On the second day of the sixth month, the weather was excellent. Despite yesterday’s drizzling rain, today the sun shone brightly. The mountain paths were still muddy, but the weather had been like this recently.

Luo Tan stretched lazily. The room had plenty of ice blocks, so despite Longyi’s long summer days and scorching heat, the room remained cool and dry.

The maid in the room smiled and asked, “Young Miss, where would you like to visit today?”

Luo Tan looked at the small trinkets piled like a mountain in her room and said, “I don’t know. I’ll ask Imperial Physician Gao later.”

“Young Master Gao went out today and won’t be back until tomorrow night,” the maid explained. “He asked me to let Young Miss know that if you want to go out, take some guards from the household. I can accompany you, and if you see something you like, we can buy it.”

“Is something wrong?” Luo Tan asked. “Does he have a patient to visit?”

The maid smiled without answering.

Luo Tan waved her hand. “In that case, I’ll just wander around.”

She had been in Longyi for almost a month now, spending most of her time with Gao Yang. Gao Yang had said that physicians have no national boundaries. During his youth, he traveled widely and once lived in Longyi for a while. This mansion in Longyi was his. Although Luo Tan found this explanation somewhat strange, everyone in the household said the same thing, so she didn’t question it further.

The messenger who had delivered the letter to Shen Miao had already been sent back by Gao Yang, who claimed that Shen Miao had agreed to take Luo Tan along and would take care of her. Gao Yang must have told some convincing lies, because no one from the Shen family had come looking for her since.

The Shen family matter seemed resolved for now. Luo Tan was calculating in her mind that after she had thoroughly explored Longyi in the coming days, she would find Shen Miao and clear things up. If she spoke now, she feared Shen Miao and the Rui Prince would send her back, and she hadn’t had enough food and fun yet—how could she go back now?

Luo Tan walked outside into the courtyard and heard some commotion coming from the street beyond the courtyard wall. She asked the maid beside her, “What’s happening out there that’s so lively?”

The maid smiled and replied, “Today is the royal hunt. It coincides with the sixtieth anniversary ceremony, so His Majesty will personally hunt in the inner grounds. The imperial guards are accompanying him, and the people on the streets are cheering.”

Luo Tan enjoyed joining in the excitement and said, “Let’s go take a look. Will we be able to see His Majesty’s face?”

The maid’s expression changed slightly, and she shook her head. “The streets are crowded, and His Majesty is in the imperial palanquin, so you won’t be able to see him.”

Luo Tan’s enthusiasm waned. The maid smiled and said, “I’ll go prepare some snacks for our journey later. After that, Young Miss, wherever you want to go, I’ll accompany you.”

“Go ahead,” Luo Tan said. After the maid left, Luo Tan secretly slipped toward the back gate of the courtyard, muttering to herself, “Not going out—just taking a peek from afar shouldn’t be too much, right?”

Her figure quickly disappeared from the courtyard.

After Shen Miao finished washing up, she saw Xie Jingxing come out wearing fresh clothes.

Since today was the hunt, he wore riding attire suitable for hunting—narrow sleeves, high collar, a belt at his waist, and green boots embroidered with dark patterns. He looked extraordinarily neat and refreshing, yet because the riding attire fit him perfectly, he resembled an elegant young master from a noble family.

Seeing Shen Miao, Xie Jingxing frowned and asked, “These clothes?”

Since it was the hunting grounds and a hot summer day, Jingzhe feared Shen Miao might suffer from the heat and specially found cool attire for her. Under her skirt were silk trousers with wide, airy cuffs. Her top was a thin layer of gauze, with only the chest area covered by a solid bodice. The light purple fabric looked like a layer of mist. Shen Miao usually appeared dignified, but dressed like this, she exuded a subtle charm and indescribable allure.

Shen Miao looked down at herself and said, “It doesn’t look good.”

Xie Jingxing said, “The mountain breeze is cool. Better wear an outer garment.”

Shen Miao thought silently: Where would there be cool winds in the sixth month? Besides, Longyi was always warm.

Xie Jingxing added, “Your body and skin now belong to the Xie family. You can’t allow them to be sunburned carelessly.”

