Under the tight protection of the imperial guards, the night passed peacefully. Early the next morning, all the masters, court officials, and their families rose early, had breakfast, and resumed their journey.
In the Loyal Marquis Manor's carriage, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang sat together. Though they had slept poorly that night, both were still extremely excited. The previous day, they had caught distant glimpses of the current Emperor, Empress Dowager, Empress, and other prominent figures of the Inner Palace. Moreover, they had also seen the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and several other princes from afar. The Crown Prince's composure and Prince Cheng's unyielding spirit had left a deep impression on them. For those who had been in the capital for so long yet never entered the palace, this was the greatest reward.
"I wonder how Ninth Sister is doing. Last night, Aunt Hu forbade us from wandering around, otherwise we could have checked on her..." Qin Shuang muttered to herself while pulling out osmanthus cakes from a drawer. Hu Shi, having attended the spring hunt before, was well-prepared. Knowing that the grand occasion might mean poor meals, she had stocked each carriage with pastries. Thanks to these snacks, the past two days had been more bearable.
Hearing this, Qin Xiang's gaze grew distant. "Ninth Sister is with the Empress Dowager. Her food, accommodations, and carriage are all far superior to ours. Don't worry."
Qin Shuang's smile widened as she ate. "You know, I used to just imagine it, but yesterday I witnessed it firsthand. The imperial family truly is the imperial family—their majesty is something ordinary folks wouldn't dare dream of. Ninth Sister is so fortunate to be so close to the Emperor and Empress Dowager. She even shared the same carriage with the Empress Dowager!"
The previous day's spectacle at Zhenghua Gate was unprecedented. Though the Loyal Marquis Manor's position was relatively forward, the two of them stood behind Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu, who in turn stood behind Qin Shu, blocking their view. Yet Qin Guan seemed to belong to an entirely different world—standing beside the Empress Dowager throughout the sacrificial ceremony, in a position as prominent as the Fifth Princess's. Qin Shuang had to admit feeling a twinge of jealousy at that moment, but she knew she could never have Qin Guan's fate. Merely being allowed to join the spring hunt was already a great privilege.
"Yes, I truly envy Ninth Sister," Qin Xiang sighed, clearly taken aback by Qin Guan's circumstances. In their imagination, Qin Guan's favor, though substantial, stemmed solely from having cured the Empress Dowager. Having never witnessed imperial grandeur before, they couldn't fathom how enviable Qin Guan's honor truly was.
"Envy won't change anything," Qin Shuang said, stuffing a pastry into Qin Xiang's hand. "Eat quickly. We have a full day of travel ahead. I'm already surprised and delighted we were allowed to come. We'll find Ninth Sister to chat when we reach Mount Wei."
Qin Xiang accepted the pastry, her eyes thoughtful. Qin Shuang glanced at her, swallowed the remaining cake in a few bites, and pulled aside the carriage curtain to peer outside. Craning her neck, she looked around playfully and teased, "Why don't I see anyone from the Garrison Battalion? What do they look like?"
Qin Xiang snapped out of her reverie, blushing slightly. She pulled Qin Shuang back inside. "Don't be so improper! What will people think? The imperial guards are all out there..."Qin Shuang immediately laughed. This journey had been truly tedious, with few stops along the way. Having already endured enough travel when they first entered the capital, the scenery held little appeal. The entire previous day had been spent mocking Qin Xiang to pass the time.
"Don’t be nervous—I didn’t shout. It’s just that all the soldiers wear identical uniforms, making it impossible to identify Xue Qingshan. How are we supposed to find him?"
Qin Xiang, whether out of embarrassment or irritation, furrowed her brows slightly. "Joking privately in the manor is one thing, but why would you actually seek him out? How improper would that look? He’s merely a common soldier here on duty. Your careless remarks might cause trouble for him..."
A teasing glint flashed in Qin Shuang’s eyes. "Why would you worry if I cause trouble for him?"
Qin Xiang’s expression darkened further. Seeing she had gone too far, Qin Shuang quickly raised her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I’ll stop. I was only teasing—I’d never actually spread rumors. You’ve just had the minor betrothal ceremony, and his family hasn’t even sent the engagement gifts yet. If word got out now that you’re marrying into his family, it would reflect poorly on us."
Only when Qin Shuang changed her tune did Qin Xiang snort lightly, her expression softening slightly.
Though she refrained from sticking her head out, Qin Xiang lifted the curtain to peer at the long procession ahead. The line stretched beyond sight. Preceding the Loyal Marquis Manor’s carriage were those of the three ducal estates and several general’s mansions. Further ahead were the carriages of the imperial princes and heirs apparent, followed by those of the imperial uncles and the Crown Prince. Qin Guan’s carriage led the very front, second only to the emperor’s palanquin. From the three ducal estates onward, the carriages were ordinary, enduring constant jolts along the road. Just by observing the exterior and positions in the procession, one could discern each family’s standing in the capital.
Qin Xiang glanced back momentarily, noting numerous carriages behind theirs. She narrowed her eyes but didn’t linger, instead continuing to look ahead. Qin Shuang sat sideways, gazing backward as she remarked, "Being in the middle of the procession isn’t bad. I initially thought these matters had nothing to do with us, but Uncle actually allowed us to come. Uncle and Aunt have been so kind to us..."
As Qin Shuang spoke, Qin Xiang felt a pang of bitterness. Qin Shuang’s mother had passed away early, but her own circumstances differed. Though her marriage had been settled since arriving in the capital, it wasn’t what she had hoped for—and she knew her mother wouldn’t be satisfied either. A letter had been sent to Jinzhou, but her mother’s reply hadn’t yet reached the capital. While aware of her mother’s likely dissatisfaction, Qin Xiang also knew she would never openly oppose the match. At this point, they had no power to object.
Qin Xiang’s nose tingled with sudden acidity, and she yearned deeply for her mother far away in Jinzhou.
"They only brought us along because we’re both about to be married, aren’t they?"
Qin Xiang spoke softly, tinged with melancholy. Qin Shuang, excited since departure, failed to notice her cousin’s despondency and replied, "Exactly! Time flies so quickly. When we return, Aunt will probably start arranging matches for me too. Your Xue Qingshan is perfect in every way, but I’ve no idea where my future husband might be."
Qin Shuang’s tone held self-mockery. As a legitimate daughter with superior grace and appearance, Qin Xiang could secure someone like Xue Qingshan. Whoever she herself married would inevitably be inferior—perhaps truly a low-ranking soldier without any title.This thought brought a moment of silence to her heart. She understood Qin Xiang's initial dissatisfaction with Xue Qingshan perfectly—every young girl harbored fantasies before marriage. Though she herself felt finding someone like Xue Qingshan would be quite good, she too wouldn't want to marry someone without prospects or ambition. If that were the case, how could one possibly live a decent life?
Qin Shuang thought of the money and belongings she had saved up over time. The Marquis Manor would prepare her dowry, but it wouldn't be lavish. Once married, how could she make these assets grow?
Her thoughts drifted further astray, nearly leading her to consider becoming a merchant's wife. Just as she was lost in contemplation, the sound of galloping horses broke the silence—chaotic and hurried, passing rapidly from ahead. Startled, Qin Shuang quickly lowered the window curtain. Meanwhile, Qin Xiang, also lost in thought, failed to react in time and forgot to drop her curtain. In that instant, several figures in splendid attire came into view, and the one leading them was none other than Prince Cheng, whom they had seen yesterday morning!
Qin Xiang instinctively looked toward the approaching party. Since all carriage curtains along Prince Cheng's path had been lowered, his attention was caught by this bold individual who had left hers open. Their eyes met briefly, and a flicker of interest passed through Prince Cheng's gaze. He recognized it as the carriage of the Loyal Marquis Manor. Their horses moved at a brisk pace, so Prince Cheng only glanced once before looking ahead and galloping away. On her side, Qin Shuang hastily pulled down the curtain in front of Qin Xiang and urgently whispered, "Don't stare recklessly!"
Qin Xiang seemed startled by Yan Qi's glance. "It seemed like... Prince... Prince Cheng..."
Qin Shuang's expression shifted slightly, and she secretly lifted the carriage curtain to peek outside, but the figures had already vanished. She remarked, "Why were you so slow to react? In our procession, ordinary people would never dare to gallop so boldly. It must be either the commander of the imperial guards or some high-ranking official. We definitely shouldn't stare—what if we offend someone?"
Qin Xiang patted her chest and exhaled deeply. "I was just thinking about whether Mother's condition has improved and didn't react in time."
Hearing this, Qin Shuang found it hard to say more. Lin Shi had never treated her poorly in the past; rather, she had indulged her whims. Although she hadn't provided proper upbringing, she never deprived her of daily necessities. Thus, Qin Shuang still held some affection for Lin Shi. At Qin Xiang's words, her expression dimmed slightly. "With Second Brother here, Mother's illness will surely improve. Don't worry. For your grand wedding, I wonder if Mother and Second Brother will be brought to the capital. It would be wonderful if they could come."
Qin Xiang's eyes brightened at this. Yes, it would be wonderful if Mother could come to the capital.
...
...
In the Empress Dowager's carriage, Qin Guan was playing a game of Go with Yan Sui. Yan Sui still employed his usual clumsy strategies, and Qin Guan indulged him. The Empress Dowager watched with keen interest. "When you were young and studied medicine with your father, it must have been quite arduous, wasn't it?"
Qin Guan kept her eyes on the board as she replied, "It was indeed challenging at first, but it became easier later on. Father was a skilled teacher, so I didn't find it too difficult. Besides, Mother also enjoyed reading medical texts, so I learned a lot through osmosis."
