Northern Wei lies to the north of the Central Continent, experiencing only three seasons in a year: winter, spring, and autumn. Winter, in particular, lasts for half a year with severe cold and heavy snow. As a result, the people of Northern Wei have exceptionally pale skin. The Northern Wei princess possesses a complexion that rivals frost and snow, with eyes so clear they appear transparent. She wore a crimson gown adorned only with intricate patterns embroidered in purple silk thread, devoid of any other embellishments. If Qin Chaoyu could be likened to a peony in full bloom, radiant and captivating, this Northern Wei princess was like a red lotus fairy emerging from glaciers and pristine snow. She glanced at Qin Chaoyu from afar, her brow slightly furrowed, then shifted her gaze, unexpectedly sweeping it over Qin Guan as well.
Her expression seemed displeased, but since today was the grand state banquet of Great Zhou, she refrained from any impropriety.
Qin Chaoyu shot Feng Chenbi a sharp look. "You're about to become a princess consort, yet you're still as outspoken as ever. I am who I am, and the Northern Wei princess is the Northern Wei princess. If you want to undermine me, just say so—why drag the Northern Wei princess into it?"
Feng Chenbi frowned slightly, and Yu Shi pressed a hand on hers. "Really, both of you are about to be married, yet you're still bickering like children?"
Hu Shi, seeing this, chimed in with a smile, "Exactly! I haven’t yet congratulated the Duchess."
Yu Shi beamed. "And I must congratulate you as well—Chaoyu has achieved her wish to become the Crown Princess."
Hu Shi smiled with dignified warmth. "Chenbi has also gotten her wish. Everyone is content—what could be better? I imagine Consort Su must be overjoyed, with her own niece becoming even closer to the family."
At these words, Yu Shi’s smile faltered. After the incident that day, she had assumed Consort Su was delighted. But when she and her daughter were summoned to Changxin Palace, Consort Su had immediately launched into a furious scolding. Only then did Yu Shi realize it had all been a misunderstanding—they had fallen into the Empress’s trap.
Yet, with matters having reached this point, there was no turning back. On the surface, Consort Su had accepted Chenbi, but Yu Shi knew full well that Consort Su was far from pleased with her daughter becoming Prince Cheng’s consort. Forced into this situation, she harbored resentment, and it remained uncertain whether she would treat her daughter well in the future. The thought stirred a flicker of frustration in Yu Shi’s heart.
Qin Guan listened and realized how sharp Hu Shi truly was—her words had struck right at the core.
Feeling displeased, Yu Shi quieted down. Meanwhile, the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and others had taken their seats.
Apart from the Crown Prince, a prince, and a princess, Northern Wei was also accompanied by two envoys. Following them, the prince of Western Liang entered with two military officers. In Western Liang, black was the color of nobility, and the prince wore a black robe, his features handsome and his skin pale as snow. Yet, to Qin Guan, his pallor seemed unnaturally sickly.
These individuals were all royalty from other nations, nobles of high status. Now in Great Zhou, the imperial court naturally received them with utmost courtesy. Their seats were arranged close to the main seats of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager—Northern Wei to the left, Western Liang to the right. Though they had just taken their places, the Western Liang prince was already casting hostile glances toward the Northern Wei Crown Prince, and the atmosphere in the hall grew tense, as if poised for conflict.
Everyone rose to perform the grand salute, and once they had reseated themselves, Yan Huai smiled and said, "With the heavy snow blocking the northern roads late last year, we thought we wouldn’t see you all until the end of this year. Yet, here we are, gathered together just as spring begins."The Empress smiled and said, "His Majesty is quite right. I've long heard that both Northern Wei and Western Liang are lands of outstanding talent and spiritual vitality. Seeing them today, they truly live up to their reputation. The three royal highnesses are all exceptional among men, and the princess's beauty is so extraordinary that she quite overshadows our little Fifth Princess."
Fifth Princess Yan Zhen was seated not far away. Upon hearing this, she immediately pouted playfully, "How could Mother say such a thing? Although Sister Tuoba is beautiful, Zhen'er is still Mother's dearest treasure. If you say that, Zhen'er will lose face!"
