Ziteng had been following the two from a distance. After Princess Fuping left, seeing her pale complexion, Ziteng asked worriedly: “Sister, what did Princess Fuping say to you?”

Qin Shuying looked around inconspicuously, and only after confirming no one was present did she whisper: “Ziteng, Princess Fuping is like sister—she has also, also… come back to life again.”

“What?!”

Ziteng’s eyes nearly popped out.

“Does she know that sister is also like this?”

Qin Shuying shook her head: “I’m not certain whether she knows.”

Qin Shuying explained her speculation: “She told me to be careful that Liang Zhe doesn’t get harmed by others. Young Master Liang has always been secretly plotted against, so logically she wouldn’t need to specifically remind me. But her tone—when she said ‘harmed,’ it seemed like she meant… like she meant death.”

Ziteng was even more terrified: “Sister, sis… this autumn, this…”

Although Princess Fuping’s voice hadn’t been loud just now, Ziteng had been able to hear it.

Qin Shuying took a deep breath: “It seems Young Master Liang’s situation is precarious! I think whoever could kill him would hardly be buffoons like Luo Meixiang, but rather some other expert.”

“Sister, then we must tell him quickly.”

“Yes, naturally. I’ll warn him.”

“Sister, you say, since Princess Fuping has lived again, would it be like you—borrowing someone’s body, or was she originally Princess Fuping?”

“I believe she was originally Princess Fuping. If she were someone else who became Princess Fuping, it would be difficult not to feel joyful and excited, or arrogant and wild. But ever since I’ve known Princess Fuping, she’s been very peaceful, even… lacking vitality. If she was Princess Fuping in her previous life, this makes sense. It seems Consort De didn’t succeed, and Princess Fuping ended up living miserably. She saw through life’s impermanence and the changes of worldly affairs. These riches and honors actually hold no meaning for her.”

Ziteng pondered thoughtfully, and Qin Shuying also fell into deep contemplation.

Regardless of whether Princess Fuping was friend or foe, she wouldn’t tell Princess Fuping that she was also reborn.

Moreover, she would definitely deal with the Fifth Prince.

If she became too entangled with Princess Fuping, she might not be able to act against the Fifth Prince when the time came.

Time passed quickly, and Qin Shuying enjoyed several peaceful days.

On this day, palace maids came to relay the message that noble ladies and young ladies should prepare themselves to follow Emperor Delong for mountain camping, which would also include hunting.

Northern weather was rather cold, with hot weather passing quickly—only four months per year.

Traveling at this time would be relatively simple, making it a good season for camping.

Summer camping was a long-standing tradition of the Great Zhou royal family.

Great Zhou’s founding emperor had this habit, so later emperors all inherited this preference.

It was said that the founding emperor believed people should intimately contact heaven and earth, absorbing heaven and earth’s essence and receiving heaven and earth’s spiritual energy.

Ziteng happily prepared things. Seeing Qin Shuying’s precious tents and tight-sleeved clothing and pants, Xu Peiwei couldn’t help but feel envious and covetous.

“Shuying, you have so many things, you surely can’t use them all. Why not give me some?”

During this period, Qin Shuying had been very obedient. Not knowing the inside story about the bee stings and Princess Fu’an’s private meeting, Xu Peiwei thought Qin Shuying had returned to being that well-behaved girl from before. However, Xu Peiwei didn’t dare bully her.

Qin Shuying didn’t want to get too entangled with Xu Peiwei. She had brought too many of these clothes anyway—it was all because that child Lu Ye had insisted on packing them for her.

Camping was something that might only happen once or twice in a lifetime. She would grow taller next year and wouldn’t need them then.

Besides, during these days at the traveling palace, neither Madam Mao nor Xu Peiwei had shown any outrageous behavior, so she didn’t refuse Xu Peiwei’s suggestion: “Cousin Peiwei, look and choose a set that appeals to you.”

Xu Peiwei selected a set and walked away happily.

Ziteng said: “Miss, you’re too generous.”

Qin Shuying sat down: “She’s already received the lesson she deserved. If she harbors thoughts again in the future, I won’t spare her either. You can rest assured.”

Ziteng packed things for Qin Shuying: “I hope she won’t cause trouble again.”

Ziteng knew that with so many people targeting Qin Shuying now, Qin Shuying naturally didn’t want too many complications—she was truly exhausted from dealing with them.

The next day dawned with good weather.

After all preparations were complete and they boarded the carriages, the sun was already high.

Qin Shuying still sat with Madam Mao and Xu Peiwei, along with two other Xu family relatives.

The camping would last only one night, so they didn’t bring too many things.

The women’s and men’s carriages traveled separately, so everyone opened their windows to admire the scenery outside. Not only were the young ladies excited, but the noble ladies were excited too.

After all, everyone rarely had the opportunity to see purely natural scenery.

Upon reaching the campsite, Qin Shuying still stayed with Madam Mao and Xu Peiwei.

This was called camping, but it wasn’t truly camping. However, the buildings were constructed low and simple, let alone refined and ingenious—they were all very basic furnishings, no different from common houses.

Once at the campsite, the young ladies were like sheep let loose, excitedly heading toward shade trees, grasslands, and waterside. Some gathered in groups to talk, others walked in pairs, and some sought cool spots.

Qin Shuying and Lin Zilan walked hand in hand toward a hillside. Not far away, people were chatting leisurely. They simply sat foolishly under the tree shade, looking at the scenery below, their moods pleasant.

Wherever Lin Zilan went, she never forgot to mention her mechanical devices, talking endlessly with gestures and demonstrations. Qin Shuying listened patiently without showing any impatience.

Although these topics were dry and sometimes difficult to understand, they constantly broadened Qin Shuying’s horizons.

“Miss, Young Master Liang is coming.”

Qin Shuying turned her head to see Liang Zhe approaching shoulder-to-shoulder with the Fourth Prince.

Qin Shuying and Lin Zilan hurriedly rose to bow to the Fourth Prince.

“No need for such formality!” The Fourth Prince raised his hand and looked toward Lin Zilan: “Miss Lin, I heard you speaking about windmills just now. Is that correct?”

“Yes. Is the Fourth Prince also interested?”

The Fourth Prince immediately stepped forward two paces, his gaze fervent: “Indeed. Could you repeat what you just told Seventh Miss Qin?”

Liang Zhe said: “Your Highness, you chat. I won’t disturb you.”

The Fourth Prince casually hummed: “Good, I’ll come find you later.”

Liang Zhe shook his head and signaled for Qin Shuying to follow him.

Seeing the Fourth Prince’s burning gaze fixed on Lin Zilan, eagerly waiting for her to speak, Qin Shuying realized she had truly become superfluous standing there. She smiled and followed behind Liang Zhe toward the nearby woods.

“Miss…”

Liang Zhe turned to the worried Ziteng: “It’s fine, you go back. I’ll return your miss safe and sound.”

Liang Yanjun jumped forward: “Miss Ziteng, don’t worry. Our young master will return Madam… Seventh Miss Qin safely.”

Ziteng glanced at him. Due to their previous message exchanges, they had met frequently and had become quite familiar with each other.