Huangming

Chapter 176 Frosty Hooves and Dragon's Tactics, Clematis and Needlework

West Garden.

Inner training ground.

After Wang Tiqian left, Zhu Youxiao slowly stood up, glanced at Wei Chao beside him, and asked, "Is Fang Zhenghua not ready yet?"

Wei Chao's heart tightened, and he quickly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, Eunuch Fang just sent someone to report that the imperial horse saddle and bridle will be inspected at the drill ground. I will send someone to urge them to do so immediately."

Before he finished speaking, hurried footsteps could be heard from below the stage.

Fang Zheng strode in, beads of sweat rolling down his taut face. As soon as he stepped onto the platform, he knelt heavily on the ground, his forehead pressed against the gold bricks: "This servant was delayed in his work, causing Your Majesty to wait for so long. I deserve to die!"

His shoulders trembled slightly, and the back of his blue satin robe was soaked with cold sweat, indicating that he had been running around non-stop.

Zhu Youxiao did not blame him, but lowered his gaze slightly, lightly touched the jade belt at his waist with his fingertips, and said calmly, "Is the imperial horse ready?"

Fang Zhenghua hurriedly kowtowed, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead to the ground: "Your Majesty, this servant has carefully selected a fine steed according to the imperial regulations, and respectfully requests Your Majesty's inspection!"

The main reason Fangzhenghua was delayed for so long was to select imperial horses for the emperor.

A good warhorse needs to meet many requirements, and the requirements for the imperial horse to be ridden by the emperor are even greater.

First, the imperial horse must be well-proportioned and have strong limbs, running as steadily as a rock so as not to disturb the imperial procession; second, its coat must be glossy and pure in color to symbolize the majesty of the imperial family, and any mixed colors or flaws are unacceptable.

In addition, they are gentle yet quick-witted, able to obey commands and protect their master in times of crisis.

Zhu Youxiao walked slowly towards the training ground, his gaze sweeping over the dozen or so fine horses lined up in front of him.

Fang Zhenghua followed closely behind, reporting in a low voice the origin and characteristics of each horse: "This 'Jade Lion' comes from the Hetao region and can travel a thousand miles a day without getting tired; that 'Black Cloud Treading Snow' is a tribute from the Western Regions and has strong hooves..."

The emperor stopped in front of a pure white steed and gently stroked its mane.

The horse seemed to understand human nature, letting out a soft neigh and bending its knees in respect.

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "That's it."

Fang Zhenghua breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly ordered his men to prepare a saddle.

As the emperor mounted his horse, Fang Zhenghua rushed forward to help him, carefully protecting Zhu Youxiao's arm, fearing the slightest mishap.

Zhu Youxiao mounted his horse, his movements not particularly skillful, but steady nonetheless.

He gently stroked the horse's mane, feeling its gentleness and strength, and nodded slightly, clearly quite satisfied with this carefully selected imperial horse.

"Your Majesty, this horse is docile but has excellent stamina, ensuring a safe journey," Fang Zhenghua reported, bowing as he gestured to the guards beside him to be on high alert in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Zhu Youxiao clenched his fingers, the reins leaving a shallow mark on his palm. His gaze, sharp as a blade, slowly swept across the training ground.

The Han general stood solemnly with his halberd in hand, his yellow silk canopy trembling slightly in the wind, and all sounds froze the moment the emperor's gaze swept over him.

"Walk."

The single word fell to the ground like ice, and the pure white imperial horse immediately raised its head, the crisp sound of its iron hooves striking the blue bricks startling the sparrows perched under the eaves.

The ceremonial guards lined up like the tide, and the swords of the black-armored guards jingled with the bells, creating a metallic clang in the spring sunshine.

Fang Zhenghua quickly pulled on the reins, leaped onto his horse, and with the hem of his blue satin official robe still fluttering, he spurred his horse to stay within three zhang of the imperial carriage.

He lightly pressed his left hand against the hilt of his sword at his waist, while his right hand was ready to reach out at any moment—if the wild horse dared to startle the emperor, he would protect him even if it meant bloodshed.

"drive--"

Zhu Youxiao flicked his wrist, and the reins swept across the neck of the imperial horse in a silver arc.

The beast seemed to possess a spiritual nature. First, it lightly lifted its four hooves as if treading on clouds. When it felt the emperor's breath on its back gradually stabilize, it suddenly raised its mane and neighed loudly. In an instant, it shot out like an arrow released from a bow.

