Eternal mourning for the passing of Emperor Guangxu

  The Mulan hunting originally went very smoothly, Long Yitian also thoroughly relaxed through this rare leisure time, and even discovered many good seedlings among the Manchu people. If they were cultivated properly, they would definitely be useful in the future.

  It was on the tenth night of the hunt that something happened that forced the hunt to end prematurely, because Zhuang Qinqing Wang, who should have been recuperating in the mansion, personally led a team of people to rush to Mulan's hunting ground.

  Gao Wu Yong, who had been standing outside all along, saw that Prince Zhuang had hurried over in such a hurry, without regard for his own illness, and was shocked. He knew that something big must have happened in the capital, so after paying his respects, he quickly turned around and walked towards the front of the large tent to report.

  At this time, Long Yitian was having a midnight snack in the big account with Hongzhao, Yongzhen, Yongyu and Yongbi, named: family banquet, but there was no concubine present.

  In Long Yihan's view, the term "blood relatives" did not include those concubines in his harem, and in fact, it was indeed so. Strictly speaking, only his parents, siblings, and children were truly related to him by blood.

  Although Hong Yu still didn't understand what Long Yintian was up to, seeing the children getting along harmoniously and having a great time together made his heart feel at ease.

  They say that royalty is heartless, but in Hong Yu's heart, he still has a little bit of longing for family affection, and he also hopes that his children can live well, at least be able to feel the warmth of family affection like ordinary people.

  "Huang Ama, these wild flavors are indeed different from the imperial dishes in the palace. Although the cooking method is simple, it has a unique flavor." Since arriving in Mulan, Yongzhang had fallen in love with the roasted lamb here, not only was the meat tender and delicate, but also not greasy at all. Paired with a bowl of hot milk tea, it made one feel warm and cozy all over.

  Long Yinheng didn't eat much, because he wasn't hungry at all. He just called everyone together to have a midnight snack in order to let them improve their relationships with each other, especially between Hong Yu and the two brothers. If they could get familiar with each other as much as possible, it would be beneficial for them in the future.

  After hearing Yongzhang's words, Long Yitian showed a slightly spoiled smile and said directly: "If you like it, then come often in the future, it will be good for your body to go out and exercise more."

  Yong Yao saw that the Emperor was so easily agreeable to Yong Zhen's frequent visits, and he couldn't help but feel a thrill in his heart. After a slight hesitation, he finally spoke up with great anticipation: "Your Majesty, I also like it here very much, and I would like to come often in the future!"

  Yong Bi, who was sitting on the other side, saw Yong Yao say this in front of the emperor and couldn't help but feel a wave of tension and worry. This Yong Yao's temper is really too impulsive, if the emperor misunderstands, it would be a huge loss.

  Hong Ye didn't expect Yong Yao to speak like that, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. However, he was also very sensible and didn't open his mouth, only observing Long Yintian's reaction with the corner of his eye.

  Yongzhang wasn't worried about this at all, because he had seen such situations more than once before. As long as it didn't involve a matter of principle, the Emperor usually wouldn't mind too much.

  To put it bluntly, Yong Yu's daring response was also a result of Long Hui Tian's repeated indulgence.

  "You really are a playful one...", Long Yitian said, seeing through Yong Yu's thoughts. However, he didn't scold him for it, instead, he smiled slightly and said: "As long as you pass your studies, I will definitely bring you here often in the future, how about that?"

  Yong Ruo got the approval of Huang Ama, and he was overjoyed. Although his studies were a bit difficult for him, compared to going hunting with Mu Lan, sacrificing some time and energy to study hard was also worth it. So he hurriedly said: "Huang Ama's words are like a decree, absolutely cannot be regretted."

  Long Hanyan understood that his casual remark might have been just a momentary whim, but for Yong Yao this child it was a very solemn promise. If he went back on his word, not only would it crush the child's enthusiasm, but also greatly reduce the trust between them.

  Facing Yong Yao's childish words, Long Yintian nodded seriously and said: "I am golden-mouthed and jade-worded, absolutely no change."

  Yong Bi was somewhat surprised by the emperor's reaction and the interaction between Yong Yao and the emperor. He had originally thought that the most favored prince at present should be the third prince, Yong Zhuang, but now it seems that the emperor's favor towards the sixth prince, Yong Yao, is not inferior to that of the third prince, which makes people puzzled.

  As for Hongdai, who had been silent all along and only smiled as he watched from the sidelines, he had long heard many versions of this before. As the saying goes, "what is heard is often false, what is seen is true". After this family banquet, he can now basically confirm that his fourth brother, the Emperor, does not intend to make either Third Brother or Sixth Brother the Crown Prince, and excluding Fifth Brother who is not very favored by Fourth Brother, the most likely candidate at present is actually Fourth Brother Yongyan, who remains in the capital.

