virtue. If the Crown Prince can't even treat his own parents with kindness, how can we trust him to care for the common people?"
Jiang Guogong agreed, "Indeed, for the sake of a competition, he neglects his own father. Isn't that despicable?"
Then, remembering something, he quickly clarified to the Qi King, "Your Majesty, I wasn't referring to you."
Qi King: "..."
Lu Qi spoke to Lu Yuan, "After the competition, I'll visit Second Uncle at your mansion."
Lu Yuan smiled, "No need, we'll meet soon enough."
"Where's Zi Wu Xian Sheng?"
Emperor Liang asked.
A trembling hand rose from the steps below, "Your Majesty...this subject is here..."
Emperor Liang, puzzled, inquired, "What's the matter, Mr. Zi Wu?"
Lu Yuan, as light as a cloud, explained, "Oh, he was in a rush to enter the palace and might have caught a chill."
Zi Wu Xian Sheng: You carried me on your back and climbed walls, and you say it was just a chill? Emperor Liang asked, "Any other urgent matters to report, ministers?"
The officials shook their heads in unison, "None!"
Emperor Liang stood up, "Let's proceed to the horse field."
Emperor Liang, once a military general, had a spacious horse field constructed in the palace as his first act after ascending the throne.
The horse chosen for Bao Zhuzhu was born in this very field.
Emperor Liang's eyes immediately fell upon it.
Today, thanks to the competition between the two Imperial Grandsons, the Empress and several consorts also gained the privilege to observe.
To accommodate the noble consorts, the Imperial Household Department hastily set up a shaded pavilion.
The Empress sat regally in the main seat.
In the two pavilions beside her sat Hu Guifei and Jiang Huifei.
In the pavilion next to Jiang Huifei were Yu Fei and He Guipin, the birth mother of Prince Ming.
In the pavilion next to Hu Guifei was Shen Zhaorong, the birth mother of Prince Qi.
Unexpectedly, Hu Guifei's two daughters-in-law, Princess Jin and Dou Qingyi, also arrived.
In such an important occasion, only the main consort was qualified to attend, yet Prince Jin brought Dou Qingyi, a secondary consort, and instead of sitting below Princess Jin, they flanked Hu Guifei on either side.
This showed the high regard Hu Guifei had for Dou Qingyi.
Princess Jin rolled her eyes.
The Emperor and his ministers sat far across, almost out of sight.
"Why aren't they here yet?"
Hu Guifei frowned and asked.
A young eunuch behind her replied, "We heard the Crown Prince is unwell, and the Emperor must attend the morning court first."
Hu Guifei scoffed, "Always making excuses!"
Jiang Huifei sneered, "You're one to talk!"
The Empress, stern, said, "You two can bicker in the harem, but don't embarrass the Emperor in front of the officials."
Jiang Huifei picked up her teacup and remained silent.
Hu Guifei muttered, "It's not even his own grandson, why is she so proud?"
Jiang Huifei retorted, "I'd be proud no matter whose child it is!"
The Empress's voice turned cold, "I told you to stop arguing. If you continue, I'll send you both back!"
Only then did the two fall silent.
Amidst the anxious wait, Emperor Liang finally arrived with a grand entourage of officials.
At that moment, Lu Zhaoyan and Liu Qingyun also appeared.
"I'll escort you there."
Lu Zhaoyan said, "I've already informed Princess Huifei, you can sit beside her."
Liu Qingyun extended her hand in refusal, "I can go by myself."
Lu Zhaoyan was still worried, "You don't know Princess Huifei."
Liu Qingyun smiled and raised her eyebrows, "Leave it to me, I'm off!"
Lu Zhaoyan had just taken a step when Ji Dezi stopped him, "Your Highness, you can't go over there."
"I understand."
Lu Zhaoyan gave Liu Qingyun a deep look, and only after Ji Dezi urged him did he take a deep breath and join the officials.
The riding and archery competition consisted of three rounds: horse taming, archery, and mounted archery.
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Emperor Liang stood on the viewing platform, looking at the well-prepared Lu Yuan and Lu Qi, "Are you ready?"
Lu Qi respectfully replied, "Yes, Grand Emperor."
Lu Yuan nodded, "Yes, Grand Emperor."
Emperor Liang retracted his gaze, "Let's begin."
The civil officials were wondering how large a fence was needed for such a vast horse field when they saw the Imperial Guards, clad in black armor, carrying a fence to enclose Emperor Liang and the officials.
Everyone's mouths twitched.
After all that, they weren't fencing in the horses but themselves...
Wait, why did their foreheads suddenly feel so chilly?
After the enclosure, the Imperial Guards, each holding a spear and shield, formed another layer of protection outside the fence, creating a copper and iron wall.
Civil Officials: This feels even more dangerous...