On the vast grassland of Xiyuan, a rider in white robes galloped like lightning, his hooves thundering, through the spring breeze.

Fang Zhenghua looked at the emperor's upright figure on horseback and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that the carefully selected imperial horses have indeed pleased the emperor.

Zhu Youxiao felt the wind whistling past his ears, and the fatigue from many days of official duties seemed to be swept away by this exhilarating ride.

He leaned down slightly, and the imperial horse, as if understanding its master's intention, quickened its pace, leaving a white streak of light on the tree-lined path of the West Garden.

After a pleasant ride, Zhu Youxiao dismounted and his gaze fell on Fang Zhenghua, who had also dismounted and was waiting for orders on the side.

"I've heard that your horsemanship and archery skills are unparalleled in the inner court?"

Fang Zhenghua was taken aback upon hearing this, then knelt down, trembling with fear, and said, "This servant only has a smattering of knowledge and is unworthy of Your Majesty's praise."

"If you have the ability, you don't need to be humble."

Fang Zhenghua had practiced martial arts diligently since childhood, and was skilled in archery and horsemanship, wielding a long sword with unparalleled skill.

Historically, during the late Ming Dynasty, when bandits rose up everywhere, he personally led three hundred elite soldiers to fight against thousands of rebel troops.

He charged into the enemy ranks alone, his blade flashing like snow, and in an instant, he killed more than ten men, throwing the enemy into chaos.

Historical records state that he "wielded his sword like lightning, and those who faced him were instantly killed." When the fleeing soldiers saw his black banner, they cried out in alarm, "The King of Hell has arrived!" and fled.

Such skill in taking the head of a general amidst a vast army would earn even the fiercest generals of the nine border regions a praise of "truly a tiger warrior!"
Only by having such a person as your riding and archery instructor can you truly learn the skills.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao's tone carried an air of absolute authority: "I will learn riding and archery from you from now on."

Fang Zhenghua's forehead was beaded with sweat, and he quickly kowtowed, saying, "It is my honor to serve Your Majesty, but..."

He hesitated for a moment, then said somewhat tentatively, "This servant's skills are rudimentary; I fear I may fail to live up to His Majesty's expectations."

"It doesn't matter."

Zhu Youxiao raised his hand, gesturing for him to stand up. "It will begin tomorrow."

Fang Zhenghua watched the emperor's retreating figure and secretly clenched his sleeves.

He knew that this was both an honor and a heavy responsibility—being the emperor's riding and archery instructor was no easy task.

As the emperor, Zhu Youxiao had his own reasons for diligently practicing martial arts.

Although I possess the entire world, I cannot remain merely a puppet in the inner palace.

Zhu Youxiao lightly stroked the sword at his waist with his fingertips. The cool touch reminded him of the heroic spirit of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, who wielded a three-foot sword to establish his empire.

"If one is even unfamiliar with archery and horsemanship, how can one live up to the ancestral precept of 'the emperor guarding the nation's gate'?"

The wind on the drill ground carried the smell of dust, and the shouts of the noble children of the noble camp could be faintly heard in the distance.

Zhu Youxiao narrowed his eyes—those soldiers were outwardly respectful, but when they reported on the military situation at the border, didn't they also show their contempt for the emperor in the deep palace who only talked about war on paper?
"I not only want you to learn horsemanship and archery, but I want you to master them!"

Wei Chao's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. He was truly afraid that something might happen to the emperor and he might fall off his horse. What would happen then?

He advised from the side, "The emperor's body is precious, why should he practice martial arts? This is what the soldiers should do."

"It is precisely because it is precious that one should learn martial arts."

Zhu Youxiao interrupted him.

"The Jurchens are eyeing us covetously. Am I to follow Emperor Huizong of Song's example and write in the 'Slender Gold' style of calligraphy in Bianliang?"

"When Emperor Wuzong toured the border, the soldiers of the nine border regions still praise him to this day. If I could shoot an arrow through a willow leaf from a hundred paces away, and subdue those arrogant and fierce soldiers with a single arrow during the training ground, it would be more effective than issuing ten reward edicts."

There were still some things Zhu Youxiao didn't say.

If one day it really comes down to the day when the emperor has to personally lead an expedition and the front lines collapse, and he is incompetent, then he will truly have to go to the grasslands to study.

Emperor Taizong of Song was also skilled at drifting in a donkey cart. He didn't need to be good at fighting on the battlefield; he had to master the art of escaping first.

