Suddenly she saw Mu Si emerge from behind a nearby tree, walking toward her with a grave expression. Tie Ci’s heart jumped and she instinctively stopped.

Was he injured?

Mu Si walked up to her and stopped. Tie Ci looked at him, he looked at Tie Ci. The two stared at each other for a long while. Just as Tie Ci was about to ask, Mu Si suddenly threw his hand up, cursed something at the sky, and walked away.

Tie Ci also silently looked up at the sky.

No need to ask—that scoundrel must have forced Mu Si to falsely report military intelligence, pretend to be injured or something. Mu Si couldn’t bring himself to do it and angrily betrayed his master.

Good for him. What kind of nonsense was that master thinking all day?

Tie Ci couldn’t be bothered with Murong Yi and turned to leave, but Murong Yi swept out from behind the tree and caught her sleeve. “Hey, don’t go! I’m injured, I’m really injured!”

He lowered his head and searched all over his body for wounds that may or may not exist.

Tie Ci: “If you don’t let go, you might actually get injured.”

“Go ahead and hit me,” Murong Yi said. “I love seeing you throw little tantrums. That’s when you have the most human touch—it makes me feel you’re my Ye Shiba, not the world’s Crown Princess.”

Tie Ci had intended to retort, but hearing that last sentence, her heart stirred and she quietly swallowed back what she’d planned to say.

Yes, in caring for this world, she owed him.

Since that was so, let him throw tantrums, cause trouble, and act up as he pleased.

“Why do you smell so bad—all blood and burnt?” she said. “Go take a bath. There are hot springs in the Jie Yun Peak mountains. I’ll tell Xia Hou to let you go.”

“I’ll go if you come with me.”

“Then forget it.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll go. But you see me off partway,” Murong Yi said shamelessly. “I’m afraid of the dark.”

Tie Ci laughed and beckoned over two lanterns, stuffing them into his back collar. “Now you’re not afraid—like a firefly.”

Through the crack in the traveling palace gates, she saw Father Emperor pacing inside, looking like he had something to discuss with her.

Abandoning the firefly, she entered. Tie Yan was indeed circling the courtyard. Seeing her, he waved. “Child, come here. Father has something to ask you.”

Father and daughter returned to the sleeping quarters. Seated in the hall with attendants dismissed, Tie Yan immediately asked, “I just remembered something.”

Tie Ci had a vague sense of what he wanted to ask.

“Yesterday’s dancer previously said he accompanied you at Yue Li Academy, spending lavishly—not from an ordinary family. Earlier at court, the Grand Tutor mentioned in passing that Prince Da’an’s heir had once disguised himself at Yue Li Academy to study with you… I was habitually dozing then, but suddenly remembered today… This person wouldn’t be Prince Da’an’s heir, would he?”

Tie Ci was briefly silent, then said, “Yes.”

Tie Yan’s eyes widened slightly. After a long moment, he exclaimed in amazement, “What nerve!”

Tie Ci thought this was nothing—if you haven’t seen anything yet, there’s no limit to how nervy, only more so.

After thinking, he said, “I originally saw his feelings for you seemed genuine and considered letting him participate in the hunt to earn some merit, then naturally assign him to escort you to Yannan. With this identity, how can that work?”

Only now did Tie Ci understand how Murong Yi could brazenly follow along—her old father had wanted to recruit a free bodyguard.

Tie Yan frowned. “Since that’s the case…”

Tie Ci couldn’t help saying, “Father Emperor, actually whether you allow him to come or not, whether you let him follow or not, he’ll come and follow anyway. There’s really no difference.”

Tie Yan said, “I knew this kid was thick-skinned and persistent!”

Tie Ci smiled.

Tie Yan observed her expression and probed, “I’m afraid he might harm you…”

“He won’t.”

Tie Yan, who was about to drink tea, choked and coughed.

So decisive.

These feelings ran deeper than he’d imagined.

“…He is after all an enemy nation’s heir. We just fought a great battle with them. With him lingering here, our traveling palace’s safety…”

Tie Ci pondered briefly. “Also won’t be a problem.”

Tie Yan set down his teacup with a snap.

Well now, his steady and cautious daughter was actually vouching for an enemy nation’s heir.

He’d never imagined his step-by-step careful daughter would one day guarantee an enemy.

