The weather on the second day of the sixth lunar month was unexpectedly pleasant. Though it had drizzled the day before, the next morning brought bright sunshine. While the mountain paths remained muddy, such conditions had become commonplace recently.
Luo Tan stretched lazily in her room, which was kept comfortably cool with ample ice blocks despite Longye's long, sweltering summers.
A maid asked cheerfully, "Where would the young miss like to visit today?"
Surveying the mountain of trinkets piled in her room, Luo Tan replied, "I'm not sure. I'll ask Physician Gao later."
"Master Gao went out today and won't return until tomorrow evening," the maid informed her. "He instructed this servant to tell you that if you wish to go out, just take some guards from the residence. I'll accompany you to buy whatever catches your eye."
"Business?" Luo Tan asked. "A house call for a patient?"
The maid smiled without answering.
Luo Tan waved her hand. "In that case, I'll just wander around casually."
Having stayed in Longye for nearly a month now, she'd spent most of her time with Gao Yang. The physician claimed medical practitioners knew no borders—he'd traveled extensively in his youth and once settled briefly in Longye. Though Luo Tan found his explanation about owning this estate somewhat peculiar, since all the servants confirmed it, she stopped questioning.
The messenger sent to Shen Miao had been dismissed by Gao Yang, who assured them Shen Miao had agreed to take Luo Tan along and would care for her properly. Somehow Gao Yang's fabrication worked—no further inquiries came from the Shen family during their journey.
With the Shen family matter settled, Luo Tan calculated her plans. After thoroughly exploring Longye, she'd confess everything to Shen Miao. Revealing the truth now might prompt Shen Miao and Prince Rui to send her back prematurely—unacceptable when there were still so many delicacies to taste and sights to see.
Stepping into the courtyard, Luo Tan heard lively commotion beyond the walls. "What's all the excitement outside?" she asked her maid.
"Today is the Imperial Hunt," the maid explained, "coinciding with a sixty-year ceremony. His Majesty will personally hunt in the inner grounds. The Imperial Guards are passing through now, so the streets are full of cheering citizens."
Always eager for excitement, Luo Tan suggested, "Let's go watch! Maybe we'll catch a glimpse of His Majesty's divine countenance?"
The maid's expression shifted slightly as she shook her head. "The streets are too crowded, and His Majesty will be concealed within the imperial canopy."
Disappointed, Luo Tan sighed. The maid offered, "This servant will prepare some snacks for later. After this passes, you may go wherever you wish, and I'll accompany you."
"Go ahead," Luo Tan said. Once the maid left, she quietly slipped toward the rear gate, murmuring, "If we can't go out, surely there's no harm in peeking from afar?"
Her figure soon vanished from the courtyard.
Meanwhile, after completing her morning routine, Shen Miao saw Xie Jingxing emerge in fresh attire.
Dressed for the hunt, he wore a fitted riding outfit—narrow sleeves, high collar, and a belted waist. His dark-patterned boots lent him a dashing appearance, though the perfectly tailored ensemble made him resemble some refined noble scion.
Noticing Shen Miao, Xie Jingxing frowned at her clothes and said, "This outfit—"After all, it was a hunting ground, and the scorching summer heat made Jing Zhe worry that Shen Miao might suffer from heatstroke. She deliberately picked out a refreshing outfit for her. Beneath the skirt were silk trousers with wide, airy hems, while the upper garment was a thin layer of gauze, with only the chest area covered by a snug bodice. The pale purple fabric resembled a wisp of mist. Shen Miao, who usually appeared dignified, now exuded a faint, indescribable charm with this attire—a subtle allure that was hard to put into words.
Shen Miao glanced down at herself and said, "It doesn’t look good."
Xie Jingxing remarked, "The mountain breeze is chilly. You should wear an outer robe."
Shen Miao: "..." Where would cool wind come from in June? Besides, Longye is always warm.
Xie Jingxing added, "Every inch of your body now belongs to the Xie family. You can’t afford to get sunburned carelessly."
