Volume 1 Chapter 20

Volume 1 Chapter 20

Selecting consorts for the emperor was not a task that could be completed in a short period. It was just initiated, and the next steps involved the Ministry of Rites selecting women from various places for the imperial harem. These candidates would then be submitted to the Chief Examiner of the Ministry of Rites for evaluation. Only after passing this scrutiny could they be presented to the emperor. Once chosen, the selected women would undergo further screening upon entering the palace. Considering the extensive process, it would take at least two to three months to complete. Leng Jiu was in no hurry, as she didn’t need to personally handle anything. When the time came, she would participate in the selection.
At present, it was early autumn. The actual induction of the chosen women into the palace would likely occur in late autumn. Currently, it was the annual autumn hunt. Half a month ago, Emperor Long Yi had ordered preparations for the upcoming hunting trip to the Southern Mountains. Tomorrow, they would embark on the hunting expedition, and Leng Jiu, of course, wouldn’t miss such a lively event.
After instructing Lu Chang and giving a few words to Zhao Yan, Leng Jiu took herself, Lu Chang, and two palace maids, following the hunting team.
The phoenix carriage in bright yellow and the imperial hunting chariot were already prepared. Emperor Long Yi, dressed in a light golden dragon robe with a high crown, stood under the magnificent canopy. He exuded an emperor’s demeanor. Accompanied by Consort Li, who wore a light golden auspicious cloud palace outfit and adorned with jewels, they looked regal and dignified. If not for the knowledge that Consort Li was not the empress, everyone would have thought she was.
In contrast, Leng Jiu wore a white brocade peony palace outfit, a simple hairstyle with a few jade flower embellishments, and a light gauze in her hand. She looked like an ordinary consort, lacking the dignified and mature aura expected of an empress dowager. Many people cast glances at her, but quickly averted their eyes, knowing that the young empress dowager could not be judged as an ordinary person. Who would expect her to appear as an elderly woman?
“Depart!”
The long procession began moving from the entrance of the imperial palace. Over a hundred Imperial Guards led the way, followed by the imperial chariot and then mounted civil and military officials. Five hundred more Imperial Guards formed the rear guard, totaling nearly a thousand people whose houses were covered with bright yellow curtains, concealing the interior behind layers of pearl-adorned drapes. Leaving for the Southern Mountains hunting ground was estimated to take three hours. Leng Jiu, uninterested in the external scenery after the earlier commotion, felt drowsy. She ordered the curtains to be lowered and leaned against the pillow, preparing to take a nap.hunun
Suddenly, a gust of wind swayed the curtains, causing them to fall. The people outside remained unaware, but inside, an extra person appeared.
Leng Jiu lazily opened her eyes, “With so many eyes watching, do you want Long Yi to kill you?”
“Kill me if you want! I haven’t slept for quite some time. I don’t want to be jostled on horseback. Just borrowing a spot to lie down!” He said and squeezed over.
Leng Jiu glanced at his handsome face, which showed signs of weariness. She moved her mouth but didn’t say anything. She shifted her body inward, making space for him. Long Yue Li didn’t refuse either; he directly lay down, scooped her into his arms with a long arm, and closed his eyes to sleep.
Leng Jiu glared at him, but his breathing was steady, and he had fallen asleep. Apparently, he was truly exhausted. Moreover, he was just holding her without any significant movements, so she couldn’t be bothered and closed her eyes to sleep.
Leng Jiu woke up from a strange itching sensation. However, she didn’t open her eyes. She grabbed the wandering hand and scolded in a low voice, “Behave, or I’ll throw you out!”
Long Yueli chuckled softly, “What do you think others would say if they saw me being thrown out by you? Remember, behind us are civil and military officials. With so many eyes watching, aren’t you afraid of being accused, my dear empress dowager?”
“You’re not afraid, so why should I be?”
“Hehe! Are you implying something?” Long Yueli laughed mischievously, then quickly lowered his head to peck Leng Jiu’s lips.
“Although I really want to do something, it’s almost time, so I’ll spare you for now.”
As he spoke, he swiftly withdrew, and the curtain moved slightly. The whole person disappeared without a trace. Looking at the empty carriage, Leng Jiu lazily closed her eyes, showing no ripples due to Long Yue Li’s playful teasing.