Chapter 105.1 – Triumphant Smile
It was barely past noon when Qi Yang and Lu Qipei returned to the camp.
It was considered quite early; after all, there were a lot of people who wanted to stand out during this Autumn Hunt, and they were still hunting with all their heart in the forest right now. There were only some civil officials who didn’t care about the results and simply went for fun, just going into the hunting ground to shoot a couple of rabbits and pheasants and came back before lunch time.
Qi Yang return was neither early nor late, and she missed the group of civil officials who returned before lunch while being far earlier than the others. Her group’s return seemed somewhat strange, inadvertently attracting a lot of attention. Then when those people saw the prey that was being carried on the horse’s back, the tiger, they became even mor surprised as their eyes turned wide.
By the time the Emperor received the news and arrived, Qi Yang and the others were already surrounded by a group of royal guards. The younger people didn’t think much and just chatted while pointing at the tiger, mostly in excitement, while giving envious glances at Lu Qipei and the others.
However, the Emperor and the several senior officials accompanying him clearly did not think the same. They were originally drinking tea in the tent, and no one really cared when they heard that Princess Qi Yang had returned. At most, the Emperor had ordered someone to go and prepare a meal for the princess first.
It wasn’t until later, when they heard that the princess and her prince consort had hunted a tiger and brought it back, that everyone’s expression suddenly changed.
Seeing the Emperor and the important officials arrive, the royal guards surrounding Qi Yang immediately retreated and opened a path while bowing down.
Qi Yang, Lu Qipei and the others were also busy bowing to the emperor. When he saw this, the Emperor stepped forward and helped Qi Yang up, then asked, “I heard that you hunted a tiger. Such a fierce beast, did you get hurt anywhere?”
Qi Yang’s heart felt warm seeing the Emperor’s concern. She quickly replied, “Thank you for Royal Father’s concern, This Child is fine.”
While speaking, the Emperor was looking at Qi Yang from head to toe. Seeing that her whole body was speckless without any sign of abnormality, he breathed a little sigh of relief.
Turning his thoughts to the others, he raised his hand to allow everyone to rise, and his gaze fell on Lu Qipei and the Eldest Grandson beside her.
The Emperor was somewhat surprised and let go of Qi Yang, asking, “How come Ah Qi is with you?”
When he heard this, the Eldest Grandson stepped forward to pay his respects and explained, “Answering Royal Grandfather, it was This Grandson who encountered a fierce tiger in the forest. I didn’t have enough attendants with me and had to run. Fortunately, I met Aunt on the way, and Aunt and Uncle helped eliminate the tiger, and This Grandson was saved. Afraid that the hunting ground is still dangerous, I followed Aunt to return.”
The Emperor nodded after listening, and agreed with what he said. “You did right. A gentleman should not stand under a dangerous wall. Since the hunting ground is in such danger, it’s really not suitable to stay for long.”
After saying that, he told Zhang Jian next to him, “Go and order the royal guards to call everyone back from the hunting ground.”
Things still got pretty serious, and the Eldest Grandson was feeling a little uneasy.
Qi Yang was also afraid that the Emperor would be angry at the Crown Prince, so she took his arm and smiled, saying, “Royal Father, This Child hunted a tiger, and will definitely win the first place in this Autumn Hunt. I wonder what reward Royal Father has prepared this year?”
After saying that, she sighed in regret, “Earlier, Royal Sister Nanping even suggested a competition, but I was not interested at the time. If I knew, I would have competed with them. I would definitely win this time.”
The Emperor’s originally heavy heart also relaxed a little under his daughter’s joke. He nodded helplessly at her and smiled, “Oh you, you really don’t know how to feel afraid even a little. It was I who got scared on your behalf instead.”
Qi Yang blinked innocently, still smiling, “What is there to be afraid of? Prince Consort and the attendants are so amazing, and even Ah Qi shot that tiger with an arrow. It didn’t even touch the corner of This Child’s skirt, so what is there for me to be scared of?”
When the Emperor heard that her prince consort had protected her, he just took it for granted. But when he heard Qi Yang talk about the Eldest Grandson shooting the tiger, his face showed extra appreciation.
Looking back towards his grandson that had grown into half an adult, he could vaguely see on him the image of the Crown Prince when he was young, making him feel even more pity towards him. He patted his shoulder and smiled, “Good child. Before I knew it, you’ve grown up to be a capable person.”
The Eldest Grandson was born from a concubine, and the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess had a good relationship, so his situation in the Eastern Palace was not very good. Even the Emperor whose affection usually extended to everyone around those he loved only treated him normally. This was the first time he received a praise from the Emperor, and the young boy’s eyes suddenly lit up.
The Emperor looked amused and patted his head again, but also advised him, “Ah Qi dared to shoot a tiger at this age, you are indeed courageous. But you are still young, and there are attendants by your side. In the future, let them go and don’t take the risk by yourself anymore.”
The Eldest Grandson saluted respectfully, and then the Emperor rewarded him with the dragon pendant that he wore on his waist – on top of genuinely praising the Eldest Grandson, his move also meant to protect the Eastern Palace.
He rewarded the Crown Prince’s oldest son first, indicating his attitude. Although there was an incident in the hunting ground this time, anyone with eyes should understand and wouldn’t dare to bite the Crown Prince easily.
It wasn’t clear if the Eldest Grandson understood the deeper meaning behind it, but he was happy to receive a reward from the Emperor. He treasured it and carefully put it away.
But Qi Yang understood the Emperor’s meaning, and she could finally let go of all the heaviness in her heart. She continued holding the Emperor’s arm and acted spoiled, saying, “Royal Father is really biased. You only rewarded Ah Qi, how about This Child and Prince Consort? We also worked our hands!”
The Emperor looked at his daughter in amusement and exposed her, saying, “Didn’t you say that it was all done by the Prince Consort and the attendants, and the tiger didn’t even touch the corner of your skirt? Why are you asking me for a reward now?”
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