Ban Heng had long known that his sister had gathered a pile of things from east and west in preparation for this autumn hunt such as all kinds of crowns* and riding boots and so on. He didn’t at all understand how his sister could turn something simple like going on a hunt into such a song and dance.
But seeing his sister’s appearance in fiery red clothes, Ban Heng’s chest swelled with pride. In the whole of the capital, only his sister had the ability to carry such a gorgeous red hue. With such a beautiful elder sister he had developed one good habit from an early age and that was precisely to view beauty as something as transient as floating clouds. Anyway, his sister’s beauty beat everyone else.
The two siblings walked to the main courtyard where Yin Shi was waiting for them. When she saw them come out, she stuffed the blessing bag* that she had personally requested a few days ago into their hands saying, “The sword has no eyes. You two should be careful.”
“Rest assured, mother. I will take care of Heng di*.” Ban Hua took the blessing bag, hung it around her neck and cautiously tucked it into her clothes. “Are you really not going with us?”
“You go. I don’t like all this horse riding and archery. Even if I do go, I can only sit in the camp in vain. Instead it’s better to sit comfortably in the Houfu with people to serve me.” Yin Shi smiled and touched the gold leaf crown on Ban Hua’s head. “This looks beautiful like it’s made just for you.”
Ban Hua looked at Yin Shi’s smiling face and bowed toward her cupping her hands like a man, “Mother, wait for me to hunt and bring back a few good furs and make cushions for you. ”
“Just in time for winter. I was just thinking that the cushions at home were not soft enough.” Yin Shi laughed. “Now, leave quickly or you will be late.”
The two siblings said goodbye to their mother and followed Ban Huai out of the house.
It was also interesting that though Ban Huai was the descendant of a military family, he was not good at riding and archery. Usually he could manage riding a horse at a trot but when it came to pulling a bow and shooting arrows, it was simply embarrassing. Fortunately, he didn’t take it to heart, no matter how other people scolded him for shaming the name of the general’s family. He didn’t go out and show off because of this. Noone knew who he had inherited such a good attitude from.
In the western suburbs of the capital, there was a large royal hunting ground with all kinds of animals in it. Even those animals which should not exist in the region of the capital would appear on the hunting ground obediently during the Emperor’s hunts.
“This year’s weather is favourable for crops, the grass is fertile and the horses are strong. It must be a bumper harvest year,” Emperor Yun Qing turned to his two sons who were behind him. “Do you know what the price of grain is this year?”
The Crown Prince’s cheeks flushed bright red. How would he know the price of grain? Recently, his favorite concubine had given birth to a pair of dragon and phoenix twins*. He was so happy that he didn’t even know east from west and how could he still care about these things?
“Fu Huang, instead of asking your son this kind of question, you might as well go ask those ministers.” the Second Prince said cynically in hoodlum-like tones, “How will your son know these things that even Elder Brother does not know?”
Ever since the emperor had coerced him to marry the girl from Zhongping Bofu, there had been animosity between him and the Crown Prince, so much so that he unstintingly threw muddy water over the Crown Prince even in the presence of the emperor.
Emperor Yun Qing looked at these two grown sons of his. One was mediocre and the other was disobedient. He felt that if he looked at them any more, he would kick them off the horse.
“Jun Po, you come and talk about it.” The two biological sons were so worrisome and the emperor could only look to his beloved courtiers to find a little mental balance.
“Your Majesty, currently in the capital, polished rice costs six wen* per sheng* and brown rice costs 4 wen* per sheng*.” Rong Xia rode his horse to move forward a few steps, “The price is a little cheaper than the previous two months.”
“Ah,” Emperor Yun Qing nodded in satisfaction, “It consoles my heart to have a minister like Jun Po.”
Hearing this, the Crown Prince blushed so red in shame that he looked like he was about to bleed, but the second prince glanced at Rong Xia in annoyance. However, it was a pity that Rong Xia didn’t even look at him, making him even more angry.
It was exactly at this time that the people of Zhongping Bofu arrived. The second prince glanced at Xie Wanyu, who was riding on horseback, and felt a bit fed up. Thinking that he had to actually formally marry such a commonplace woman as his wáng fēi* made him feel unhappy.
Xie Wanyu didn’t know that her future husband had already started to feel vexed about her in his heart. Thinking that she would meet the Second Prince on the hunting ground today, she hadn’t slept well the previous night and had to rely on thick makeup to hide the tiredness on her face. If she had looked up and glimpsed the Second Prince’s expression at that time, she might perhaps have become aware that this man, whom she was on the verge of committing her life to, may not be her beloved.
