Chapter 1405: The Overlooked Prince

Under the gaze of the crowd, some twenty-odd people rode into the field on horseback. Apart from a few imperial princes, they were all sons of the meritorious nobility, and none of them were of low status—Han Tong's eldest grandson, Li Gu's second grandson, Guo Rong's fifth son, Wang Quanbin's legitimate grandson. In short, they were all the top second- and third-generation figures of the Great Han.

Dressed resplendently and brimming with vigor, each mounted on fine steeds, they held their heads high and chests out, receiving Emperor Liu's inspection while basking in everyone's gaze. For them, such an occasion increasingly resembled a stage for self-display.

The horns gradually ceased, the drums paused, and the field headquarters slowly fell quiet. Emperor Liu then rose and walked with easy steps to the front of the platform. The moment he moved, he immediately drew the eyes of the several thousand people present.

Emperor Liu did not speak at once, but cast his gaze around in a circle, finally resting it on Duke of Qin Liu Xu, who sat calmly beside Crown Prince Liu Yang. Puzzled, he asked, "Liu Xu, why have you not gone down to the field?"

Upon being asked, Liu Xu hurriedly rose and said with full reverence, "Your subject has never been skilled at archery or horsemanship; let me simply watch my brothers and the other fine young men display their talents!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu fixed his gaze on him for a moment, then said with a light laugh, "Precisely because you are unskilled at archery and horsemanship should you practice all the more. Among your brothers, Liu Hui is best at letters, and Liu Xiao has been frail since childhood—yet they both draw their bows and mount their horses. You, as the eldest brother, should set an example all the more!"

Among the princes accompanying the imperial entourage, all those above the twelfth prince, Liu Han, were required to take the field armed. As for Liu Yang, being the Crown Prince—a half-sovereign—he could remain alongside Emperor Liu to watch and judge.

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Xu, even if his heart truly was not in it, could only reply, "Since that is so, your subject can only make a poor showing!"

"Someone, prepare a bow and horse for the Duke of Qin!" Naturally satisfied, Emperor Liu waved his hand grandly and gave the order to those around him.

"Yes!"

Turning his gaze back to the crowd in the field, Emperor Liu said in a gentle tone, "You are all my nephews and sons, and the future pillars of the Great Han. We have always held you in high regard. The Great Han has stood for twenty-five years now; the founding meritorious officials and elder statesmen are either aged or ailing. Whether the Great Han's future can continue to prosper and flourish rests upon your shoulders, and the peace of the Great Han will also depend on you to maintain.

Since ancient times, one conquers the realm on horseback with arms, and governs the realm on foot with letters. Now, our predecessors have carved out this vast empire and governed it into an ever-strengthening realm to which all directions pay tribute. In the end, it must be handed to you to guard—and that is no easier than conquering the realm or governing the land.

During this period, many have submitted memorials to me, full of extravagant praise, boldly proclaiming peace under heaven and the well-being of all people. I have read them, and my heart was pleased—yet I have always understood that the Great Han has not truly been pacified, nor is it anywhere near the time to rest the horses at the southern hills!

We still need all ranks, high and low, to be of one heart and one mind, to press forward together, and to jointly preserve the dynasty's eternal reign! I have always advocated the equal advancement of both letters and arms. Though archery and horsemanship cannot fully represent your abilities, they can reflect your quality!

Today, before the court's ministers, envoys of various states, and guests of many peoples, you should perform well and display to the fullest the might of our Great Han! Whoever hunts the most shall receive generous rewards from me!"

"Yes!"

Emperor Liu's speech was delivered in a plain and straightforward manner, and due to the openness and quiet of the venue, its impact did not seem particularly profound—but the young men being addressed were all stirred and excited. Regardless, when His Majesty the Emperor gave a speech, one had to play along.

Having made his address, Emperor Liu did not continue to bask in the spotlight. He returned to his seat, waved his hand, and said softly, "Begin!"

At a loud call from Zhang Yong, the Academician of the Inner Court attending the imperial entourage, the drums and horns sounded once more. The group immediately turned their horses and rode out of the field headquarters toward the hunting grounds to commence the hunting competition.

Emperor Liu and the others, meanwhile, waited leisurely and comfortably for the results. Naturally, it was not idle waiting—there were fruits, pastries, fine wines, and delicacies to enjoy, and ample opportunity for socializing and conversation. More importantly, within the field headquarters, there was also a mounted archery competition.

Compared to the imperial princes and nobles, those participating in the mounted archery contest were the true elite of the military. Selected from the various armies of the Three Bureaus, each army sent only one man—the very best at mounted archery. A contest among top-tier experts, featuring all manner of highly difficult technical maneuvers, it was extremely entertaining to watch, and every arrow that struck its mark drew cheers.

Perhaps because of the many people watching, Emperor Liu was mindful of his image. Though his expression was relaxed and cheerful, occasionally exchanging a few words with the Empress, the elder Lady Fu, his posture remained upright throughout, his back and waist held straight. Even when his back began to ache, he kept it taut.

