Chapter 169: Receiving the Emperor

Chapter 169

Receiving the Emperor

Word of the Emperor’s impending secret visit to Huangjing City quickly reached the inner circle, including the close consorts. Kang Wang, being the son of Xian Fei, hadn’t seen his mother in years since he left to govern the city. This time, the Emperor intended to bring her along. Mu Qiuxiang, now elevated to Mu Zhao Yi and enjoying the Emperor’s favor, was determined not to miss this opportunity. She had heard from elders in the Mu family that Mu Rongying had become the consort of a powerful man in Huangjing City and wanted to see for herself. Having lived under Mu Rongying’s shadow for years, she now wanted to prove her superiority of being the favorite consort. After some coaxing, she convinced the Emperor to allow her to accompany the royal entourage.

As the visit was a secret, by the time Kang Wang learned of the news, the imperial procession had already reached Nan Fang province, just a week away from Huangjing. Xian Fei had been instructed not to inform her son, as the Emperor wished to observe how well Kang Wang was governing and the conditions of his people. Along the journey, the Emperor noticed the cheerful faces of the citizens, bustling commerce, and well-ordered streets in Nan Fang province. Even if Kang Wang had known in advance, he wouldn’t have been able to prepare things so perfectly. The Emperor felt a deep sense of pride for his son, who had chosen to live far from the capital.

Understanding his father’s intentions, Kang Wang chose not to organize an extravagant welcome. When he learned the procession was near Huangjing City, he dressed as a commoner, donning a straw hat to conceal his face, and rode out ten li beyond the city gates to greet the Emperor. As the imperial procession approached, Kang Wang knelt. One of the guards, disguised as a regular escort, called out.

"Who are you, and why do you block the path of the carriage procession?"

"I, Wuqian, have come to welcome my father. I trust the journey has been smooth,"

Kang Wang responded loudly. Eunuch Gao, seated next to the coachman, peeked into the carriage before stepping out with a smile.

"Your Highness, His Majesty invites you to ride with him."

Kang Wang climbed into the carriage, immediately bowing to his father upon seeing him.

"Father, you have been in Nan Fang for several days. I apologize for only now coming to greet you."

"No matter. It was my wish to keep things simple."

The Emperor laughed cheerfully as he took in the sight of his son, whom he hadn’t seen in years. Warm feelings stirred in the Emperor’s heart. Wuqian was calm, dignified, and when he grew up, he had voluntarily left the capital to govern elsewhere, avoiding the palace’s political struggles. Nan Fang had once been an unremarkable province, but under his son’s leadership, it had become a prosperous southern part of the region.

"Wuqian, how old are you now?"

The Emperor asked affectionately. He felt a slight pang of guilt for neglecting his son’s marriage all these years. The Emperor knew well that Xian Fei held very high standards for whoever would become the consort of Kang Wang, making it difficult to find a suitable match. In her eyes, anyone was either an enemy or of too low a status.

"Twenty-six, Father."

"Has no one caught your eye yet?"

Hearing the question, Kang Wang paused.

The Emperor chuckled. Xian Fei, seated in the carriage behind them, couldn’t hear the conversation between father and son.

"Your mother is quite particular. By now, all your siblings have children of their own."

Kang Wang simply smiled at the mention of his mother.

"Mother only means well."

After that, father and son continued chatting casually. When the carriage passed through the city gates, Kang Wang ordered the imperial procession to head towards the summer palace by the lakeside.

"The northern weather is too cold. I plan to stay here for a while until the winter passes, and then return in time for An Le’s wedding."

"My sister is getting married?"

Kang Wang said with a smile.

"Mm, she chose the imperial son-in-law by herself. Song Ren is not a bad man. In fact, he suits her well. Without his calm temperament, it would be difficult to live with her."

They both laughed together, fully aware of An Le’s nature.

"You must feel quite isolated here."

"Nan Fang is a large province. It’s difficult to manage all of it thoroughly. I hardly have time to feel lonely, Father."

The Emperor nodded, pleased with his answer. Soon, they arrived at the summer palace, where the servants were already lined up to receive them. As Xian Fei stepped down from the carriage and saw her son, she rushed to him with joy, grasping his arm.

"Wuqian..."

For a strong-willed woman like her, tears began to fall. After years of separation, her son had grown from a young man into a tall, handsome figure. Mu Zhao Yi, who had descended from another carriage, couldn’t help but sneak a few glances at Kang Wang. This was the son of Xian Fei, rumored to not be favored by the Emperor, but compared to Jun Wang, her cousin, he appeared far more imposing. Mu Zhao Yi, always eager to draw attention to herself, feigned a stumble, requiring her maids to support her, purposely disrupting the joyful moment between mother, father, and son.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I’m not used to sitting in a carriage for so long, and my legs have gone numb."

Xian Fei smiled slightly, though she felt a deep disdain for the woman. Mu Zhao Yi, taking advantage of her youth and current favor, had pleaded to join the trip, even though this visit to Huangjing had nothing to do with her. Nonetheless, Xian Fei didn’t voice her displeasure. It wasn’t proper to act petty or harsh in front of the Emperor, so she spoke kindly to her instead.

"In that case, Mu Zhao Yi, go inside and rest. Let father and son talk for a little while longer."

Her words, though gentle, subtly rebuked her for interrupting and effectively dismissed her from the conversation. Mu Zhao Yi realized her mistake and could only grit her teeth as she responded with an equally sweet tone.

"Thank you, Xian Fei, for your concern. I shall go inside first,"

Mu Zhao Yi replied, bowing gracefully before walking into the palace. The moment she turned her back, her face soured. She had spent so much time helping her aunt, Mu Guifei, battle against the Empress, never realizing that the seemingly indifferent Zheng Xian Fei could be so sharp. With just a few words, she had been cast aside. The Emperor, in high spirits from seeing his son, hadn’t noticed any of this.

"Wuqian, if you have any official duties to attend to, feel free to take care of them. We’ve just arrived and are tired from the journey, so we won’t be doing anything today. Come visit tomorrow; I have a few questions regarding the Xiangyun Tea House."Kang Wang acknowledged the Emperor’s request and took his leave. On his way back, he couldn’t help but wonder what business his father had with Xiangyun Tea House.