Chapter 18 Travel
When Ahao returned to the palace, she learned that she would be traveling with the Emperor in two days. Empress Dowager Feng had given the order personally, and although she hesitated, she ultimately had no choice but to obey. The notification was so sudden that she was almost unprepared. Fortunately, she didn't need to prepare much; a day would suffice.
Heavy snow began to fall late at night on the first day of the tenth lunar month and continued until noon on the second day. The weather grew even colder, and the atmosphere of the winter hunt became even stronger. In the blink of an eye, it was the day of departure on the third day of the tenth lunar month. Ah Hao listened to Empress Dowager Feng's instructions and bid her farewell.
Song Shuhao was essentially assigned by Empress Dowager Feng to serve Zhang Yu. Therefore, she first went to meet with Lü Yuan and Lü Chuan, and then went with Zhang Yu and others to Changning Palace to formally bid farewell to Empress Dowager Feng. Princess Zhang Xin, who should have also been in Changning Palace, was nowhere to be seen.
As the first rays of dawn broke, the grand winter hunting procession departed from the palace. The emperor's travels were magnificent and awe-inspiring. Empress Shen Wanru led the concubines who remained in the palace to see the emperor off, watching his entourage disappear from sight bit by bit.
The journey from the palace to the hunting grounds takes two days. A day is enough to reach the palace, where one can rest for a night and then reach the destination the next day. Therefore, the speed of the journey must be guaranteed.
The procession didn't move very fast on the way from the palace to the outskirts of the city. Once they left Lin'an, the pace gradually picked up, and Zhang Yu switched from riding in the imperial palanquin to a horse-drawn carriage. Ahao, who had originally been with several palace maids, was later led by Lü Yuan to Zhang Yu's carriage, where she served him.
Both Lü Yuan and Lü Chuan rode horses, following on either side of the carriage, leaving only Zhang Yu and Ahao inside. Compared to ordinary carriages, the one Zhang Yu rode in was undoubtedly spacious and luxuriously furnished, showcasing the emperor's status in every detail.
Against the carriage wall were two small couches, both covered with soft blankets. Between the two couches was a small ebony table, with a hole in the center just large enough to hold a brazier of the same height. Hot water was boiling on the brazier, and tea sets were placed on the table. There were also hidden compartments in the carriage wall for storing things.
Lu Yuan and Ahao asked permission outside the carriage and received it before Ahao climbed in. Zhang Yu was lounging on a small couch, leaning against a bright yellow embroidered dragon pillow, propping his chin up with his hand and reading a book.
Ah Hao came in, and Zhang Yu didn't even lift his eyelids, but he did change his posture and sit up, casually placing the book in his hand on the small table, without saying a word.
Ah Hao sat properly by the carriage door, still feeling somewhat uncomfortable being alone with Zhang Yu. Just sitting in the same carriage as him, an awkward scene from the past inexplicably surfaced in Ah Hao's mind. She probably had a bit of a phobia of carriages, especially with His Majesty the Emperor inside.
Fortunately, Ah Hao could still calm herself down. Her duty during this period was to serve His Majesty the Emperor well, and things would be alright once this time was over. As for other matters, they would have to wait until she returned to the palace, such as the meaning behind the Empress Dowager's actions.
Zhang Yu glanced at Song Shuhao for a while, but she kept her head down and didn't look at him. Zhang Yu tapped the small table and said to her, "Make tea." Ahao didn't see his expression, but she didn't miss his hand on the small table and his slender, well-defined fingers tapping the table lightly, casually and lazily.
Although it was a small, unintentional act, it was exceptionally pleasing to the eye. However, for A-Hao, Zhang Yu's prestigious status made her dare not admire it too much. Even a single glance could become a mistake, and thus a reason for punishment; even the most beautiful and exquisite things would inevitably lose their charm.
Following Zhang Yu's instructions, Ahao had no choice but to go a little further into the carriage. Finding no tea leaves on the small table, Ahao had to ask again, "Your Majesty, forgive my ignorance, where are the tea leaves?" Her tone was gentle, her demeanor calm.
