Northern Wei, situated north of the Central Plains, experienced only three seasons yearly – winter, spring, and autumn. Winter, particularly harsh, brought heavy snow lasting half the year. This climate gave the Northern Wei people remarkably fair skin. The Northern Wei Princess possessed skin that could rival frost and snow, with eyes of such clarity they appeared translucent.
She wore a red dress adorned only with intricate dark patterns traced in purple silk thread, without any other embellishments. If Qin Chaoyu was like a magnificent peony representing worldly beauty, this Northern Wei Princess was akin to a divine red lotus emerging from glacial snow. She glanced briefly at Qin Chaoyu from afar, her brows slightly furrowed, before turning her gaze to give Qin Wan an appraising look as well.
Her expression showed clear displeasure, but given this was a Great Zhou state banquet, she maintained her composure. Qin Chaoyu shot Feng Chenbi a sidelong glance, saying, “You’re about to become the Prince’s consort, yet you still speak without restraint, Chenbi. I am who I am, and the Northern Wei Princess is who she is. If she wishes to overshadow me, that’s her intent – why bring her into this?”
Feng Chenbi’s brows creased slightly. Madam Yu pressed her hand atop Chenbi’s, saying, “Really now, you’re about to be married – how can you still bicker like children?”
Seeing this, Madam Hu smiled and said, “Indeed. And congratulations to you, Lady of the Duke’s Manor.”
Madam Yu smiled warmly, “Congratulations to you as well – Chaoyu has achieved her wish of becoming the Crown Princess.”
Madam Hu maintained a dignified and loving smile, “Chenbi has also fulfilled her wish. Everyone’s heart’ desires have been met – it couldn’t be better. Surely the Noble Consort must be overjoyed to have her niece joining the family.”
At these words, Madam Yu’s smile faltered. After that day’s events, she had thought Noble Consort Su would be delighted. However, when mother and daughter were summoned to Changxin Palace, Noble Consort Su berated them harshly. Only then did Madam Yu realize that day’s events had been a misunderstanding – they had fallen into the Empress’s trap.
However, what was done could not be undone. On the surface, Noble Consort Su had accepted Chenbi, but Madam Yu knew that she was deeply displeased about her daughter becoming the Prince’s consort. The current situation was merely making the best of circumstances, but resentment lingered. Whether she would treat their daughter well in the future remained uncertain. Thinking of this, Madam Yu felt a surge of irritation.
Qin Wan, listening to this exchange, realized how formidable Madam Hu truly was, hitting two vital points in just two sentences.
With Madam Yu’s mood dampened, she fell silent. Meanwhile, the Emperor and Empress Dowager had taken their seats.
Besides the Crown Prince, a Prince, and a Princess, the Wei delegation included two envoys. Following them, the Western Liang Prince entered with two military generals. In Western Liang, black was considered noble, and their Prince wore a black robe. Though his features were handsome and his skin fair, Qin Wan thought he had an unhealthy pallor.
As members of foreign royalty, these distinguished guests received proper protocol from the Great Zhou court. Their seats were arranged next to the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s main seats – Northern Wei on the left, Western Liang on the right. Though they had just been seated, the Western Liang Prince was already casting unfriendly glances at the Northern Wei Crown Prince, creating a tense atmosphere in the central courtyard.
Everyone rose to perform the grand ceremony, then reseated themselves. Yan Huai smiled and said, “When heavy snow blocked the northern roads at year’s end, we thought we wouldn’t see you all until next year’s end. Unexpectedly, we have the fortune to meet at spring’s beginning.”
The Empress smiled, “His Majesty speaks true. We had long heard that both Northern Wei and Western Liang were lands of outstanding talents. Seeing now, it’s indeed extraordinary – all three of your Highnesses are exceptional, and the Princess’s beauty is remarkable, truly putting our Fifth Princess to shame.”
Fifth Princess Yan Zhen, seated nearby, immediately protested coquettishly, “How can Mother Empress say such things? Though Princess Tuoba is beautiful, I am Mother Empress’s beloved daughter. Speaking thus makes me lose face!”
At thirteen, Yan Zhen was in the flower of her youth. Zhao Shuhua’s comparison with the Northern Wei Princess maintained propriety without truly embarrassing Yan Zhen. Given Yan Zhen’s lively nature and reasonable temperament, she responded with playful complaint rather than anger, making Empress Dowager and others laugh, lightening the atmosphere.
The Northern Wei royal family surname was Tuoba. Crown Prince Tuoba Hong looked at Yan Zhen and said, “The Empress flatters us. I find Fifth Princess charming and lively, with unparalleled beauty – far superior to my sister.”
The Emperor and Empress both smiled, while Yan Zhen blushed at being praised by a strange man before so many people. Though well-raised by Zhao Shuhua to be innocent and pure, she couldn’t help but feel flustered. Meanwhile, Western Liang’s Third Prince Liu Yun also smiled and said, “The Fifth Princess is the Emperor and Empress’s only daughter, naturally inheriting their fine qualities. Beyond her noble status, she is both virtuous and beautiful – truly living up to her reputation. Today, I have specially prepared a gift for the Princess.”
At Liu Yun’s words, Tuoba Hong’s brows furrowed, “What a coincidence – I too have had a gift prepared for the Princess.”
Though Liu Yun’s features were refined and he wore a slight smile, his expression always carried a sense of insincerity, like a smiling tiger that made people uneasy. While Tuoba Hong’s features might not have been as delicate as Liu Yun’s, his bearing carried natural grandeur, with facial features as if carved from stone – cold and stern, appearing more upright and steady.
