CHAPTER 592: CHAPTER 494: MUST WIN IN HORSEBACK ARCHERY

Emperor Liang was momentarily at a loss for words.

Though the ruler’s words were not to be taken lightly, when he originally made the promise to that little mischief, he hadn’t expected her to ask him for a mother.

If one were to suggest Yan Xiaojiu had instigated this, Emperor Liang didn’t believe it.

It wasn’t that he trusted Yan Xiaojiu much, but rather because whenever Yan Xiaojiu taught the little one horseback riding, there were always palace attendants present. The moment she tried to instigate something, someone would have gone to report it to Jinluan Palace.

Besides, the little one was as crafty as could be—who could truly manipulate her?

Recalling how Nie’er called "Zhaozhao" this and "Zhaozhao" that, while the imperial concubines failed to curry even the slightest favor with the little one, Emperor Liang mused that if Yan Xiaojiu really could manipulate the child, it would have to be because of her own great skill.

His gaze fell upon Meng Qianqian’s face.

Since Meng Qianqian had entered the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, she had always worn a veil. But one’s eyes never lie.

No matter what schemes she harbored in the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, her care for the little one was genuine.

Emperor Liang asked, "How old are you this year?"

Meng Qianqian replied, "In response to Your Majesty, this commoner is eighteen."

Emperor Liang nodded slightly and then asked, "Are you married?"

Meng Qianqian replied, "Not yet."

Marriages in Great Zhou—since when did they care about such things in Liang Country?

Emperor Liang continued, "Do you have any living family members?"

Meng Qianqian replied, "I no longer have any relatives. It was my master who took me in. Currently, my master is the only family I have."

Emperor Liang nodded again.

Treasure Piggy took the moment to press on, twisting and wriggling in Emperor Liang’s arms as she whimpered coquettishly, "Great-Grandpa, I don’t have a mom. Poor me, right?"

Emperor Liang feigned a stern expression. "You have your Great-Grandpa, and yet you think you’re pitiful? What did you say back then? You said having me is enough—isn’t that what you said?"

Treasure Piggy, who had sung one too many praises of the emperor in her time, now forgot her own words and felt a flash of guilt.

Seeing her fidgeting with her little hands and her round eyes darting nervously, Emperor Liang nearly burst into laughter but managed to hold it in.

Then, with a stubborn pout, Treasure Piggy deployed her final act of defiance: "Whatever the case, I want a mom."

Emperor Liang had already intended to find a match for Lu Yuan, but with Lu Qi’s upcoming wedding, he had to focus on settling this grandson’s marriage first.

Besides, there was still the unresolved matter of his own mother’s status.

All those years ago, his second son returned from a journey and proclaimed that he had married a village maiden during their travels. According to him, she had sacrificed herself to save him, and so he vowed never to remarry in his lifetime.

Whether that story was true or false, back then, he was merely the second son and wasn’t required to inherit Prince Qin Mansion.

Emperor Liang, never one to be enamored or entangled by love, hadn’t expected to sire such a sentimental fool.

For a time, he had even wondered if something was physically wrong with the boy.

"Take Zhaozhao riding first," Emperor Liang said, handing the little one over to Meng Qianqian.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Meng Qianqian replied, taking the child’s hand and heading toward the field Emperor Liang had specially prepared for her.

Emperor Liang then turned to Eunuch Yu and commanded, "Summon the Crown Prince."

That day, Lu Yuan had made quite a show of himself. Once seen as idle and unruly, he stunned many with his exceptional talents and newfound gravity, earning the respect of many courtiers.

As soon as court ended, he and his father found themselves surrounded by a throng of ministers.

Some came to congratulate them. Some flattered. Some came with questions. Others, like Zhang Qufeng and the other henchmen of Prince Jin, glared at them with gritted teeth, wishing they could kill them with a mere glance.

There were even a few, such as Cabinet Minister Meng, who tried to take Lu Yuan as their closed-door disciple.

The Minister of Agriculture said, "Your Highness Prince Changsun, let us plant some fields together one day."

Lu Yuan replied, "Sure, sure."

Lu Zhaoyan quipped, "While others may bond over drinks, the two of you pick farming."

The emperor’s summons rescued the father and son duo from the crowd.

They quickly made their way to the Diligent Governance Hall.

"Father," Lu Zhaoyan greeted.

"Grandfather," Lu Yuan added.

Seeing that Lu Yuan was also present, Emperor Liang acknowledged him with a slight grunt.