Seeing that his attempts to comfort him had failed, Wei Chao could only say, "Your Majesty is wise."

"Today has been quite satisfying. Let's return to the Qianqing Palace to handle state affairs!"

The affairs of this country are complex, and there are simply too many things to deal with.

His visit to Xiyuan was a chance to steal half a day of leisure from his busy life.

But leisure time is always short.

Seeing that the emperor was in a good mood, Wei Chao took the opportunity to bow and report: "Your Majesty, please allow me to report that the Bureau of Ceremonies just reported that Yu Peizhen, a candidate for the Chuxiu Palace, has developed a red rash on her face and may not pass the final selection in a month. According to ancestral rules, if she fails to be selected, she must be sent back to her hometown."

Zhu Youxiao was wiping his hands with a handkerchief when he heard this, and his movements paused slightly.

He had seen Yu Peizhen's portrait; she was indeed stunningly beautiful, and it was a real pity to repatriate her.

Zhu Youxiao asked, "Has the imperial physician been consulted?"

"Your Majesty, I have already ordered the imperial physicians to examine her. It is nothing serious. However, the ladies-in-waiting say that if the rash damages her appearance, she will ultimately not be suitable for the position of Empress."

Seeing that it wasn't a disease like smallpox, Zhu Youxiao slowly said, "He's not suitable for the position of Empress, but it would be appropriate to bring him into the palace as a concubine."

It's perfectly normal for a fourteen or fifteen-year-old to have some acne.

Seeing that the emperor was indeed concerned about this candidate, Wei Chao felt that he had made a successful bet and hurriedly said, "The candidate, Yu Peizhen, has already left the Chuxiu Palace and is temporarily residing in the Qianqing West Fifth Palace. If Your Majesty wishes to see her, you can return to the palace through the Xuanwu Gate this time."

Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Chao and said, "Oh? You even planned the route for me?"

Thump~
Wei Chao immediately realized he had misspoke. He knelt down, his forehead pressed to the ground, his voice filled with fear and pleading:
“This servant deserves to die! This servant only saw that His Majesty had been busy with state affairs for days, and it was rare for him to be in a slightly better mood today. Also, thinking of the matter of the imperial concubines... that's why I dared to guess His Majesty's intentions. I thought that if I could help His Majesty relieve some of his worries along the way, it would be my blessing.”

He paused, his throat bobbing slightly, and continued, "This servant has served Your Majesty since childhood, and my heart is entirely devoted to you. I have no selfish thoughts whatsoever. If this arrangement oversteps the bounds of propriety, this servant is willing to accept punishment... I only ask that Your Majesty take care of your health and not trouble yourself with trivial matters."

Zhu Youxiao looked down at Wei Chao's trembling shoulders and back, and suddenly chuckled: "Get up."

He rubbed his fingertips against the riding whip, his tone meaningful, "You little rascal, you're quite the schemer."

Wei Chao dared not stand up, but bowed even lower: "This servant...this servant is just blindly loyal."

"Blind loyalty?"

The emperor lightly kicked the tip of his boot and said coldly, "A truly blindly loyal person wouldn't be able to calculate the route to Xuanwu Gate so accurately." Seeing Wei Chao's pale face, Zhu Youxiao finally waved his hand, "Fine, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll remember your 'loyalty'."

"I'll set out for the Western Fifth Palace. My wet nurse seems to be there now. I'll take this opportunity to check on her."

Wei Chao felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He quickly got up and followed in small steps, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

He stole a glance at the emperor's back, secretly relieved that he had bet on the emperor's will correctly, but also felt a lingering fear—the emperor's will was unpredictable, and he would never dare to be so obvious again.

Three sharp cracks of the whip rang out, and the eunuch at the gate of the palace screamed at the top of his lungs:

"Prepare the carriage for the Qianqing West Fifth Palace~"

The imperial carriage departed from the training ground in the West Garden and headed towards the Qianqing West Fifth Palace.

Zhu Youxiao sat upright on the imperial carriage, with a neat and solemn ceremonial guard behind him.

Fang Zhenghua followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily, afraid of making the slightest mistake.

Wei Chao walked obediently to the side, leading the way, occasionally stealing glances to observe the emperor's expression, secretly planning the next steps.

When the procession arrived at Xuanwu Gate, the guards at the gate immediately knelt down and paid their respects upon seeing the emperor's arrival.

