Tie Ci remained silent for a long moment, then answered quietly: “Probably… my brain must have been repeatedly crushed by doors back then…”

Tie Yan sighed and nodded, yet continued: “Speaking of which, even if the engagement hadn’t been broken off then, after that battle in Liaodong, your betrothal wouldn’t have survived anyway.”

“That makes me feel a bit better,” Tie Ci said. “Actually, having it or not doesn’t matter. The betrothal itself isn’t important. It’s just, Father, you see this sticky plaster—I can’t tear it off. But this matter will eventually be discovered by those people. They haven’t brought it up yet because I suspect they’re waiting for the right moment. Other things aside, if one day they use this to drive a wedge between father and daughter, Father, don’t forget—I’ve already reported this to you.”

Tie Yan laughed: “Drive a wedge between father and daughter? What kind of wedge? Say that you’re secretly colluding with the Liaodong Crown Prince to plot against my throne? Do you want this throne? If you want it now, come, come sit here.” As he spoke, he shifted his body and patted the seat beneath him, gesturing to Tie Ci.

Tie Ci couldn’t help but laugh: “You should sit properly yourself. I’m still hoping you’ll occupy this position for another fifty years, so I can accompany you for a long, long time.”

Tie Yan put an arm around her shoulder and said: “Where is there truly a hundred-year imperial throne? Child, go see your lands and empire. Don’t worry about your father. Though Father is useless and depends on you to survive, I can still manage not to be swayed by instigation or drag you down.”

Tie Ci smiled and reached over to massage the Emperor’s shoulders: “No, Father, you are the best emperor in every sense. With a father like you, I will be the happiest Crown Prince in history.”

Even if the first half of life was as a puppet, it was still a puppet who protected the family.

Did they really think the Xiao Family and Empress Dowager were benevolent souls? Without Father’s tremendous resilience and persistence, enduring the puppet years and performing so well that the Xiao Family felt reassured and even relaxed their guard, how could she have grown up safely and eventually found the opportunity to break free from her cocoon?

Father actually had no attachment to imperial power. After all, many years as a puppet had long exhausted his heart and spirit. Father hoped more than anyone for her to take over his burden soon.

Looking throughout history, Crown Princes established early almost all met bad ends.

But fortunately, she would not.

Because she had the best father in the world.

Tie Yan smiled and patted her hand, changing the subject: “What’s wrong with Pingzong? She didn’t come to the hunting ground today, saying she had a stomachache.”

“It’s not a stomachache, it’s poisoning,” Tie Ci said. “It’s just that the toxicity is mild for her. An ordinary person would die, but for her it’s just a stomachache.”

“Was it the fruit from that night? But we ate them and were fine.”

“It was during the fruit-picking process. I heard from Dan Shuang that she encountered some insects, and suspects it was those insects causing trouble.”

“Insects… who is skilled at using insects for poison?”

“The most skilled at using insects are naturally from Yannan and the Qianzhou area.”

“You mean this assassination…”

“Someone wants to prevent me from going to Yannan,” Tie Ci said. “This isn’t surprising, but there must be people in court colluding with them.”

Tie Yan’s gaze swept over the crowd, and after a long moment, he sighed.

“Really, looking around, every one of them seems possible.”

“So there’s no need to worry about it. Once I leave the capital, these matters will be over.”

“Your words don’t comfort me at all. I’d rather it was only aimed at me.”

“Father, it’s fine. Being emperor, these things are unavoidable. You get used to it. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill us today will surely make us stronger tomorrow.”

Some things, even when you clearly know who’s responsible, you’re destined not to find evidence. Just like some enemies—you want to kill them every minute, but you temporarily have to watch them continue jumping around.

But that’s fine. The higher they jump, the faster they die.

…

In the spacious, well-appointed tent, Rong Luchuan and his advisor sat across from each other playing chess.

Though he had come, he claimed to be unwell and did not participate in the hunt.

