Imperial Palace, the autumn air was crisp and refreshing.
Supre Emperor sat in the pavilion of Zhaoyang Hall, fiddling with a chessboard left behind by the previous dynasty.
Eunuch Fu held a horsetail whisk in his hand and approached in small, mincing steps. "Supre Emperor."
"Returned?" Supre Emperor picked up a white chess piece, hesitating indecisively over the board as if no move seed adequate, "Is the old lady doing well?"
"She’s doing well."
Eunuch Fu smiled and said, "Young Master Yu is quite filial to the old lady."
Supre Emperor nodded thoughtfully, "He’s a decent child. I wonder if Wanping fancies him."
Eunuch Fu said hesitantly, "Young Master Yu is too young, I fear he may lack steadiness and reliability."
Supre Emperor replied, "Are you saying Wanping is too old?"
Eunuch Fu hurriedly said, "I wouldn’t dare!"
Supre Emperor still could not settle on a move, "She is indeed getting on in years. Back then, I spoiled her, and later when I went to the monastery, I didn’t manage her for years. I’ve inadvertently delayed her."
Eunuch Fu chuckled awkwardly, not daring to reply.
Who would’ve thought the Grand Commander, who once confined you to the monastery, has now beco your confidant?
Life is unpredictable.
"Enough about that," Supre Emperor said, "How is the progress of the autumn hunt?"
Eunuch Fu said, "I was about to report to you, Lu Guard has returned from the hunting ground and is waiting outside the hall."
Lu Guard was one of the elite Imperial Palace guards dispatched by Supre Emperor to protect Zong Zhengxi, and was a fellow apprentice of Chang Kuan.
Supre Emperor: "Summon him."
Lu Guard entered Zhaoyang Hall, bowed his hands respectfully to the Supre Emperor seated in the Warm Pavilion, and greeted, "Greetings to Supre Emperor!"
"Rise."
Supre Emperor said, "Speak about the autumn hunt."
Lu Guard said, "The autumn hunt has concluded."
Supre Emperor exclaid in surprise, "It’s only been a few days? Did sothing happen?"
In the past, autumn hunts lasted at least ten days to half a month. The longest one stretched a full forty-five days before a victor was finally determined.
"I’m not sure whether sothing happened."
Lu Guard recounted the disputes among the Imperial Guard, Jinyi Guard, and Gold Guard in precise detail, including the "trouble" caused by Princess Wanping.
Supre Emperor gasped sharply.
She already struggles to find marriage prospects, and now after such antics, who in Capital City would still dare to marry her?
Eunuch Fu noticed Supre Emperor’s furrowed brow and his obvious concern over his daughter’s future. He quickly changed the subject with a smile, "Therefore, the Gold Guard erged victorious. So, who among the Gold Guard is the Military General this ti?"
Lu Guard said, "It was the Miao King."
Eunuch Fu: "..."
Supre Emperor asked, "He acted as support for the Gold Guard?"
Lu Guard said, "No, he caught it himself and gifted it to his grandson to play with."
Supre Emperor: "...Absolutely outrageous!"
Lu Guard continued, "Your Majesty sent back to the palace, requesting Supre Emperor’s decision on who should be granted this year’s title of Military General."
Supre Emperor said grumpily, "Since the Miao King hunted down the tiger with glaring eyes, then give him the title! Competing for Military General with the juniors—such shalessness! If he has the nerve to ask, and I don’t grant it, it would make the court appear stingy!"
Lu Guard hesitated to speak.
Supre Emperor said, "Speak!"
Lu Guard replied, "The Miao King learned I was entering the palace to consult Supre Emperor, and asked to relay a question: Will there be a reward for the Military General title? If not, can he exchange the title for so gold?"
Supre Emperor slamd his fist onto the table, saying coldly, "Is he selling official titles in front of now?!"
Lu Guard added, "The Miao King said, if you’re unwilling, then never mind—he’ll sell it to soone else."
Supre Emperor: "...!!"
Who is he saying is unwilling?? WHO IS HE SAYING IS UNWILLING???
Supre Emperor, usually serene, could only be brought to rage by the antics of the Miao King, as if one Buddha was descending and another Buddha was ascending.
"Summon the Miao King to the palace for !"
"Yes."
Lu Guard bowed and received the order.
"Wait."
Rembering sothing, Supre Emperor called him back, "Bring Wanping back to as well."
Wanping’s mischief could no longer be ignored.
Lu Guard once again hesitated.
Supre Emperor said impatiently, "Stop stamring. Speak your mind!"
Lu Guard said, "I might be unable to bring Princess Wanping back."
Supre Emperor assud Lu Guard ant Wanping was enjoying herself too much to leave, and said, "Tell her it’s my command; she must not disobey!"
Lu Guard explained, "I couldn’t find Princess Wanping. She... eloped with soone."
Clatter!
The chess piece in Supre Emperor’s hand fell to the table.
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