Zhu Youxiao slightly raised his hand to indicate that he was exempt from the formalities, but his gaze swept thoughtfully over the palace wall, as if he was pondering something.

Upon seeing this, Wei Chao quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, after passing through this gate, it is another half a quarter of an hour to Qianqing West Fifth Palace. The young lady Yu has been settled and is awaiting Your Majesty's inquiry."

Zhu Youxiao gave a faint "hmm" and said nothing more, and the imperial carriage continued on its way.

now.

Inside the West Fifth Institute.

The young lady, Yu Peizhen, was sitting by the window, her slender fingers unconsciously twisting a plain white embroidered handkerchief.

Her skin was as smooth and white as fresh snow, and now, because of her worries, it appeared even paler and more delicate.

Her almond-shaped eyes, full of affection, seemed to be shrouded in the misty rain of Jiangnan. The slight upturn at the corners of her eyes was just right, which not only maintained the elegance of a well-bred lady, but also added a touch of captivating charm.

She gently bit her cherry lips, leaving faint teeth marks on her rosy lips.

Hearing that the emperor was riding and shooting at the West Garden training ground today, the sound of the horses' hooves seemed to echo in her ears, making her heart beat faster.

I wonder if Chief Seal Wei can lure His Majesty here.
Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps outside, followed by a female official urging him in a low voice: "Hurry up and prepare, the Emperor is about to arrive!"

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly got up to straighten her clothes, her fingertips unconsciously stroking her cheeks—fortunately, Li Shuzhen's hibiscus ointment was indeed very effective, and the rash had subsided by more than half, otherwise she might not have been able to meet the emperor today.

Before long, a eunuch announced loudly from outside: "His Majesty has arrived!"

Yu Peizhen took a deep breath, bowed her head and knelt on the ground, waiting for the emperor's countenance.

Zhu Youxiao stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the kneeling figure, and said indifferently, "Raise your head."

Yu Peizhen slowly raised her head, her eyelashes trembling slightly, but she dared not look directly at the emperor's face.

Seeing that her skin was smooth and free of rashes, Zhu Youxiao raised an eyebrow and softened his tone: "Is the medicine from the Imperial Hospital still effective?"

"Your Majesty, I am now completely unharmed, all thanks to Your Majesty's boundless grace."

Her voice was soft, yet every word was clear.

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment.

This woman truly possesses the stunning beauty of a woman from Jiangnan.

The emperor turned to Wei Chao and said, "Issue an imperial decree that the Yu family shall temporarily reside in the West Fifth Palace, and a final decision shall be made after the final selection."

Wei Chao was overjoyed and quickly replied, "This servant obeys."

The emperor said no more, turned and left, leaving behind only a faint scent of ambergris in the room.

Yu Peizhen didn't get up until the footsteps faded away, her fingertips still trembling slightly.

She knew that her fate might change from this moment on.

Watching the emperor's departing figure, Wei Chao sighed inwardly: Although His Majesty also appreciates beautiful women, his behavior is quite different from that of the late emperor, who was so infatuated with women. Just now, with such a stunning beauty as Lady Yu before him, His Majesty did not even touch her fingertips, leaving only a decree before departing—such restraint truly embodies the saying, 'Beauty is like a flower beyond the clouds.'

He stroked the historical record book he had prepared in his sleeve; the pages were icy cold.

It seems that in this new dynasty, hoping to curry favor with the emperor simply by relying on one's pretty face and delicate features is wishful thinking.

He could only say to Peizhen, "If any of you need anything, please tell the palace servants. Remember, do not become arrogant and domineering just because of His Majesty's favor."

Upon hearing this, Yu Peizhen nodded and said, "I know the rules for palace maids."

She's one of the best out of five thousand people, how could she not even know this basic rule?

Having almost been rejected, Yu Peizhen cherishes this opportunity all the more.

Wei Chao didn't want his investment to go down the drain. Seeing that Yu Peizhen was mature and steady, he felt reassured and left the palace to follow the emperor.

Zhu Youxiao walked through the deep palace alleys and arrived at a secluded courtyard in the West Fifth Palace.

Pushing open the mottled wooden door, one sees Madam Ke sitting on the veranda mending old clothes. The spring sunlight shines obliquely on her, but it cannot hide the haggardness between her brows.

Hearing footsteps, Madam Ke looked up and saw the emperor. She hurriedly stood up to pay her respects, but her sleeves were torn at the corner due to her hasty movements.

