CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT

"The Empress has always been benevolent and kind-hearted. If Your Majesty leads by example, surely more and more people will follow Your Majesty in doing good deeds," Lin Qingqing said.

The Empress’s eyes lit up, "You make a good point."

The public was unaware that the three charitable halls in the capital had the Empress’s support behind them.

However, residing in the deep palace for so long, she couldn’t personally visit them.

Now she could use this opportunity to see for herself the current state of the charitable halls.

"Indeed." The Empress nodded, delighted, "Then, after the hunt, I shall discuss with His Majesty to set a date. Would you all like to accompany me?"

Everyone was eager to express their willingness, knowing the Empress held Lin Qingqing in high regard. They thought Lin Qingqing must have great fortune ahead.

They praised her one after another, "Miss Lin’s suggestion is superb."

"Miss Lin is truly kind-hearted, no wonder the Empress favors her."

Lin Qingqing blushed and smiled, feeling pleased amid all the compliments.

Because she gained favor in front of the Empress, once outside the Empress’s tent, Lin Qingqing, the daughter of a mere sixth-rank official, became the center of attention.

Praises showered on Lin Qingqing as if they cost nothing.

Fu Shinian knew very well that these people were not really praising Lin Qingqing; they wanted the Empress to hear them commend Lin Qingqing.

Whoever the Empress praised, people naturally liked.

The hunt began, and both men and women could participate on horseback.

Many noble ladies also joined the horse riding; even if they did not hunt, merely riding was exhilarating.

Lin Qingqing mounted her horse with a graceful and fluid motion.

Emperor Jiawen, smiling, said to the Empress, "Is she the girl from the Lin family you praised today?"

"Yes, indeed," the Empress replied, "The little girl just lacks experience, but she is exceptionally kind-hearted. Today she even suggested to me whether, like Your Majesty’s ceremonial plowing, we could also have a day each year where I lead the noblewomen and young ladies to visit the charitable halls and see the orphans and elderly."

"I think this is a good proposal. It would also serve as supervision to prevent those charitable halls from losing their original purpose over time and turning good deeds into bad ones," the Empress said. "I also hope that people across the land can see the royal family’s exemplary role and do good deeds, ensuring that the people of Great Xi, can have support in both youth and old age."

"Indeed." Emperor Jiawen nodded in agreement, "I did not expect Lin Qingqing to possess such a kind heart at such a young age, caring not only about the survival of a few beggars she encounters on the street."

"When we return, we will have the Ministry of Rites set a date and visit soon," said Emperor Jiawen.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The Empress slowly made her salute.

Emperor Jiawen personally helped the Empress up, "No need for thanks; it’s my fortune to have such a good Empress."

"Where is Lin Siye?" Emperor Jiawen called out loudly.

"Your humble servant is here," Lin Siye hurriedly stepped forward.

"Lin Siye, you have taught your daughter well," praised Emperor Jiawen.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," replied Lin Siye, "I teach my daughter as I teach my students."

"Indeed."

Although Emperor Jiawen didn’t mention anything else, Lin Siye could still be considered to have made a name for himself thanks to his daughter in front of Emperor Jiawen this time.

As long as Lin Siye doesn’t make any mistakes, a future promotion is inevitable.

People couldn’t help but envy, whispering, "Lin Siye indeed has raised a good daughter."

"Yes, so many family members came today, yet only Lin Qingqing made an impression in front of His Majesty and Her Majesty."

"I don’t know what my family members are doing; they missed such a good opportunity."

Everyone was envious and looked into the distance, seeing Lin Qingqing’s exceptional archery skills on horseback.

Sitting on the horse, she let go of the reins, grasped the bow, and shot arrows.

"Unexpectedly, Lin Siye’s daughter is also skilled in archery," Emperor Jiawen noted with a slight nod, "She truly embodies the spirit of women not yielding to men."

"My daughter wants to try everything, wants to learn everything, and I don’t restrain her," Lin Siye said, unable to hide his joy.

"Miss Lin’s skills are indeed impressive," the ministers and the ladies who weren’t participating couldn’t help but praise.

In the hunting ground, Fu Mingzhu longingly touched the mane of her horse.

She didn’t bring the Divine Wind because Mr. Fu said such a fine horse; even the palace only has two.

Bringing it would be too ostentatious.

So she only brought an ordinary horse.

"Sister, you should join too," Fu Shinian knew how much Fu Mingzhu loved riding and archery.

Moreover, her skills were among the best in the capital.

Fu Mingzhu’s eyes showed longing, but she still shook her head, "No, Erlang doesn’t like me riding horses."

"He says that girls participating in such activities lack the gentle and steady demeanor of noblewomen," Fu Mingzhu explained, "I can’t let Erlang lose face."

Fu Shinian pressed her lips together.

Again, Xiao Fengxing!

This scoundrel does nothing good!

Lin Qingqing flaunted her riding and archery skills, and yet Xiao Fengxing didn’t seem to mind it.

"But, I love watching you ride and shoot, sister. Your poise on horseback is exceptionally dashing," Fu Shinian said, holding Fu Mingzhu’s hand, expectantly and cautiously, "No wonder I haven’t seen you ride in so long."

"The last time you tamed the Divine Wind, it was a glimpse of magnificence. To this day, I often recall your grace from that day," Fu Shinian said, "Will I never see you ride or shoot again?"

Fu Mingzhu opened her mouth, unable to find words.

Fu Shinian’s hopeful look left her speechless to refuse.

"Moreover, I don’t understand," Fu Shinian said, puzzled, "If Second Young Master truly loves you, how could he bear to restrain you and suppress your abilities?"

"Besides, the women of Great Xi are all skilled in riding and shooting; there’s nothing against the propriety in it," Fu Shinian said, "Could it be that you misunderstood Second Young Master’s intentions?"

"I... misunderstood?" Fu Mingzhu looked at Fu Shinian’s confident words, feeling somewhat unsure.

"You must have misunderstood," Fu Shinian said, "Second Young Master has read so many books; he is surely someone who understands the greater good, how could he be so narrow-minded?"

"Didn’t Second Young Master always say you misunderstood his intentions? I think it’s the same this time."

"Could it be?" Fu Mingzhu, swayed by Fu Shinian’s words, became less certain.

"It’s definitely not possible; it must be," Fu Shinian said, "Sister, I want to eat roasted wild pheasant. Without you, who would hunt it for me?"

"You want to eat?" Fu Mingzhu began to waver.

"Yes, I’ve been craving it for days!" Fu Shinian eagerly nodded.

"I can hunt it for you too!" Fu Changqin, appearing out of nowhere, eagerly said, "Just wait, I’ll hunt for you myself!"

Fu Shinian quickly pulled Fu Changqin back, "I want to eat the deer you hunt!"

"Huh? Wasn’t it wild pheasant?"

"I want to eat Sister’s hunted pheasant and Brother’s hunted venison," Fu Shinian said, "Also, I’ve heard deer blood is very nourishing. Brother is progressing quickly in the Marquis’s Mansion; we should thank the Marquis properly. Brother, if you hunt a deer yourself, we can share some with the Marquis."