“Sister Xie,” Shi Feixian wore a pure white riding outfit and a veiled hat* on her head. She walked closer to Xie Wanyu before lifting the veil on her hat, exposing her cheek. “Unexpectedly, you arrived a step earlier than me.”
Xie Wanyu saluted her father, Zhong Pingbo, then rode her horse towards Shi Feixian and smilingly said, “I was still worried that you wouldn’t come today!”
Shi Feixian looked in the direction of Rong Xia but Rong Xia, who was talking to His Majesty, had not paid attention to her arrival. She was somewhat disappointed and turning to Xie Wanyu, said, “The second prince is really elegant and charming.”
“There you go again!” Xie Wanyu’s cheeks flushed red, “If you make fun of me again, I will ignore you!”
“Fine, fine, fine! No more joking.” Shi Feixian had been continuously following Rong Xia’s movements from the corner of her eyes, but besides speaking with His Majesty, he was just talking to other ministers and had never looked at her from beginning to end.
“Da Da Da.”
A burst of clopping sounds from horse hoofs suddenly came from behind her. Shi Feixian looked back, only to see an excellent snow white steed carrying a red clad woman speeding towards this side. Though the woman was still some distance away from her, Shi Feixian’s intuition told her that this woman was definitely capable of attracting the attention of many people present there.
As the horse got closer, Shi Feixian recognized who she was.
Ban Hua! Unexpectedly it turned out to be her. Sure enough, it was her.
She looked at the beautiful and exquisite golden buyao in Ban Hua's hair and shook her head. And then she saw Rong Xia glance at Ban Hua. She felt odd.
That glance made her heart feel like a needle pierced through.
"Oh, the miss from the Ban family is here." Hearing the sound of horse hooves, the emperor, in his heart, had wondered who was running the horse. The smile on his face broadened when he looked up, "I know. Except for this girl, few people dare to do this in front of me."
Rong Xia followed Emperor Yun Qing's sight.(1)
The white and red dress with Zhu Yan golden buyao looked particularly dazzling.
"Drive!" Seeing the Emperor and his party, Ban Hua whipped her horse, speeded up, and came to the emperor. Then she turned over and jumped off the horse.She came near and bowed to the emperor: "This Jun Princess(2) greets your Majesty."
"Get up, get up" Emperor Yun Qing smiled and glanced behind her, "Where are your father and brother?"
"They can't compare with me in riding skills. Moreover, I was anxious to see your Majesty, so I came here first," Ban Hua smiled and stepped forward. After a step, she said, "I haven't seen your majesty for a few days, and your majesty already looks a lot more heroic than before ."
"You, girl, are used to talking nonsense," Emperor Yun Qing looked at the lively girl in front of him, with a wide smile on his face, "I am old. It's not like you young people."
"Your Majesty, you are the lord of the world, a generation of Mingjun, how can you compare yourself to a little girl like me?" Ban Hua had been well versed in flattering the emperor since she was a child. So even though she was only the Emperor's Zhínǚ(niece), but in front of the emperor, she had more face than those of the royal palace.
The emperor laughed with her more often than with the daughters born to his concubines.
"Hahahaha", The emperor laughed loudly, "Well, this horse whip shall be given to you, this little girl. And I hope, little girl, you will come back with more prey."
He looked at the bright and beautiful girl in front of him, and his heartfelt sad. It's a pity that this was his Zhínǚ, otherwise, he would definitely put such a stunner into the palace as his favourite concubine, give her the most beautiful jewellery, the most gorgeous fabrics, and put her into captivity.
Fortunately, Emperor Yun Qing's morals were still on the passing line, and his love for Ban Hua remained on the line of uncle and niece. He was also a very responsible father. So, although he favoured Ban Hua, he would never let his son marry such a woman as his wife.
It's okay for a girl like this to be spoiled, by the older generation, as a daughter, but if you marry her back to be a daughter-in-law, it would be a bit troublesome.
"Thanks to your majesty." Ban Hua took the horsewhip and flicked it in her hand, "Your Majesty's whip is better than mine." After speaking, she took out the whip she was wearing on her waist and threw it aside, and pinned the horsewhip that the emperor gave her to her waist, "When Jun Princess hunts something good, it will be given to you."