"This servant kowtows to Your Majesty..." She knelt on the ground, her voice trembling slightly, her rough fingers tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, her knuckles turning white.

Zhu Youxiao frowned and reached out to help her up: "Why must you do this, wet nurse?"

The moment he touched her hand, he was slightly taken aback—her palm was covered with thick calluses, rough as tree bark, clearly indicating that she had suffered a lot recently.

Madam Ke lowered her head to avoid his gaze and said softly, "This servant is uncouth and may offend Your Majesty's eyes."

The rustling of fallen leaves in the courtyard added to the stillness.

Zhu Youxiao then noticed that the window paper of her room was torn, there was only half a bowl of cold porridge on the table, and even the charcoal brazier was cold.

"How dare they be so disrespectful!" he exclaimed angrily.

Madam Ke shook her head: "It's my own fault for being dull and unlikable..."

When Zhu Youxiao first ascended the throne, Madam Ke, relying on her nurturing grace, acted arrogantly in the palace. He then demoted her with swift and decisive measures.

But seeing her cowering like an autumn leaf, he felt a pang of pity.

Although Madam Ke was arrogant before, she was, after all, his wet nurse.

If you treat those around you harshly, it will inevitably make others feel sorry for you.

This is not the kind of example an emperor should set.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao said to Wei Chao:

"By imperial decree, immediately prepare that residence outside Xihua Gate, assign twelve palace maids and eight eunuchs to serve her, and take five thousand taels of silver and one hundred bolts of silk from the treasury. Tomorrow, send the wet nurse out of the palace to live a life of luxury!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Ke was greatly alarmed and staggered to her knees: "No! How could I, a lowly servant, dare to do this?"

The torment she endured at West Fifth Hospital during this period had long since shattered her previous arrogance.

Upon seeing the emperor, he finally remembered her, and tears welled up in his eyes.

"You are my wet nurse. Even if you have committed some sins before, the hardships you have endured these past few days have made up for them. Now that you have left the palace, you should live a good life."

"This servant thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

Wei Chao watched from the side, feeling somewhat moved. It seemed that His Majesty still valued feelings. His previous punishment of Madam Ke was entirely due to her excessive arrogance.

Seeing her in such a sorry state, His Majesty still remembered the kindness of raising her, not only restoring her dignity but also bestowing upon her a house and money. This benevolent heart made Wei Chao secretly sigh.

He stole a glance at the emperor's profile; in the sunlight, the distinct features revealed a resolute air, yet also a hint of weariness.

Wei Chao suddenly recalled that when the late emperor was on the throne, he was also very kind and generous to those around him, but unfortunately...

He dared not think any further and quickly composed himself.

"Your Majesty."

Wei Chao stepped forward and said softly, "I will arrange the accommodations for Granny Ke right away. Should we send an imperial physician to accompany her? Granny Ke has lost a lot of weight these days and needs to take good care of herself."

Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Approved. Add two more cooks to specialize in northern-style noodles—the wet nurse loves them the most."

These words were spoken calmly, yet they brought tears to Madam Ke's eyes.

She prostrated herself on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly, and choked out, "This servant...this servant has failed Your Majesty!"

Upon seeing this, Wei Chao felt even more conflicted.

He recalled his own petty thoughts in front of the emperor these days and couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.

His Majesty treats his subjects with such kindness, yet I am always trying to guess His Majesty's intentions and to scheme and take shortcuts; this is truly wrong of me.

Just as he was reflecting on his actions, he suddenly heard the emperor order: "Wei Chao, go to the Imperial Kitchen and tell them to add a dish of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar to tonight's meal—my wet nurse used to say that it was a good way to cut through the greasiness."

Wei Chao quickly agreed, but when he turned around, he saw Madam Ke trembling as she took out a faded sachet from her bosom. The stitches were crooked, indicating that it was made when she was a beginner in needlework.

“This servant has nothing of value except this… I beg Your Majesty to keep it, as a keepsake.”

Zhu Youxiao took the sachet and ran his fingertips over the crooked "福" (fortune) character on it.

He clutched the sachet tightly and said to Wei Chao, "Add another clause: on the first and fifteenth of each month, the wet nurse shall submit her nameplate to the palace to speak."

Zhu Youxiao's reason for bestowing even greater favors upon Madam Ke was to send a message to those around him:
Those who have been kind to me, I will remember in my heart.

My favor or wrath has always depended solely on how you treat me.

Now, you people should know how to serve me, right?
(End of this chapter)