Shen Miao replied, “I understand. Jingzhe, bring me an outer garment.”

Only then did Xie Jingxing let the matter rest.

When they went outside, Mo Qing and some guards from the Rui Prince’s residence were already prepared. Ba Jiao was also there. Jingzhe and Guyu didn’t need to accompany them today. Xie Jingxing had assigned a female guard named Huixiang from the Black Feather Army to pose as Shen Miao’s maid along with Ba Jiao to protect her safety.

The more thorough Xie Jingxing’s arrangements, the more uneasy Shen Miao felt. Today’s royal hunt coincided with the sixtieth anniversary ceremony, so she had to attend whether she wanted to or not. But even without this occasion, Shen Miao wouldn’t have stayed at the Rui Prince’s residence alone. For no other reason than her right eyelid had been twitching non-stop, as if predicting that something was about to happen.

Her worried demeanor caught Xie Jingxing’s attention. He pondered a moment, then asked as they walked toward the door, “Why so gloomy?”

Shen Miao replied, “I just feel uneasy.”

“Your husband has a strong life force,” he curved his lips upward. “My lady need not worry.”

Shen Miao gave him a sidelong glance but noticed there was no carriage at the gate. She asked, “Haven’t they brought the carriage yet?”

Xie Jingxing smiled, pulled Shen Miao to the gate, where Mo Qing led a horse forward. Xie Jingxing mounted the horse with a swift movement, then suddenly grabbed Shen Miao’s hand and pulled her up. Caught off guard, she found herself encircled in his arms atop the horse.

“Carriages are too slow,” he looked down at her and said unhurriedly. “You can shoot while on foot, but can you ride a horse?”

Just as Shen Miao was about to speak, Xie Jingxing interrupted, “No matter if you can’t. Your husband will teach you.” With that, he raised his whip, and the horse neighed loudly before galloping away.

The guards behind Xie Jingxing seemed to follow, while Shen Miao leaned against him, encircled in his arms. She couldn’t help but be startled. The horse was a fine steed that ran extremely fast. Xie Jingxing’s horsemanship was excellent, and he deliberately chose winding paths. As they passed through the market streets, people exclaimed in surprise, while he laughed loudly, exuding an arrogant and unrestrained air.

Shen Miao recalled her first encounter with Xie Jingxing in this life—in front of Guangwen Hall, where the handsome young man in purple sat lazily atop a tall horse, brazenly examining everyone.

His breath came close to her ear, almost touching her cheek. From above, his deep, pleasant laughter resonated, and Shen Miao’s heart was suddenly infected with the same joy.

She had always yearned for such freedom. She had once stood on the walls of the nine-tiered palace, watching eagles soaring in the distance and horses galloping below, longing for such an unrestrained life. But her life had been confined to the deep palace, married to a man she didn’t love, scheming and struggling for her children.

It seemed she hadn’t indulged so freely in a very long time.

Shen Miao laughed, “Are you as impolite in Longyi as you were in Dingjing?”

“Even more so,” Xie Jingxing answered. He glanced down at her, resting his chin on top of her head and rubbing against it, laughing softly, “In Dingjing, you weren’t as carefree as you are in Longyi.”

Shen Miao was taken aback. Xie Jingxing continued laughing, “I prefer this Shen Jiaojiao.”

“So do I,” Shen Miao smiled.

Xie Jingxing’s movements paused, and even the horse slowed down. He asked, “You also like me this way?”

“No,” Shen Miao laughed. “I also like myself this way.”

Xie Jingxing ground his teeth, “Shen Jiaojiao, in Longyi, those who dare to tease me usually end up dead.”

Their laughter carried far on Longyi’s summer breeze. Among the guards following behind, Huixiang whispered to Ba Jiao, “Wasn’t it said that the Madam has a cold personality, and it’s all one-sided on our Master’s part? They seem to have quite a good relationship.”

“The Madam doesn’t have a cold personality,” Ba Jiao smiled sweetly. “The Madam is a good person.”

By the time the morning sun had bathed the land in golden light, Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing finally arrived at the hunting grounds.