"It's the third hidden compartment in the bottom row on the left." Zhang Yu pointed to the carriage wall behind Ahao and quickly gave her the location. So Ahao followed his instructions, turned around, and found the hidden compartment, just as he had described.
The hidden compartment is further divided into three smaller compartments, with the celadon jars wrapped in silk cloth to prevent them from being bumped or knocked over. The three jars are identical, distinguished by labels on their surfaces, each containing a different type of tea.
Zhang Yu didn't explain clearly at once. After looking at the varieties listed on the three labels, A-Hao asked him which one he wanted to drink. Zhang Yu simply said anything was fine, so A-Hao chose the Sparrow Tongue tea. Only after Zhang Yu had no objections did A-Hao dare to actually drink it.
Before long, tender green tea leaves floated in the boiling water and cups, slowly intensifying, and a unique aroma filled the carriage. Song Shuhao was skilled at brewing tea, and every movement exuded elegance. Zhang Yu drank the hot tea that Shuhao handed him, and found it even more fragrant and sweet than he had drunk before.
Zhang Yu quietly sipped his tea and made no further requests. Ahao occasionally refilled his tea. Since she wasn't being harassed and Zhang Yu didn't do anything strange, her initial unease subsided considerably.
The journey was bound to be boring, and seeing that she was sitting there listlessly, Zhang Yu "thoughtfully" pulled a book out of a hidden compartment and handed it to A-Hao. This time he added an explanation, saying, "To pass the time."
Zhang Yu's tone was firm and left no room for argument, so Ahao thanked him and accepted the gift. Afterward, he withdrew his hand, but lay down again just as Ahao had done when she came in, covering himself with a thin blanket, and said, "I'll rest for a while."
When they exchanged a glance, Ahao noticed the bloodshot in Zhang Yu's eyes, indicating he hadn't slept well the night before. Since Zhang Yu had said that, Ahao readily agreed, putting down the book she had just received and tidying up the cups and saucers.
Before long, Zhang Yu seemed to have fallen asleep, yet his brows remained furrowed. The sleeping Zhang Yu made A-Hao feel that he was somewhat different from the emperor she had in her heart; he possessed less of the tyranny and more of the serenity. His furrowed brows seemed to silently express that while he held a position above millions, seemingly unrestrained and carefree, he also faced considerable hardships.
Ah Hao didn't know why such a thought had popped into her head, so she stared blankly at Zhang Yu for a moment. Then, she snapped out of it and cursed herself for meddling. Who in this world is without difficulties, and who isn't bound by worldly constraints?
After admonishing herself, Ah Hao put away her inappropriate thoughts and seriously read books to pass the time. The book cover had "Embroidering Wisdom" written neatly on it, which was a bit special.
I randomly flipped to a page, and there happened to be a passage from some unofficial history of an emperor and empress from some unknown dynasty. It said that the emperor and empress were so favored that the empress accidentally got scratched by a branch while strolling in a peach grove, and the emperor ordered that all the peach trees in that grove be cut down.
Ahao couldn't help but marvel at this, feeling that this unknown emperor truly doted on his empress, and also feeling that the peach tree was innocent, clearly being unjustly angered. Thinking this, Ahao's gaze unconsciously fell on Zhang Yu, who was resting opposite her.
Reflecting on the Emperor's past actions, she thought that if he truly cared for someone, he might actually do something like this. Looking back, the Emperor's temper had improved somewhat recently. At least, there hadn't been any instances of palace servants being beaten to death for minor offenses.
Ah Hao remembered that in recent years, the most serious anger His Majesty had ever felt was when Consort Xian clashed with the Empress Dowager. Consort Xian, instigated by someone, relied on His Majesty's favor and, given the rift between His Majesty and the Empress Dowager over Consort Xie at the time, repeatedly spoke out against the Empress Dowager.
Consort Xian's words went too far, and the Empress Dowager was so angry that she collapsed on her bed. At that time, the Emperor, who had not yet reconciled with the Empress Dowager, learned the reason and immediately banished the once-glorious Consort Xian to the Cold Palace. Several of the palace servants in Consort Xian's palace were also beaten to death.
Recalling that incident, the spot where those palace servants were beaten to death was stained red with blood. Even now, many palace servants still subconsciously avoid that place, simply because they feel that vengeful spirits linger there. Thinking of this, Ah Hao's body trembled involuntarily.