Jiang Luo's glimpsed at Ban Hua's white and tender earlobes and wrists, and then quickly looked away, raising his eyebrows in disdain.
For so many years, Ban Hua had always been so extravagant and bizarre, but her father loved her attitude, and he loved to reward her as if there was nothing to do. So, she had become even more wild and arrogant.
Thinking of the woman he liked was also upset by Ban Hua, Jiang Luo became more critical of her.
No wonder no man dared to marry her, such a woman...
His eyes swept across Ban Hua's soft and smooth face and he felt he didn't want anything to do with such a woman.
"Weichen has seen your majesty," the Ban family father and son finally rushed up. Without saying a word, Ban Huai directly pleaded guilty to Emperor Yunqing, "The little girl is innocent, it is this weichen who is not strict in discipline, please forgive, Your Majesty."
"Forgive, for what crime?" The smile on Emperor Yun Qing's face prevailed, "I think your daughter is very good, don't hold her back."
"Thank you." Ban Huai stood up straight without reluctance and tugged his son away into the group of officials.
"Your Majesty, that courtier also retires." Ban Hua touched the whip on her waist, looking like she couldn't wait to set off.
Ban Heng had long known that his sister had gathered a pile of things from east and west in preparation for this autumn hunt such as all kinds of crowns* and riding boots and so on. He didn’t at all understand how his sister could turn something simple like going on a hunt into such a song and dance.
But seeing his sister’s appearance in fiery red clothes, Ban Heng’s chest swelled with pride. In the whole of the capital, only his sister had the ability to carry such a gorgeous red hue. With such a beautiful elder sister he had developed one good habit from an early age and that was precisely to view beauty as something as transient as floating clouds. Anyway, his sister’s beauty beat everyone else.
The two siblings walked to the main courtyard where Yin Shi was waiting for them. When she saw them come out, she stuffed the blessing bag* that she had personally requested a few days ago into their hands saying, “The sword has no eyes. You two should be careful.”
“Rest assured, mother. I will take care of Heng di*.” Ban Hua took the blessing bag, hung it around her neck and cautiously tucked it into her clothes. “Are you really not going with us?”
“You go. I don’t like all this horse riding and archery. Even if I do go, I can only sit in the camp in vain. Instead it’s better to sit comfortably in the Houfu with people to serve me.” Yin Shi smiled and touched the gold leaf crown on Ban Hua’s head. “This looks beautiful like it’s made just for you.”
Ban Hua looked at Yin Shi’s smiling face and bowed toward her cupping her hands like a man, “Mother, wait for me to hunt and bring back a few good furs and make cushions for you. ”
“Just in time for winter. I was just thinking that the cushions at home were not soft enough.” Yin Shi laughed. “Now, leave quickly or you will be late.”
The two siblings said goodbye to their mother and followed Ban Huai out of the house.
It was also interesting that though Ban Huai was the descendant of a military family, he was not good at riding and archery. Usually he could manage riding a horse at a trot but when it came to pulling a bow and shooting arrows, it was simply embarrassing. Fortunately, he didn’t take it to heart, no matter how other people scolded him for shaming the name of the general’s family. He didn’t go out and show off because of this. Noone knew who he had inherited such a good attitude from.
In the western suburbs of the capital, there was a large royal hunting ground with all kinds of animals in it. Even those animals which should not exist in the region of the capital would appear on the hunting ground obediently during the Emperor’s hunts.
“This year’s weather is favourable for crops, the grass is fertile and the horses are strong. It must be a bumper harvest year,” Emperor Yun Qing turned to his two sons who were behind him. “Do you know what the price of grain is this year?”
The Crown Prince’s cheeks flushed bright red. How would he know the price of grain? Recently, his favorite concubine had given birth to a pair of dragon and phoenix twins*. He was so happy that he didn’t even know east from west and how could he still care about these things?
“Fu Huang, instead of asking your son this kind of question, you might as well go ask those ministers.” the Second Prince said cynically in hoodlum-like tones, “How will your son know these things that even Elder Brother does not know?”
Ever since the emperor had coerced him to marry the girl from Zhongping Bofu, there had been animosity between him and the Crown Prince, so much so that he unstintingly threw muddy water over the Crown Prince even in the presence of the emperor.
Emperor Yun Qing looked at these two grown sons of his. One was mediocre and the other was disobedient. He felt that if he looked at them any more, he would kick them off the horse.