The outer area of the hunting grounds consisted of ordinary forests, but the inner area required going further in, up to Hualuan Peak. Hualuan Peak was a unique mountain in Longyi, densely forested, majestic, and steep, with many rare sights, precious birds, and unusual beasts. Naturally, the journey was difficult and dangerous due to the presence of wild animals.

The royal hunting grounds had enclosed this area for hunting since before the late emperor’s time. During the late emperor’s reign, following the tradition established by the founding emperor, the sixtieth anniversary ceremony required the current monarch to personally enter the inner grounds to hunt and capture a male lion as a sacrificial offering.

Throughout history, emperors hunting on Hualuan Peak faced dangers, but with imperial guards following, there weren’t major issues. Now, however, times had changed. Having imperial guards might be more dangerous than not having them at all.

Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing’s entrance was undoubtedly eye-catching. People were astonished to see them arriving not in a carriage but sharing a single horse. Emperor Yongle and Consort Jing had already arrived. Consort Jing covered her mouth in surprise, then said, “As a royal family member, how could you be so improper?”

Emperor Yongle frowned at Xie Jingxing, seemingly displeased with his behavior. Xie Jingxing helped Shen Miao dismount and walked toward Emperor Yongle in front of everyone.

Emperor Yongle wore bright yellow riding attire today. He wasn’t old, and he was handsome, though his temperament was colder. With both brothers in riding attire, they outshone all other men present.

Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao paid their respects to Emperor Yongle, completely ignoring Consort Jing. Seeing this, Consort Jing bit her lip, then suddenly smiled at Shen Miao and said, “The Rui Princess has come to the hunting grounds with the Prince today. The couple’s deep affection even extends to sharing a horse—truly enviable.” Then she changed the subject: “In that case, when the Rui Prince enters the inner grounds, I suppose the Princess will follow as well?”

Before Shen Miao could respond, Emperor Yongle frowned and said coldly, “She doesn’t need to enter.”

Consort Jing was startled, apparently not expecting Emperor Yongle to speak up suddenly. She had been hoping Shen Miao would follow the Rui Prince into the inner grounds. With the fierce beasts there, even with the Rui Prince’s protection, if Shen Miao didn’t get hurt, at least she would be frightened and appear disheveled—that would be satisfying. Shen Miao’s unapologetic declaration at the Colorful Summer Banquet in front of the Lu family had already reached Consort Jing’s ears, and Consort Jing was determined to teach Shen Miao a lesson. She hadn’t expected Emperor Yongle to help Shen Miao.

Although Consort Jing was arrogant, she dared not openly defy Emperor Yongle.

Shen Miao understood inwardly that Emperor Yongle wasn’t intervening for her sake. It was because today the brothers would enter the inner grounds, which was extremely dangerous. Perhaps Emperor Yongle and Xie Jingxing had already made arrangements, and one more person would add variables. Emperor Yongle probably feared she would interfere with their plans.

Xie Jingxing smiled as he glanced at Consort Jing. Though he said nothing, Consort Jing sensed a warning in his gaze. For some reason, besides Emperor Yongle, she feared this young prince the most—her fear of the Rui Prince even exceeded that of her father.

Seeing Consort Jing was silent, Xie Jingxing put his arm around Shen Miao’s shoulders and said, “If Your Majesty has no further instructions, I’ll take Jiaojiao around. She’s new to Longyi and isn’t familiar with people yet.” Without waiting for Emperor Yongle’s reaction, he led Shen Miao away.

After a few steps, they saw Season Yuhu running excitedly toward them. He ran all the way to stop in front of them and said, “Third Brother, Sister-in-law!”

Seeing Season Yuhu’s radiant smile, Shen Miao found it impossible to connect this pawnshop owner who had operated in Ming Qi for many years with the young master from the Left Imperial Chancellor’s family of Da Liang. She asked a question she had long wanted to ask: “Why do you always call him ‘Third Brother’?”

“Eh?” Season Yuhu paused, looking at Xie Jingxing. “You haven’t told Sister-in-law?”

