As with many things related to the imperial household, the first day of the autumn hunt commenced with much fanfare. Flags bearing the imperial dragon lined the entrance of the forest, fluttering red and gold in the wind against a backdrop of verdant.
Earlier that morning, over breakfast, Liu Yao had voiced concerns about Yan Zheyun's participation in the hunt. There was always the option not to attend and to wait along with the female guests but given that the empress dowager would be hosting that party, Yan Zheyun would rather not ruin the day for his pernicious mother-in-law. Out of sight out of mind, after all. Liu Yao was worried about an assassination attempt on him and although it was unlikely that anyone would be bold enough to poison his tea so blatantly, he rather preferred not taking any risks.
