Before having dinner, Zhao Yao accompanied Liang Zhaoyi and Yu Meiren to visit the emperor.
The emperor was not in his own tent but in Qin Xiulian’s tent.
Sun Kui asked Zhao Yao and Liang Zhaoyi to wait outside the tent briefly while he went in to announce them.
Inside the tent, the emperor was chatting with Qin Xiulian.
Sun Kui approached the emperor and respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, the Tenth Prince, Liang Zhaoyi, Yu Meiren, Lady Pan, and the Fifth Princess request an audience outside."
Upon hearing these words, the emperor felt a slight tension in his heart. Of course, he did not show it on his face.
"Yes." Sun Kui turned and went out, saying to Zhao Yao and the others waiting at the entrance, "Your Highness the Tenth Prince, Lady Zhaoyi, the emperor invites you in."
Liang Zhaoyi politely said to Sun Kui, "Thank you, Mr. Sun."
Mr. Sun quickly replied, "You’re too kind, Lady Zhaoyi."
Liang Zhaoyi held Zhao Yao’s hand and went in, with Yu Meiren holding the Fifth Princess following behind them. Lady Pan kept her head down, cautious, and walked at the end.
Once inside the tent, Liang Zhaoyi and Zhao Yao first saluted the emperor.
"Greetings to Your Majesty."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Qin Xiulian, who was lying on the bed, hurriedly apologized to Liang Zhaoyi and Zhao Yao, "Your Highness the Tenth Prince, Lady Zhaoyi, Yu Meiren, Fifth Princess, Lady Pan, I apologize for not being able to rise and greet you."
Only then did Liang Zhaoyi glance at Qin Xiulian on the bed. Even though her face was pale, it did not detract from her beauty. On the contrary, her bloodless face added a touch of gentleness and fragility, making her more endearing.
Zhao Yao curiously stared at Qin Xiulian and then thought to himself: She truly is a great beauty, not at all inferior to Noble Princess Consort Rong.
Noble Princess Consort Rong is a radiant beauty, whereas Qin Xiulian’s beauty, like her name, is pure like a lotus.
This is how Si Youying, whom Father has always cherished in memory, looks. No wonder Father can’t forget Si Youying.
"No need for formality, and thank you, Miss Qin, for saving the emperor at the hunting ground." Liang Zhaoyi asked with concern, "How is your injury, Miss Qin?"
"Thank you, Lady Zhaoyi, for your concern. My injury is not serious."
Liang Zhaoyi looked at the emperor and asked concernedly, "Your Majesty, are you injured?"
When Liang Zhaoyi looked over, the emperor’s heart tightened for a moment.
"It’s good that Your Majesty is fine." Liang Zhaoyi said respectfully, "It’s all thanks to Miss Qin this time, otherwise, Your Majesty... Your Majesty, please take care and ensure your safety while hunting."
The emperor, seeing that Liang Zhaoyi’s expression was normal, felt a sense of relief but soon grew tense again.
"This time was my oversight."
As Liang Zhaoyi was about to step back, Zhao Yao said, "Father, where’s the wolf?"
Hearing Zhao Yao’s question, the emperor’s first reaction was: "What, do you want to eat wolf meat?"
Zhao Yao nodded and said, "I do. I’ve never had wolf meat, so I don’t know if it’s tasty."
The emperor was amused by his younger son’s words: "You greedy boy, you won’t even spare wolf meat."
"I’ve never tasted it, so I want to try." Zhao Yao added, "Father, can I have some wolf teeth?"
The emperor asked curiously, "What do you want the wolf teeth for?"
"To make a necklace."
"A necklace?" The emperor asked, "What are you going to do with a necklace?"
Zhao Yao felt the emperor’s question was silly and nearly rolled his eyes at his father.
"Of course, to wear it." Is Father’s brain damaged?
"Why would you wear a wolf tooth necklace?"
"For fun." Zhao Yao replied, "I see the Hu people all wear necklaces made of wolf teeth."
The emperor turned to Sun Kui and instructed, "Go find him a few."
"Father, I also want a wolf skin."
Standing to the side, Sun Kui said, "Your Highness, the emperor has already instructed that several wolf skins will be sent to each palace."
"Several to each palace?" Zhao Yao’s small face was full of surprise, "Father, did you raid a wolf den?"
Qin Xiulian was amused by Zhao Yao’s words, a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.
"Weren’t you wanting to eat wolf meat? Later I’ll have someone send you a couple of wolf legs, will that be enough?" The emperor teased, "If not, I’ll send you a whole wolf, how about that?"
"Then just a small piece of meat will do." Zhao Yao replied with a grin, "I just want to try it."
The emperor asked, "Is there anything else you want to eat?"
"I also want bear paw, but since Father you didn’t catch a black bear, I guess I’ll have to forget about it." Zhao Yao’s tone was filled with regret and a bit of disdain.
Of course, the emperor picked up on it, glaring at Zhao Yao, and said in exasperation, "I’m terribly sorry I didn’t catch a black bear for you."