Seeing Xie Jingxing neither confirm nor deny, Season Yuhu scratched his head and smiled at Shen Miao, “Actually, I should call him ‘Third Cousin.’ I’m related to a Third Cousin by marriage. Among the brothers in the clan, he’s number three. Third Brother’s Empress Mother is my aunt. We are cousins.”

Shen Miao understood after Season Yuhu’s explanation. It turned out that Season Yuhu’s mother and Xie Jingxing’s Empress Mother were full sisters born of the same mother. Season Yuhu was also considered imperial kin, and he and Xie Jingxing were cousins. No wonder Xie Jingxing often criticized Season Yuhu yet still looked after him in many ways.

Season Yuhu chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “I heard my mother has met my Sister-in-law. My mother said Sister-in-law is quite good—dignified, virtuous, a true lady from a noble family. If Third Brother hadn’t acted so quickly, ahem, she even complained about why I didn’t bring back a beauty like Sister-in-law from Ming Qi.”

Xie Jingxing spoke calmly, “Season Yuhu, do you want to go to the tower prison?”

“I was just joking!” Season Yuhu jumped up and ran away as if his backside was on fire. “I heard Gao Yang is also here today. I’ll go find him. Sister-in-law, enjoy yourselves!”

He disappeared into the distance.

Shen Miao couldn’t help but laugh. Then she asked Xie Jingxing, “Gao Yang is here too? Why haven’t we seen him?”

“He’s a minister, so he probably arrived late,” he added. “Gao Yang is the Minister of Health Affairs.”

Shen Miao smiled. “I know.”

“You’re quite capable of having discovered Gao Yang’s identity,” Xie Jingxing said with an ambiguous smile.

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat, leaving her speechless. She knew Gao Yang’s identity because in her previous life, when Ming Qi sent tribute, it wasn’t Xie Jingxing who came but Gao Yang. As the Ding Princess, she had met Gao Yang then. In this life, Xie Jingxing had never told Gao Yang’s specific position. Somehow, from the beginning, Shen Miao’s attitude had seemed to acknowledge that she already knew Gao Yang was Xie Jingxing’s man.

Fortunately, Xie Jingxing didn’t dwell on this issue. He simply said, “When the hunt begins, follow me to the outer grounds to hunt some rabbits and wild birds. At the hour of Si (9-11 AM), I will go with His Majesty to the inner grounds. I’ll leave guards with you, and you can wander around freely in the outer area.” After a pause, he added, “My aunt is also here today. I’ve had Season Yuhu speak with her. If I haven’t returned later, go back to the city with my aunt. She will escort you to the Prince’s residence.”

“If you haven’t returned later?” Shen Miao looked at him suspiciously. Xie Jingxing was always very confident in his actions. In Ming Qi, as the heir to the Linan Marquis’s household, he had skillfully executed his plans despite the vigilant watchfulness of the Fu family, showing he wasn’t someone who acted hastily. However, Shen Miao had such a bad feeling this time that even as she accompanied Xie Jingxing today, her tone was doubtful.

“Don’t worry, His Majesty and I have made preparations,” he smiled suggestively. “It hasn’t even been two months yet—how could I bear to die?”

Shen Miao pushed him, not wanting to indulge Xie Jingxing’s impropriety in public. As she turned her head, she felt someone’s gaze on her. Following the gaze, she saw Madam Ye from the Colorful Summer Banquet looking at her.

Madam Ye wore light clothes suitable for walking and stood at a distance. When their eyes met, she didn’t avoid Shen Miao’s gaze but smiled. However, that gaze instinctively made Shen Miao uncomfortable. She asked, “Are the Ye family also going hunting today?”

“Ye Maocai is the Prime Minister, so naturally he must attend. However, ministers will only be in the outer grounds, not the inner grounds,” Xie Jingxing followed Shen Miao’s gaze and noticed she was staring at Madam Ye. He asked curiously, “You seem very attentive to Madam Ye. Has something happened?”

“I don’t know why,” Shen Miao frowned, “but I just feel the Ye family gives me a bad impression. You should be careful.”