Shen Miao: "Understood. Jing Zhe, fetch an outer robe."
Only then did Xie Jingxing relent.
By the time they stepped outside, Mo Qing and some guards from Prince Rui's Estate were already prepared, along with Bajiao and the others. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu didn’t need to accompany them today. Xie Jingxing had also assigned a female guard, Huixiang, from the Ink Feather Army to disguise herself as Shen Miao’s personal maid alongside Bajiao, ensuring her safety.
The more meticulous Xie Jingxing’s arrangements were, the more uneasy Shen Miao felt. Today’s Imperial Hunt coincided with a sixty-year ceremony, making her attendance unavoidable. But even without this occasion, Shen Miao wouldn’t have stayed behind at Prince Rui's Estate—not for any particular reason, but because her right eyelid had been twitching incessantly, as if foretelling something ominous.
Her troubled expression didn’t escape Xie Jingxing’s notice. Lost in thought, he walked alongside her toward the gate and asked, "Why so gloomy?"
Shen Miao replied, "I just feel unsettled."
"Your husband has nine lives," he said, the corner of his lips quirking up. "No need to worry, my lady."
Shen Miao shot him a glare but noticed no carriage waiting at the entrance. "Has the carriage not been brought yet?"
Xie Jingxing grinned, leading her forward. Mo Qing approached with a horse in tow. Xie Jingxing mounted swiftly, then suddenly pulled Shen Miao up in one smooth motion, catching her off guard as she landed in his arms.
"A carriage is too slow," he said, looking down at her leisurely. "You’re skilled in mounted archery, but can you ride a horse?"
Before Shen Miao could answer, he cut in, "No matter if you can’t. Your husband will teach you." With that, he flicked the reins, and the horse let out a long neigh before galloping away.
Behind them, Xie Jingxing’s guards seemed to follow suit. Shen Miao leaned against his chest, encircled by his arms, her heart skipping a beat. The horse was a fine steed, swift and strong, and Xie Jingxing’s horsemanship was impeccable as he deliberately chose winding paths. Gasps rose from the crowds in the streets as he laughed heartily, his demeanor wild and unrestrained.
Shen Miao suddenly recalled the first time she had seen Xie Jingxing in this life—outside the Hall of Extensive Learning, where the handsome youth in purple robes sat lazily atop a tall horse, his gaze bold and audacious as he surveyed the crowd.
His breath brushed against her ear, nearly grazing her cheek. His deep, mirthful laughter rang above her, and Shen Miao found herself inexplicably infected by his joy.She had always yearned for such freedom. Standing atop the palace walls of the nine-layered imperial city, she would watch eagles soar in the distance and horses gallop freely below, longing for that unbound life. Yet her entire existence had been confined within the deep palace, guarding a man she didn't love, surviving through schemes and struggles for her children's sake.
It seemed like an eternity since she'd last been so uninhibitedly bold.
Shen Miao laughed: "Are you always this insolent in Longye as you were in Fixed Capital?"
"Even more so," Xie Jingxing replied. Glancing down at her, he rested his chin atop her head and murmured with a low chuckle: "You weren't this cheerful in Fixed Capital either."
Shen Miao froze momentarily as Xie Jingxing continued smiling: "I prefer this version of Shen Jiaojiao."
"Me too," Shen Miao laughed.
Xie Jingxing's movements paused abruptly, even his horse slowing its pace. "Do you mean you like me like this too?"
"Not you," Shen Miao grinned. "I like myself like this."
Xie Jingxing gritted his teeth: "Shen Jiaojiao, in Longye, those who dare tease me all end up dead."
Their laughter carried far on Longye's summer breeze. Among the retinue of guards behind them, Huixiang whispered to Bajiao: "Wasn't it said that Madam has a cold temperament and our lord was the only one smitten? They seem quite affectionate."
"Madam isn't cold at all," Bajiao smiled. "Madam is truly kind."
By the time the morning sun had gilded the earth, Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing finally arrived at the hunting grounds.