"Father!"

Amid the pleasant atmosphere, two small, thin figures ran up onto the platform and bowed to Emperor Liu. They were the thirteenth prince, Liu Ye, and the fourteenth prince, Liu Xin. Liu Ye was eight years old, with a sturdy, tigerish look, dressed in an exquisite set of miniature armor and carrying a short bow on his back. Liu Xin, following behind him, was even younger—only five.

Seeing his two sons, Emperor Liu revealed a kindly smile and beckoned to Liu Xin. Liu Xin immediately threw himself into Emperor Liu's arms. Looking at Liu Ye's eager expression, he asked, "Little Thirteen, with this getup of yours, what is it you intend to do?"

Liu Ye raised his head and looked at Emperor Liu, asking, "All my brothers can mount horses and go hunting—why won't you let me join?"

"You're still too young. Bringing you along is only to let you see the world and join in the excitement!" Emperor Liu said with a light laugh.

Hearing this, a clear look of defiance appeared on Liu Ye's small face. Stiffening his neck, he said, "When examining archery skill, what does age matter? Though I am young in years, I can already draw a bow and strike a foe. I may not be able to hunt tigers, leopards, bears, or brown bears, but hares and field mice are no trouble at all!"

"Small in years, but not small in talk!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu scolded him once, then turned his head to the elder Lady Fu and said, "Liu Fang was just the same at this age. Who would have thought my little Thirteen would surpass him—spouting such wild boasts at the drop of a hat!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Ye's originally excited expression immediately fell. Though young, he was not entirely unable to tell good from bad. He bit his lip lightly, his bright eyes fixed on Emperor Liu, his gaze tinged with grievance yet suffused with stubbornness.

Emperor Liu glanced at him, then set Liu Xin on his lap and asked with a smile, "Little Fourteen, tell your father—do you also want to ride horses and hunt, just like your brother Xin?"

Liu Xin was still somewhat bewildered. He looked at Liu Ye, then met Emperor Liu's gaze, and quickly shook his head, saying in a low voice, "I just came to see you, Father. You haven't come to see Mother and me in a long time."

Emperor Liu was briefly at a loss for words. He raised his head and searched, finding among the consorts' seats his mother, Consort Yelu. At that moment, Consort Yelu was also cautiously glancing this way. Noticing Emperor Liu's gaze, she started in surprise and quickly looked away.

Since the northern expedition last year, after returning to court with the imperial entourage, Emperor Liu had indeed not favored Consort Yelu again. His gaze softened, and Emperor Liu pinched Liu Xin's delightfully soft cheek, saying with a laugh, "This is my failing. I will make it up in the future!"

Conversing with Liu Xin had clearly left Liu Ye standing there neglected, making him feel lonely and awkward. The grievance in his eyes deepened, turning slightly red, yet he instinctively held it back.

Seeing this, the elder Lady Fu beckoned to him: "Little Thirteen, come over here!"

Liu Ye did not move, still staring at Emperor Liu, his small eyes conveying two words: stubbornness. Seeing this, Emperor Liu said, "Did you not hear what the Empress said?"

Hearing this, Liu Ye finally walked over to the elder Lady Fu's side and stood with his head silently lowered. Seeing Liu Ye in such a pitiful state, the elder Lady Fu shot Emperor Liu a reproachful glare, then reached out to gently stroke Liu Ye's head and said softly, "Don't hang your head like that. Your father simply hasn't seen it—he hasn't seen your martial skill. He doesn't believe you, so show him!"

These words made Emperor Liu feel somewhat embarrassed, and the skin of his face involuntarily twitched. In this world, only the elder Lady Fu could speak of him this way without incurring his anger.

Liu Ye raised his head, the interest returning to his brow, and looked at Emperor Liu once more. Seeing this, Emperor Liu said, "The Empress has spoken, so I must listen. Very well, let me see what you can do!"

"Just you wait!" Liu Ye replied immediately.

With that, he turned and went down from the platform. Soon, a small yellow horse was driven by Liu Ye out of the field headquarters. Judging by his riding posture, he was quite at ease, with not a trace of strain.

At this, Emperor Liu was somewhat surprised.

Noticing the surprise on Emperor Liu's face, the elder Lady Fu then said, "Don't underestimate Liu Ye just because he's young. He has been practicing archery and horsemanship for quite some time now. I won't say his skill is extraordinary, but he can already achieve results!"

"Is that so! I only thought the boy was trying to show off in front of me with wild boasts!" Emperor Liu said with a light laugh.

"You, when you find the leisure, should also spare some care for your young sons and daughters!" the elder Lady Fu said with a soft sigh.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu looked at Liu Xin, who sat affectionately in his arms, then gazed at Liu Ye as he gradually rode into the distance, momentarily lost in thought. Suddenly, a scene surfaced in his mind—from last year in the palace, when Liu Ye had used branches from the flower garden as enemies and hacked at them with a sword. Even then, he had sensed in the boy a longing for his father's attention...