He stared at Tie Ci, who smiled gently.

Suddenly she remembered that day’s palace dance when he stood on the great drum, holding a golden bow aimed at her.

His lips moved, silently asking, “Do you trust me?”

She did trust him.

Had always trusted him.

Tie Yan was shocked to discover a hint of dreamy enchantment in his daughter’s usually calm and composed features, as if she’d suddenly thought of something extremely wonderful.

What was she thinking of? Getting all dreamy-eyed in front of her old father?

His expression grew even more serious. After thinking, he said, “I’ve vaguely heard this person is quite rebellious, often acting unexpectedly. If he’s so ardent toward you, wanting to become your prince consort, what about Liaodong? Does he plan to offer it up? If he can agree before Father Emperor to offer up Liaodong, Father Emperor will fully support you two!”

Tie Ci was silent for a while, then said, “If he successfully becomes King of Liaodong in future and willingly submits to the court, that would naturally be best. But I don’t want Father Emperor to make this a condition for him and me being together now. Even less do I want Father Emperor to pressure him with this.”

Whether Liaodong was offered or not was Murong Yi’s freedom—it shouldn’t be used as marriage currency. If Murong Yi was willing to offer it in future, fine; if unwilling, she’d take it back herself.

Adding any transaction to matters of love would corrupt them.

She was even less willing for such conditions to bring danger to Murong Yi’s future.

She’d witnessed firsthand what kind of person Prince Da’an was. Murong Yi currently being heir didn’t mean he was safe from now on, nor that Liaodong would definitely fall into his hands.

Her previous coolness toward him, unwillingness to get close—wasn’t it partly from fear that news would reach Prince Da’an and prompt another life-or-death coercion?

Tie Yan fell silent.

He felt things were getting a bit troublesome.

He’d always felt Tie Ci was a worry-free daughter who from childhood, due to life’s heavy pressures, was extremely sensible. Unlike her mother, she clearly knew what should and shouldn’t be done, clearly knew what she wanted and what should be decisively abandoned.

He’d never imagined that in emotional matters, Tie Ci would make the most indulgent choice of her life.

But calling her irrational seemed somewhat dishonest. She’d never let this choice affect any grand plans, nor would she abandon any pursuits because of it. Emotion, nation, and duty seemed compartmentalized in her—she tried desperately to protect each area, striving to maintain perfection.

But could she really manage it?

Even if she could, could that heir manage it?

That one looked dissolute and unrestrained. Propriety, rules, national and family laws might just be passing wind to him. Such a person was too dangerous.

Choosing such a person was extremely disadvantageous for Tie Ci. What about court resistance? One careless move could destroy everything she’d worked for.

He instinctively wanted to voice opposition, but seeing Tie Ci’s expression, he swallowed the words back.

Speaking would be useless anyway.

This child had been willful since childhood, let alone now.

Should he cry and beg?

She might humor him, then do as she pleased.

His Imperial Majesty sighed worriedly and confirmed again, “Really won’t harm you?”

“I guarantee it with Great Qian.”

“That’s not necessary.” Tie Yan closed his eyes and decided to pretend he knew nothing.

“Let’s act like nothing was said tonight. Since you say it’s fine, and this person probably can’t be driven away anyway, let him follow. If tomorrow’s hunt goes well, I’ll simply issue an open decree giving him a guard position to escort you to Yannan.” As Tie Yan spoke, he actually grew excited. “If Prince Da’an ever learns his heir became an official of our Great Qian, following behind our Crown Princess as attendant, I wonder what his expression would be, hahaha…”

Tie Ci was speechless.

His Imperial Majesty harbored deep resentment toward Liaodong.

Even resorting to psychological victory methods.

Always thinking of gaining the upper hand, never considering that if it really happened, Great Qian would be the one at a loss!

…

The next day at dawn, everyone rose.

The Crown Princess set the hunting time very early—since this was exercise, naturally no sleeping in.

The young masters yawned as they got up, washing their faces with ice-cold mountain spring water, shivering from the cold. Before their complaints could emerge, they received kicks from their fathers.

“No grumbling! Hurry up and get ready! You must perform well today!”

The capital’s young men rolled their eyes. Perform? Perform what? What good would performing well do? Compete to be Crown Princess’s male consorts? Hunt ten animals, become Empress; hunt eight, become Noble Consort?