The Empress Dowager nodded with a smile. "I see. I thought as much—with such excellent medical skills, it must be because you have a genuine interest and have put in considerable effort. You have a keen understanding; learning anything wouldn't be difficult for you."Qin Guan smiled, "If the Empress Dowager wants me to learn martial arts, I'm afraid I can't manage it. Anything worth doing well requires dedication. When I was in Jinzhou watching Yue Ning practice martial arts, although she doesn't follow her adoptive father to the battlefield, she never slacks off for a single day."
The Empress Dowager raised her eyebrows, "Oh? That little girl has become so capable?"
Qin Guan nodded, "Indeed! I think she carries the same spirit as my adoptive father in his youth!"
The Empress Dowager smiled affectionately, her gaze drifting as she recalled old memories. "She was always such a well-behaved child since she was little—never one to cry. I loved holding her the most. While other babies would fuss when held by strangers, she was different. I said back then that this girl would grow up to be extraordinary."
"Yes, it's a shame women aren't allowed on the battlefield, otherwise—"
As she placed a chess piece, Qin Guan unconsciously voiced this thought, then immediately realized her indiscretion and glanced apologetically at the Empress Dowager. "Please forgive my bluntness, what I meant was..."
The prohibition against women serving in battle was national policy, making Qin Guan's remark particularly inappropriate in front of the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager laughed immediately, "Silly child, why shouldn't you speak your mind? There was a time when I thought the same. When I was young watching my father practice martial arts, I longed to touch those spears and swords myself. But my mother said martial arts were useless for a girl. Not only that—she was already planning for me to marry into one of Lin'an's noble families even if I didn't enter the palace. So she strictly forbade me from learning such things. It was my father who, seeing my suppressed curiosity, occasionally let me practice a few moves with him."
As she spoke, laughter lines appeared at the corners of her eyes, her pupils sparkling with youthful brightness. Seeing the Empress Dowager like this filled Qin Guan with joy, and she whispered mischievously, "So the Empress Dowager once thought like me too?"
The Empress Dowager's laughter rang clear, "Of course! I even said this to the late Emperor back then." Her eyes then softened with tenderness. "To be frank, if not for my military family background, straightforward nature, and lack of affectation compared to Lin'an's noble ladies, the late Emperor might not have favored me."
The Empress Dowager was the late Emperor's first wife, having borne both his eldest and second sons—evidence of his deep affection for her. She served as Empress throughout her life, and her own son eventually succeeded the throne. Had it not been for Prince Gong's rebellion, her life would have been perfectly complete. Her lifelong honor naturally stemmed from the late Emperor's love and respect. Listening to her, Qin Guan could almost envision the Empress Dowager in her youth.
The Empress Dowager sighed again, "This world makes life difficult for women. Whether for me or for your future self, there will inevitably be many challenges. Yet people like us already have it much better than most."
Just as Yan Sui wouldn't know where millet comes from, many noble ladies in Lin'an remained ignorant of the common people's hardships. But the Empress Dowager was different. Gazing at her kind face, Qin Guan felt growing genuine affection and respect for the elder. She began sharing observations from her journey to the capital.
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager asked, "Does it really take nearly two months to travel from Jinzhou to the capital?"
Though she knew Qin Guan had arrived in the capital before the New Year, the Empress Dowager hadn't known the exact duration of her journey. Learning this now raised questions in her mind—she remained unaware of everything Qin Guan had experienced along the way.Qin Guan hesitated for a moment before saying, "We encountered some trouble on the way—"
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow. "I heard that when you were in Yuzhou, you stayed at the Pang residence. Later, it was discovered that the Pang family was actually the mastermind behind the Gold Heist Case from over a decade ago?"
Qin Guan nodded. "Exactly. At that time, a murder also occurred in the residence. Since we were staying there, we ended up lingering for a few more days."
The Empress Dowager nodded. "I truly hadn’t expected this. I only learned about it a few days ago. Back then, this case caused quite an uproar, but who would have thought Yan Chi would stumble upon it and even manage to solve it!"
Her tone already carried a hint of pride, though she was unaware that Qin Guan was the primary contributor to solving the case. Qin Guan smiled brightly. "Indeed, I hadn’t expected it to be the Gold Heist Case either."
"Naturally, you wouldn’t know much about this case. Back then, it nearly led to the Great Zhou’s military defeat. Although we ultimately avoided defeat, it was a pyrrhic victory. That’s why the mastermind deserves nothing less than ten thousand deaths!"
"I heard that Prince Rui was the one leading the troops back then?"
The Empress Dowager nodded. "Yes, so you can imagine, this case has always been a lingering concern for Yan Chi."
Qin Guan nodded in agreement. Back in Yuzhou, she had already understood the significance of this case to Yan Chi.
As they spoke, the Empress Dowager recounted in detail how brutal that great battle had been, leaving Qin Guan sighing with emotion. Qin Guan held deep respect for the soldiers defending the borders and confronting the enemy, and the Empress Dowager felt the same. The more they talked, the more they found common ground.
Meanwhile, in the foremost carriage, Yan Huai, while handling official affairs, asked Yuan Qing, "Is everything orderly on the Empress Dowager’s side?"
Yuan Qing smiled. "Everything is perfectly fine. A servant reported earlier that the Empress Dowager and Ninth Miss are chatting, laughing from time to time. Her laughter can even be heard outside the carriage."
Yan Huai set down his imperial brush and also smiled. "Ninth girl is truly remarkable."
Yuan Qing quickly nodded. "Indeed. It’s all thanks to Ninth Miss that the Empress Dowager was able to leave the palace this time."
Yan Huai nodded. After a moment, he suddenly asked, "By the way, has that Northern Wei princess managed to find Yan Chi?"
At this, Yuan Qing’s smile widened. Although Princess Tuoba Wu of Northern Wei had tried to keep her actions discreet, in reality, nothing could escape the Emperor’s notice. "She hasn’t found him. His Highness has been reorganizing the Ministry of Justice’s archives these past few days. I heard he dug out many backlogged cases and ordered his subordinates to reinvestigate them. He hasn’t entered the palace for several days in a row."
Yan Huai was well aware of Yan Chi’s diligence. He narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment but showed no particular expression, merely continuing, "What do you think if I were to grant the Northern Wei princess her wish?"
Yuan Qing’s eyes shifted thoughtfully. "The Northern Wei princess... her status is indeed noble. However, she is, after all, a foreigner. Prince Rui would likely not take a liking to her... and then there’s the Empress Dowager..."
Yan Huai chuckled. "That’s what I thought as well."
……
……
Yan Chi would have preferred to ride a horse, but he couldn’t openly do so alongside the Empress Dowager’s carriage. In the end, he also boarded a carriage. Inside, several covert letters of unknown origin were placed beside his seat.
Bai Feng looked at those letters and asked, "Your Highness, why have you suddenly started investigating this matter?"Yan Chi frowned, "This matter was contemplated right after returning to the capital, but the imperial decree came too urgently, requiring me to rush to Jinzhou. Otherwise, there would already be some leads by now." His eyes darkened slightly as he spoke, "Yet I never expected the Ministry of Justice would have no case files at all."
Bai Feng pondered, "Not in the Ministry of Justice, nor in the Court of Judicial Review—it is indeed strange."
Yan Chi had ordered the reorganization of the Ministry of Justice's archives precisely to find documents related to Prince Jin's case. However, not a single page of records about Prince Jin's case could be found in the entire archive, which was highly unusual. Suspecting the files might be in the Court of Judicial Review, Yan Chi secretly dispatched people to search there, but again, no results were found.
"Under normal circumstances, whenever a prince or imperial family member is involved in a case, the Ministry of Justice would retain records. This time, the files are missing—someone must have ordered it. But who that person is remains unknown."
Bai Feng remarked, "According to protocol, only the Minister of Justice can freely access the ministry's files. Could it be...?"
Yan Chi shook his head, "This matter requires careful deliberation. For now, we should only investigate the affairs of Prince Jin Manor discreetly."
Bai Feng sorted through the letters Yan Chi had reviewed. "Before Prince Jin's incident, everything in Prince Jin Manor was normal, with no signs of any trouble. Yet after that, everyone from the manor vanished."
Letters on the table had arrived from Cangzhou in the north and Weizhou in the south—both places where former associates of Prince Jin Manor resided. After the incident, these individuals were sentenced to exile. Yan Chi had expended great effort to track them down, but the final reports indicated that, without exception, all of Prince Jin's former associates had died during their exile.
Was this a coincidence? Or was it deliberately orchestrated by someone?
If it was intentional, who was behind it?
A cold expression surfaced on Yan Chi's face. When he first heard of this, he had been skeptical. Unfortunately, he was dispatched to Jinzhou at the time, missing the best opportunity to investigate. Now, with all witnesses dead, there was no way to uncover anything.
However, Qin Guan had once said that whenever something happens, it inevitably leaves traces.
Prince Jin's case had initially caused a stir—a reigning prince and imperial son murdering a favored consort of the Inner Palace. The identities of these two alone sparked countless speculations: Was it a forbidden love that defied morality? Or a sinister struggle for power and glory? Whatever the reason, if Prince Jin was truly the culprit, this case would be just an ordinary homicide. After all, which major case doesn't involve underlying motives?
But now, the case files were missing.
Consort Jin's tragic death and Prince Jin's suicide out of guilt were not entirely incomprehensible developments. Why would the files disappear? Why were all of Prince Jin's former associates eliminated? If there was nothing suspicious about this, Yan Chi refused to believe it!
But what, exactly, was the hidden truth? And who was behind it?
To quietly dispose of all of Prince Jin's former associates, the perpetrator must, at the very least, be from the imperial family...
With this thought, several names surfaced in Yan Chi's mind.