The outer field consisted of dense woods, while the inner grounds lay further within, leading up to Hualuan Peak. This extraordinary mountain of Longye boasted thick forests, majestic cliffs, rare scenic beauty, and numerous exotic birds and beasts—naturally making the journey treacherous, with added danger from wild animals.
The Royal Hunting Ground had enclosed this area by imperial decree since the previous emperor's reign. Following traditions established by the founding emperor, during the sixty-year sacrificial ceremony, the reigning monarch was required to personally hunt in the inner grounds until bagging a male lion as offering.
While past emperors had faced dangers during hunts at Hualuan Peak, the presence of Imperial Guards in the forests had minimized risks. Yet now, paradoxically, the guards' presence made things more perilous than their absence.
Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing's entrance couldn't have been more conspicuous. The crowd gaped at seeing them arrive not by carriage but sharing a single horse. The Yongle Emperor and Consort Jing had arrived earlier—the consort covered her mouth in shock before exclaiming: "For a royal matriarch to behave so... how utterly improper!"
The Yongle Emperor frowned at Xie Jingxing, clearly displeased by this breach of decorum. Helping Shen Miao dismount, Xie Jingxing approached the emperor before the assembled crowd.
Dressed in bright yellow hunting attire that day, the Yongle Emperor—still young and handsome though more austere in demeanor—together with his brother outshone every other nobleman present.Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao paid their respects to the Yongle Emperor, but neither acknowledged Consort Jing. Seeing this, Consort Jing bit her lip before suddenly smiling at Shen Miao and saying, "Royal Consort Rui has come to the hunting grounds with Prince Rui today. The affection between husband and wife runs so deep that they even share a horse—how enviable." Then she abruptly changed her tone: "In that case, I suppose when Prince Rui enters the inner grounds, his consort will follow as well?"
Before Shen Miao could respond, the Yongle Emperor frowned and coldly interjected, "She will not enter."
Consort Jing was taken aback, clearly not expecting the emperor to speak up so suddenly. She had hoped Shen Miao would follow Prince Rui into the inner grounds, where ferocious beasts roamed. Even if Prince Rui protected her, Shen Miao would likely be frightened and disheveled—a satisfying thought. The bold words Shen Miao had declared against the Lu family during the Colorful Summer Banquet had already reached Consort Jing’s ears, and she was determined to make Shen Miao suffer. Yet she hadn’t anticipated the Yongle Emperor siding with Shen Miao.
Though spoiled, Consort Jing dared not openly defy the emperor.
Shen Miao, however, understood the truth—the emperor hadn’t spoken up for her sake. The brothers’ venture into the inner grounds was perilous, and perhaps the Yongle Emperor and Xie Jingxing had already laid careful plans. An extra person entering might introduce unwanted variables. The emperor likely feared her presence would disrupt their arrangements.
Xie Jingxing cast a glance at Consort Jing, his smile carrying a silent warning. For some reason, aside from the emperor, she feared this young prince the most—even more than her own father.
As Consort Jing fell silent, Xie Jingxing draped an arm over Shen Miao’s shoulder and said, "If Your Majesty has no further business, I’ll take Jiaojiao around first. She’s new to Longye and isn’t yet familiar with people." Without waiting for the emperor’s reaction, he led Shen Miao away.
After only a few steps, Ji Yushu came bounding toward them excitedly, stopping breathlessly before them. "Third Brother! Sister-in-law!"
Shen Miao studied Ji Yushu’s beaming face, finding it hard to reconcile the cheerful young man before her with both the pawnshop owner who had operated in Ming Qi for years and the young master of the Left Household in Great Coolness. She finally voiced the question she’d long wondered: "Why do you always call him 'Third Brother'?"
"Ah?" Ji Yushu blinked at Xie Jingxing. "You haven’t told Sister-in-law?"
Receiving no response, Ji Yushu scratched his head and grinned at Shen Miao. "Well, I should actually call him 'Third Elder Cousin.' We’re cousins—his mother, the empress dowager, is my aunt. Among our clan’s male cousins, he’s ranked third. That’s why I call him Third Brother."