The advisor gently placed a piece and said: “Master, the Crown Princess’s Nine Guards are secretly investigating yesterday’s incident and have already summoned many people for questioning.”

Rong Luchuan calmly hummed in acknowledgment and continued contemplating his next move.

He was famous for loving chess and equally famous for being terrible at it.

The advisor said no more. No matter how Fourth Young Master suspected, the master was actually just a cold observer in this matter and would never get involved.

“The Crown Princess has taken the young masters of the Chang, Li, Feng and other families along for the journey.”

Rong Luchuan chuckled: “She’s quite shameless.”

The advisor casually placed a piece: “She probably thinks this matter is over, but doesn’t know…”

Rong Luchuan said: “Check!”

The advisor quickly stopped speaking and changed the subject: “If she still successfully goes to Yannan, and we remain in court…”

“Loyal to the sovereign and loving the country, diligent and conscientious, fully supporting His Majesty, following his every wish.”

The advisor was puzzled, wanting to say that with the Crown Princess away, shouldn’t they at least try to influence the Emperor?

“So he can experience the dignity and pleasure that power brings… until he becomes addicted and cannot extricate himself.”

The advisor’s fingers paused.

“His Majesty probably thinks he doesn’t care about the throne, and the Crown Princess surely thinks the same. But they don’t know that only after experiencing the wonder of possessing power can one feel anxious when about to lose it. The reason for not caring is simply because one has never truly possessed it before.” Rong Luchuan said lightly: “All people are like this. So, some things need not be rushed. When the time comes, opportunity will come.”

He placed a piece.

The advisor pondered for a long time, then pushed his pieces away with a sigh: “I lose. Master is brilliant!”

Rong Luchuan smiled faintly.

Brilliant?

In chess skills, naturally not.

…

Tie Ci chatted with Tie Yan for a few sentences, but then began frequently looking toward the forest.

Tie Yan gradually noticed and smiled: “Hmm, why hasn’t that person come out yet?”

His smile carried some teasing, but hid his worry.

He reluctantly found that fellow somewhat interesting and acquiesced to his child’s choice, but in his heart, he always felt uneasy.

That Murong Yi—his family background was like a gunpowder keg, his temperament was restless, and he had such a trouble-making face. No matter how you looked at it, he was the type to bring ruin to the country.

The old father didn’t think he was suitable for his child.

But he couldn’t oppose his child’s preference. His child was such a rational person—she must have considered everything that needed consideration. He shouldn’t add to the chaos.

He had promised to be a trusting good father.

Tie Ci suddenly stood up. She saw Tan Dunzhi coming out.

Tan Dunzhi, who had come out alone, saw the Crown Princess striding over. His face lit up with joy, and he stood still with eager eyes.

But Tie Ci’s gaze looked behind him: “Where is the person who went with you?”

Tan Dunzhi’s face darkened: “…Uh, he seems to be behind me.”

Before he finished speaking, a cluster of fireworks lit up in the forest behind him.

Just one firework, briefly bright. In the dusky twilight, many people didn’t notice it.

Tie Ci looked at the direction of the fireworks and said to Tan Dunzhi: “Please tell cousin and His Majesty to have everyone return to camp early to rest. Don’t linger in the field, and don’t wait for me here. I’ll go and return quickly.”

The fireworks weren’t the alarm type. She suspected Murong Yi was looking for a chance to be alone with her, but since he was stubbornly not coming out, she had to go see.

In the twilight, her black hair and snow-white skin, her bright clear eyes, and her vivid coloring were softened by the gentle sunlight with a hazy aura. Thinking of someone, the corners of her lips curved in a smile—like a fairy, yet like a deity.

Tan Dunzhi stared transfixed, not hearing clearly what she said, and mumbled: “Good…”

Tie Ci had already hurried into the forest.

Entering the forest, the light was even dimmer. She felt her way toward the direction of the fireworks. When she reached the spot, she saw tall trees and lush undergrowth, but no human figure.

Just as she was puzzled, she suddenly heard movement behind her.

She turned around and saw a black shadow swinging toward her.