Yan Zhen was only thirteen, at that tender age like a budding flower. Zhao Shuhua had used her to praise the Northern Wei princess—a diplomatic gesture that wouldn't truly embarrass Yan Zhen. Being naturally vivacious and reasonable, Yan Zhen wasn't offended but instead responded with playful complaint, which made the Empress Dowager and others laugh, lightening the hall's atmosphere.
The Northern Wei royal family bore the surname Tuoba. Crown Prince Tuoba Hong looked at Yan Zhen and said, "Her Majesty flatters us. I actually find the Fifth Princess lively and adorable, with peerless beauty—far surpassing my sister's in countless ways."
Both the Empress and Emperor laughed heartily. Yan Zhen blushed deeply at these words. Raised by Zhao Shuhua to be innocent and artless, she couldn't maintain composure when praised by a stranger before so many people. Meanwhile, Western Liang's Third Prince Liu Yun also smiled and said, "The Fifth Princess is Their Majesties' only daughter, naturally inheriting the best from both. Not only is she precious as gold, but also so kind and beautiful—truly living up to her reputation. Today, I've specially prepared a gift for the princess."
As soon as Liu Yun spoke these words, Tuoba Hong frowned. "What a coincidence—I've also ordered a gift prepared for the princess."
Liu Yun possessed handsome features and often wore a faint smile, yet it always felt artificial, like a smiling tiger that stirred unease in people's hearts. Though Tuoba Hong's features weren't as refined as Liu Yun's, his bearing naturally exuded magnanimity, with facial lines as sharp and resolute as carved stone, making him appear more upright and dignified.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yun chuckled and clapped his hands. "In that case, let's see whose gift pleases the princess more."
No sooner had he clapped than guards carried in a large chest from outside. Seeing this, Tuoba Hong glanced at his own guard at the hall entrance. The guard exited and soon returned carrying a chest as well. Judging by size alone, Liu Yun's chest was larger, though a gift's value isn't measured by its container.
At the sight of these two chests, everyone in the hall gazed with curiosity.
Liu Yun then smiled and asked, "I wonder what the Crown Prince has prepared?"
His meaning was clearly for Tuoba Hong to present his gift first. Not to be outdone, Tuoba Hong signaled his guard to open the chest. The guard nodded and immediately lifted the lid. As it opened, dazzling radiance burst forth from within. Everyone focused their eyes and saw it was a blood-red gemstone as large as a child's fist.The banquet hall of Chongming Hall was already resplendent enough, yet when this gem was revealed, it seemed to overshadow all other brilliance. Soft murmurs arose within the hall—a blood-red gemstone of such size was indeed exceedingly rare. Even the national treasury of Great Zhou likely had never seen its equal. As expected, the well-traveled Zhao Shuhua showed surprise in her eyes, while on the other side, Feng Lingsu first expressed astonishment before a flicker of envy emerged in her gaze...
Tuoba Hong’s eyes swept across the room as he declared clearly, "Your Majesty, Empress, Fifth Princess, this gem was excavated from the Cangyu Mountains of Northern Wei. Its radiance rivals the sun and moon, its color blazes like fire, and its size is the largest pigeon’s blood ruby I have ever seen. The Fifth Princess is the apple of Your Majesty and the Empress’s eyes—this gem is most suited to her."
Zhao Shuhua immediately smiled and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, this gem appears even more magnificent and beautiful than any we have seen before. What do you think?"
Yan Huai laughed, "It is indeed a rare treasure!"
Yan Zhen widened her eyes, gazing at the gem, equally stunned by its brilliance. Meanwhile, Liu Yun chuckled and remarked, "The Crown Prince has certainly put considerable thought into this. By comparison, my gift seems less valuable."
Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua turned their attention to the large chest Liu Yun had brought, both curious about its contents. Liu Yun nodded to the guard, who then unfastened a latch. As soon as the latch was released, all four sides of the chest swung open simultaneously, revealing a cage inside. And within that cage lay a snow-white arctic fox.
The fox was no larger than two palms put together, with pointed ears and upturned eyes. What was even more astonishing was that its eyes were a pale blue. Startled by the opening of the chest, the fox nonetheless remained composed. It glanced around calmly before lying down again. Its petite and adorable form, gleaming white fur, and intelligent eyes full of spirit, combined with its lazy yet clever posture as it reclined, instantly captured Yan Zhen’s attention.