……
……
The spring hunting party set out early from Fengming Slope and, by the time the sun slanted westward, could already see Mount Wei. In early spring, the mountain range stood layered and majestic, its slopes rising and falling gently, adorned with lush, vibrant forests. Among the trees, flags planted by the vanguard team—which had arrived a month earlier to prepare the hunting grounds—were faintly visible.
At the foot of Mount Wei, the crystal-clear Wei River meandered by. To the left of the riverbank lay the spring hunting camp. A broad path branched off from the main road, following the river upstream for over half an hour before reaching the campsite. Along the Wei River, spring grass spread like a lush green carpet cascading downward. Upon this verdant tapestry, the vanguard had already erected grand tents—magnificent structures resembling palaces for the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress. The remaining tents fanned out around these three main lodgings, interspersed with quarters for the Imperial Guards and attendants, stretching along the river for nearly two miles in a spectacular display.
As the carriage traveled by the Wei River before reaching camp, Qin Guan caught the scent of fresh grass. Drawing the curtain aside, she saw the shallow river shimmering like a jade ribbon fallen from heaven. To the right stood dense, verdant forests, while distant peaks to the left pierced the sky like swords veiled in hazy indigo. Qin Guan took a deep breath, feeling invigorated.
"Back at Mount Wei Hunting Grounds again!" sighed the Empress Dowager, pointing at the peaks to the left of the river. "That one is called Imperial Brush Peak, and behind it lies Imperial Sword Peak. Every time I behold these majestic formations, I marvel at nature’s divine craftsmanship."
The mountains to the left of the Jade Ribbon River rose steeply, each cliff face vertical as brushes or blades, living up to their names. In contrast, the hunting grounds to the right appeared more modest—yet this made them ideal for the hunt. With gentle slopes navigable on horseback and thickets teeming with wildlife emerging from winter, it was a perfect natural hunting domain.
As the procession approached camp, Deputy Commander Zhao Yu of the Imperial Guards led soldiers to greet them at the entrance. When Yan Huai’s carriage arrived, they knelt in unison, roaring "Long live the Emperor!" Amid this thunderous salute, the Great Zhou spring hunting delegation entered the camp.
While Qin Guan assisted the Empress Dowager from her carriage, Yan Huai already stood atop the high steps ahead. Seeing her descend, he hurried forward to support her. Meanwhile, Empress Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu followed from behind. Noting the Emperor personally aiding the Empress Dowager, Zhao Shuhua stepped forward, prompting Qin Guan to retreat aside.
Flanked by supporters, the Empress Dowager ascended the steps. Qin Guan turned and grasped Yan Sui’s hand.
After two days together, Yan Sui no longer resisted her touch and allowed himself to be led.
Though the camp stood on flat grassland at the mountain’s base, the main tents were elevated on platforms to embody imperial dignity—avoiding dampness while offering sweeping views. With the Empress Dowager steady beside him, Yan Huai gazed out at the meticulously organized camp and the glistening Jade Ribbon River, admiring the delightful early spring scenery.
Yan Huai’s carriage led the procession. After alighting, he watched other vehicles enter in orderly succession, nodding in approval before praising Deputy Commander Zhao Yu. The young nobleman, barely twenty and from a military lineage, glowed with pride at the Emperor’s commendation.The Fifth Princess stood beside Zhao Shuhua, holding the little fox in her arms. Her eyes blinked as she gazed at the lush greenery and the jade-like river. "Mother Empress, the last time we came, the Jade Belt River didn’t seem this wide."
Zhao Shuhua smiled. "There was a flood a year ago. The water rose several times, and the riverbed widened."
The white fox with blue eyes nestled in the Fifth Princess’s arms like a kitten, perfectly docile. The Fifth Princess asked, "May I go play by the river later?"
Zhao Shuhua chuckled helplessly, while the Empress Dowager said affectionately, "The river water is still very cold now. If you really want to go, have someone accompany you, and make sure you don’t fall into the water, understand?"
With the Empress Dowager’s approval, Zhao Shuhua sighed, "The Empress Dowager has spoken up for you. You’ve gotten your wish!"
Yan Zhen giggled and repeatedly promised she wouldn’t cause any trouble.
The camp was centered around the main tent, in front of which lay a vast square suitable for ceremonial rites or military drills. On either side of the square stood rows of auxiliary tents, followed by the living quarters of the officials and their families. The closer one was to the main tent, the higher their status. Women’s quarters were on the left, men’s on the right. Beyond the outermost ring of the masters’ tents stood a temporary fence, and outside it were the barracks of the imperial guards, which were far more rudimentary than the masters’ tents.
In addition to the barracks, there were tents for military equipment and kitchens for meals. Downstream, there was also a large horse pasture used for the spring hunt over the past half-month.
After briefly surveying the camp’s layout, Yan Huai personally escorted the Empress Dowager to her tent. Seeing Qin Guan holding Yan Sui’s hand and taking good care of him, Yan Huai praised Qin Guan a few words. Zhao Shuhua, noticing this, did not hesitate to add her own compliments.
Knowing that Yan Huai had been reviewing memorials throughout the journey, the Empress Dowager said, "The Emperor and Empress must be tired. You should go and rest as well." Noticing that Yan Zhen and the others had also followed, she added with a smile, "While it’s still early, those who wish to play may go out for a stroll. There’s no need to stay here with me. I’m perfectly fine."
She glanced at Qin Guan and then turned to Yan Zhen. "Zhen’er, when you go out to play later, take Ninth Girl and your Ninth Brother with you. It’s their first time here—show them around."
She then looked at Zhao Shuhua. "Find someone reliable to accompany them."
Understanding the Empress Dowager’s intention, Zhao Shuhua quickly agreed before leaving with Yan Huai.
Once everyone had left, Qin Guan stepped forward. "Empress Dowager, why did you ask the Princess to take me out to play? I’m not fond of such activities."
The Empress Dowager tapped her lightly on the forehead. "Silly girl, since you’re here, you can’t spend all day cooped up in a tent with an old woman like me. You should go out and explore. I’m a bit tired and will need to lie down soon. Look at Little Nine—he’s full of energy. I trust you to take care of him. It’s his first time here, so let him stretch his legs and enjoy himself."
Hearing this, Qin Guan nodded in agreement. Soon after, Yan Zhen arrived as instructed, accompanied by the young Deputy Commander Zhao Yu and Momma Qi from the Empress’s side. A large group of attendants waited outside, clearly concerned for their safety.
Seeing the crowd, the Empress Dowager urged Qin Guan and Yan Sui to go out.Yan Zhen carried the little fox wherever she went, while Qin Guan held Yan Sui's hand, with Momma Su and Mammy Chen following behind to watch over them. As she walked, Yan Zhen glanced back, "Ninth Miss, I can't believe Ninth Brother actually listens to you."
Qin Guan was slightly surprised, "Why does Your Highness say that?"
Yan Zhen then laughed, "Ninth Brother won't even let me hold his hand, and he never speaks when he sees us."
Yan Zhen, spoiled by Zhao Shuhua, had a straightforward and innocent nature. Upon hearing this, Momma Su and Mammy Chen exchanged a glance, seeming to find it inappropriate. Qin Guan smiled and said, "I played Go with Ninth Prince for a very, very long time before he was willing to let me hold his hand. Ninth Prince is still young—you need to play games with him to earn his trust."
Yan Zhen blinked her eyes, "Ah, but I wouldn't want to. I can't sit still."
Momma Su breathed a sigh of relief, feeling quite grateful to Qin Guan. Yan Sui's temperament was such that he only spoke more in front of the Empress Dowager. With others, although he followed etiquette, he never spoke much. Rumors about his nature had long circulated in the palace—that he had been frightened senseless after witnessing Consort Jin's death. Qin Guan's explanation provided an excuse for Yan Sui's behavior.
The others were still settling into their large tents, while the carriages and horses on the square had been moved to the parking area downstream. For a moment, the entire camp square was occupied only by patrolling soldiers. At the camp entrance, the guards on duty saw Qin Guan and Fifth Princess approaching, and also noticed Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu waved his hand, and the guards all stepped aside.
It was an overcast day, and although it was already afternoon, the sky gave no indication of the time.
Yan Zhen hurried out of the camp gate straight toward the river, chatting with the little fox in her arms as she walked. Qin Guan looked down at Yan Sui and saw his eyes sparkling brightly, clearly fascinated by everything around him.
"Your Highness, please slow down—"
Yan Zhen's personal attendant reminded her, but Yan Zhen paid no heed, "It's fine. I remember last time we came, I saw many soldiers fishing and catching shrimp by the river—"
Yan Zhen walked briskly, while Qin Guan matched her pace to Yan Sui's. Although it was early spring, the wind still carried a chill. Qin Guan adjusted Yan Sui's little cape, and as she lifted her gaze, she caught sight of someone following them—it was Western Liang's Third Prince, Liu Yun. Liu Yun's eyes were fixed on Yan Zhen, his smile charming and flirtatious.
Qin Guan understood Liu Yun's intentions but felt this Western Liang prince was somewhat impatient.
"Fifth Princess—"
Liu Yun called out, and Yan Zhen immediately turned around. Seeing it was Liu Yun, her smile deepened, "Third Prince, why have you come out too—"
Liu Yun didn't answer, instead looking at the little fox, "Has she been well-behaved these past few days?"
Yan Zhen's face was full of smiles, "Of course she has! Oh, I want to give her a name, but I've been thinking for days and can't come up with a nice one. What did you used to call her, Third Prince?"
Liu Yun walked alongside Yan Zhen and laughed, "I brought this little one back specifically for you, Princess. You are her owner, so naturally, you should be the one to name her. I never gave her a name."