Grumbling aside, young people were naturally competitive. In such circumstances, performing too poorly would embarrass their fathers and ruin their own future prospects. All dressed properly and assembled on the field.

They thought they’d arrived quite early, but found Tie Ci already waiting on the field—hair tied high, in riding clothes, with dawn’s radiance behind her, as dashing as wind sweeping through these mountains.

Everyone recalled that while falling asleep in their tents the night before, they’d seemed to hear the Crown Princess conducting midnight patrols.

They also remembered when the traveling palace caught fire and the Emperor was attacked—a single statement from the Crown Princess’s subordinates had calmed the entire camp, preventing disaster.

Such a major incident would normally have disturbed the entire night and canceled the hunt, yet this time, they could sleep peacefully.

Murong Yi was also in the crowd, in black riding clothes fitted to show his slim, flexible waist and beautiful shoulder lines. His limbs were long and graceful, his face startlingly beautiful as pomegranate flowers, his glances radiant. All the ladies and young misses in the field couldn’t help staring at him.

The Emperor sat in the place of honor, also watching him. Though this person stood in a corner, all the radiance seemed concentrated where he was. The surrounding capital young men were all handsome, yet now seemed dim and lackluster in comparison.

Male beauty could also be called peerless—no wonder he’d bewitched their Crown Princess.

Looking at Murong Yi, then at Tie Ci, then at those young masters, the Emperor sighed.

Never mind Tie Ci not favoring them—even he suddenly felt they weren’t worthy!

His Imperial Majesty worried while satisfyingly looking between the two repeatedly.

Murong Yi noticed and turned to smile at the Emperor—that smile full of admiration, affection, and respect. His Imperial Majesty had rarely seen such expressions in his lifetime and momentarily softened.

Then he realized—this little scoundrel was trying to bewitch him too!

In comparison, his Crown Princess seemed a bit obtuse…

The Emperor’s uncontrollable gaze was quickly caught by ministers, and various young masters also noticed. Those with bad tempers snorted coldly, those with better temperaments silently rode a few steps away. Soon Murong Yi was even more isolated.

He wasn’t angry, smiling as he surveyed the crowd.

Look at these little scoundrels—claiming they weren’t interested in the imperial family, yet each dressed to the nines with fine bows and arrows, strutting like peacocks. Deep down, weren’t they still hoping to perform well and maybe snatch the position of Crown Princess’s fiancé?

Today, he, Murong Yi, would fulfill their wishes!

Not far from him stood Tan Dunzhi, also alone. The capital young men were all well-informed and shrewd, knowing that though Noble Consort Jing’s status was important, neither Emperor nor Crown Princess intended to elevate her family or herself—otherwise she’d have received a title years ago.

Now this family borrowed the Crown Princess’s birthday to come to the capital, pushing forward before the Crown Princess. Though they were competitors among themselves, they looked down even more on country bumpkins with delusions of social climbing.

Tan Dunzhi’s several attempts at conversation met cold reception. Gradually understanding, his face flushed red as he shrank to one side.

The Crown Princess personally gave instructions—simple ones. Enter the mountains to hunt for one day, must return to camp before sunset. Prey would be ranked by quality and quantity, with rewards for top performers.

The rewards came from the Crown Princess’s own funds—not gold, silver, or jewels, but quite unique. Things like a set of Ziyang rare stones carved by the Crown Princess herself, a bushel of sea pearls personally collected by the Crown Princess, a Yuan Tie dagger personally forged by the Crown Princess. Not necessarily precious, but extraordinarily meaningful.

The key was this meaning was somewhat ambiguous—why were they all personally made by the Crown Princess?

Were these suitable for young masters not yet in court?

Listening, everyone began calculating.

Previously during hunts, they’d generally just competed for first place, with the imperial family setting a prize for the winner. Today there would be rankings—ranking what? As future reference for official appointments, or as hierarchy judgment for Crown Princess’s consorts like Bright Consorts and Noble Ladies?

Quite thought-provoking.

These days, once rankings were established, things easily became competitive—regardless of truth or what was actually being ranked, since there was ranking, it must relate to certain benefits, so it must be contested!

Many rubbed their hands eagerly.

However, several big shots’ families didn’t see it that way. Marquis Duanyang and several Grand Academicians told their young relatives not to be too competitive—the Crown Princess seemed virtuous but was actually devious. They feared she had some scheme, so passing grades would suffice.

