si-mexico Chapter 736 Even if there's no opportunity, create one; you still have to go for it.
Chapter 736 Even if there's no opportunity, create one; you still have to go for it.
East Palace.
Zhao Chen sat behind his desk, the tea in front of him had gone cold.
Qian Zhenyun, dressed in a blue robe, stood quietly below the hall.
“Zhenyun,” Zhao Chen’an’s voice sounded as gentle as ever, as if the events of that night had never happened.
"I recently reviewed the case files and discovered that the floods in several southern provinces have been controlled every year, yet they continue to cause trouble every year. My father is also quite worried about this matter."
Qian Zhenyun lowered his eyes and did not reply.
"I would like you to go to the library of the Hanlin Academy and compile all the memorials and drawings concerning river management and water conservancy projects since the founding of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and make a detailed summary."
Zhao Chen'an looked at him and said sincerely, "This matter is complicated and cannot be handled by anyone but a meticulous and steady person. Of all the officials in the court, you are the only one I trust the most."
It's winter now, yet we're trying to control the summer floods?
This tall hat, when placed on top of your head, carries considerable weight.
Qian Zhenyun raised his eyes and calmly met Zhao Chen'an's gaze.
He knew, of course, that this was a diversionary tactic.
The floods and the general situation were just excuses. Excuses that prevented him from appearing at the West Garden winter hunting grounds and from being by Gu Qingchen's side.
"This is my duty." Qian Zhenyun bowed slightly, his expression unchanged. "When will Your Highness require this summary?"
Zhao Chen'an lightly tapped his fingertip on the table, a perfect smile curving his lips.
"This matter concerns the national economy and people's livelihood, so the sooner the better. Winter hunting is just for fun and leisure; important matters are more important. You can start today and don't need to participate in the hunt."
Having said all that, it's an open and obvious scheme.
Qian Zhenyun felt a chill in his heart, but his face remained calm and composed.
"My lord, I obey."
After leaving the Eastern Palace, Qian Zhenyun did not go directly to the Hanlin Academy, but instead returned to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion first.
Gu Qingchen was choosing riding clothes to wear for the hunt when she saw him return, and her eyes crinkled with joy.
"Gungung, come help me see, does this red outfit look better, or does this white outfit look more streamlined?"
Looking at her bright smile, Qian Zhenyun's words suddenly became heavy.
"Qingchen".
"Hmm?" Gu Qingchen picked up the fiery red riding outfit and held it up against himself.
"His Highness has assigned me a task, so I cannot accompany you on this winter hunt."
Gu Qingchen stopped moving.
She slowly put down her clothes, turned around, looked at Qian Zhenyun, and the smile in her eyes gradually faded.
"What kind of mission is it that's so important that you can skip even His Majesty's winter hunt?"
She scoffed, her tone laced with undisguised sarcasm, "Flood control, national stability? He certainly knows how to make excuses."
Qian Zhenyun remained silent and did not speak.
"He's afraid you'll get in the way, so he wants to single me out."
Gu Qingchen sat down in the chair, propping his chin up with one hand, his eyes somewhat cold. "Did he think that by getting you away, I would be afraid of him and would listen to his orders?"
“Doesn’t he want to play games?” She raised her eyes, a defiant flame igniting in them. “I’ll play along to the end.”
Qian Zhenyun shook his head helplessly as he looked at her spirited appearance, but a hint of doting affection flashed in his eyes.
He stepped forward, picked up a candied fruit from the plate beside him, and held it to her lips.
"The Xiyuan hunting grounds are densely wooded and overgrown with grass, be careful when riding a horse." He whispered his advice, as if he were instructing a naive child, "Don't be reckless, your father is here for you."
Gu Qingchen opened his mouth and put the candied fruit in his mouth. The sweetness melted on his tongue, easing the restlessness in his heart.
She gave a mumbled "uh," which was taken as an agreement.
Three days later, at the Royal West Garden.
The winter sky is a clear, deep blue, and the cold wind blows across the open fields, causing colorful flags to flutter and rustle.
Noble families from the capital gathered here, dressed in fine clothes and riding fine horses, laughing and chatting, creating a lively scene.