  For Hongdawn, this trip to Mulan was a bit disappointing, but the gain was not small. Through these few days of repeated contemplation, he gradually understood something, only not completely thought through yet.

  As the curtain of the great account was lifted, Gao Wuyong hurriedly walked in and came to Long Yintian's side after saluting everyone, saying in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Prince Zhuang has an urgent matter to see you, and is now waiting outside the account."

  Others saw Gao Wu entering at this time to report, knowing that something big might have happened, so they all waited silently for the emperor's intention.

  Long Hui thought for a moment before giving a crisp order: "The three of you go back and rest first. Fifth Brother, you stay."

  Hong Duan, who had originally intended to get up and leave, felt deeply frustrated in his heart upon hearing the Emperor's words, but he could only purse his lips and obediently stay behind. 'Alas, trouble has come again, why is it so hard for me to have a few quiet days?'

  Yongbi accidentally glanced at Hongyao when he got up, seeing his own mother's face as bitter as if she had eaten a bitter melon. He couldn't help but feel a little schadenfreude in his heart, after all, just a few days ago he had suffered an unjust disaster, and today it seemed like he was getting back what he lost with interest, although the person who ultimately benefited didn't seem to be himself.

  After Tai Yongzhao, Yong Yao and Yong Bi left, Gao Wuyong followed Long Yintian's orders to let Prince Zhuang enter the main tent for discussion. He himself stood guard at the door, not moving an inch, and was ordered to prohibit anyone from entering to disturb before Prince Zhuang left.

  The pale-faced Zhuang Qīn Wáng Yǔnlù, after paying his respects, took out a plain white folded paper from his bosom and handed it to Lóng Yǐn Tiān's face, then bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty, please restrain your grief."

  Although Hongtai did not see the contents of the memorial, he could guess that it was probably about the eldest prince Yongheng getting into trouble, so he also wisely kept his mouth shut and waited for the emperor's instructions.

  Long Yitian opened the folded paper and took a glance. This was a draft from the Ministry of Rites, stating that Da A Ge Yong Huang had passed away three days ago.

  Zhuang Qīnwáng Yǔnlù is the commander of the Zheng Huang Banner, such a big thing happened, he must go in person, although the emperor is not in Beijing, but about the funeral of Da A Ge, he has arranged everything before leaving Beijing, now it only lacks the emperor's edict to announce to the world.

  This time, regarding the death of Da Ge, Long Yintian's heart was actually calm and peaceful. There were no waves or ripples. It was just that things that needed to be done still had to be done. After all, it was an adult brother who had passed away, so on the surface, everything had to be handled properly.

  After some thought, Long Yitian decided to let Hong Yu and Zhuang Qinqing return to Beijing first to handle the funeral of Da A'ge. The imperial edict was issued that night, stating: "The eldest son was born in the Qing palace, ranking first among his siblings. He has passed the age of weakness and has given birth to an imperial grandson. Now he has fallen ill and died, my heart is filled with grief and sorrow. It is fitting to prepare for him the rites of a grown man. Posthumously confer upon him the title of Ding Qinqing Wang, and grant him the posthumous name An."

  Just after the Sixth Prince and Hong Tianyou hastily left, the news of Da A Ge's death also spread quickly. After all, the imperial edict had already been issued, so this year's Mulan hunting trip would have to end here.

  Looking at the faintly flickering candle flame on the table, Long Yintian didn't feel a bit sleepy. He simply put on his cloak and came to the outside of the tent, strolling in the moonlight while thinking about state affairs.

  After returning to Beijing this time, he has a lot of things to do. He needs to prepare for the new army and solve the problem of the Eight Banners. None of these are easy tasks, and one is more troublesome than the other, with greater risks. He doesn't dare to take action rashly without thoroughly thinking through the details and possible outcomes.

  "I wish Your Majesty good health and prosperity."

  A soft voice like a swallow's call came to his ears, and Long Hanyan finally came back to his senses from his own thoughts, and immediately stopped in his tracks. However, he couldn't help but feel a little annoyed in his heart, after all, whoever was interrupted while thinking about something would feel uncomfortable.

  Long Yintian looked at her with a calm and collected expression, his voice devoid of any emotion as he asked, "It's already late into the night, why are you still out and about instead of resting?"

  The empress slowly straightened her slender waist, using a handkerchief to wipe away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes as she spoke with deep sorrow: "I was deeply grieved upon hearing of the passing of the eldest prince and couldn't sleep for many nights, so I thought of taking a walk. I didn't expect to meet Your Majesty here, and I am also deeply surprised. If I have disturbed the imperial carriage, I hope that Your Majesty will forgive me."

  Her words were reasonable and sincere, making people feel that she was speaking from the heart, although there were indeed some inappropriate parts, but after her explanation, it seemed to be within reason.

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