Shen Miao finally understood—Ji Yushu’s mother and Xie Jingxing’s late mother were sisters, making Ji Yushu part of the imperial family and Xie Jingxing’s cousin. No wonder Xie Jingxing often complained about Ji Yushu yet always looked out for him.
Ji Yushu chuckled and rubbed his hands together. "I heard my mother has met you, Sister-in-law. She said you’re dignified, virtuous, and a true lady of noble birth. If Third Brother hadn’t acted fast—ahem—she even scolded me for not bringing home a beauty like you from Ming Qi!"
Xie Jingxing spoke calmly, "Ji Yushu, do you want to visit the Tower Prison?""I was just joking," Ji Yushu leapt up as if his pants were on fire and dashed away. "I heard Gao Yang is here today. I’ll go see his sister-in-law. You take your time, have fun!"
His figure soon disappeared into the distance.
Shen Miao was both amused and exasperated. She turned to Xie Jingxing and asked, "Gao Yang is here too? Why haven’t I seen him?"
"He’s a court official, so he’ll probably arrive later," Xie Jingxing replied. Then he added, "Gao Yang is a minister of the Imperial Guards."
Shen Miao smiled. "I know."
"You’re quite resourceful, even managing to uncover Gao Yang’s identity," Xie Jingxing remarked with a faintly mocking smile.
Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, and she fell silent. She knew Gao Yang’s identity because, in her past life, during the Ming Qi tributary mission, it was Gao Yang who had come instead of Xie Jingxing. Back then, as the Royal Consort of Prince Ding, she had met Gao Yang. In this life, however, Xie Jingxing had never explicitly told her about Gao Yang’s official position. From the very beginning, her attitude had tacitly assumed she already knew Gao Yang was one of Xie Jingxing’s people.
Fortunately, Xie Jingxing didn’t press the issue. He simply said, "When the hunt begins, follow me to the outer grounds. Just hunt some rabbits or wild storks. At mid-morning, I’ll accompany His Majesty to the inner grounds. I’ll leave guards with you—you can wander around the outer area freely." He paused, then added, "Auntie is here today. I’ve already mentioned it to Ji Yushu. If I don’t return by evening, you can go back to the city with her. She’ll escort you to the Prince’s residence."
"If you don’t return by evening?" Shen Miao eyed him suspiciously. Truthfully, Xie Jingxing was always meticulous in his plans. Back in Ming Qi, as the Heir Apparent of Marquis Lin'an Manor, he had navigated the Fu Family’s hostility with ease, executing his schemes flawlessly. It was clear he wasn’t one to act rashly. Yet this time, Shen Miao’s unease was so overwhelming that even her tone dripped with doubt as she followed him today.
"Don’t worry. His Majesty and I have already made preparations," he said with a suggestive smile. "It hasn’t even been two months yet—how could I bear to die?"
Shen Miao shoved him lightly. She didn’t want to indulge his teasing in public. But as she turned away, she suddenly felt someone’s gaze on her. Following the sensation, she saw Madam Ye, whom she had met at the Cai Xia Banquet, staring at her.
Madam Ye was dressed in practical, easy-to-walk attire. Standing at a distance, she met Shen Miao’s gaze without flinching, offering a faint smile. Yet something about her expression made Shen Miao instinctively uncomfortable. She asked, "Are the Ye Family joining the hunt today?"
"Ye Maocai is the Grand Chancellor, so naturally he’ll attend. But court officials will only be in the outer grounds—they won’t enter the inner area." Xie Jingxing followed Shen Miao’s line of sight and noticed her staring at Madam Ye. Curious, he asked, "You seem particularly interested in Madam Ye. Did something happen?"
"I don’t know why," Shen Miao frowned, "but I have a bad feeling about the Ye Family. You should be cautious."
"His Majesty is currently trying to win them over. Every move the Ye Family makes is under scrutiny, and nothing suspicious has been found." Xie Jingxing thought for a moment, then reassured her when he saw her wary expression. "They’ll be in the outer grounds—they won’t affect the situation. Don’t worry."