These scions of noble families, conscious of their excellent backgrounds and bright futures, weren’t willing to become Crown Princess consorts anyway, so they all agreed docilely.

Tan Dunzhi looked enviously at those displayed rewards, then at his own ordinary bow and arrows, lowering his gaze.

The family’s finances had been damaged considerably by Second Uncle’s business losses. Though recently helped by someone and improved, they still couldn’t afford fine bows and good arrows.

His cousin and uncle-in-law too—their own relative, yet didn’t know to prepare better bows and horses.

Watching everyone ride into the mountain forests, he sighed and lazily urged his horse forward.

His archery wasn’t skilled anyway—don’t think too much, just wander nearby and return.

No prize didn’t matter. Mother said the Crown Princess was his cousin—close to the water tower, she’d find a way for him.

Suddenly a pleasant, gentle voice beside him said, “Brother, shall we travel together?”

He looked up to see that beautiful man—the one who’d fed him soup that evening.

Though he’d been embarrassed by this person, the man’s radiance was overwhelming, making others feel ashamed. He hadn’t dared approach before, never expecting the other to initiate conversation.

Murong Yi smiled and cupped his hands. “Not knowing Master Tan’s graduate status last night, I was somewhat rude. Today I specifically come to apologize to Young Master Tan, hoping for your forgiveness.”

Tan Dunzhi raised his chin, faint pride rising in his heart.

He knew his family background and graduate status would eventually be valued by someone.

In Tan Dunzhi’s daily small city of barely ten thousand people, graduates were extremely rare. When he passed the provincial examination, everyone locally flattered and revered him. He’d always felt this was an extremely remarkable achievement.

Arriving in the capital now, he hadn’t yet witnessed the capital’s prosperity and talent. His pride remained, feeling these officials’ sons had no scholarly achievements—just relying on their fathers’ high positions. Naturally somewhat resentful, yet with underlying inferiority due to circumstantial differences. Seeing someone apologize and befriend him, his eyes immediately lit up, though he maintained restraint with a light “Mm.”

After the “Mm,” fearing he seemed too cold and his only potential friend would leave, he quickly nodded.

The other seemed unconcerned, pointing at Tie Ci’s figure already disappeared into the forest. “Let’s follow Her Highness’s route first. Her Highness’s archery is superb—we’ll secretly follow and pick up a few kills. Her Highness surely won’t mind, so we’ll have prey to show.”

Tan Dunzhi thought this an excellent idea and quickly nodded.

Just as they were about to proceed, a young lady came running with a small basket, rushing before their horses.

She nearly collided with their horses’ hooves. Tan Dunzhi quickly reined in. “Fourth Sister, what’s wrong?”

Tan Xiuyue ranked fourth among the girls in the family. Looking up with a flushed face, she said, “Second Brother will be hunting all day—sister prepared some pastries for you.”

Tan Dunzhi looked puzzled. “I brought dried rations. Besides, if you wanted to give pastries, why not this morning?” Looking down at the tiny basket, he was even more surprised. “These look like this morning’s leftovers—just a few pieces. How could that be enough?”

Tan Xiuyue’s raised hand stiffened, giving Second Brother a resentful look.

Second Brother had read himself stupid!

She had to persist, saying, “Since brother doesn’t need them, then this gentleman…”

Murong Yi didn’t even glance at her offered basket, smiling, “Sorry, I don’t want leftovers.”

Whether he meant the person or the pastries was unclear.

He lightly turned his horse’s head and passed by Tan Xiuyue, never giving her even peripheral vision throughout.

Tan Xiuyue’s stiff hand took a long time to lower.

She bit her lower lip, looking toward the forest direction, asking her attending maid dejectedly, “This gentleman—does he dislike… the pastries?”

The maid was from Ruixiang Hall—Tie Ci had assigned her own people to serve this family. This girl’s deliberately cut boy’s hairstyle from last time hadn’t grown back yet. She wore an odd short ponytail, thinking herself unique as she raised her chin proudly. Hearing this young miss’s dejected words, she smiled unmovedly and said gently, “Exactly.”

Not only does he dislike the pastries—he dislikes you too.

Tan Xiuyue: “…”

Are all the people in cousin’s palace devils?

…