Today was a minor hunt. Yan Huai led the group on horseback into the mountain forest. Neither the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng, nor Tuoba Hong and the others strayed too far from Yan Huai. As they ascended the mountain, they chatted and laughed along the way. When they spotted prey, they showcased their archery skills. If Yan Huai had no success, the arrows of the others would invariably miss their mark. Only after Yan Huai shot a wild bear did the others gradually begin to make gains.
Before long, a guard rode up to Tuoba Hong and whispered something in his ear.
Upon hearing this, Tuoba Hong’s expression shifted slightly. He immediately turned to look and saw Tuoba Wu riding up the gentle slope. Frowning anxiously, Tuoba Hong recalled that he had long confirmed with Lin Zhang that women were not permitted to participate in today’s minor hunt—a rule Tuoba Wu was well aware of. How could she deliberately break it?!
Before Tuoba Hong could speak, Liu Yun suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “Ah, why has the Northern Wei princess come?”
His shout alerted everyone to Tuoba Wu’s arrival. Even Yan Huai reined in his horse and turned to look, catching sight of Tuoba Wu’s valiant and spirited posture as she rode.
Liu Yun continued, “Wasn’t it said that women weren’t allowed in today’s hunt?”
Tuoba Hong glanced at Yan Huai and hurriedly apologized, “Your Majesty, please forgive my younger sister. She has always been fond of martial pursuits and loved hunting dearly back in Northern Wei. She must have been unable to resist following out of playful impulse…”
Though he spoke these words, Tuoba Hong knew in his heart why Tuoba Wu had come. Though it was only a minor hunt, Yan Chi had also joined them. With this thought, Tuoba Hong glanced at Yan Chi, who was not at Yan Huai’s side but not far off either. Tuoba Wu must have come for Yan Chi!
Tuoba Wu had indeed broken the rules, but upon hearing Tuoba Hong’s explanation, Yan Huai laughed and said, “In that case, the princess must be quite skilled in archery?”
Tuoba Hong replied with a smile, “She is passable among women.”
Yan Huai’s smile broadened, “Since that’s the case, let Her Highness the Princess show us her skills.”
With these words, Yan Huai indicated he would not hold Tuoba Wu’s transgression against her. Tuoba Hong breathed a sigh of relief, but Liu Yun snorted coldly. Meanwhile, Tuoba Wu had already ridden up close, “Your Majesty, please forgive my unannounced arrival. However, today’s hunt should not be exclusively a man’s domain. In Northern Wei, women are never forbidden from participating in hunts.”
Yan Huai felt a spark of admiration for Tuoba Wu’s boldness, “Since the princess says so, I take it she wishes to display her prowess?”
Tuoba Wu lifted her chin proudly, “There are few here who can surpass me.”
With that, she took up her bow and arrows, urged her horse forward, and swiftly let an arrow fly!
Yan Huai glanced at a nearby guard, who hurriedly rode off to investigate. Soon, the guard returned holding a pheasant pierced by an arrow, “Your Majesty, Her Highness the Princess has hit her mark.”
Yan Huai clapped his hands and laughed heartily, “Well done! Her Highness the Princess has truly not disappointed me. In that case, you may follow me and let me see just how formidable the women of Northern Wei are!”
Liu Yun remarked with a smile, “Her Highness the Princess is indeed remarkable. Hitting a darting pheasant is no easy feat.”The pheasants darted about wildly, yet they were no match for the wild geese soaring in the sky or the other swift, rare birds. Liu Yun's words, though seemingly complimentary, carried a veiled mockery, carefully crafted with intent. Tuoba Wu, naturally, paid no mind—or rather, her thoughts had already drifted elsewhere. Today, the main hunting party followed Yan Huai, while the figures of Yan Chi and Yan Li flickered in the distance. Spotting them, Tuoba Wu felt a surge of determination.
She would never again throw herself before Yan Chi as she had last night. She merely needed him to recognize that she was vastly different from other women and entirely worthy of him. His indifference was a grave mistake!
With this resolve, Tuoba Wu outperformed even Tuoba Hong in enthusiasm. She loosed arrow after arrow, hitting her mark nine times out of ten. Yan Huai watched with hearty approval; though Tuoba Wu might be somewhat uncouth, her skill was undeniable.
Yan Huai's loud praises carried far, and Tuoba Wu was certain Yan Chi would hear them!
Her spirits soared, and she nearly overshadowed Yan Huai's prominence. Despite repeated signals from Tuoba Hong, Tuoba Wu remained oblivious, single-mindedly clearing the hillside of game.
Liu Yun clicked his tongue at the rabbits and young pheasants the guards retrieved. "Her Highness truly is unlike other women. While others might hesitate at the sight of a rabbit, she acts with decisive swiftness."