“Jun Po, you come and talk about it.” The two biological sons were so worrisome and the emperor could only look to his beloved courtiers to find a little mental balance.
“Your Majesty, currently in the capital, polished rice costs six wen* per sheng* and brown rice costs 4 wen* per sheng*.” Rong Xia rode his horse to move forward a few steps, “The price is a little cheaper than the previous two months.”
“Ah,” Emperor Yun Qing nodded in satisfaction, “It consoles my heart to have a minister like Jun Po.”
Hearing this, the Crown Prince blushed so red in shame that he looked like he was about to bleed, but the second prince glanced at Rong Xia in annoyance. However, it was a pity that Rong Xia didn’t even look at him, making him even more angry.
It was exactly at this time that the people of Zhongping Bofu arrived. The second prince glanced at Xie Wanyu, who was riding on horseback, and felt a bit fed up. Thinking that he had to actually formally marry such a commonplace woman as his wáng fēi* made him feel unhappy.
Xie Wanyu didn’t know that her future husband had already started to feel vexed about her in his heart. Thinking that she would meet the Second Prince on the hunting ground today, she hadn’t slept well the previous night and had to rely on thick makeup to hide the tiredness on her face. If she had looked up and glimpsed the Second Prince’s expression at that time, she might perhaps have become aware that this man, whom she was on the verge of committing her life to, may not be her beloved.
“Sister Xie,” Shi Feixian wore a pure white riding outfit and a veiled hat* on her head. She walked closer to Xie Wanyu before lifting the veil on her hat, exposing her cheek. “Unexpectedly, you arrived a step earlier than me.”
Xie Wanyu saluted her father, Zhong Pingbo, then rode her horse towards Shi Feixian and smilingly said, “I was still worried that you wouldn’t come today!”
Shi Feixian looked in the direction of Rong Xia but Rong Xia, who was talking to His Majesty, had not paid attention to her arrival. She was somewhat disappointed and turning to Xie Wanyu, said, “The second prince is really elegant and charming.”
“There you go again!” Xie Wanyu’s cheeks flushed red, “If you make fun of me again, I will ignore you!”
“Fine, fine, fine! No more joking.” Shi Feixian had been continuously following Rong Xia’s movements from the corner of her eyes, but besides speaking with His Majesty, he was just talking to other ministers and had never looked at her from beginning to end.
“Da Da Da.”
A burst of clopping sounds from horse hoofs suddenly came from behind her. Shi Feixian looked back, only to see an excellent snow white steed carrying a red clad woman speeding towards this side. Though the woman was still some distance away from her, Shi Feixian’s intuition told her that this woman was definitely capable of attracting the attention of many people present there.
As the horse got closer, Shi Feixian recognized who she was.
Ban Hua! Unexpectedly it turned out to be her. Sure enough, it was her.
She looked at the beautiful and exquisite golden buyao in Ban Hua's hair and shook her head. And then she saw Rong Xia glance at Ban Hua. She felt odd.
That glance made her heart feel like a needle pierced through.
"Oh, the miss from the Ban family is here." Hearing the sound of horse hooves, the emperor, in his heart, had wondered who was running the horse. The smile on his face broadened when he looked up, "I know. Except for this girl, few people dare to do this in front of me."
Rong Xia followed Emperor Yun Qing's sight.(1)
The white and red dress with Zhu Yan golden buyao looked particularly dazzling.
"Drive!" Seeing the Emperor and his party, Ban Hua whipped her horse, speeded up, and came to the emperor. Then she turned over and jumped off the horse.She came near and bowed to the emperor: "This Jun Princess(2) greets your Majesty."
"Get up, get up" Emperor Yun Qing smiled and glanced behind her, "Where are your father and brother?"
"They can't compare with me in riding skills. Moreover, I was anxious to see your Majesty, so I came here first," Ban Hua smiled and stepped forward. After a step, she said, "I haven't seen your majesty for a few days, and your majesty already looks a lot more heroic than before ."
"You, girl, are used to talking nonsense," Emperor Yun Qing looked at the lively girl in front of him, with a wide smile on his face, "I am old. It's not like you young people."
"Your Majesty, you are the lord of the world, a generation of Mingjun, how can you compare yourself to a little girl like me?" Ban Hua had been well versed in flattering the emperor since she was a child. So even though she was only the Emperor's Zhínǚ(niece), but in front of the emperor, she had more face than those of the royal palace.
The emperor laughed with her more often than with the daughters born to his concubines.
