Spring thunder awakens a hundred insects[mfn]春雷惊百虫 – This refers to the Jingzhe solar term, when the first spring thunder rolls, the energy of spring begins to stir, and it awakens the hibernating insects that have been lying dormant underground through the winter. Source: https://m.thepaper.cn/baijiahao_16973593?sdkver=e06426d6&clientprefetch=1[/mfn]. It is also the time when beasts return to roam.
The royal hunting grounds had not been used for three years. Not only had the number of birds and beasts increased significantly, even the vegetation was far more lush than before.
The spring hunt would last three days, and the weather on this first day was especially fine, with a gentle breeze and warm sunshine. On the viewing platform overlooking the hunting grounds, Li Xuanming, seated at the center, was not dressed as elaborately as he usually was in the palace, and his hair was simply tied up with a finely crafted golden crown. Amid his striking beauty was an even greater air of sharp elegance, the kind that made one afraid to look too long, yet couldn’t bear to look away.
Below the platform stood several rows of tall, fine horses. In the front row were the heirs of the royal princes, and behind them were mostly sons of high-ranking officials. Swords hung at their waists, bows slung over their shoulders, each one full of youthful pride and vigor, their presence blazing even brighter than the sun.
Yan Yihuan was also dressed in a blue and white outfit with narrow sleeves and an outer robe with a cropped front. Unlike the formal court attire he usually wore, this outfit was clean and trim, making him appear particularly spirited.
Like some of the other young nobles who lacked skill in riding or archery, he carried a small bow on his back and wore a short sword at his waist. Though he wouldn’t be venturing deep into the forest, he could still hunt a few small animals nearby for amusement.
Shen Zhaoqian had barely finished reading out the rules of the hunt when that flash of blue had already vanished from Li Xuanming’s peripheral vision. Unable to resist, he turned to look, and saw Yan Yihuan standing close beside Ming Zhang, laughing and chatting with him cheerfully.
Why did he always have so much to say to Ming Zhang?
Ming Zhang keenly sensed the Emperor’s gaze settling on him. He gave a soft cough behind his hand and shuffled a few steps to the side, but Yan Yihuan, as if stuck to him, followed right along.
Although the two appeared to be chatting cheerfully, Yan Yihuan was really just showing off his older brother.
“Ming Zhang ge, did you know? My brother was the one who took first place in the last spring hunt three years ago. It is said that the tiger was already crazed with hunger, yet it was still taken down by my brother.”
Below the platform, Yan Zheng’s gaze also occasionally drifted to his younger brother. Yan Yihuan was not only smiling happily, he even looked a more well-fed than at home, even sneaking a wink his way, just as lively as ever.
It seemed the Emperor was indeed treating him well.
Relieved, Yan Zheng turned to look at Li Xuanjing beside him. Li Xuanjing happened to turn his head at the same moment. Their eyes met, and the two men exchanged polite nods with faint smiles, formal and courteous.
That fleeting moment happened to fall right into Yan Yihuan’s line of sight. He froze. The joy he had just been feeling suddenly snapped taut, and his hand unconsciously clenched into a fist at his side.
To others, it was nothing more than a routine glance, but in Yan Yihuan’s eyes, the two of them were secretly colluding right under the Emperor’s nose.
He instantly grew anxious. Discussing something as treasonous as rebellion in private was already dangerous enough, but here, during the spring hunt, where imperial soldiers and shadow guards were stationed everywhere, under the watchful eyes of countless others, how could they still act so brazenly?
Ming Zhang, meanwhile, was puzzled. Yan Yihuan had been chattering non-stop just moments ago. Why had he suddenly gone silent? At the same time, Li Xuanming turned to glance in their direction.
What he saw was a visibly tense Yan Yihuan. Following his gaze, he caught sight of Li Xuanjing, sitting tall on horseback, and his expression immediately darkened.
Shen Zhaoquan was still reading the announcement: this year’s prize kill was, once again, a fierce white-browed tiger with slanted eyes[mfn]白额吊睛的猛虎: 白额 – white forehead or white brow. 吊睛 – literally “hanging eyes,” refers to a tiger with slanted eyes, giving it a fierce and striking appearance.
[/mfn]. It could be hunted alone or together with others, but for the safety of these noble sons who were the beloved treasures of their households, it was advised they proceed within their limits.
Those not skilled in riding or archery could stay near the outskirts and hunt birds or small game for entertainment, while only the more courageous and capable would be permitted to go deeper into the woods in pursuit of fierce beasts.
Li Xuanming was also highly skilled in such things, but as the emperor, he no longer took part. In his head, he was already planning to take Yan Yihuan out to hunt some deer or foxes for fun after lunch, once everyone returned.