Hearing this, Tuoba Wu feared Yan Chi might catch wind of such remarks and immediately halted. Tuoba Hong could only sigh repeatedly as he watched—
It was a brilliantly sunny day. By noon, the sun hung high overhead. Though Yan Huai's spirits were buoyant, the early spring warmth and the weight of his heavy armor began to wear on him. Seeing that everyone had made gains, he ordered the main party to return. Though the hunt lasted only half a day, it had been thoroughly enjoyable.
As the group headed back, Tuoba Wu deliberately slowed her pace. Yan Chi, Yan Li, and the other nobles lagged slightly behind, allowing her to position herself within Yan Chi's line of sight.
Yan Li noticed Tuoba Wu at once and chuckled. "This princess is surely doing this on purpose, Seventh Brother. She's trying a new tactic to catch your attention—"
Yan Chi frowned slightly. He was aware of Tuoba Wu's presence and hadn't expected her to possess such skill, but that was all. Her display today had merely earned the Emperor's praise.
"Did I fail to make myself clear yesterday?"
Yan Li laughed. "You never said you disliked her—"
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. Tuoba Wu hadn't confessed any affection for him either...
Reading his expression, Yan Li remarked, "Seventh Brother, you truly don't understand women. I suspect she's had her eye on you since two years ago. She likely thought you remembered her, but you never even noticed. Though disappointed last night, she quickly rallied. See? She's back today. I'm certain she's shifted from disappointment to a determined resolve to win you over."
Win him over? Yan Li's words brimmed with boldness, but Yan Chi remained unimpressed.
In this world, only he could choose to yield willingly—no one could ever "win" him—
The thought led his mind to Qin Guan. He glanced toward the camp and suddenly asked, "Are there any scenic spots nearby?"Yan Li pondered for a moment, "Upstream of the Wei River, there's a Crescent Spring. I only went there once as a child when I ran up there. It's a bit far. What is it, Seventh Brother? Do you want to explore around?"
Yan Chi shook his head, "Just asking casually."
With that, he flicked his horsewhip and caught up with the others. He galloped past Tuoba Wu and several others, taking the lead. Yan Huai glanced at Yan Chi, then at the guards following him. Seeing their horses laden with prey, he couldn't help but laugh, "Excellent! Among the younger generation, Yan Chi has hunted the most. There will be rewards when we return!"
Yan Chi clasped his hands in gratitude. The group raced down the mountain slope and soon arrived outside the main camp.
With the large party's return, the camp buzzed with excitement again. Although the women hadn't been able to join the hunt, by this time, the strict confinement rules had relaxed. Many ladies and young misses had gathered at the edge of the square to watch. This made the noble youths even more conscious of their demeanor, each returning to the square with spirited vigor.
Qin Guan supported the Empress Dowager, alongside Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu, to welcome Yan Huai. Seeing Yan Huai return drenched in sweat, they praised him while expressing concern. Yan Huai laughed heartily, "I'm truly not as swift as I used to be. I originally wanted to hunt for a full day, but once the sun rose high, I couldn't bear it anymore. Age is catching up to me."
Zhao Shuhua shook her head with a smile, while Feng Lingsu cooed sweetly, "Your Majesty is clearly still in your prime. How can you say such things? It's because you tirelessly attend to state affairs daily that you've exhausted yourself. Your Majesty, I've prepared snow pear soup for you—it clears the mind and reduces heat. Would you like a bowl?"
Yan Huai nodded immediately, "Thank you for your trouble. I'm feeling quite overheated."
Feng Lingsu hurried off with a smile to fetch the sweet soup. Yan Huai then ordered everyone to tally the prey and rank them for rewards. Afterward, he entered the main tent with the Empress Dowager and Zhao Shuhua. The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Huai affectionately, "You've always loved hunting, but being confined to the palace daily, you never had the chance. Have you had your fill of fun now?"
Yan Huai laughed as he instructed attendants to remove his battle armor, "I've had my fill. Nowadays, that's all I can do. This armor is weighing down my back and waist. Just this one run today, and I'll leave the real competition to the young ones."
Since there was hunting, a contest naturally made it more interesting. The Empress Dowager didn't comment, fearing Yan Huai might strain himself.
Noticing Yan Huai continuously rubbing his back and waist, she said, "Ninth girl has some excellent medicinal oil. Have her give it to Yuan Qing to massage you. It should make you feel better."
Yan Huai didn't shy away from acknowledging his declining health and agreed with a smile. Qin Guan hurried to fetch the medicinal oil. As she stepped out of the main tent, she saw Yan Chi standing on the steps not far away, tallying the hunt with Zhao Yu and others.