No matter how noble she was, Yan Zhen was still a young girl. The sight of such a charming and adorable creature immediately stirred her compassion. Moreover, this was no ordinary cat or dog—it was an arctic fox! A little fox, pure white from head to tail, was irresistible to a young girl’s heart. Yan Zhen let out a soft exclamation and rose from her seat at once. Unable to contain her delight, she approached the cage as if to tease the little fox. However, hearing the noise, the fox merely glanced at her before lying down again.
Yan Zhen frowned, "Why does it ignore me?"
Liu Yun rose with a smile and drew a small jewelry box from his sleeve. The box was adorned with gold and gems, exuding opulence even from the outside. When opened, it revealed a delicate bracelet made of white jade, simple and slender in design, with a small pendant in the center from which hung a tiny bell. As Liu Yun took out the bracelet, the bell emitted a soft, gentle chime. At once, the little fox stood up.
Liu Yun smiled and said, "Would the Princess like to try wearing this?"Yan Zhen looked at the bell bracelet with slight surprise, then accepted it and put it on her wrist. With a slight movement of her hand, the bell immediately emitted a soft chime—inaudible unless one listened carefully—yet the little fox reacted strongly, standing up at once in its cage, its pale blue eyes gazing intently at Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen’s heart softened instantly. Turning around, she said, “Father, Mother, I want this little fox.”
Everyone in the hall could see Yan Zhen’s fondness. Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua exchanged a glance, and Yan Huai asked, “Third Prince, could this little creature harm anyone?”
Liu Yun shook his head. “Your Majesty, this is a snow fox from the Cold Plains of Western Liang, captured right after birth and raised for exactly half a year. We have the finest animal trainers, and it no longer poses any danger. However, it is highly intelligent. This beast-taming bell is meant to help it recognize its master. If the princess wears this small bell for three days, the little fox will regard her as its only master for life.”
Yan Zhen was deeply moved and looked eagerly at Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua. Zhao Shuhua seemed hesitant to speak, but Yan Huai laughed heartily and said, “Zhen’er, since you like it so much, you shall be its master.”
Overjoyed, Yan Zhen turned to Liu Yun and asked, “May I hold it?”
Liu Yun nodded. “Of course.”
Delighted, Yan Zhen watched as Liu Yun personally opened the cage. The little fox did not run wild but obediently walked to Yan Zhen’s feet. Leaning down, Yan Zhen gently stroked its head. Instead of avoiding her touch, the fox nuzzled against the hem of her skirt. Yan Zhen broke into a smile and carefully picked it up. Nestled in her arms, the little fox gazed at her with pale blue eyes that seemed to shimmer with moisture—utterly endearing.
Zhao Shuhua felt a pang of anxiety, worried that the fox, being a wild animal, might harm Yan Zhen. Only when she saw the fox resting peacefully in Yan Zhen’s arms did she relax. With a relieved smile, she said, “Since you like it so much, of course you may keep it. Don’t forget to thank the Third Prince and the Crown Prince for their gifts.”
Yan Zhen promptly stepped back and curtsied to the two princes. “Yan Zhen thanks Your Highnesses for your thoughtful gifts.”
Liu Yun smiled warmly and repeatedly expressed his humility, then dismissed the guards and returned to his seat.
Yan Zhen then walked over to the pigeon’s blood ruby presented by the Northern Wei guard and examined it briefly. Turning to her mother, she said, “Mother, this gem is far too luxurious and ornate for me. Please keep it for yourself.”
Liu Yun immediately remarked with a smile, “The Fifth Princess is truly filial.”
The little fox he had gifted was cherished by Yan Zhen, while the ruby was passed on to someone else. It was clear which gift had won her favor.
Zhao Shuhua laughed and said, “This was a gift from the Crown Prince. Even if you don’t use it now, you should keep it. You are a princess of Great Zhou, and this pigeon’s blood ruby is truly fitting for you!”
Yan Zhen hesitated for a moment before replying, “Very well, then. Thank you, Crown Prince.”
Tuoba Hong had initially been somewhat disheartened by Yan Zhen’s lack of enthusiasm for his gift, but Zhao Shuhua’s words eased his disappointment. He smiled and nodded at Yan Zhen, who then returned to her seat, still cradling the little fox.All those present were women, and aside from Yan Zhen, quite a few were captivated by the little fox. After Yan Zhen returned to her seat, many continued to gaze over, only to see the little fox obediently curled in her arms, motionless, its eyes occasionally glancing around—a remarkably well-behaved creature.