"Her eyes are blue, and I wanted to name her based on that, but after thinking for so long, I feel no name is worthy of her. These past few days, I've been calling her Little Blue, but her eyes are like gemstones—how can I use such a casual name?"Yan Zhen seemed quite troubled by this matter. Liu Yun racked his brains but couldn’t come up with a pleasant-sounding name either. Then, an idea struck him, and he smiled, saying, “Actually, Your Highness, why must you be so fixated on a name? If you love it, even a simple name can hold deep meaning. It’s not necessary to choose an extraordinary name for it to be good.”
Yan Zhen, who had been fretting over this, brightened at his words. “You’re right! The Third Prince is truly free-spirited and unrestrained. Since I love it, why should I be bound by a name? Little Blue? May I call you that from now on?”
The little fox didn’t speak but simply nuzzled against Yan Zhen’s chest. Now that she no longer needed to wear a bell, the little fox had truly accepted her as its only master, which filled Yan Zhen’s heart with satisfaction.
Seeing how much Yan Zhen adored the little fox, Liu Yun felt even more convinced that he had chosen the right gift. He then asked, “Your Highness, you’ve only just arrived at the camp. Why have you come out already? The journey must have been exhausting. Shouldn’t you rest a bit longer?”
Yan Zhen shook her head. “I’m not tired. I’ve been wanting to leave the palace for a long time.”
Liu Yun’s eyes sparkled. “Your Highness doesn’t like staying in the palace?”
Yan Zhen nodded. “What’s so interesting about the palace? It’s only so big. I’ve been looking forward to the spring hunt for ages.”
“Then, has Your Highness ever thought about traveling to more distant places?”
“Of course, I have! But my mother won’t let me roam around freely.”
Liu Yun then asked, “What kind of scenery does Your Highness enjoy the most? Do you prefer towering mountains and flowing streams? Or the vastness of great rivers? The expanse of the desert? The endless green plains? Or the icy, snow-covered northern lands?”
Yan Zhen shook her head. “I don’t particularly like snowy days—it’s too cold. I do like places with mountains and water.”
Liu Yun glanced at the majestic mountains and the Wei River, then turned his gaze to the steep cliffs opposite. “So, Your Highness prefers green hills and clear waters. What a pity you cannot visit Western Liang. Such scenery is abundant there. I even have a retreat on a peach blossom island, situated on a mirror-like lake. The island spans two li in circumference, and aside from my retreat, it’s covered entirely in peach blossoms. In spring, it’s nothing short of a fairyland. Every year, I spend two months there.”
“A peach blossom island?” Yan Zhen’s eyes lit up. “Is it like a hidden paradise?”
Liu Yun nodded. “Exactly. The island has everything one could need and is completely isolated from the world. The perch in the lake is exceptionally delicious. I catch them myself, and my servants prepare a peach blossom perch soup that is truly unparalleled in the world.”
“Listening to the Third Prince’s description, it sounds like a place where immortals would reside!”
Liu Yun laughed. “If Your Highness ever visits Western Liang in the future, I will surely take you to that peach blossom island to taste the peach blossom perch soup.”
Yan Zhen’s eyes shone with longing, but then her expression dimmed. “Ah, it’s too difficult. I can’t leave the palace now, and once I’m married, it will be even harder to travel freely. I’ve heard that the princesses of Northern Wei don’t have to stay in the palace all the time. I truly envy them.”
“Has Your Highness never considered marrying elsewhere? Though Great Zhou is rich in natural treasures and culture, there are also magnificent sights beyond its borders. If you never venture out, you’ll never know what the world beyond is like.”
Yan Zhen thought for a moment but then frowned. “No, that wouldn’t do. If I married elsewhere, wouldn’t I be leaving my mother and father behind?”Liu Yun gazed at Yan Zhen with affectionate eyes. "Your Highness is the apple of the Emperor and Empress's eyes—naturally they'd be reluctant to part with you. But a princess must marry eventually. Once married, you won't remain in the palace. Sooner or later, you'll still have to leave His and Her Majesty—"
As if truly imagining the future separation from her royal parents, Yan Zhen's brows furrowed deeper. At this moment, Momma Qi, who had been following them, cleared her throat lightly. "Your Highness, it's too cold outside. Let's return."
Yan Zhen had already reached the riverside, where the wind carried a distinct chill. Her heart felt heavy, and she'd lost all interest in amusement. Nodding, she turned to leave. Liu Yun attempted to follow. "Does Your Highness no longer wish to visit Peach Blossom Island?"
Yan Zhen halted mid-step, glancing back to glare at him. "I don't want to go anymore!"
With that, she hugged her little fox tightly and hurried toward the camp entrance.
Liu Yun stood rooted to the spot, fists clenched. He knew he'd been too hasty, but Yan Zhen's nature—pure and lively yet willful and capricious—made her difficult to handle. Catering to her whims might move her temporarily, but it only earned fleeting favor.
At this thought, his eyes darkened. Did she truly think herself so exalted as the Great Zhou's princess?!
Liu Yun's entire focus remained fixed on Yan Zhen, completely unaware of Qin Guan nearby. Qin Guan, preoccupied with Yan Sui, hadn't closely followed Yan Zhen but now witnessed Liu Yun's simmering resentment. Frowning, she realized his attentions toward Yan Zhen were merely feigned. Immediately, she led Yan Sui back to camp.
Upon returning to the Empress Dowager's main tent, they found her reclining on the couch for a nap. Qin Guan gestured for Yan Sui to keep quiet and rest awhile. After a moment's thought, Yan Sui indeed climbed onto the couch and lay down. Qin Guan also leaned back, closing her eyes to rest. Half an hour later, the Empress Dowager awoke and, noticing Yan Sui and Qin Guan had returned early, inquired what had happened.
After brief consideration, Qin Guan replied, "Earlier, we went out accompanying Fifth Princess, but the Third Prince of Western Liang suddenly appeared, seemingly trying to curry favor with Her Highness..."
Noting Qin Guan's hesitation, the Empress Dowager pressed directly, "Ninth girl, what are you trying to say?"
Qin Guan paused thoughtfully. "Your Majesty, if the Third Prince of Western Liang intends to seek Fifth Princess's hand in marriage, I believe he isn't the most suitable candidate."
The Empress Dowager looked surprised. "Why do you say that?"
Qin Guan organized her thoughts. "That Western Liang prince excels at ingratiating himself, but I sense his motives are too calculated—not driven by genuine affection for the princess. The more he caters to her whims now, the less he may value her later."
The princes' intentions were transparent—something Qin Guan had understood since first hearing Hu Shi's account. Such matters weren't her place to comment on, but in that earlier moment, Liu Yun's unmistakable resentment—born from failed attempts to please Yan Zhen—revealed his true nature: not only insincere and opportunistic but also controlling and cruel. If thwarted, he'd grow resentful, perhaps even resorting to graver measures.
The Empress Dowager listened, pondering for a moment. "Good child, I understand what you're saying. Zhen'er is still young—her marriage hasn't been considered yet. Moreover, the Emperor and Empress dote on her immensely. The likelihood of her marrying far away is exceedingly small."Qin Guan nodded, "That's good. I just saw the third prince being very attentive, so I spoke up. As long as Your Majesty doesn't blame me for meddling."
The Empress Dowager smiled, "You telling me this shows you have a good heart and want to help Zhen'er. Why would I blame you?"
As they were speaking, Mammy Chen entered from outside, "Your Majesty, for tonight's dinner, the Emperor is hosting a banquet in the main tent. He sent someone to ask if you would like to attend?"
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, "I won't go. I'm a bit tired."
She then looked at Qin Guan, "Does Ninth girl want to go?"
Qin Guan chuckled, "Of course I'll stay with Your Majesty. You've had a tiring journey—would you like to rest some more?"
The Empress Dowager shook her head, "No more rest. Then we'll dine by ourselves tonight. I feel some soreness in my back, Ninth girl, could you massage it for me?"
Qin Guan was well-versed in medical principles. When performing massage, she accurately located the acupoints, often achieving twice the result with half the effort. The Empress Dowager had grown increasingly reliant on her in this Path. Hearing this, Qin Guan quickly had the Empress Dowager lie down.
...
...
As it was the first day at the Mount Wei Hunting Grounds, as night fell, blazing bonfires were lit in the square. A high platform was erected in the center of the square, where accompanying dancers and musicians performed songs and dances. In front of the main tent, dozens of seats were arranged in rows, and the night banquet began amidst the bonfires and darkness.
Tonight's banquet only invited the masters of the Inner Palace, various princes, and heirs apparent, along with envoys from Northern Wei and Western Liang, plus several dozen male officials. Female family members like Hu Shi were not among the invited.
Tuoba Wu was extremely anxious about tonight's banquet. While in Lin'an City, they stayed in the palace where coming and going was inconvenient. During the journey, their carriage was separate from those of the heirs apparent, and with no stops along the way, she had no chance to find Yan Chi. But now that they had reached the foot of Mount Wei, it was impossible for her not to see Yan Chi.
Tuoba Wu arrived at Tuoba Hong's tent half an hour before the banquet was scheduled to begin. Shortly after, Tuoba Rui also arrived. Tuoba Rui was the fifth prince of Northern Wei, not born of the Empress. Despite this, he was greatly favored by the emperor, which was why he could come to Great Zhou for leisure this time—
With the three siblings together in the tent, Tuoba Rui said, "Elder brother, they say the people of Great Zhou are not as brave as those of Northern Wei. Should we send someone to compete during the palace banquet later?"