“His Majesty is currently attempting to win over the Ye family. We’ve been watching their every move and haven’t noticed anything unusual,” Xie Jingxing pondered. Seeing Shen Miao’s cautious expression, he reassured her, “They’re in the outer grounds and can’t affect the situation. Don’t worry.”

When Shen Miao looked at Madam Ye again, she had already turned to speak with other ladies. Shen Miao suppressed her uneasiness and let the matter rest.

When the time came, the hunt began. Those attending today were officials of relatively high status in Longyi. The officials participated in the hunt, while their wives simply watched the excitement. The more adventurous and playful ones followed into the outer grounds, while those with quieter dispositions waited outside the enclosed area.

Coincidentally, Lu Wan’er was also present today.

Lu Wan’er had dressed up meticulously. Even her riding attire was exquisite, making her appear extremely charming. If not for Shen Miao, she would probably have been the most eye-catching person at this event. After all, Consort Jing and Lu Wan’er were sisters, raised with the Lu family’s doting care. Their noble young lady demeanor wasn’t mere pretense.

However, with Shen Miao present, Lu Wan’er’s bright pink riding attire seemed somewhat frivolous. On its own, it looked cute, but when standing next to the Rui Prince, it seemed inappropriate.

This was understandable. There was a strange sense of harmony between Xie Jingxing and Shen Miao. The Rui Prince was, after all, Emperor Yongle’s blood brother, truly noble by birth, naturally elegant. But Shen Miao was just an ordinary official’s daughter from Ming Qi, and from a military family at that, yet she also possessed a natural dignity, steady and beautiful. The atmosphere between them was seamless. Not just someone like Lu Wan’er—even if a heavenly fairy were to intrude, she would seem out of place.

Lu Wan’er seemed oblivious to this, approaching Shen Miao under the somewhat strange gazes of others. Although she spoke to Shen Miao, her eyes were practically glued to Xie Jingxing. Her voice was sweet and delicate, and now she spoke in an affected tone that almost sounded like honey.

“Princess, I didn’t expect to meet you here today. At the Colorful Summer Banquet, I felt an instant connection with you. I thought about finding time to see you again, and now we’ve met—what a coincidence.” Lu Wan’er’s words to Shen Miao were now polite and sweet, showing no trace of the arrogant and domineering demeanor she had displayed at the Colorful Summer Banquet.

Shen Miao laughed inwardly. What was Lu Wan’er thinking? Did she believe Xie Jingxing would believe whatever she said? Not to mention that there were other ladies at the Lu residence that day, even Shen Miao herself would certainly tell Xie Jingxing the truth without concealing anything. What Lu Wan’er had shown was not “an instant connection” but rather “intense hatred.”

While saying this, without waiting for Shen Miao’s response, Lu Wan’er looked at Xie Jingxing, her beautiful eyes filled with undisguised affection. In a soft voice, she said, “The Rui Prince looks very impressive today. I once met you in my sister’s palace. At that time, the Rui Prince praised my qin playing. I’ve practiced diligently since then and improved significantly. I wonder when Your Highness might have some free time to give me some guidance?”

Shen Miao was startled and instinctively looked at Xie Jingxing. Lu Wan’er wouldn’t lie in front of Xie Jingxing. Had he listened to Lu Wan’er play the qin and praised her skill?

Seeing Shen Miao’s suspicious gaze, Xie Jingxing slightly curved his lips and smiled mischievously. “Oh, are you unhappy?”

Shen Miao turned her head away.

Xie Jingxing shrugged. When he looked at Lu Wan’er again, his expression had changed. His handsome features remained lazily casual, but his smile had disappeared.

“When accompanying His Majesty in conversation, I encountered Consort Jing. She mentioned that the fourth Miss Lu was playing the qin in Jinghua Palace and invited His Majesty to listen. I listened that day and said it could rival crows and magpies. Miss Lu, you can’t even distinguish between sarcasm and compliments—indeed, you need guidance on your thinking.”

Shen Miao almost couldn’t hold back her laughter, not realizing Lu Wan’er could be so obtuse. Xie Jingxing never spared anyone’s feelings when speaking. Why would he consider whether others were around?

