Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2024: Emperor Xuan Is In Danger Again

Qiao Xuan’s business flourished, and Liuhe Manor had not only found its footing but had also expanded its operations.

Meanwhile, nestled within the remote mountains of Mili Town, a hidden valley reminiscent of paradise underwent development.

At the heart of this valley stood a rustic hot spring villa constructed entirely from logs.

Expansive pastures dotted the landscape, where horses, cows, and sheep grazed. Each year, a portion of the livestock was sold, contributing to the manor’s revenue.

The horses, predominantly wild, underwent taming efforts led by Ah-Ye, Sun Bai, and Zheng Sangge, requiring considerable dedication and skill.

These horses were truly exceptional, one-of-a-kind specimens, scarce and highly prized. While there were occasional sales, they were few and far between, spanning not just years but potentially decades.

Annually, Qiao Xuan, Shao Yunduan, and Anan embarked on retreats to the hot springs, indulging in activities like horseback riding, lakeside leisure, fishing, hunting, and foraging for mountain treasures. The myriad experiences offered endless entertainment, leaving participants thoroughly engrossed and content.

Anan took great delight in the surroundings as well.

Within the hot spring villa, Qiao Xuan leisurely explored the nearby mountains and valleys.

During the day, he ventured out to gather mountain treasures and engage in hunting expeditions. As night fell, he returned to the tranquil confines of the valley’s hot spring villa, embracing a carefree existence. Each year, he made a brief sojourn, typically spanning seven to eight days. Departures were always accompanied by a reluctance to leave.

Qiao Xuan vividly recalled the heavy snowfall of the previous winter, which arrived two days after their arrival. Basking in the hot springs amidst the pristine snowscape left an indelible impression, a moment of sheer wonder amidst the untamed beauty of the mountains.

This experience resonated deeply with everyone present, eliciting awe and admiration.

While time passed leisurely in Anze Prefecture City, tension and uncertainty permeated the atmosphere of the capital.

The political landscape of the capital remained volatile, characterized by intrigue and disdain.

Emperor Xuan’s precarious health condition, having teetered on the brink of death twice in the past two years, sent ripples of apprehension through the palace and beyond.

Despite the distance, news of these developments reached Liu Changming and his associates swiftly.

The power struggle between the Crown Prince and the other princes continued unabated, escalating with each passing day.

The Crown Prince’s position mirrored Emperor Xuan’s failing health—it teetered on the edge of collapse yet stubbornly refused to crumble.

Over the past two years, the Crown Prince’s influence had stagnated, occasionally facing rebukes from his siblings.

Though fraught with nerves and fear, the Crown Prince’s standing continued to dwindle.

With Emperor Xuan’s close brushes with death, the other princes could no longer afford to remain passive.

The prospect of waiting for Emperor Ji Xuan’s demise and subsequent ascension to the throne became increasingly precarious.

Realizing the urgency, the Second Prince and Third Prince, initially inclined to bide their time and capitalize on internal discord, abandoned their passive stance and took proactive measures.

United in their determination, they sought to eliminate the Crown Prince as a crucial first step towards reshaping the political landscape.

Only by toppling the Crown Prince and securing the vacant position could they hope to stake their claim.

Failure to act decisively would render all efforts futile, leaving each prince to rely solely on their own abilities.

The Crown Prince’s predicament grew increasingly dire.

In the spring of the 51st year of Emperor Xuan’s reign, Emperor Xuan of Qi fell ill once more.

Coincidentally, Honored Princess Mei was by his side at the Thousand Autumn Palace. Engaging in lighthearted banter, Emperor Xuan’s mood took a sudden turn when Honored Princess Mei collapsed unconscious.

Shocked, Honored Princess Mei and Daoist Shang Zhen swiftly attended to Emperor Xuan, ordering him to be transported to the dragon bed. They promptly sealed the news, forbidding anyone from divulging a word.