With the gift-giving concluded, Yan Huai naturally engaged in pleasantries with the two nations. Tuoba Hong remarked, "I’ve heard today coincides with the Great Zhou’s Shangsi Festival, and in a few days, there will be a grand spring hunt?"
Yan Huai laughed heartily, "It seems the Crown Prince is well-informed! Today is indeed the Shangsi Festival. As for the spring hunt you mentioned, it will take place seven days from now. Since the three princes and princess have traveled so far, I assume you’ll be staying awhile longer."
Before Tuoba Hong could respond, Liu Yun interjected, "I’ve long heard of Great Zhou’s military prowess and hope to witness it during the spring hunt. I came to the capital precisely to experience your customs and culture firsthand—this spring hunt is an opportunity I cannot miss."
Yan Huai’s smile widened. Tuoba Hong then added, "Participating in the spring hunt would be most welcome. I, too, wish to see the valor of Great Zhou’s men..."
Aside from Crown Prince Tuoba Hong, Northern Wei had also sent the fifth prince, Tuoba Rui, who echoed the sentiment. Princess Tuoba Wu sat upright with an impassive expression, yet her eyes subtly lingered on the fox in Yan Zhen’s arms, scarcely looking away throughout the banquet.
Yan Huai turned to Yan Che, "Che’er, since the princes are keen on joining the spring hunt, ensure everything is impeccably arranged!"
As the Heir Apparent and future emperor of Great Zhou, Yan Che was overseeing the hunt. Hearing this, he promptly rose to assent. Meanwhile, Liu Yun seized the moment to lavish praise on Yan Che.
With Yan Huai’s public commitment to the spring hunt, the event—a favorite of the imperial family and officials—was officially set. Great Zhou’s ancestors had founded the nation on horseback, and though settled in Lin’an City, their inherent martial spirit endured through seasonal hunts. In Qin Guan’s memory, the last spring hunt was two years prior, as Great Zhou held at least one major hunt annually or biennially.
In early spring, as ice thawed and life reawakened, the Mount Wei Hunting Grounds—rested for two years—teemed with rare beasts foraging. Hunters were likely to return with abundant game.
The hall buzzed with clinking cups and lively discussions about the upcoming hunt among officials and their families alike.
Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin slightly, "I didn’t expect this year’s spring hunt to be in March, Mother. Shall we attend?"
Hu Shi smiled, "That depends on your father. Personally, I think you should go. This year, you can enjoy yourself freely, but next year or the year after, it may not be possible."
By then, she would be the Crown Princess.
Qin Chaoyu’s eyes sparkled at the thought, and she glanced toward Yan Che.
As the organizer, Yan Che would undoubtedly attend—so she must go too.
With this resolve, she turned to Qin Guan, "Ninth Sister, will you join the spring hunt?"
Qin Guan looked surprised, "Am I allowed to go?"Qin Guan had never attended the Spring Hunt before, and at that time, her father was handling a case and hadn't gone either, so she had no idea what the Spring Hunt was like. Qin Chaoyu said, "Of course! During the Spring Hunt, even women can change into riding attire and go hunting!" As she spoke, Qin Chaoyu looked Qin Guan up and down. "But, Ninth Sister, how is your horsemanship?"
She didn’t even bother asking about archery and only inquired about horsemanship. Qin Guan nodded. "Passable."
A genuine smile reached Qin Chaoyu’s eyes. "In that case, why not go? I wonder if the Empress Dowager will attend. If she does, I’m sure she’ll bring you along."
Qin Guan remained silent for a moment. Her mind was entirely occupied with Consort Jin’s case, and the Spring Hunt wasn’t part of her plans.
As the palace banquet drew to a close, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager were preparing to leave. The envoys from Northern Wei and Western Liang also rose to their feet. Just as everyone was about to exit the hall, Tuoba Wu’s gaze swept around the room. After searching for a while, she grew anxious and exclaimed, "Crown Prince! Where is the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army?!"
Qin Guan was walking toward the main hall entrance with Hu Shi when she heard this. Her footsteps abruptly halted.
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