In the forbidden city, Chu Yuan dismounted his horse and entered the Eastern Palace with Ruan Ning, heading straight to Chu Xiang’s study. He pushed the door open: “Crown Prince, I married her yesterday.”
Chu Xiang paused and asked, “What did Father Emperor say?”
“Whatever he wants to say,” Chu Yuan replied quietly. “I want to take her away. Help me.”
A few days later, Chu Yuan passed by the imperial study and found Chu Xiang waiting in the side hall to report to the Emperor. After a brief exchange, Chu Yuan noticed the small icicles hanging from the eaves. “The palace becomes so boring in winter, with nothing interesting to do. Even these icicles are smaller than outside, not worth looking at.”
Chu Xiang replied, “The palace has underground heating, so icicles can’t last long. It can’t compare to the Yiyuan Imperial Retreat, which is larger, near the mountain, and cooler than the city.”
Even when it snows, it snows more heavily.
The Yiyuan Imperial Retreat was a royal summer resort near the Eastern Yi Mountain, with much lower temperatures than the city. In previous years, the Emperor would bring relatives and courtiers to hunt in winter. However, this year, due to border conflicts and tension between Chu Yuan and the Emperor, Chu Yunzheng felt no inclination to go, and no subordinate dared to mention it.
Chu Yuan frowned: “Being confined in the palace every day is like being in prison.”
Hearing him, Chu Yunzheng made a gesture for silence, then walked out, smiling: “Yesterday when it snowed, I was thinking of going to the Yiyuan Imperial Retreat to see the snow scenery. The King of Ning and I think alike. Crown Prince, arrange this in the next few days, choose an auspicious day for snow hunting and prepare ice games. I want to relax with the King of Ning.”
Chu Xiang agreed and called his subordinates to make arrangements.
Chu Yuan remained expressionless, seemingly unappreciative. Chu Yunzheng felt a bit discouraged.
Liu Yi embraced Huo Rou around the waist, opened the door latch to the roof, shared his outer garment with her, and held her hand, asking: “How have you been these days?”