Lu Zhaoyan couldn’t help but think that his father really did dote on his grandchildren. If Prince Ming had shown up instead, his father would have chased him out the door within seconds.

And the likely justification would have been, "Were you summoned?"

Emperor Liang turned to Lu Yuan. "For tomorrow’s horseback archery competition, have your mother come to the palace as well."

In surprise, Lu Yuan asked, "She has to compete too?"

Emperor Liang frowned. "...To observe."

"Oh," Lu Yuan replied, a tinge of disappointment creeping into his voice.

Why did he actually want to see White Little Chub wreak havoc in the palace?

Emperor Liang returned to his memorials, leaving the two to take their leave.

He made no further mention of Lu Yuan’s two consecutive victories that had left everyone astonished.

Once outside the Diligent Governance Hall, the father and son considered heading to the field to chat with Meng Qianqian and Zhaozhao. However, they soon learned that Consort Jiang had invited the mother and daughter to the inner palace.

With no other options, they gave up the idea.

On the way back, despite his attempts at feigned composure, Lu Zhaoyan’s subtle anxiety couldn’t escape the sharp perception of the Great Traitor.

This cheap "father" of his was clearly more on edge than usual.

The nervousness only appeared after leaving the Imperial Study Room, so it wasn’t about tomorrow’s match against Lu Qi.

It must have been about his mother.

"Are you so worried about my mother entering the palace?" Lu Yuan asked.

"I’m afraid she doesn’t want to go and might end up feeling wronged in the palace," Lu Zhaoyan admitted.

"Don’t worry. My mother won’t feel wronged," Lu Yuan reassured him with confidence.

The palace’s drama—it would be a waste not to watch.

As for being aggrieved, that was simply impossible.

White Little Chub could tolerate anyone but herself being wronged.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Zhaoyan said, "As long as she’s willing to go, that’s good. I’ll protect Xiaobai and make sure she’s not mistreated."

Even before Lu Yuan, Lu Zhaoyan still primarily referred to Liu Qingyun by her name instead of using "your mother."

In Lu Zhaoyan’s mind, Xiaobai was first and foremost herself, and only secondly his son’s mother.

"You’d better perform well tomorrow and not embarrass yourself," Lu Zhaoyan warned.

Lu Yuan’s tone turned mischievous. "Didn’t you say it doesn’t matter if I win or lose? If I lose, isn’t it your fault for not raising me well?"

Lu Zhaoyan paused. "...I can be embarrassed, but Xiaobai cannot."

Lu Yuan twitched his mouth slightly. Why was he, a grown man in his twenties, still being force-fed his father’s and mother’s affectionate banter...

-

Elsewhere, Prince Jin and Lu Qi sat in their carriage on their way back to the mansion.

Gongsun Yanming was also present.

The rocky start to the competition had soured their moods, leaving father and son visibly displeased.

"Who could have expected that boy to hide his true abilities so well!" Prince Jin lamented in frustration. "Wasn’t he just a good-for-nothing? Where did he get such skills? Could there have been any leak of the exam questions?"

He refused to accept that a supposed idiot could outperform his son, especially in his son’s expertise—the Four Classics.

Gongsun Yanming interjected, "The questions were only decided last night. As for which one would appear on the test, it depended solely on their random draw. Even if someone leaked the topics, if he could memorize all the answers in just one night, it would still prove his capabilities."

Prince Jin scowled. "State Preceptor, are you speaking in favor of that boy?"

Gongsun Yanming replied evenly, "I’m merely stating the truth."

Prince Jin sneered coldly. "It’s just luck! Tomorrow’s horseback archery—let them leak the questions as much as they want! Unlike essays, martial arts can’t be mastered overnight."

Gongsun Yanming cautioned once more, "I’ll say it again—do not underestimate your opponent."

Prince Jin retorted with displeasure, "Why must the State Preceptor undermine us to boost their morale? It’s just two rounds. Don’t tell me you’re actually intimidated now?"

Gongsun Yanming replied calmly, "If the Imperial Grandson continues to win, it won’t take more than two more rounds for him to completely win over the court’s favor."

"Win over their favor?"

Prince Jin furrowed his brow.

Gongsun Yanming explained with measured patience, "The emperor’s intent behind arranging these competitions isn’t merely to distinguish their talents but to introduce both princes to the court ministers. What the Commandery Prince truly needs to win isn’t just these matches, but the people’s hearts. Even if Lu Yuan wins every match, as long as he fails to win their favor, he will lose the emperor’s grace and the courtiers’ support."

Clenching his fists, Lu Qi declared, "I’ll win the contests—and their hearts too!"