She had just actually thought that His Majesty the Emperor might not be so unapproachable after all—such a thought was truly terrifying for someone of her status. How could she forget all the vivid, bloody lessons that had come before… As someone of lowly status, she should be even more vigilant.
Ah Hao took a deep breath, thankful that the strange thought had only crossed her mind for a moment. But after thinking about it once, she lost all interest in reading. Ah Hao closed the book, put it in the hidden compartment, and returned to the carriage door, sitting upright.
Zhang Yu woke up after sleeping for more than an hour. Afterwards, the group stopped to rest for a while, had a simple lunch, and then continued on their way. Ahao remained well-behaved and respectful throughout. Zhang Yu didn't know what she was thinking, but since she was always like this, he didn't find it strange.
They hurried along, and as dusk fell, they finally arrived at the imperial palace. The urgent memorial had just caught up with the procession and arrived at the palace, so Zhang Yu went to attend to it for a while.
Although the palace had been cleaned and prepared in advance by palace servants, Ahao still led several palace maids to check Zhang Yu's room again to make sure everything was prepared in advance. After confirming that there were no problems, she and her people left the room.
Because of her status, Ahao was also given accommodation. She thought she could take a look at Zhang Yu before he returned, so she didn't ask anyone to come with her. Before she even reached her destination, she had someone block her way. Suddenly, the little princess Zhang Xin appeared and looked at her with a smile.
Chapter 19 Self-Reliance
She had been trying to persuade Zhang Yu every day, but to no avail. Two days before departure, she still saw no hope and thought that this time she would really have to stay in the palace. Little did she know that on the night before departure, Lü Yuan came to Yongle Palace to remind her to prepare her luggage, and that's when she learned that her imperial brother had changed his mind.
Zhang Xin didn't know if it was because Lü Yuan's method had worked or what, but when she recalled what she had said back then, she was confused and couldn't figure out why her imperial brother had changed his mind. But in any case, she had left the palace, and Zhang Xin felt that nothing else mattered anymore.
Zhang Xin, who wasn't worried about the reasons at all, was in an extremely happy mood at this moment, and didn't feel tired at all after sitting in the carriage all day. When they arrived at the palace, she was so excited that she couldn't stay in her room, and insisted on going out for a stroll even though it was getting late.
She indeed wandered around aimlessly for a while, and happened to spot Song Shuhao in the distance, carrying a hexagonal glass palace lantern and heading somewhere. Zhang Xin had a mischievous idea and deliberately hid, intending to scare her.
Unfortunately, Ah Hao wasn't startled at all; instead, he smiled at Zhang Xin. Even so, it didn't dampen Zhang Xin's good mood.
She smiled broadly, her eyes crinkling, and said, "I thought I'd give you a scare, hehe!" As she spoke, she reached out and took Ah Hao's arm, "Where are we going? I'm just bored and want to wander around, Ah Hao, I'll come with you."
Nearby were two palace maids carrying palace lanterns, who were accompanying Zhang Xin. Ahao immediately pulled her arm back, indicating that it was inappropriate for Zhang Xin to be seen by others—after all, their statuses were different, and being too intimate would offend others' eyes.
Following Ah Hao's question with a smile, she asked, "Aren't you tired after traveling all day?" She glanced at the sky and didn't know how to agree with Zhang Xin's suggestion of just taking a casual stroll out of boredom, so she could only ask again, "Why isn't the little princess resting?"
"I'm not tired at all," Zhang Xin said with a smile, pulling Ahao along as they continued forward. "My brother refused to agree for the first two days, but then suddenly gave his permission. It was such a pleasant surprise! I'm not tired at all now, I'm full of energy!"
As she spoke, Zhang Xin had already imagined hunting rabbits and deer, having barbecue in the mountains, and perhaps even encountering a white fox if she was lucky. She immediately made a promise with Ahao, "Ahao, let's play together then! And bring along..." She thought for a moment, but her tenth brother probably couldn't go, and Xia Mingzhe would likely be with her elder brother, so she didn't want to go with him. She also didn't know the other more capable ones well...