Having arrived at the hunting grounds, there was no need to adhere to palace etiquette as strictly. Tuoba Rui, being martial-minded, was naturally eager. Northern Wei, located in the northern regions, experiences winter for half the year. Because of this, Northern Wei people practice martial arts fervently to withstand the cold, and regardless of gender, their equestrian and archery skills are not weak. Among commoners, husband and wife hunting together is quite ordinary.
In contrast, Great Zhou governs through ritual propriety, making them much weaker in these aspects. The most obvious difference is between the women of Great Zhou and Northern Wei. This time visiting Great Zhou, they brought the finest Northern Wei warriors, skilled in archery and equestrianism, who were sure to achieve good results in hunting. Although they were visiting, they still represented Northern Wei, and having the opportunity to showcase Northern Wei's prowess was something they felt compelled to do.
Tuoba Hong thought for a moment, "Bring Xu Chang and a few others just in case, but if the Emperor of Great Zhou doesn't provoke us, we don't need to force ourselves to stand out."Tuoba Rui said with a chuckle, "Elder Brother is truly meticulous in observing the Great Zhou's rules."
Young and impetuous, having been doted on since childhood, Tuoba Rui naturally acted without restraint. Tuoba Hong frowned and said, "This is Great Zhou. We are guests here and must abide by their rules. Do you think this is Northern Wei?"
Tuoba Rui felt somewhat helpless after being rebutted by Tuoba Hong's words, shrugged his shoulders, and said no more.
Meanwhile, Tuoba Wu asked, "Will all the generals and male officials be present today?"
Tuoba Hong knew what Tuoba Wu was thinking and gave a slight nod. "Tonight, the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, other imperial sons, heirs apparent, generals, and all the dukes and marquises of Great Zhou will be in attendance."
A light sparked in Tuoba Wu's eyes. Though she remained silent, her heart was already surging with excitement.
Tuoba Rui remarked, "I heard Imperial Sister is looking for that young commander of the Northwest Frontier Army?"
Tuoba Wu glanced at him, curling her lip as if dismissing him as nothing but an immature child. "This is my business. You needn't concern yourself—focus on managing your own affairs..."
Tuoba Rui frowned in frustration, looking from Tuoba Wu to Tuoba Hong. "Eldest Brother is like this, and now Imperial Sister too—why does everyone treat me like a child? I'm already nineteen. Anything Eldest Brother can do, I can do as well. If Eldest Brother can know things, why can't I?"
The three of them were not born of the same mother. In the Northern Wei court, the birth mother of the Fifth Prince currently enjoyed the greatest imperial favor. Tuoba Wu's own mother had passed away early, and over the years, she had relied on the care of the Empress, who was Tuoba Hong's mother. Thus, Tuoba Wu naturally held greater respect for Tuoba Hong. Moreover, compared to Tuoba Hong, Tuoba Rui was young and inexperienced yet exceptionally arrogant. Flaunting his mother's favor, he had committed many reckless acts within Northern Wei, which made Tuoba Wu even more displeased with this younger brother.
"You're the youngest. If we don't treat you as a child, then who should we treat as one?"
Tuoba Wu casually retorted and, noticing the time was almost right, urgently asked, "Eldest Brother, shouldn't we be leaving now?"
Tuoba Hong understood her impatience and sighed in response, rising to prepare for their departure.
By the time they reached the grand plaza, the music and dance had already begun. The entire square was brilliantly illuminated by lanterns, with all the seating arranged in a wide semicircle around the central performance.
The seat of honor showed no sign of the Empress Dowager, but Yan Huai and his party had already arrived and were conversing with Liu Yun. Liu Yun handled the exchange with effortless grace, even coaxing a beaming smile from Zhao Shuhua. The seating for the several imperial envoys was second only to Crown Prince Yan Che's, naturally placing them well above the other officials of Great Zhou. Tuoba Wu offered a perfunctory bow and, upon taking her seat, immediately scanned the lower positions.
With that one glance, her eyes fell upon two particularly striking figures.
Amid the crowd of lavishly dressed, elegant attendees, there sat a young man clad in crimson robes. The garment was dazzlingly vivid, embroidered with golden threads in patterns of dragons and phoenixes, exuding an air of supreme nobility. The man's brows and eyes were exquisitely handsome, his features refined, yet the angles of his face held not a trace of femininity. Against the open expanse of the plaza, he appeared especially wild and devastatingly handsome!
Though this figure alone was radiant enough, even more dazzling was the person seated in the position above the crimson-robed man. With just one look, Tuoba Wu's heart began to race uncontrollably. She knew—she had found the person she was searching for!Yan Chi, clad in a sweeping black robe with wide sleeves, sat in the seat of honor above Yan Li. Not far before him, a bonfire blazed, its flames reflected in his eyes, accentuating the chiseled, striking beauty of his features. His back was ramrod straight, and though a faint smile graced his lips, he exuded an aura of natural authority that commanded respect without anger. Tuoba Wu’s gaze swept from Yan Chi all the way to the main seat, taking in the various princes, Prince Cheng, and the Crown Prince along the way. By the end, she felt that only Yan Huai’s presence could rival Yan Chi’s. Yan Huai, the emperor of Great Zhou, had occupied the throne for twenty years. His lofty, intangible authority, tempered by age, carried a weight of seasoned dignity—a regal power honed over half a lifetime. Few in the world could stand shoulder to shoulder with him, yet Tuoba Wu did not believe Yan Chi fell short.
Yan Huai directed the fate of the nation in the court, while Yan Chi commanded thousands on the battlefield. Yan Huai’s eyes were deeper and more inscrutable; though Yan Chi’s emotions were equally unreadable, his aura resembled a legendary ancient sword poised to unsheathe, radiating an even more compelling force. Tuoba Wu’s pale eyes shone like the bright moon, and a faint blush tinged her cheeks.
Across the vast square, through the clamor and the firelight, Tuoba Wu felt her breath catch.
On the other side, Yan Li, holding a cup of fine wine, leaned in with a grin. “Seventh Brother, the Northern Wei princess over there seems ready to devour you. Isn’t she the one who’s been seeking you out these past few days?”
Though Yan Li was unrestrained and frivolous, it didn’t mean he was oblivious—especially when it came to matters involving Yan Chi. Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, slightly displeased by the attention. “This matter reached the Empress Dowager, and she found out. It nearly caused a misunderstanding—”
Yan Li chuckled. “Fortunately, the Empress Dowager didn’t attend the banquet. Otherwise, if Ninth Miss saw this, wouldn’t it lead to trouble?”
Yan Chi frowned slightly, looking somewhat troubled. His methods were always decisive and swift, but he couldn’t disregard Tuoba Wu’s status. Seemingly reading his thoughts, Yan Li offered, “Seventh Brother, do you need my help?”
Yan Chi glanced at him, and Yan Li narrowed his eyes, a hint of calculation flickering within.
He summoned a young eunuch nearby, whispered a few words to him, and then handed over a jug of fine wine from his own table. The eunuch took the jug and scurried around, eventually arriving before Tuoba Wu.
“Your Highness, this fine wine is a gift from the Crown Prince. He said your red dress is as stunning as this wine, and your beauty is as intoxicating as its aroma. This jug is his present to you.”
Tuoba Wu’s breath hitched. A gift?! The Crown Prince?! This was—
She spun around abruptly to look at Yan Chi, only to find his gaze fixed on Yan Huai, who was speaking from the main seat. Beside Yan Chi, however, someone was waving at her—it was Yan Li!
Her heart surged with alternating heat and chill, and she froze for a moment before frowning sharply.
“Your Crown Prince?”
The eunuch, assuming she didn’t recognize Yan Li, hurriedly explained, “Yes, Prince Gong’s Heir.”Tuoba Wu raised an eyebrow. In the distance, Yan Li was watching her with a smiling gaze that held a rather ambiguous meaning. Tuoba Wu frowned deeply—so this was the Great Zhou that prided itself on ruling through propriety! How dare this heir apparent act so brazenly! To publicly present her with wine in front of so many people!
Tuoba Wu shot Yan Li a fierce glare, then lifted the wine pot. As she poured, the wine indeed appeared rich and crimson, like blood. Filling a large cup to the brim, she downed it in one gulp as if to challenge Yan Li.
Yan Li had expected the Northern Wei princess to either react with shy surprise or anger. While Tuoba Wu was indeed angry, she had unexpectedly consumed half the pot of wine in one go. Yan Li’s eyes widened momentarily before he suddenly broke into a smile. He raised his hand and elegantly applauded, his gaze growing increasingly appreciative and satisfied. To Tuoba Wu, who was inexperienced in matters of romance, his expression seemed like a gesture of goodwill or even admiration.
Tuoba Wu’s frown deepened. She wanted to look at Yan Chi, but Yan Li’s gaze felt unbearably irritating. So, she poured another cup of wine and drank it down in one swift motion. Yan Li’s smile widened, his shoulders trembling slightly with suppressed laughter. Having frequented all the pleasure quarters in Lin’an City, he had encountered all kinds of women, but this was the first time he had seen one who could drink so boldly!
The fine wine he had sent had quite a kick, yet Tuoba Wu drank it so fiercely!
There was a certain sharp, spirited charm to her!
Yan Li had initially intended only to tease this Northern Wei princess, but now he found her quite amusing. The way she glared at him was like a cat baring its sharp claws yet not daring to attack outright, which only heightened his delight as the provocateur. His behavior was indeed improper, but since when did Yan Li care about etiquette?!
Any trace of admiration Tuoba Wu had felt for Yan Li earlier had now completely vanished. On the contrary, she felt an urge to pounce and tear that smiling face of his to shreds. Their eyes met, but hers were no match for his intense gaze. In frustration, she slammed the table and called out, "Crown Prince Brother—"
Her tone was filled with clear dissatisfaction. Tuoba Hong, who had been listening to Yan Huai, turned his head at her call. Lifting her chin, Tuoba Wu declared, "Crown Prince Brother, look at that man—the so-called Prince Gong’s Heir! He just sent me wine and verbally harassed me. It’s utterly detestable!"
