The weather was perfect for a footrace.
No, a horse race.
Zi Shou rode out of the palace and headed toward the Racecourse.
The ministers were gradually beginning to sense something amiss. His Majesty seemed to be doing this simply because he liked having fun!
If his purpose was merely to encourage horse breeding and promote the Racecourse's development, attending in person during the first month would have been enough. And why did he have to compete himself?
Yang Ren and the other ministers decided to accompany him and see what was really going on. If he was indeed merely indulging in play, there was nothing more to say: they had to remonstrate.
Zi Shou rode slowly through the city.
The ministers following him had plenty of thoughts about this. It seemed King Zhou still knew some restraint, at least; he was not galloping wildly through the streets.
After leaving the city, just as he approached the Racecourse, Zi Shou found his way blocked squarely by the hungry-looking Bo Yi and Shu Qi.
Risking being trampled at any moment, the two bowed before his horse and pleaded, "Your Majesty, we have words of remonstrance!"
Holy shit!
The startled horse stopped short, giving Zi Shou a fright.
With my lousy riding skills, I can still only manage a walk. You two suddenly blocking me like that nearly sent me fucking tumbling off!
Zi Shou had no choice but to dismount first. These two men of lofty principles coming to remonstrate was a good thing. They must have discovered something and come specifically to admonish him.
As luck would have it, the ministers were here too. Everyone could witness his foolishness together.
Seeing King Zhou dismount, Bo Yi and Shu Qi immediately looked somewhat relieved. *His Majesty specifically dismounted to hear our