Her hand went to her waist, but upon hearing a familiar light laugh, she paused.

In just that instant, the black shadow had swung before her. An upside-down beautiful face magnified infinitely before her eyes. The first thing she saw was a pair of full, clearly defined red lips. The red lips drew infinitely closer. She instinctively tried to dodge but was blocked by the large tree behind her.

The next moment, the red lips pressed against her forehead.

Warm, soft, slightly moist, with subtle fragrance wafting—like a gentle evening rain falling on green leaves in a spring forest.

She didn’t move, her back against the tree, the corners of her lips curving in a shallow arc.

She was willing to receive the romance he offered. After all, at this moment the sunset was beautiful, the evening glow magnificent. The wind passed through the long forest of emerald leaves singing, and the birds returning home in the twilight had light wings, carrying the pale yellow and deep red of dusk and rosy clouds.

The wind and snow and ice of Wuse Plain should slowly melt completely in this late spring and early summer season.

The red lips on her forehead didn’t leave immediately, but wandered from her forehead down to her nose bridge, nose tip, cheek…

Someone seemed to want to play with kissing too, or perhaps was just teasing her. His body hung upside down in mid-air, gently swaying. With each sway, he pecked her once.

Just before he was finally about to reach those red lips, Tie Ci suddenly rose slightly on her toes.

The next moment, she captured his lips first.

Almost immediately, she pried open his teeth and slipped in like a swimming fish.

Murong Yi let out a muffled low laugh.

The Crown Princess was just that domineering.

Like the first time, even in kissing, she had to take the initiative.

He extended his arms, embraced Tie Ci’s shoulders, and with a spring of his waist, the two flipped up into the tree.

The next instant, they landed on the thickest branch.

Tie Ci silently praised his amazing core strength.

Murong Yi held her so tightly she suspected he wanted to squeeze her to pieces and swallow her whole.

And their entangled lips and tongues also seemed to want to devour each other—devouring her sweetness and fragrance, devouring the rich beauty that penetrated to her bones.

Low panting sounds floated in mid-air, and the branch also swayed gently with them.

Their bodies were seamlessly pressed together—the wonderful undulation belonging to youth and desire. The faint woody fragrance and the warm, clear, elegant floral scent unique to Tie Ci intertwined and meandered, accompanied by the steaming scent of forest vegetation. The last bit of dusky sunlight penetrated the leaf network, outlining a pair of fluid forms that were indistinguishable from each other.

Tie Ci’s hands slowly climbed upward, her fingers threading through Murong Yi’s satin-like lustrous long hair.

Murong Yi’s hands slowly wandered downward, first settling on Tie Ci’s waist. When his fingers landed, they bounced slightly, apparently shocked by such soft, resilient yet extremely smooth curves. Murong Yi made an indistinct murmur in his throat, his tongue tip flicking slightly, causing Tie Ci to soften and blink. Her long eyelashes brushed against Murong Yi’s skin, making him itch unbearably. He couldn’t help but tighten his hold on her waist and lean backward.

Then came a “crack.”

The branch couldn’t withstand such torment.

It broke.

Just before hitting the ground, Murong Yi flipped over, wanting to hold Tie Ci. Tie Ci kicked against the trunk and gracefully flipped out of his embrace like a swallow.

The two faced each other as they landed. Except for her slightly flushed face, Tie Ci appeared completely normal. Murong Yi looked regretful, touching his lips and looking at his fingers.

What a pity.

He had wanted to do this and that.

At the very least, he had wanted to continue down from her waist.

It was all that unreliable branch’s fault.

Next time, he must first choose a proper, secluded, sturdy, and reliable location.

Seeing the expression on this fellow’s face, Tie Ci knew he was thinking about something X-rated and chuckled.

Really thinking too much.

Did he really think the branch broke from being unable to bear the weight?

…

Tan Dunzhi was left behind by Tie Ci, still immersed in the shock of that twilight beauty silhouette, and returned to the field in a daze.