Lu Wan’er’s face immediately turned bright red.

That day in Jinghua Palace, after she finished playing the qin, she had been completely focused on gazing at the Rui Prince. Her heart pounding, she was so captivated by the Prince’s handsome appearance that she hadn’t heard what he said. She hadn’t heard clearly, assuming the Rui Prince was praising her. Now that the Rui Prince had clarified, making her seem like a joke, Lu Wan’er was momentarily dumbfounded.

Xie Jingxing lazily glanced at her and said, “Also, I am His Majesty’s brother. In the future, Miss Lu should not mention things like visiting a consort’s palace. Others might think Miss Lu is deliberately causing trouble. Such an accusation, even I cannot bear.” With that, he pulled Shen Miao away, leaving Lu Wan’er standing alone.

Shen Miao felt Lu Wan’er’s foolishness was somewhat pitiful. She asked Xie Jingxing, “The Lu family is so formidable. How did they raise such daughters?” Whether Consort Jing or Lu Wan’er, they were almost comparable to how Shen Miao had been before. The difference was that Shen Miao had been deliberately molded into that personality by the second and third branches of the Shen family, while Lu Wan’er and Consort Jing were Madam Lu’s biological daughters.

Xie Jingxing replied, “With all their attention on court struggles, they naturally neglect their children’s education. Besides, the Lu family has always been lenient with their daughters, focusing their efforts on cultivating their sons.”

Shen Miao now understood. With the Lu family’s wealth, their daughters would never want for food or clothing, no matter whom they married. So being spoiled and willful didn’t matter much, as they had their maternal family supporting them.

As they spoke, Xie Jingxing had already led Shen Miao to the edge of the hunting grounds. There, various ministers and some ladies who wanted to join the festivities had already selected their horses. As Xie Jingxing approached, Tieyi brought two horses over—one large black stallion and one slightly smaller chestnut mare. Xie Jingxing helped Shen Miao onto the chestnut horse, then mounted the black stallion himself.

Emperor Yongle’s party started to move as well. The imperial guards were ready to follow Emperor Yongle further in.

The drummers began rhythmically beating their drums, as if playing some ancient melody. The drumbeats grew increasingly rapid. Finally, an archer standing on a high platform drew his bow and shot an arrow that flew directly at a hanging golden fruit. When it hit, the drummer struck the great drum forcefully.

The hunt had begun!

Xie Jingxing led Shen Miao in the outer grounds, with Mo Qing and others following beside them. Participants were allowed to bring a few guards into the hunting grounds, though the outer area had no real dangers, especially in broad daylight, when nothing would happen. The guards were merely a precaution.

“When will you enter the inner grounds?” Shen Miao asked Xie Jingxing while riding. It had been a long time since she had ridden a horse, but the mare beneath her was quite docile, making it easier for her to control.

“His Majesty will signal me at the hour of Si. Then I’ll leave. For now, I can still accompany you. Do you want to hunt a fox?” Xie Jingxing sat upright.

Shen Miao asked, “A fox?”

Xie Jingxing reached over and grabbed her reins. “Follow me.”

Xie Jingxing was an excellent hunter. Shen Miao did not doubt that if he weren’t the Rui Prince of Da Liang, but an ordinary villager, he could still become rich with his hunting skills. She had always thought that “hitting the center of a target from a hundred paces” was just Shen Qiu’s exaggeration, but today she witnessed it firsthand. Xie Jingxing’s aim was excellent, rarely missing. In just a short time, their horses were laden with game. Though they were all small animals, it was still impressive.

“Anything else you want to hunt?” Xie Jingxing smiled proudly. “I’ll get it for you.”

Shen Miao was about to speak when she saw Cong Yang rushing over from the other direction. Out of breath, he said, “Master, something’s wrong. His Majesty has entered the inner grounds. Just now, Tieyi and I were searching but couldn’t find His Majesty. At the base of Hualuan Peak, we saw hoof prints.”

“The inner grounds?” Xie Jingxing frowned. “Going to the inner grounds without a signal.” His eyes flashed, and he suddenly exclaimed, “This is bad!”