Her footsteps paused slightly. Yan Chi seemed to sense her presence and turned to look. Their eyes met across the space, and Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. At this moment, sweat still glistened on Yan Chi's face. While everyone else had retreated to their tents early to escape the scorching sun, only he and Zhao Yu, along with the imperial guards, remained outside. Clad in his pitch-black battle armor, his presence was formidable. The mingled scents of sweat and the blood of prey seemed to emanate from him, and under the warm sunlight, he appeared to glow. As the wind blew, Qin Guan felt as if she could catch his scent on the breeze.Though Yan Chi was accustomed to the mingling of blood and sweat, he was after all human. This small hunt had left him somewhat feverish and weary, yet being used to it, he hadn't minded. But now, seeing Qin Guan, a cool breeze seemed to sweep through his heart, more soothing and comfortable than drinking chilled snowflake soup. It would be even better if he could hold the beauty in his arms and steal a kiss.
They gazed at each other for two moments, but due to the crowd around, Qin Guan said nothing more and entered the Empress Dowager's tent. Yan Chi withdrew his gaze, and the suppressed heat within him surged up once again.
Qin Guan fetched medicinal oil and came out. Yan Chi was still standing not far away. This time, Qin Guan did not linger and went straight into Yan Huai's main tent. Staying by the Empress Dowager's side had its advantages but also inconveniences. The Empress Dowager kept her close, making it hard to find excuses to leave. After spending half the day there, when she emerged, everyone in the field had vanished.
Meanwhile, Yan Chi returned to his tent. Just as he removed his armor, Bai Feng entered from outside.
"Master, this was brought by Baiying, who said it was on Ninth Miss's orders."
Yan Chi turned to look and saw a medicine bottle. He took it, opened it, and immediately caught a whiff of a cool medicinal scent. The aroma felt familiar—it was for treating bruises and sprains. Yan Chi's smile deepened, and his heart felt immensely at ease.
After sitting for a short while, Yan Chi looked at Bai Feng and said, "Go and inquire if there's a Crescent Moon Spring upstream."
...
...
Tuoba Wu returned to her tent in a huff!
Tuoba Hong followed her in with a frown. "I told you today, according to Great Zhou's customs, women are not allowed to participate in this small hunt. You knew this yet still insisted on coming. Aren't you afraid of angering the Great Zhou Emperor?"
Tuoba Wu retorted irritably, "Well, did you see the Great Zhou Emperor get angry, Brother Crown Prince?"
Tuoba Hong took a deep breath. "The Great Zhou Emperor didn't show anger because he considers us guests, but that doesn't mean he isn't the least bit displeased. Wu'er, don't be too reckless. Great Zhou is a place that values rules."
Tuoba Wu's true purpose in coming was not hunting; her real prey was Yan Chi. Yet, not only had she failed to catch her prey, but she had also endured great effort only to be scolded by Tuoba Hong. Frowning tightly, Tuoba Wu turned and walked behind the screen. "I need to change and rest. Brother, you may leave!"
Hearing that Tuoba Wu intended to change, Tuoba Hong could say no more. Sighing, he flicked his sleeve and left.
Behind the screen, Tuoba Wu's hand paused on her belt, gripping it tightly for a long moment without moving.
How infuriating! She had been so outstanding today, stealing the spotlight, yet Yan Chi seemed not to have glanced at her even once from start to finish. Why! Even women would spare her a second look—was Yan Chi even normal?!
Fuming, Tuoba Wu thought of how she had sweated profusely climbing the mountain, with wild chicken blood staining her clothes. She had exerted herself to the utmost, only to end up with nothing. What kind of monster was Yan Chi?!
With these thoughts, she gritted her teeth and stepped out from behind the screen. "Attendants—!"
At her sharp call, two maidservants hurried into the room.
Tuoba Wu looked at one of them and said, "You, go and keep an eye on Prince Rui's heir. Report anything noteworthy to me."
The maidservant's face paled. "What? Keep an eye on Prince Rui's heir?"Tuoba Wu frowned, "What else? You've traveled everywhere with me—surely you can handle such a small task?"
The maid hesitated briefly, but as Tuoba Wu said, she was indeed her most trusted confidante. The maid reluctantly agreed, then asked uneasily, "Why does Your Highness want this servant to keep watch on the Crown Prince?"
Tuoba Wu snorted lightly, "I want to see for myself what kind of person this Yan Chi really is. He's only been leading troops in battles for years—surely he hasn't lost all interest in women from fighting?!"
The maid's lips twitched at this, not daring to say another word.
Meanwhile, Baiying entered the tent and whispered something in Qin Guan's ear. Qin Guan glanced around, noticing the Empress Dowager playing with Yan Sui, before asking, "Why does he want me to go out at that time?"
Baiying shook her head, "This servant doesn't know. The heir apparent only instructed me to relay the message."
Qin Guan nodded, "Very well, understood."
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