Gu Qingchen was wearing that fiery red riding outfit today.
It made her skin look even whiter than snow, her eyebrows and eyes more exquisite, and her whole person looked like a burning flame, making her stand out in the crowd.
She deftly dismounted, tossed the reins to a servant, and her expression held a hint of aloof indifference.
"Qingchen." Chu Ruohan walked over, tidied her slightly messy temples, and whispered, "There are many people around today, so stay by your father's side and don't cause any trouble."
"I understand, Mother," Gu Qingchen replied, but her gaze involuntarily swept over the crowd not far away.
She spotted the ceremonial guard of the Prince of Yongding's residence at a glance.
Princess Jiahe was surrounded by several noble ladies. Today, she was dressed in an elegant pale yellow palace dress, with a proper smile on her face. She was gentle and quiet, completely different from her usual arrogant and domineering self.
As if sensing Gu Qingchen's gaze, Princess Jiahe turned her head.
Their eyes met, but there were no sparks flying as expected, nor any venomous glares.
Princess Jiahe even nodded slightly to her, a faint smile playing on her lips. The smile was dignified and distant, as if she were looking at a complete stranger.
This sudden change sent a chill down Gu Qingchen's spine.
If a dog that bites suddenly starts wagging its tail at you, it's not because it's become docile; it's because it's preparing to bite you even harder from an unexpected place.
"Oh, isn't this Miss Gu?" Princess Yongding walked over, fanning herself with a round fan, surrounded by a group of ladies. Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone around to hear.
"You look even better after just a few days."
Gu Qingchen composed himself and gave a proper bow, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."
"I dare not accept such praise." Princess Yongding gave her a forced smile and helped her up. "Now that Miss Gu is the future Crown Princess, it is we, as her subjects, who should pay our respects to you."
The sarcasm in those words was sharp and grating.
Gu Junze's tall figure blocked his daughter's path. "Your Highness is joking. It's nothing to be taken seriously, it's still far from certain."
Just then, a commotion broke out.
"His Majesty has arrived! His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Everyone knelt down and bowed, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"
Gu Qingchen lowered his head, listening to the familiar footsteps approaching step by step.
"Rise, all of you." The emperor's voice was tinged with laughter, indicating that he was in a good mood. "Today is a family banquet, so there's no need to be so formal."
Zhao Chen'an followed behind the emperor. Today, he was also dressed in a dark-colored outfit that was easy to ride and shoot, which made him look tall and handsome.
His gaze swept past the crowd and landed directly on that dazzling red figure.
He wore a gentle smile, as if the falling out that night had never happened.
“Qingchen,” he walked over, his tone as natural as that of a longtime friend, “your riding attire complements the red plum blossoms of the West Garden perfectly. It seems the prize for today is yours.”
To outsiders, this gesture appears to be the Crown Prince's way of showing affection and goodwill towards his future Crown Princess.
But to Gu Qingchen, it sounded hypocritical and disgusting.
She didn't even bother to look up, simply replying, "Your Highness is too kind."
Zhao Chen'an's smile froze for a moment.
The emperor saw all this, laughed heartily, and tried to smooth things over, saying, "That girl from the Gu family has a wild nature, just like her father. Chen'an, you'll have to be more tolerant of her."
He looked at Gu Junze and said meaningfully, "Young people should get to know each other better. The hunting grounds are wide open today, so let them ride their horses and build up their friendship."
Gu Junze bowed and replied, "Your Majesty is right."
Even so, he always stood by his daughter's side, like a silent guardian, keeping away all those with ill intentions.
With a long, drawn-out horn sound, the winter hunt officially began.
The long-suppressed noble sons cheered and spurred their horses, rushing into the vast forest like arrows released from a bow.
Gu Qingchen seemed to finally feel relieved. She nodded to her parents, spurred her horse, and the magnificent black steed neighed and transformed into a red lightning bolt, charging ahead first.
She needed the wind, she needed speed, to blow away the gloom in her heart.
As Zhao Chen'an watched her resolute departure, his grip on the reins tightened unconsciously.