Emperor Liang addressed the two Imperial Grandsons, "Soon, a group of untamed wild horses will be released, and you will each choose one as your mount for the upcoming battle.
(End of Chapter)
"Lu Yuan rubbed his chin, training wild horses, now that's interesting.
This Imperial Grandfather is indeed more interesting than the Emperor Taishang.
Prince Jin and Gongsun Yanming sat in a shaded pavilion.
Prince Jin asked, "Lu Yuan is a horse boy, he's been raising horses since he was young, does he have the skills to tame them?"
Gongsun Yanming replied, "Your Highness has made preparations, hasn't he?"
Prince Jin smiled.
Gongsun Yanming quickly added, "But I advise Your Highness not to act recklessly."
Prince Jin calmly said, "In the first round, I won't move. Qi'er."
Lu Qi stepped forward, "Father King."
Prince Jin whispered, "Remember to pick a pure black horse."
Lu Qi's eyes glinted, "Yes, Father King."
After seeing the two were ready, Emperor Liang signaled Gonggong Yu, who announced, "Release the horses—"
A young servant struck the copper gong.
At the sound, the stablemen opened the fence, and a group of untamed wild horses scattered in all directions.
Unlike well-trained horses, these were fierce, robust, and swift as lightning.
The military officers' eyes widened in amazement.
What fine horses!
The civil officials' legs trembled in fear.
Wild horses, oh my!
As the herd charged towards them, everyone held their breath.
Amidst thirty-six wild horses, Lu Qi instantly spotted the pure black one.
It left the rest far behind, a true king among horses.
'Horse King,' Lu Qi thought.
He finally understood why his father wanted him to choose this horse.
'Alright, it's you!'
Lu Qi leaped with his light agility, pouncing on the wild horse.
Taming a wild horse, especially the Horse King, was no easy task.
But only by taming the Horse King could he prove himself as the future king of Daliang.
'Your Highness, this is too dangerous,' Gongsun Yanming said with concern.
Prince Jin replied indifferently, 'You can't catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger's lair. This is the Horse King that even Father Emperor couldn't tame. If Qi'er can tame it, Father Emperor will surely view him with new respect!'
Gongsun Yanming watched as the Horse King threw Lu Qi off its back, 'But what if something happens to the Prince of the Commandery? Will Your Highness regret it?'
After Lu Qi was thrown off, the Horse King's hooves aimed at his head and stomped down.
Lu Qi rolled to dodge, then leaped again, mounting the Horse King.
Prince Jin smiled, 'National Teacher, you're too cautious. Qi'er's martial arts skills are better than you think.'
Gongsun Yanming paused mid-drink.
Prince Jin changed the subject, 'Strange, why hasn't Lu Lin Yuan moved? Hasn't he chosen yet?'
Prince Qi from the neighboring pavilion said, 'I think he's scared silly.'
'Oh, look! The Imperial Grandson, he... he...'
A civil official clenched his fists, worried for Lu Yuan.
Prince Ming arrived at the horse ranch, breathless. He sat next to Lu Zhaoyan and drank from his cup, 'Second Brother, why didn't you wait for me? Where's my good great-nephew?'
After finishing the tea, he scanned the area and was shocked, 'So many horses? I see, I see! Over there! Oh dear, why is he daydreaming? Hasn't Lu Qi almost tamed that horse?'
Lu Zhaoyan frowned, puzzled by his son's behavior.
All thirty-six horses had passed by.
He...
'Father Emperor, can I steal a horse?' Prince Ming asked Emperor Liang.
Emperor Liang replied, 'You may.'
Prince Ming stood up and shouted at Lu Yuan, 'Steal his horse! Steal his horse! His horse is the Horse King!'
Prince Liu slammed the table, 'Old Six!'
Prince Rui said, 'If he has the skill, let him try, but I fear it's too late.'
Everyone turned to look at Lu Qi.
After numerous falls and injuries, the wounded Lu Qi finally tamed the Horse King. Like a victorious champion, he sat tall on the Horse King's back.
'Qi'er won!' Prince Jin exclaimed, standing up in excitement.
Zhang Qufeng also cheered, 'The Prince of the Commandery won! He won!'
Everyone stared at the triumphant Lu Qi.
But at that moment, a white horse flew over Lu Qi's head. The soaring hooves seemed to trample the mountains and rivers.
'It's His Imperial Highness!' Gonggong Jiang exclaimed.
Even Empress Jiang, far away, heard her brother's pig-slaughtering yell.
Lu Yuan rode the white horse, stepping on Lu Qi's head and leaping down. He abruptly stopped and fiercely charged at Lu Qi!
Caught off guard, Lu Qi was knocked flying! The white horse then pounced, pinning the black horse down!
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(End of Chapter 49)
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