The morning was just a warm-up for most. Once the riders scattered, many chose to hunt casually around the edges. Yan Zheng gave Li Xuanjing a subtle look. Li Xuanjing understood, gave a faint nod, then turned his horse, seemingly preparing to head in Yan Zheng’s direction.
It was common for those on good terms to hunt together. In fact, given the well-known closeness between the Residence of King Yan and the Residence of King Qin, pretending not to know each other would have been more suspicious.
But in Yan Yihuan’s eyes, it was a completely different matter. Watching the unspoken looks exchanged between the two, he was suddenly seized with panic. Seeing that his brother had already ridden off into the distance, he could only call out,
“Jing ge!”
At his shout, not only did Li Xuanjing pull sharply on the reins, but everyone on the viewing platform turned to look at him, including Li Xuanming, of course.
The urgency in Yan Yihuan’s voice was unmistakable. Ming Zhang glanced toward the main seat and saw that Li Xuanming’s gaze had darkened, so much so that even Shen Zhaoquan beside him could sense the simmering anger and wore a faintly tense expression.
Ming Zhang’s outstretched hand brushed the hem of Yan Yihuan’s robe, then slowly curled into a fist. He could only watch as Yan Yihuan, flustered and in a rush, ran down the platform and went to Li Xuanjing’s side.
Li Xuanjing couldn’t hide the joy in his eyes when he saw him running toward him.
Yan Yihuan had originally meant to stop his brother, but pulling Li Xuanjing aside would work just as well. With so many people around and countless ears nearby, he couldn’t let the two of them get close. What if someone overheard them?
Moreover, Yan Yihuan, from the bottom of his heart, disapproved of their involvement in any act of rebellion. If he could sabotage one scheme, it was one less to worry about.
“Jing ge, can you teach me archery?”
Yan Yihuan looked up at him, eyes full of eager anticipation. It reminded Li Xuanjing of how he(YYH) had once asked the same thing when they were young. But back then, Yan Yihuan had been in fragile health, so Consort Qin hadn’t allowed him(LXJ) to teach Yan Yihuan riding or archery for fear he’d(YYH) overexert himself.
Li Xuanjing’s heart had already softened into a complete mess, how could he still remember to go find Yan Zheng? Li Xuanjing nodded at once and said, “Alright, I’ll take you with me on horseback.”
Li Xuanjing bent down and reached out his hand. With his help, Yan Yihuan leapt onto the horse and sat in front of him, encircled by his arms.
Yan Yihuan pointed in the direction opposite from where his brother had gone, unaware that the man behind him had turned his head slightly and swept a glance towards the high platform from the corner of his eye. He even entertained the thought of taking him away then and there, never letting him return to the palace.
But Li Xuanjing knew it was nothing more than wishful thinking. Narrowing his eyes, he suddenly gave the horse a sharp nudge with his heels, and as Yan Yihuan let out a faint cry of surprise, they vanished into the forest.
On the high platform, Shen Zhaoquan had clearly sensed something amiss. He quickly took a cup of tea from a nearby attendant and served it to Li Xuanming, just in time to prevent him from standing up,
“Your Majesty, let Guard Han go after them.”
Li Xuanming slowly relaxed his grip on the armrest,
“Bring him back.”
Han Zhen accepted the order and left. Li Xuanming knew very well that, in front of so many people, there were countless eyes watching his every move. Any unusual behavior could easily be speculated on or misinterpreted. He truly couldn’t afford to show too much concern for Yan Yihuan at a time like this.
Li Xuanming lowered his eyes and raised his right hand. Ming Zhang understood the signal and came over to him.
“What were you two talking about?”
“Nothing much,” Ming Zhang bowed and replied in a low voice, “Like a little child, he was just bragging to this minister about his brother.”
He paused for a moment, then added, “Just now, this minister truly doesn’t know why Grand Historian Yan suddenly went over to His Highness the Crown Prince. This minister tried to stop him but couldn’t”
“No matter,” Li Xuanming leaned back against the chair as if unconcerned, motioning for him to come closer, then spoke into his ear. As Ming Zhang listened, his previously calm expression suddenly shifted to one of surprise, then flushed slightly red. He hesitated for a moment before nodding.
This scene happened to fall into the eyes of the Crown Prince of Wei, Li Xuanjue, who had just returned from the hunt. His gaze flicked between the two, and he let out a faint scoff. He suddenly felt that his father’s decision to abduct the Third Young Master of the Yan family had been truly foolish. Fortunately, they hadn’t exposed themselves in the end. Looking at things now, if they wanted to get leverage on Li Xuanming, this Ming Zhang might actually be more useful.
Author’s note:
Little Yihuan: Sigh… This family would fall apart without me[mfn]这个家没我得散 (This family would fall apart without me): half-joking, half-proud remark. He’s basically claiming credit for saving the situation, which is preventing his brother(Yan Zheng) and Li Xuanjing from meeting up to further discuss their treasonous plans.[/mfn].