After today’s hunt, he felt the huge gap between himself and the young masters of the capital.

This gap made Tan Dunzhi, who was used to being praised in his small town, find it hard to accept and feel confused about himself.

Mother’s advice back then… now seemed quite distant.

Lost in thought, he forgot Tie Ci’s earlier instructions to tell the Emperor to quickly lead everyone back to camp.

Because he forgot, the Emperor was still waiting for Tie Ci, and everyone was waiting there.

Feng Huan’s group was also there, gathering together to discuss today’s encounters, getting angrier as they talked.

Chang Qianmo complained to Feng Huan: “It’s all your rotten idea, saying our deer was stolen and we should steal it back. Didn’t you think—that fellow would fight us over even one deer, how could he let us take so much of his game later!”

Feng Huan angrily replied: “You’re saying this now, but weren’t you the most enthusiastic thief earlier! We agreed not to compete today, but who was the one sneaking around trying to show off because he fancied the Crown Princess! Now the Crown Princess has taken a liking to you and is sending you to Yannan to feed insects. Satisfied now!”

Chang Qianmo, his secret thoughts exposed, flushed red and was about to argue when Li Yuncheng said softly: “Enough.”

When he spoke, the other two fell silent. Li Yuncheng still had that lazy appearance, his eyes rolling toward the forest: “Don’t you see? This was a trap those two planned together, just waiting for us to fall into it.”

Feng Huan got angrier thinking about it: “Are we just going to be tricked like this!”

Just then, two guards walked by. One said angrily: “Did Huang Liu go into the forest to relieve himself? I’m going to teach him a lesson. Damn him for trying to steal my woman!”

The other advised: “We have rules against colleagues fighting privately. This kind of thing takes two hands to clap. No need to ruin your future over an adulterous couple.”

The angry guard sneered: “The forest is deep and trees dense. Lure him deeper inside, dig a trap, or set some mechanisms to make him suffer. We don’t even need to show our faces. No way to investigate afterward. It’s rare to get out like this—such a good opportunity for revenge. If we don’t get back at him, it’ll be even harder once we return to the palace!”

The other hummed in agreement: “You’re right. We’ll just cover our faces.”

The two talked as they walked. The forest trees concealed their features; only their guard uniforms were visible.

The group of young masters fell silent.

After a while, Chang Qianmo nudged Feng Huan, whose eyes lit up as he looked at Li Yuncheng.

Li Yuncheng pulled out a book from his sleeve and said slowly: “Don’t involve me. After wasting a day, I should read.”

“Stop pretending. You’re the most deviously clever—how can we do this without you!” Feng Huan dragged him. “Come on, let’s go into the forest and look around. The opportunity is rare. Once they return to the palace, we’ll never get to vent this anger again!”

Chang Qianmo said resentfully: “We still haven’t avenged the beating at Jumei House.”

Li Yuncheng turned a page: “Back at Jumei House, she broke Wang Ran’s leg with one stick and kicked you all down the stairs. Didn’t you later force her to jump into the water?”

“How is that revenge? Come on, Old Li. We’ll cover our faces and dig a small trap for a little lesson. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep for three days without venting this anger!”

The other young masters also urged him, and like a whirlwind, they swept Li Yuncheng into the forest.

Feng Huan ran to tell the Emperor that they had dropped something important in the forest and needed to search for it, requesting permission.

It wasn’t too late yet, and the Emperor was concentrating on waiting for the Crown Princess to return. He didn’t pay attention and agreed.

Feng Huan and the others then charged into the forest again.

The Emperor and ministers were examining the game. Minister Zhang of the War Ministry looked up and saw a group of people entering: “What, did they all drop something?”

A Vice Minister beside him laughed: “Young people love excitement. They like to do everything in groups.”

Minister Zhang nodded with a smile.

The Emperor and ministers didn’t notice, but Wang Shi did. She hurried to her son’s side: “Dunzhi, the Crown Princess hasn’t returned yet. Should you go in and look for her?”