Prince Gong’s Heir?!
Before arriving, Tuoba Hong had researched all the royal heirs and prominent nobles. He was well aware of Yan Li’s reputation. His gaze shifted; he had already noticed Yan Chi earlier. But why? His sister favored Yan Chi, so how had this Prince Gong’s Heir suddenly intervened?
"That Prince Gong’s Heir acts without restraint in Lin’an City. You’ll have to endure it for now."
In other words, Yan Li was already accustomed to such audacity, and there was little he could do about it at the moment.
Fuming, Tuoba Wu recalled that drinking contests were a Northern Wei custom—on the wine table, victory or defeat was decided by drinking. She had just downed two large cups, nearly emptying the pot, but Yan Li clearly didn’t understand this tradition. Instead of being the least bit affected, he merely watched her drink with the detached appreciation of an outsider. Tuoba Wu was nearly bursting with rage.
Her gaze shifted, and she looked toward Yan Chi.Among the entire gathering, apart from Yan Zhen, she was the only young lady present. Both the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng had glanced her way, yet Yan Chi, the young commander of the Northwest Frontier Army whom she admired most, had not looked at her once. Why?!
Tuoba Wu felt vexed at Yan Li and frustrated by Yan Chi's inattention. The banquet she had eagerly anticipated all day now seemed unbearably dull and stifling. She didn't hear a word of what Tuoba Hong or Tuoba Rui said. Soon, however, their warrior Xu Chang stepped forward. Xu Chang performed a grand salute, then turned to Liu Yun. "Your Highness, Third Prince, please select your contender."
Snapping back to reality, Tuoba Wu realized that warriors from Northern Wei were about to spar with those from Western Liang!
Hunting grounds always hosted various contests—this was nothing unusual. As this was only the first night at Mount Wei Hunting Grounds, the banquet would feature minor martial displays. Being a martial enthusiast herself, Tuoba Wu quickly composed herself and focused.
Xu Chang was exceptionally robust; his physique alone could unsettle anyone. Liu Yun turned to Western Liang's General Fu Desheng. "General Fu, please appoint someone to accept the challenge."
While Western Liang was selecting their fighter, Tuoba Wu whispered, "Brother Crown Prince, what are the rules for this match?"
Tuoba Hong replied quietly, "We'll defeat Western Liang first, then take on Great Zhou."
Tuoba Wu nodded in understanding. Soon, Fu Desheng made his choice.
He selected a man of average height but impressive build. Standing beside Xu Chang, this Western Liang warrior matched him in stature—even boasting thicker arms. Noticing this comparison, Liu Yun's smile hinted at confidence in victory.
Zhao Yu served as referee for the contest. At his command, the clash began.
The Western Liang warrior, proud of his larger frame, smirked arrogantly at Xu Chang and struck first. Both were unarmed, relying on bare-handed combat. The Western Liang warrior threw a punch with such force that spectators shuddered. Xu Chang dodged the first blow, then the second. Each punch was powerful, yet Xu Chang kept evading. Frowning, the Western Liang warrior accelerated his attacks, but Xu Chang only retreated without countering. The warrior's eyebrows shot up in irritation, feeling belittled.
Liu Yun observed this and taunted, "Is the Northern Wei warrior afraid? If so, he should surrender early. How long can he keep dodging?"
Despite the provocation, Tuoba Hong remained silent. Meanwhile, a glint of amusement flickered in Yan Chi's eyes.
Yan Li leaned toward Yan Chi. "Seventh Brother, has the Western Liang man already lost?"
Yan Chi nodded. The moment Yan Li finished speaking, Xu Chang suddenly stopped retreating.For the first five punches, he had only dodged without counterattacking, but at this moment, he suddenly exerted force. After evading a punch from the Western Liang warrior, he swiftly struck the warrior’s elbow with a punch of his own. The Western Liang warrior, caught off guard by Xu Chang’s sudden burst of strength, cried out in pain and stumbled back a step. Already frustrated and having expended considerable energy in his earlier attacks, the warrior’s exhaustion and anger left him vulnerable. Xu Chang, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a rapid succession of three punches, each landing squarely on the Western Liang warrior’s body. Despite his imposing build, the warrior’s reflexes were no match for Xu Chang’s speed. Blow after blow landed with precision, and soon, the Western Liang warrior was knocked to the ground.
Liu Yun’s expression had already darkened, and he couldn’t help but roar, “Get up!”
The Western Liang warrior struggled to his feet, while Xu Chang stood calmly nearby, watching. Gasping for breath, the warrior charged at Xu Chang again. This time, however, he adopted a grappling tactic, tightly gripping Xu Chang’s arms in an attempt to throw him to the ground. But Xu Chang had already anticipated this move. With a clever twist of force, he managed to flip the larger warrior onto the ground and pinned him down firmly, leaving him unable to move.
“Well done!”
Cheers and applause erupted across the arena. Liu Yun’s face flushed crimson with embarrassment. The Fifth Princess, gazing at Xu Chang, exclaimed in admiration, “What a formidable warrior! You started by retreating to advance, tricking the Western Liang warrior into losing his composure before striking!”
Yan Zhen, being astute, had naturally grasped the strategy. Xu Chang released the Western Liang warrior, rose to his feet, and bowed respectfully to Yan Zhen. “Your Highness is exceptionally perceptive. This humble one’s tricks have been seen through by you.”
Yan Zhen laughed brightly. “Father, shouldn’t you reward him?”
“Reward him!” Yan Huai replied heartily. “Excellent! Courage and wisdom combined—truly deserving of a reward! Attendants, grant him ten taels of gold and a jug of fine wine! All who have performed admirably today shall be rewarded by me!”
For Xu Chang, ten taels of gold was a considerable sum. He promptly expressed his gratitude.
Liu Yun’s expression grew even more unpleasant, but in such a situation, he knew he must not lose his composure. Clasping his hands, he turned toward Tuoba Hong and said, “The warriors of Northern Wei are indeed remarkable. In this spring hunt, they are sure to claim the top honor.”
After praising Northern Wei, his next words placed an even greater expectation on them.
Tuoba Hong smiled lightly. “Merely a stroke of luck. Western Liang is no less capable. As for the spring hunt’s top honor, it will naturally belong to the brave men of Great Zhou. Third Prince, do not forget that Great Zhou’s soldiers and generals are also exceptionally formidable.”
Stung by these words, Liu Yun clenched his fists tightly beneath the table but forced a smile. “Of course, I have not forgotten.” He then turned to Yan Huai and said, “Your Majesty, it is Great Zhou’s turn to select a contender.”
On the other side, Yan Huai looked at Lin Zhang and asked, “Well? Whom shall we send?”
Lin Zhang, the Grand Commander of the imperial guards, had been working alongside Yan Che to arrange the spring hunt. With many elite soldiers under his command, he smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, why not let Zhao Yu have a try?”
Zhao Yu had joined the Imperial Guards at a young age and attained the position of Deputy Commander. If he performed well today, he would undoubtedly be a strong candidate for Grand Commander in the future. Lin Zhang had intentions to mentor Zhao Yu, and Yan Huai had no objections. Glancing at Zhao Yu, Yan Huai smiled and said, “Very well, let Zhao Yu give it a try.” Then, turning to Xu Chang, he added, “Zhao Yu may not be as robust as this warrior. If he loses, I will not hold it against him.”Zhao Yu was indeed not as robust as Xu Chang, but victory in martial contests does not solely depend on physical strength. Yan Huai’s remark was merely a preemptive move to set expectations—should Xu Chang win, it would spare the Great Zhou some embarrassment.
As expected, no one refuted his words.
Zhao Yu bowed, set aside his long sword, and stepped into the center of the arena. Though tonight’s match was meant as light entertainment for the nobles, a defeat would still be humiliating. Aware of Xu Chang’s capability, Zhao Yu did not underestimate his opponent. After offering a respectful salute, he assumed his opening stance.
Unlike the brute force displayed by the Western Liang warrior earlier, Zhao Yu’s movements were disciplined and precise. Observing this, Xu Chang grew cautious and settled into a solid horse stance. Lin Zhang, acting as referee, clapped his hands once and declared, “Begin!”
Unlike the previous match where one side relentlessly attacked while the other retreated, Zhao Yu and Xu Chang moved simultaneously against each other. Zhao Yu excelled in fist and leg techniques, and Xu Chang was no less skilled. Their exchanges were blisteringly fast—within moments, they had traded over ten moves. Their agile forms and rapid strikes captivated the audience. Seated in a lower position, Qin Shu couldn’t help but applaud, sparking a wave of cheers around him. Yet, neither fighter was distracted by the acclaim. Their fists and palms wove intricate patterns, and their legwork dazzled the eyes, creating a spectacular back-and-forth duel.
Though entertainment was the primary goal, a winner had to be decided. After dozens of probing exchanges, both men grasped each other’s styles and intensified their pace, moving so swiftly that it became difficult to follow. Suddenly, two low grunts echoed simultaneously—Zhao Yu had landed a kick to Xu Chang’s ribs, while Xu Chang struck Zhao Yu’s shoulder with a punch. Zhao Yu staggered back a step, whereas Xu Chang stumbled three steps backward. Both swayed but managed to stay upright. Zhao Yu’s face paled slightly, and Xu Chang was drenched in cold sweat.
Silence fell over the crowd, as the outcome had been decided almost too abruptly.
Xu Chang quickly recovered and clasped his fists in salute. “Vice Commander Zhao’s skill is exceptional. I concede defeat.”
