Chapter 62: In High Spirits, Deciding to Reward Myself!

At Li Chen’s signal, Zhao Wenyuan continued: “Regarding the upcoming Spring Hunt in ten days, I dare to ask His Majesty: where shall we designate as the hunting ground? So that I may prepare in advance and make proper arrangements.”

Li Chen knew very little about court affairs, but he was familiar with the Spring Hunt.

The Spring Hunt was an imperial hunting expedition held in the spring wilderness.

When the former emperor hunted, Li Chen, as a prince, had also participated.

He merely did not wish to reveal his full strength; he did not deliberately pretend to be weak.

Since all the princes were highly capable, Li Chen only needed to perform averagely, and no one paid him any attention.

If he deliberately performed poorly, everyone might suspect he was concealing his true abilities.

The TianCe Dynasty had long maintained the tradition of awarding the Top Graduate with the honor of hunting after the Spring Examinations.

The Spring Examinations were imminent; in twelve days, the results would be announced, and the top three candidates would proceed to the Palace Examination.

The Top Graduate alone enjoyed the exclusive privilege of receiving the emperor’s hunting spoils.

This was both an expression of the emperor’s favor and high expectations for the Top Graduate’s talent—a celebrated tradition of the TianCe Dynasty.

Moreover, this hunt would serve as a stage for the nobility’s young heirs to display their horsemanship and archery skills.

Numerous imperial clan members, descendants of great meritorious families, and elite from powerful clans would all participate, showcasing their prowess.

Only those of imperial blood or close relatives of the imperial family could take part in this hunt.

Li Chen could also promote those who performed well, allowing them to feel the boundless grace of the imperial favor.

Generally, when the emperor participated in such a hunt, extensive preparations were required to ensure his safety.

Even though Li Chen was a Saint Realm cultivator, his ministers still had to fulfill their duties.

This was also part of the emperor’s responsibilities; Li Chen chose the Cangmang Mountains north of the city as the hunting ground.

With the matter settled, Zhao Wenyuan returned to his position.

Next, the military officers vied to lead a northern campaign, each kneeling to beg Li Chen to allow them to fight.

Li Chen was speechless: I haven’t even sent my challenge to the Northern Wangting yet, and they haven’t responded—why are you in such a hurry?

He would fight regardless—whether or not the Khan of the Northern Wangting agreed, he would suffer Li Chen’s brutal retribution.

But before fighting, much preparation was still needed.

As the saying goes: troops move first, provisions follow.

Li Chen had just become emperor; he did not know the military officers well and had no idea who was capable and who was not.

So he simply said: “My ministers are highly enthusiastic—I am pleased. How about this: in ten days, during the Spring Hunt, whoever performs best, I shall choose.”

Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance—you must earn it yourselves.

The Spring Hunt was a coordinated hunt; in a sense, it also tested the officers’ ability to lead troops and judge complex terrain.

This statement indeed stirred the military officers, who clenched their fists, eager to begin the hunt and demonstrate their strength before Li Chen.

Li Chen had not expected that his offhand remark would lead to the largest Spring Hunt in five hundred years.

Whether one sought to launch a northern campaign, to curry favor with him, or even to kill him—this was undoubtedly the perfect opportunity.

Today’s morning court ended early, as there simply wasn’t much to discuss.

When he returned to the Imperial Study to finish his remaining work, he noticed a familiar figure.

The man wore splendid robes, his face stern yet approachable, standing outside the door—it was Li Longyu, the late emperor’s younger brother, Prince Jing’an.

Upon seeing Li Chen, Li Longyu immediately wore a respectful and warm smile, stepping forward to perform a full kowtow: “Your servant pays homage to His Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years.”

Li Chen raised his hand slightly, signaling Li Longyu to rise, his voice calm yet commanding: “Uncle, rise. What brings you here?”

This fellow came uninvited; he must have some purpose. Li Chen would see how he spoke first.

Li Longyu rose and respectfully presented a scroll, his face smiling humbly: “Your Majesty, I have two matters. First, five days hence is my birthday. I dare to humbly request Your Majesty’s presence, to add joy to my celebration. To have Your Majesty attend is my greatest honor.”

“Second, regarding the matter Your Majesty entrusted to me several days ago, I have completed all tasks. I humbly ask Your Majesty to review them.” Li Chen took the scroll, glanced at it briefly, then smiled: “I shall certainly attend your birthday, Uncle. Moreover, I wish to see how your recent work has progressed.”

Hearing Li Chen’s agreement, Li Longyu expressed repeated gratitude, his smile deepening.

No matter how fearful these people were of Li Chen, being invited by him was unquestionably the highest honor.

For a Saint Realm emperor to attend one’s birthday banquet—what prestige that would bring!

One could boast about it for decades.

What? Your birthday didn’t invite this Saint Realm emperor?

Then I’m sorry—we’re not on the same level.

I was invited, proving my status in this dynasty surpasses yours!

To be honest, in the entire TianCe Dynasty, few had the standing to invite Li Chen to a banquet.

Attending a birthday feast was merely visiting family—Li Chen found this perfectly normal.

His uncle had listened reasonably well last time; Li Chen could afford to grant him some face.

Upon entering the Imperial Study, Li Chen instinctively glanced at the desk.

!

Due to his recent diligent work, most memorials had been resolved; today there were fewer than ten.

Seeing so few, Li Chen finally exhaled in relief.

After finishing, Li Chen stepped out of the Imperial Study. His mood was excellent—he decided to reward himself.

So he ordered Chu Ruoyan to be summoned to the palace.

Meanwhile, at the Chu family residence.

Chu Ruoyan wore her training attire, weapon in hand, her expression grave.

For today was the day Xiao Ming had promised to abduct her.

Her heart was entirely filled with Li Chen—they were mutually drawn to each other.

How could she possibly wish to live homeless with Xiao Ming?

In every way, Xiao Ming was unworthy of comparison to Li Chen.

Li Chen was gentle, handsome, immensely powerful, and held supreme authority—even if Chu Ruoyan were blind, she knew whom to choose.

After so much progress in their relationship, only one thin veil remained to be pierced—then she could become an imperial consort.

Not only did the entire Chu family long for Li Chen’s favor toward her, she herself yearned for it deeply.

Judging by the dampness of her bedding, she had indulged in many spring dreams these past days.

Now, weapon in hand, she prepared to defend against Xiao Ming’s “attack.”

Should Xiao Ming dare appear, she would draw her sword immediately, making her stance clear.

Even the slightest rustle in the courtyard made her alert.

At that moment, footsteps suddenly sounded at the gate.

Chu Ruoyan instantly drew her sword, startling the maid outside.

Seeing it was her own maid, Chu Ruoyan asked: “Why are you in such a hurry?”

The maid steadied her breath, excitedly saying: “Miss, His Majesty has summoned you!”

These words filled Chu Ruoyan with joy.

Usually, Li Chen summoned her in the afternoon—today, he must have finished his duties early.

She immediately closed the door, changed into clothing that highlighted her best features, then ran out and boarded the imperial carriage.

Along the way, she was deeply anxious, constantly scanning her surroundings, fearing Xiao Ming might cause trouble now.

But she knew—once she entered the palace, she would be safe!

(End of Chapter)