Chapter 230: The Happy Prince Ying
Riding on horseback, Du Chuanyun carried Prince Ying, who sat in front, excitedly shouting “giddyup” while Du Chuanyun held the reins. This was Prince Ying’s first time on horseback, and even a moderate pace was enough to fill him with joy.
Prince Donghai and Han Ruzi rode behind them. “The life of the common people isn’t bad. I’m almost getting used to it,” Prince Donghai said.
Without an entourage or commoners hurriedly making way and standing at attention, Prince Donghai felt this was truly commoner’s life. Though he claimed to be used to it, he couldn’t help but sigh, “This also shows our lives aren’t important anymore, and our so-called dignity is worthless… Look, that fellow is glaring at me!”
Prince Donghai pointed his riding crop at a pedestrian who was indeed looking in his direction. After a moment, the man smiled and waved – he had actually been looking at someone familiar behind Prince Donghai.
This upset Prince Donghai even more. “He doesn’t even recognize me! My clothes, my hat – isn’t everything obvious? Sometimes you really need an entourage to make a grand display for these people to even take notice…”
Prince Donghai complained the whole way while Han Ruzi just listened without comment.
They traveled slowly, with someone running ahead to deliver their calling cards to the Chancellor’s residence. By the time they reached the alley entrance, a large group had come out from the Chancellor’s residence to welcome them.
Prince Donghai nodded with satisfaction. “Now that’s more like it. The Chancellor understands proper etiquette better than commoners.”
To show respect, the visitors dismounted, though Prince Ying wanted to keep riding. Du Chuanyun lifted him down, and seeing the crowd, the child’s attention quickly shifted. As Prince Ying was the elder, Han Ruzi and Prince Donghai were happy to defer to him, protecting him as they walked. The many servants made way, even kneeling and kowtowing, only rising to follow after the three had passed.