When Shen Miao looked back toward Madam Ye, the woman had already turned away to chat with other noblewomen. Suppressing her unease, Shen Miao let the matter drop.When the time was right, the hunt was about to begin. Today's attendees were all officials of considerable status in Longye. While the men accompanied the hunt, the womenfolk were there to watch the spectacle. The bolder and more adventurous ones followed to the outer grounds, while those with quieter dispositions waited outside the hunting enclosure.
As luck would have it, Lu Wan'er had also come today.
Lu Wan'er had clearly taken great care with her appearance. Even her riding attire was exquisitely crafted, making her appear exceptionally charming. Had Shen Miao not been present, she might have been the most striking figure at the event. After all, as Consort Jing's sister and a daughter raised in the pampered luxury of the Lu family, her noble young lady's demeanor was no pretense.
But with Shen Miao present, Lu Wan'er's bright pink riding outfit seemed somewhat frivolous in comparison. While pretty on its own, standing beside Prince Rui, it created an incongruous mismatch.
This was hardly surprising, as there was an oddly harmonious chemistry between Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao. Prince Rui was understandable—being the Yongle Emperor's younger brother and a true descendant of the royal family, his natural elegance was expected. But Shen Miao, though just an ordinary official's daughter from Ming Qi, and from a military family at that, carried herself with an innate nobility and dignified grace. The seamless rapport between them was such that not even someone like Lu Wan'er could intrude without seeming out of place—let alone a celestial beauty.
Unaware of this, Lu Wan'er walked up to Shen Miao under the curious gazes of the crowd. Though she addressed Shen Miao, her eyes were practically glued to Xie Jingxing. Her voice was sweet and delicate, now pitched so high it nearly dripped with honey.
"Royal Consort, I didn't expect to meet you here today. At the Colorful Summer Banquet, I felt an instant connection with you and had hoped to see you again when time permitted. Who knew we'd meet so soon—what wonderful fortune." Lu Wan'er spoke to Shen Miao with exaggerated politeness and demureness, showing none of the arrogance she had displayed at the banquet.
Shen Miao nearly laughed to herself. What on earth was Lu Wan'er thinking? Did she believe Xie Jingxing would take her words at face value? Even if there hadn't been other noblewomen present at the Lu residence that day, Shen Miao herself would never conceal the truth from Xie Jingxing. What Lu Wan'er had shown that day was far from an "instant connection"—it was closer to "bitter hatred."
Without waiting for Shen Miao's reply, Lu Wan'er turned her gaze to Xie Jingxing, her beautiful eyes brimming with undisguised affection. In a voice as soft as silk, she said, "Prince Rui, you look exceptionally dashing today. I once had the honor of meeting you at my sister's palace, where you praised my musical skills. Since then, I've practiced diligently and improved greatly. I wonder when Your Highness might find time to offer me some guidance?"
Shen Miao froze, instinctively looking at Xie Jingxing. Lu Wan'er wouldn't dare lie in front of him—had Xie Jingxing really heard her play the qin and praised her skill?
Noticing Shen Miao's doubtful expression, Xie Jingxing smirked mischievously. "Oh? Feeling displeased?"
Shen Miao turned her head away.
Xie Jingxing shrugged. When he looked back at Lu Wan'er, his demeanor had shifted entirely. His handsome features remained, but the lazy amusement in his eyes had vanished."Back then, when accompanying His Majesty in conversation, we happened upon Consort Jing. She mentioned that the Fourth Miss Lu was playing the zither at Jinghua Palace and invited His Majesty to listen. That day, I remarked it could rival the cawing of crows. Fourth Miss Lu, if you can't even distinguish between sarcasm and flattery, you truly need a master to instruct your mind."
Shen Miao nearly failed to suppress her laughter, never having realized Lu Wan'er could be so foolish. Xie Jingxing had never been one to mince words, much less care about whether there were onlookers present.
Lu Wan'er's face instantly flushed crimson.