"Hahahaha", The emperor laughed loudly, "Well, this horse whip shall be given to you, this little girl. And I hope, little girl, you will come back with more prey."
He looked at the bright and beautiful girl in front of him, and his heartfelt sad. It's a pity that this was his Zhínǚ, otherwise, he would definitely put such a stunner into the palace as his favourite concubine, give her the most beautiful jewellery, the most gorgeous fabrics, and put her into captivity.
Fortunately, Emperor Yun Qing's morals were still on the passing line, and his love for Ban Hua remained on the line of uncle and niece. He was also a very responsible father. So, although he favoured Ban Hua, he would never let his son marry such a woman as his wife.
It's okay for a girl like this to be spoiled, by the older generation, as a daughter, but if you marry her back to be a daughter-in-law, it would be a bit troublesome.
"Thanks to your majesty." Ban Hua took the horsewhip and flicked it in her hand, "Your Majesty's whip is better than mine." After speaking, she took out the whip she was wearing on her waist and threw it aside, and pinned the horsewhip that the emperor gave her to her waist, "When Jun Princess hunts something good, it will be given to you."
Jiang Luo's glimpsed at Ban Hua's white and tender earlobes and wrists, and then quickly looked away, raising his eyebrows in disdain.
For so many years, Ban Hua had always been so extravagant and bizarre, but her father loved her attitude, and he loved to reward her as if there was nothing to do. So, she had become even more wild and arrogant.
Thinking of the woman he liked was also upset by Ban Hua, Jiang Luo became more critical of her.
No wonder no man dared to marry her, such a woman...
His eyes swept across Ban Hua's soft and smooth face and he felt he didn't want anything to do with such a woman.
"Weichen has seen your majesty," the Ban family father and son finally rushed up. Without saying a word, Ban Huai directly pleaded guilty to Emperor Yunqing, "The little girl is innocent, it is this weichen who is not strict in discipline, please forgive, Your Majesty."
"Forgive, for what crime?" The smile on Emperor Yun Qing's face prevailed, "I think your daughter is very good, don't hold her back."
"Thank you." Ban Huai stood up straight without reluctance and tugged his son away into the group of officials.
"Your Majesty, that courtier also retires." Ban Hua touched the whip on her waist, looking like she couldn't wait to set off.
"Go, go." Emperor Yun Qing saw her intentions at a glance and waved to let her play by herself. He is a man, an elder, and the Emperor. Seeing that the younger generations who are young and charming like things given to them and wanting to show off with others with this kind of straightforwardness. It pleased him very well.
With Ban Hua's interruption, The Emperor also forgot the unhappiness that the Crown prince and the second prince had caused him just now. He glanced at the sky and announced to everyone behind him: "Get ready to start."
Before the hunt, a member of the Ministry of Rites had to set the altar and pray to heaven, so that God may bless everyone to return safely with the hunt.
This custom from ancient times has become a formality before the royal hunting, but it is related to the safety of the royal family and the important court officials, so no one dares to be careless.
"Isn't it just a whip? look at her frivolous appearance.", Xie Wan saw some noble ladies with flat eyed eyes flattering Ban Hua and felt terribly strained. She turned to Shi Feixian and said," How come Jingting Hou Fu Raised such a daughter?"
Shi Feixian sneered: "A straw bale is a straw bale. In the presence of so many people, it is really offensive to act like this."
Xie Wanyu looked at Shi Feixian in surprise. Although Feixian did not appreciate Ban-Hua's behaviour before, she had never used such a sharp tone to speak of her. This was the first time today.
Shi Feixian also noticed that she was a bit too harsh, so she smiled reluctantly, "Let's go. Let's find a place to rest. We don't have to compete with those stinky men for prey."
"Well, okay." Xie Wanyu nodded, not keeping Shi Feixian's actions in her heart. ───※ ·· ※───Notes1. So,the first time Rong Xia looked at Ban Hua, it was just a glance. Ok, so he paid zero attention to Shi Feixian but showed some attention to Ban Hua.So, shi Feixian felt sad.The second time he properly looked at her, then he saw that she was wearing a red and white dress......
2.Jùn jūn – Title given to female members of the imperial clan; 2 ranks above Xiangjun; Translated as “Lady of a Commandery” or “Lady of the First Rank” (source-The previous translator(whynotsmiletranslations.home.blog)
The translator used Jun Princess. So,I will also be using the term Jun Princess for this rank.
T/N : The struggle
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