novelraw Chapter 988 - 559: Discussing the World atop Gancao Platform
Chapter 988 - 559: Discussing the World atop Gancao Platform
Zhao Shixiong’s public allegiance couldn’t be kept secret, nor was there any need to hide it.
On the contrary, the earlier this news spreads, the more positive impact it will have on the entire Yu Country’s war situation.
But Zhao Douan was not in a hurry and returned that night to report to the Empress.
On one hand, it was to wait for the court’s army to completely take over Yongjia Prefecture and solidify the matter.
On the other hand, it was also to have a good sleep, to recharge and give the Divine Soul enough rest to traverse both places.
The next morning, when it was confirmed that the surrender was complete.
Zhao Douan then used the excuse of seclusion to return to the Capital, utilizing visualization once more.
And this day was precisely the Mid-Autumn Festival.
...
Capital, deep within the Imperial Palace.
Zhao Douan stepped out from the mural, his Divine Soul immersed into the substitute sitting cross-legged by the mural.
Then, he stretched his body, pushed open the door, and headed straight towards the Martial Arts Hall.
Today, the weather was bright and crisp, the sky high and the clouds light, the morning sunlight evenly spread on the palace walls, the air tinged with a slight chill.
When Zhao Douan saw Eunuch Hai at the Martial Arts Hall, the Python Robed Old Eunuch was sitting on the steps, holding a pair of scissors and trimming chrysanthemum branches. Seeing him emerge, he lifted his eyelids and said, "You’re back?"
Zhao Douan nodded with a smile: "I’ve been busy in Taicang these few days, it’s finally over. I’m about to go see His Majesty."
Eunuch Hai glanced at him and smiled: "You look relaxed, seems you’ve brought good news. But His Majesty is not in the palace right now."
"Not in the palace?"
"Have you forgotten? Today is a festive day. During the day, there’s the Golden Autumn Gathering. His Majesty has gone to enjoy the day with the people and the officials, climbing high together."
Zhao Douan was stunned for a moment and then remembered.
The Golden Autumn Gathering... is an annual climbing literary event in the Capital. Sun Lianying mentioned it to him a few days ago, but he didn’t expect that the Empress would participate as well.
Hmm, considering Zhenbao’s character, she wouldn’t attend just for enjoyment. Most likely, she joined to reassure the people.
"Where is the Golden Autumn Gathering?" Zhao Douan inquired.
Eunuch Hai raised his hand and pointed to the eastern suburb: "Le You Garden, Gancao Platform."
Then, the Python Robed Old Eunuch said without lifting his head, "If you’re going, change your clothes, mind your appearance. You’ve been sitting idle for ten days, you need to freshen up."
"..."
...
Swiftly leaving the Imperial Palace, Zhao Douan heeded the advice and returned to the Imperial Court to change clothes and freshen up.
In Lihua Hall.
"Sir? You’ve come out of seclusion?" the young secretary said with surprise at seeing him return.
In Yu Country, the Mid-Autumn Festival during the day is not a holiday, and the Jinyi in the Imperial Court are on regular duty.
Zhao Douan murmured in agreement, a smile spreading beneath his mask: "Has anything important happened during this time?"
Qian Kerou reported: "No major events, just the aftermath of purging internal traitors. But during your absence in the palace, some matters were handed over to Lord for handling. Also... invitations, we’ve received quite a few."
"Invitations?" Zhao Douan paused, surprised to ask.
"Yes," said the round-faced young secretary, taking a thick stack from the drawer and handing it to him: "They are all from various gatherings in the Capital inviting you to participate. After autumn, gatherings in the Capital have increased significantly. The latest is an invitation for you to the Golden Autumn Gathering to climb high."
Zhao Douan casually picked up and flipped through a couple, surprisingly finding several from the Privy Council and the Imperial College.
Are these groups still lively?
He chuckled, tossed the invitations aside, and said, "Go inform the on-duty today that I’m changing clothes and we’ll head to Le You Garden to join the festivities."
Since he has to report this to Zhenbao anyway.
Given the occasion for climbing, he might as well enjoy some leisure.
"Really?" Qian Kerou beamed with excitement, nodding like a pecking chicken and flying off to inform the others.
Across at Daffodil Hall, Haitang had already taken her subordinates to the Golden Autumn Gathering today, and she was quite envious, but without an order from a superior, she couldn’t leave her post.
Shortly after, Zhao Douan, clad in a new set of clothes, rode a fine horse, leading a group of Jinyi from Lihua Hall towards the East City Suburb.
...
The Golden Autumn Gathering is the most grand autumn outing event annually.
The people of Yu Country love to climb high, gaze far, and enjoy the scenery during autumn, indulging in autumn outings.
On this festive day, the solemn tightness caused by the past few months of war in the Capital eased significantly. Early in the morning, every household placed Cornelian cherry on their doors, the air filled with a festive atmosphere.
"Mother, hurry out, the carriage is ready, don’t miss the hour!"
In the Zhao family’s mansion.
Zhao Paner was already dressed up early, wearing a blue jacket wrapped around her neck and a cream-colored long skirt. Her eyes were bright like autumn water, and she was standing outside her mother’s bedroom, knocking.
With a creak, the door opened, and You Jinhua stepped out.
As the noble Lady Zhao, she wore a dark green long dress, her black hair coiled in a bun at the back, adorned with pearl and gold-silver jewelry, giving her a somewhat plump and elegant look.
For today’s autumn outing, the noblewomen of the Capital had also arranged to gather in the eastern suburb.
You Jinhua, representing the Zhao family’s reputation, was obliged to attend in both sentiment and reason.
Mother and daughter linked hands, boarded the carriage, and set off towards the city outskirts, surrounded by house servants and maids.
Turning a street corner, not long after, another carriage, similarly flanked by family servants, accelerated to catch up and drove alongside.
The curtain of the adjacent carriage lifted, revealing a serene and graceful lady, none other than Mrs. Ning, the wife of the Shipping Governor.
"Is that Lady Zhao?" Mrs. Ning greeted proactively.
You Jinhua heard her and lifted her curtain, her eyes lighting up: "Lady Ning, are you also heading to the east suburb?"
After the Sealing, the Shipping Governor Ning Zechen had led his family north with the Sealing Team.
Later, Ning Zechen returned south to the Huai River Eastern Front battlefield to block Prince Jing’s army.
His family was settled in the Capital, conveniently near the Zhao family. When Mrs. Ning first arrived in the Capital, You Jinhua often took care of them, and the two families grew increasingly familiar with each other.