Back in Jinghua Palace, after she finished playing the zither, her heart raced uncontrollably as she gazed at Prince Rui, utterly captivated by his handsome appearance. She barely registered what he actually said. Hearing it indistinctly, she assumed he was complimenting her. Now that Prince Rui had pointed it out so bluntly, she looked like a complete fool. Lu Wan'er was stunned on the spot.
Xie Jingxing lazily swept a glance at her and said, "Moreover, as His Majesty's brother, it's inappropriate for me to visit the chambers of imperial consorts. Miss Lu, you'd best refrain from such remarks in the future. Those unaware might think you're deliberately sowing discord—a charge even I cannot bear." With that, he took Shen Miao's hand and walked away, leaving Lu Wan'er standing alone.
Shen Miao almost pitied Lu Wan'er for her foolishness. She asked Xie Jingxing, "The Lu family is so formidable, so how did they raise young ladies like this?" Whether it was Consort Jing or Lu Wan'er, they were practically cut from the same cloth as the old Shen Miao—except Shen Miao had been deliberately molded into that temperament by the second and third branches of the Shen family. Lu Wan'er and Consort Jing, however, were Madam Lu's own daughters.
Xie Jingxing replied, "When all one's thoughts are consumed by court struggles, children are naturally neglected. Besides, the Lu family has always been lenient toward their daughters, focusing their efforts on cultivating the men instead."
Shen Miao understood then. Given the Lu family's wealth and status, their young ladies could marry into any household and live comfortably for the rest of their lives. A little arrogance and willfulness didn’t matter—they’d always have their family’s backing.
As they spoke, Xie Jingxing led Shen Miao to the edge of the hunting grounds. There, the officials and some ladies who wished to join the festivities had already selected their horses. As Xie Jingxing approached, Tie Yi brought over two horses—one a tall black steed, the other a slightly smaller chestnut mare. Xie Jingxing helped Shen Miao onto the chestnut horse before mounting the black one himself.
The Yongle Emperor had also begun to move, and the Imperial Guards were ready to accompany him deeper into the grounds.
The drummers started beating a rhythmic cadence, as if performing some ancient melody. The drumming grew faster and faster until, finally, an archer standing on a high platform drew his bow and released an arrow. It flew straight and struck a golden fruit hanging in the distance. With a final thunderous strike of the drum, the hunt officially began.
Xie Jingxing led Shen Miao along the outer field, with Mo Qing and a few others following closely. It was permitted to bring a few personal guards into the hunting grounds, though the outer field posed little danger, especially in broad daylight. The guards were merely a precaution.
"When will you enter the inner field?" Shen Miao asked Xie Jingxing as they rode. It had been a while since she last rode a horse, but the one beneath her was gentle and easy to handle.
"His Majesty will give me the signal around mid-morning. I’ll leave then," Xie Jingxing said, straightening in his saddle. "For now, I can accompany you. Would you like to hunt a fox?"
"A fox?" Shen Miao echoed.
Xie Jingxing reached over and took hold of her reins. "Follow me."Xie Jingxing was an excellent hunter, and Shen Miao had no doubt that if he weren't Prince Rui of Great Coolness but just an ordinary villager, he could still make a fortune with his hunting skills. The idea of hitting a target a hundred paces away had always seemed like Shen Qiu's exaggeration to her, yet today she witnessed it firsthand. Xie Jingxing's aim was impeccable—almost never missing. In just a short time, their horses were laden with prey, all small game but still quite impressive.
"What else would you like to hunt?" Xie Jingxing asked with a proud smile. "I'll get it for you."
Just as Shen Miao was about to reply, Cong Yang hurried over from the other side, panting heavily. "Master, it's bad news! The Emperor has entered the inner hunting grounds. Tie Yi and I searched but couldn't find any trace of him. We only saw hoofprints at the base of Hualuan Peak."
"The inner grounds?" Xie Jingxing frowned. "He went in without signaling." His eyes flashed, and he suddenly growled, "Damn it!"
...
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