With Xu Chang yielding, Zhao Yu was the victor. He returned the gesture and said, “You are also a master. The force behind that punch was remarkable—I could not have delivered such power myself.”
Though Zhao Yu held his ground, his shoulder injury was severe, and his words were sincere.
Their mutual respect ensured that Northern Wei’s loss was only a slight setback, sparing them significant embarrassment, while the Great Zhou emerged as gracious winners. Yan Huai laughed heartily. “This duel was truly magnificent! Regardless of the outcome, both shall be richly rewarded! Let us toast to these two warriors. May all—whether from Northern Wei, Western Liang, or our Great Zhou—return fully loaded from the half-month hunt ahead!”
The officials echoed his sentiment, and attendants served wine to Xu Chang and Zhao Yu. The entire assembly drank together.
Liu Yun reluctantly raised his cup. Earlier, their warrior had been swiftly defeated by Xu Chang, a humiliating spectacle. To make matters worse, Yan Huai had offered no reward to their fighter. Resentment simmered within Liu Yun, who felt as though the world conspired against him. Yet, he could not openly vent his frustration and could only drown his agitation with a gulp of wine.The contest concluded, but the singing and dancing continued. The bonfire burned ever more fiercely, its sparks crackling and leaping high, dotting the ink-black night with brilliant flecks of light. Yan Huai, stirred by the excitement, drank cup after cup in succession. Seeing their emperor in such high spirits, the others naturally indulged freely as well. Thus, the first feast of the hunting expedition reached its climax amid this unrestrained, open-air revelry.
After three rounds of drinks, though thoroughly enjoying himself, Yan Huai remained mindful of moderation. The main event—the hunt—lay ahead, and no one should become utterly intoxicated. Feigning excessive merriment, he brought the banquet to an end just as the festivities were peaking. Supported by Yuan Qing, he was the first to depart. Soon after, Zhao Shuhua and other masters of the Inner Palace withdrew as well. Liu Yun, still preoccupied with the earlier contest, had no desire to linger and soon took his leave. Before long, the Zhou court officials had scattered sparsely across the grounds. As Tuoba Hong prepared to return to his tent, he noticed Tuoba Wu suddenly rise and stride purposefully toward Yan Chi and Yan Li.
Yan Chi was about to withdraw when he turned and found Tuoba Wu blocking his path in large, swift strides.
For days, Tuoba Wu’s long-cherished desire had gone unfulfilled, leaving him deeply frustrated. Now, provoked by Yan Li’s earlier taunts and fueled by copious amounts of wine, his rage and impulsiveness boiled over uncontrollably. No one could hold him back.
Compared to the aggressive Tuoba Wu, Yan Chi appeared much calmer and more composed. Seeing Tuoba Wu, he showed no surprise, only raising an eyebrow as he asked, "Does Your Highness have business with me?"
His tone was cool, carrying a subtle edge of disapproval toward her visit. Being a woman after all, Tuoba Wu could detect Yan Chi's unwelcoming and displeased attitude toward her. Frowning, she asked, "Are you Yan Chi?"
Though Tuoba Wu was a woman, she was also a princess of Northern Wei. Yet in this world, few could afford to be so disrespectful toward Yan Chi. He looked at her leisurely, his voice already deepening, "Has Your Highness been drinking?"
Tuoba Wu had assumed Yan Chi would show respect and courtesy due to her status. Even if not warm, he shouldn't be this icy. Feeling somewhat wronged, she exclaimed in a low voice, "You know me? You recognize me?"
Yan Chi didn't even twitch an eyebrow. "Your Highness's identity is known to all."
Hearing this, Tuoba Wu felt even more aggrieved. "Then do you know I've been looking for you these past few days? Do you know I've been searching for you? Have you been deliberately avoiding me these days?"
Yan Chi was momentarily speechless. "The Great Zhou treats Northern Wei envoys with proper courtesy. Why would I deliberately avoid Your Highness?"
Annoyed by Yan Chi's formal and evasive response, Tuoba Wu said, "Have you forgotten? We've met before - in the west when you led troops to Xiangcheng in Northern Wei. There, you helped Northern Wei defeat the Rong invaders!"
Yan Chi's expression remained unreadable - neither angry nor pleased, not even surprised. The more composed he appeared, the more it showed he didn't take Tuoba Wu seriously. Clenching her jaw, Tuoba Wu refused to believe she held no attraction for Yan Chi. As a princess, her noble status meant no one should treat her so coldly; as a woman, her exceptional beauty should draw men's attention.
"I did lead troops to Xiangcheng, but I don't recall meeting Your Highness."
Growing anxious and discouraged, Tuoba Wu insisted, "You saw me! I wasn't dressed as a woman then - I was the deputy general beside General Wude. I remember you clearly looked at me several times. How could you not remember?"
Unlike Great Zhou's customs, Northern Wei had different rules, and Tuoba Wu had an unconventional personality. Combined with her martial prowess, even the Northern Wei emperor didn't oppose her travels outside the palace. When Northern Wei was besieged by Rong invaders, she happened to be touring border cities and joined the soldiers in defending the city. It was then she saw the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army. Disguised as a man at the time, she remembered clearly how Yan Chi in his military uniform looked as imposing as a war god from heaven - an unforgettable sight. She believed Yan Chi must remember her too, for even in male attire, her exceptional qualities remained evident.
Hearing this, Yan Chi slightly frowned. He had investigated Tuoba Wu's background but remained unaware of their supposed meeting. Though he had speculated about Tuoba Wu's presence in southeastern Northern Wei, he lacked specific details. Only now, hearing Tuoba Wu's account, did he understand the situation, followed by a sense of helplessness.At that time, aiding the Northern Wei's Northwest Frontier Army also carried risks. When he received the Northern Wei's border garrison general, he naturally harbored intentions to probe. Therefore, he scrutinized every person the general brought along, but his focus was on whether they concealed malicious intentions, not on their appearance. That incident occurred two years ago, and after such a long time, he truly did not remember having seen Tuoba Wu. He glanced at Tuoba Wu's brows and eyes, feeling a vague sense of familiarity, but what did it matter?
"Had Your Highness not mentioned it, I would never have known. If Your Highness had revealed your identity back then, we could have considered ourselves old acquaintances. But I was unaware at the time and missed the opportunity to befriend Your Highness."
Since they were not friends then, they were not old acquaintances now. There was no need for her to act this way.
Yan Chi spoke politely, merely out of consideration for Tuoba Wu being both a woman and a princess. His gaze swept around, noticing that those who had not yet left were already paying attention to them. Tuoba Hong had also caught up from behind. He knew of Tuoba Wu's unresolved feelings and wanted her to say all she wished, but he had also heard Yan Chi's words—Yan Chi clearly did not remember her and had no intention of befriending her!
"Crown Prince—"
Tuoba Hong was exceedingly courteous, so Yan Chi nodded in response, "Crown Prince."
Tuoba Hong curved his lips slightly and said, "Back then, when the Crown Prince aided the Northern Wei, my younger sister has always remembered Your Highness's assistance. For the past two years, she has been thinking of when she might see Your Highness again, so she acted somewhat inappropriately."
Yan Chi raised his lips, "The Rong invaders have been encroaching upon Great Zhou year after year. Although we aided the Northern Wei back then, the Northern Wei itself contributed significantly. The Northwest Frontier Army merely carried out its duty to annihilate the Rong invaders. Such a trivial matter is not worth the Crown Prince and the Princess dwelling upon."
At that time, the Northern Wei border city was on the verge of being breached. If the city had fallen, the Rong invaders would have pillaged, burned, and slaughtered their way through, leaving the civilians with no chance of survival. Yan Chi could have stood by and done nothing, yet he took the risk to intervene. Such grace was naturally immense for the Northern Wei, yet Yan Chi dismissed it as a minor matter.
Tuoba Hong smiled wryly helplessly and turned to look at Tuoba Wu, only to see her deeply disappointed and unwilling. He tugged at her sleeve, and Tuoba Wu mustered some spirit, "It's fine. It's normal that you don't remember. Today, we formally express our gratitude to you for saving Xiangcheng back then. From now on, may we become friends?"
Yan Li, standing nearby, could not help but sigh in admiration. Tuoba Wu was clearly on the verge of tears from anger, grievance, and disappointment, yet her emotions shifted so swiftly—immediately proposing friendship. How could his seventh brother refuse such an offer?
"Your Highness is of noble status, while I, Yan Chi, am merely a military man. Moreover, Great Zhou's etiquette is strict, and the boundaries between men and women are more rigid than in the Northern Wei. If Your Highness wishes to make friends, you may befriend the Fifth Princess."
Yan Li's inner thoughts were rebutted by Yan Chi's lukewarm words, leaving him sighing repeatedly!
This Northern Wei princess was truly remarkable, and his seventh brother was no less impressive!
Facing a Northern Wei princess, and such a beautiful one at that, his seventh brother could truly harden his heart!
Tuoba Wu widened her beautiful eyes, hardly believing that Yan Chi had rejected her once again!
Yan Chi only looked at Tuoba Hong, "It is getting late. The Crown Prince and the Princess should retire early. I shall take my leave now."With that, Yan Chi turned and left without the slightest hesitation. Seeing this, Yan Li smiled and sighed, "My seventh brother has always been this temperamental. I hope the Crown Prince and Princess won't take offense. Farewell."
After speaking, Yan Li also departed. After walking a few steps, he glanced back and saw Tuoba Wu on the verge of tears! Though he had encountered all kinds of women, he was particularly afraid of female tears. Immediately, he hurriedly jogged after Yan Chi...
Tuoba Hong sighed, "Let's return. There are too many people here."
Tuoba Wu stared intently in the direction Yan Chi had left, then suddenly stamped her foot fiercely before turning and heading toward her own tent. She walked so swiftly that Tuoba Hong, feeling uneasy, followed her. Tuoba Rui found the situation quite amusing and also trailed along.
As soon as she entered the tent, Tuoba Wu swept the tea set from the table onto the floor! Her eyes reddened with anger, and as tears threatened to fall, she quickly wiped them away. When Tuoba Hong and Tuoba Rui entered, Tuoba Hong sighed and said, "They say Prince Rui's heir is the Demon King of the Northwest Frontier Army, with a temperament as fierce as a ghost. Without that, the Northwest Frontier Army wouldn't have achieved such lasting victories. A man like him probably has his mind entirely on warfare. Given the urgency of the battle that day, it's normal he wouldn't remember you!"
These words from Tuoba Hong eased Tuoba Wu's heart a little. He continued, "He has just returned to the capital. I've had people investigate—he is not yet betrothed, nor is he closely involved with any woman. This shows he doesn't place much importance on romantic affairs. Now that you've seen him, I imagine the present him isn't much different from before. Whatever your intentions, you might observe him for a few days. If you truly wish to stay in Great Zhou, it's not impossible—after all, he will have to marry someday."
Tuoba Hong's words quelled half of Tuoba Wu's anger.
That chance encounter from years ago had planted a fantasy in her heart, one that had lingered for two years and built up immense expectations. The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment, hence her fury and resentment. But stepping back to see the bigger picture, Yan Chi's behavior wasn't entirely incomprehensible. If he had recognized her at once or treated her like Liu Yun fawning over the Fifth Princess, that would have been highly inappropriate. He is the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army, a figure like a war god—he isn't a warm person by nature!
Tuoba Wu stood pondering for a while. Being clever, she soon reasoned it out and turned to look at Tuoba Hong. "What does the Crown Prince think of him? To me, he doesn't seem much different from when I saw him before. Though not in armor, his demeanor is still extraordinary."
Tuoba Hong nodded with a smile, "Indeed extraordinary."
If the object of Tuoba Wu's obsession had been an ordinary man, it would have been one thing, but even he admired Yan Chi, which was why he had offered those comforting words earlier. Moreover, if Tuoba Wu and Yan Chi were to come together, it would be greatly beneficial for both Northern Wei and herself.
Tuoba Rui stepped forward and asked, "Does the royal sister truly wish to marry Yan Chi?"Tuoba Wu pursed her lips slightly, unable to articulate the exact emotions swirling within her. Yet she could never forget the awe she felt upon first laying eyes on Yan Chi two years ago. Since then, she had encountered many other men, but none could compare to that brief encounter. She had assumed Yan Chi would surely remember her too, and that their reunion today would bring him immense surprise and delight. As a princess who had risked herself for the people, she expected his admiration. They would become kindred spirits—he skilled in warfare, she no less capable in martial arts; he exceptionally handsome, she strikingly beautiful. Both of high noble birth, wouldn’t everything else naturally fall into place?
For two years, she clung to this fantasy. Yet not only did Yan Chi fail to remember her, but even with her standing right before him, he barely spared her a glance. This dashed her hopes and struck a blow to her confidence. Though her mother had passed early, her father doted on her, and in the Northern Wei capital, countless suitors sought her hand!
Why did Yan Chi regard her as just another noble lady?
Fury and hurt churned within Tuoba Wu. Stiffening her neck, she declared, "Yes! That’s exactly what I think. Since he ignores me now, I’ll find a way to make him fall at my feet—"
Tuoba Rui chuckled without comment, while Tuoba Hong shook his head. "It’s not that such thoughts are unreasonable, but you must act with restraint."
Of course Tuoba Wu understood this. She knew Yan Chi was no ordinary man—winning his heart would require extraordinary measures. Steadying herself, she said, "Crown Prince, rest assured. I know what to do; you needn’t worry."
Tuoba Hong recognized his sister wasn’t entirely reckless. Since she had a plan, he saw little point in further counsel. Matters of the heart were beyond his full comprehension as a man. After offering some reassurance and seeing her spirits lift, he departed with Tuoba Rui. Though Tuoba Rui seemed embarrassed by his elder sister’s behavior, he held his tongue and followed Tuoba Hong to retire for the night.
...
...
When Tuoba Wu intercepted Yan Chi, the square was still crowded, and word eventually reached the Empress Dowager.
With a wry smile, the Empress Dowager asked, "Was the Northern Wei princess truly so bold?"
Mammy Chen nodded. "Indeed, right in front of everyone."
"And what did Yan Chi say?" The Empress Dowager glanced at Qin Guan.
Mammy Chen sighed helplessly. "The princess may be daring, but our Crown Prince offered no courtesy. No one knows exactly what was said, but he left shortly after, leaving the Northern Wei princess nearly in tears."
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh. "That Yan Chi—truly devoid of romance. Ninth Girl, what do you think?"
While it was true he lacked charm, Qin Guan wondered whether Yan Chi could handle the Northern Wei princess properly. Concealing her doubts, she replied with a smile, "The Crown Prince has always been thus. If fate intends something between them, a momentary setback means little."
The Empress Dowager nodded. "That Northern Wei princess doesn’t strike me as one to concede easily. Having been snubbed by Yan Chi, who knows what she might do next? We shall see..."
Qin Guan listened and said softly, "I trust the Crown Prince will know how to respond."The Empress Dowager smiled, "You do trust him." With that, she said no more. Seeing the late hour, she urged Yan Sui and Qin Guan to retire early.
Qin Guan felt unsettled by the news Mammy Chen had brought earlier. Lying on the outer couch, it took her a long while to drift into slumber.
Early the next morning, Qin Guan was awakened by the sound of horns from the military camp. Aside from her, the entire camp stirred awake to the horn's call. Qin Guan rose, and soon after, the Empress Dowager was also assisted out of bed. Though Qin Guan accompanied the Empress Dowager, tasks like these were still handled by Mammy Chen and others. After washing up, breakfast was brought to the tent. However, before they could finish their meal, the horns sounded again. The Empress Dowager listened and remarked with a smile, "Is it time to depart?"
Mammy Chen promptly nodded, "Indeed, everyone has changed into their battle attire."
The Empress Dowager set aside her meal and extended her hand to Qin Guan, "Help me outside for a look."
Qin Guan quickly assisted the Empress Dowager out of the grand tent. As soon as they stepped out, they saw the "Yan" banners fluttering high in the square. Four large drums stood at each corner of the square, and nearly a thousand riders on horseback had gathered in the center. Qin Guan, who had never witnessed the battlefield before, was momentarily stunned by the sight. Her gaze swept across the scene and easily found Yan Chi, clad in his battle armor.
The Empress Dowager chuckled, "Our ancestors founded this empire on horseback. Nowadays, these youngsters have grown delicate. Only during the spring hunt do they show some semblance of their heritage."
As she spoke, the Empress Dowager also looked toward Yan Chi. Yan Chi was accustomed to wearing battle armor, and today, dressed in black battle armor, he exuded an even more imposing aura than usual. Seated high on his horse, he carried an air of commanding authority, as if ruling over all under heaven. The others, unaccustomed to battle armor, appeared rather uncomfortable even in their martial attire, as if enduring hardship.
Battle armor was heavy and chafing. The nobles, usually pampered, though gaining some presence in their armor, seemed to suffer in it. Only Yan Chi wore the battle armor with effortless grace and extraordinary elegance!
Qin Guan watched from afar, and Yan Chi soon noticed her. He looked back as well.
Their eyes met, and Yan Chi's gleamed brightly, clearly reveling in this scene of setting out on horseback.
Soon, the horns and war drums sounded together. At the front of the square, an altar had been erected, where Yan Huai was offering the Five Sacrificial Animals. The spring hunt was a tradition passed down by the Yan ancestors, meant to remind the Yan descendants not to forget the achievements and spirit of their forebears. Moreover, the spring hunt involved killing, an act of violence, so the imperial family would inevitably offer sacrifices to heaven, praying for the people's peace and the nation's prosperity, as well as for a smooth and successful hunt. Yan Huai's actions were swift, and before long, the sacrificial rites were completed. Yan Huai also mounted his horse.
This was the first day of the spring hunt. Everyone, including Yan Huai, would head into the mountains to hunt. On this day, the quantity of prey mattered less—what counted was making a catch. It was only in the following days that various competitions would take place.
As the long, drawn-out horn sounded once more, the crowd cleared a central Path. Yan Huai raised his horsewhip and spurred his horse forward. Behind him, Yan Che, Prince Cheng, and others followed closely. Yan Chi turned his horse around, cast one last glance at Qin Guan, and then joined the procession. The sound of hooves echoed along the banks of the Wei River. Soon, the party exited the camp, turned direction, and headed toward Mount Wei.
The Empress Dowager turned around, faintly catching sight of the high-flying banners. "Let's hope nothing goes wrong today."As soon as the words fell, another swift horse charged straight out of the main camp. The Empress Dowager and Qin Guan simultaneously turned to look, only to see that the retreating figure was actually that of a woman. Two maidservants came running out from behind the auxiliary tents. Qin Guan focused her gaze and recognized them as Tuoba Wu’s attendants. The Empress Dowager frowned, “What’s going on? Was it the Northern Wei princess who left the camp?!”
Mammy Chen exclaimed in surprise, “Women are not allowed to participate in the first day’s minor hunt. How could the Northern Wei princess have followed them out? Your Highness, although the princess is from Northern Wei, this goes against the rules of our Great Zhou. Should we send someone to bring her back—”
The Empress Dowager raised her hand dismissively, her tone cool, “No need to pursue her. After all, she will return empty-handed today.”
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