Liu Yun smiled, “In that case, let’s see whose gift the Princess prefers.” He clapped his hands, and the guards brought in a large box. Seeing this, Tuoba Hong glanced at his guard by the hall entrance, who quickly left and returned with another box. Judging by size alone, Liu Yun’s box was larger, though a gift’s value certainly couldn’t be measured by size alone.
The sight of these two boxes aroused curiosity throughout the hall.
Liu Yun smiled and said, “I wonder what the Crown Prince has prepared?” This implied he wanted Tuoba Hong to reveal his gift first.
Tuoba Hong, refusing to be outdone, signaled his guard to open the box. The guard nodded and opened it immediately, releasing brilliant rays of light. Everyone looked closely to see it was a blood-red gemstone the size of a child’s fist.
Though the Chongming Hall’s banquet hall was already resplendent with gold and precious materials, this gemstone’s radiance overshadowed everything else. Low murmurs of discussion filled the hall – a blood-red gemstone of this size was indeed rare, likely unmatched even in Great Zhou’s treasury. Even the worldly Zhao Shuhua showed surprise, while Feng Lingsu first showed amazement before her eyes filled with envy.
Tuoba Hong’s gaze swept the room as he announced, “Your Majesty, Empress, Fifth Princess – this gemstone was excavated from Northern Wei’s Cangyu Mountain range. Its brilliance rivals the sun and moon, its color as vibrant as fire, and its size is the largest pigeon blood ruby I have ever seen. Fifth Princess is Your Majesties’ precious pearl – this gemstone suits her perfectly.”
Zhao Shuhua immediately smiled, “Your Majesty, I find this gemstone even more beautiful than any we’ve seen before. Don’t you agree?”
Yan Huai smiled, “Indeed, it’s a rare treasure!”
Yan Zhen stared wide-eyed at the gemstone, also struck by its radiance. Meanwhile, Liu Yun smiled and said, “The Crown Prince has certainly put great thought into this. In comparison, my gift seems less precious.”
Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua looked toward Liu Yun’s large box, wondering what it contained. Liu Yun nodded to his guard, who unlatched a lock. As the lock opened, all four sides of the box fell open, revealing a cage inside containing a snow-white fox.
The snow fox was only about two hands large, with pointed ears and upturned eyes. Most remarkably, its eyes were a pale blue. When the box opened, the fox showed slight alarm but remained calm, surveying its surroundings before lying down. Though small and adorable, its snow-white fur gleamed and its eyes showed great intelligence. Its lounging posture carried a hint of lazy cleverness, immediately capturing Yan Zhen’s attention.
No matter how noble Yan Zhen was, she was still a young girl. Seeing such a beautiful and cute animal, especially a snow fox rather than a common cat or dog, immediately stirred her tender heart. Such a pure white little fox was irresistible to young ladies. Yan Zhen let out a soft exclamation and stood up from her seat. Unable to contain her delight, she walked to the cage, wanting to play with the little fox, but hearing the movement, the fox merely glanced at her before lying down again.
Yan Zhen frowned, “Why doesn’t it respond to me?”
Liu Yun smiled and stood, pulling a small jewelry box from his sleeve. The box itself was inlaid with gold and jewels, radiating luxury. When opened, it revealed a small bracelet made of white jade, delicate and ancient in design, with a small pendant in the middle bearing a tiny bell. As Liu Yun took out the bracelet, the bell chimed softly, and the little fox immediately stood up.
Liu Yun smiled, “Would the Princess try wearing this?”
Yan Zhen looked at the bell bracelet with slight surprise, then accepted it and put it on her wrist. When she moved her wrist, the bell rang gently – so soft that people had to listen carefully to hear it, but the little fox’s reaction was significant. It immediately stood up in its cage, its pale blue eyes gazing expectantly at Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen’s heart immediately softened. She turned and said, “Imperial Father, Imperial Mother, I want this little fox.”
Everyone in the hall could see Yan Zhen’s delight. Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua exchanged glances before Yan Huai asked, “Third Prince, will this little one harm anyone?”
Liu Yun shook his head, “Your Majesty, this snow fox from Western Liang’s Cold Plains was captured at birth and has been raised for exactly half a year. Our finest beast trainers have worked with it – it won’t harm anyone now but remains highly intelligent. This Beast-Taming Bell is meant for it to recognize its master. If the Princess wears this small bell for three days, the little fox will consider her its only master for life.”
Yan Zhen’s heart stirred at these words, and she looked pleadingly at Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua. Though Zhao Shuhua seemed hesitant, Yan Huai laughed heartily and said, “Zhen’er, since you like it, you shall be its master.”
Yan Zhen’s face lit up with joy. She turned to Liu Yun and asked, “May I hold it?”
Liu Yun nodded, “Of course.”
Delighted, Yan Zhen watched as Liu Yun personally opened the cage. True to his word, the little fox didn’t run away but obediently walked to Yan Zhen’s feet. She bent down to pet its head, and not only did it not shy away, it rubbed against her skirts. Yan Zhen broke into a smile and carefully lifted the fox into her arms. The fox settled in her embrace, its pale blue eyes seeming to shimmer with moisture, truly enchanting.
Zhao Shuhua had been nervous, knowing the fox was still a wild animal, and worried it might harm Yan Zhen. Only after seeing the fox remain calm in Yan Zhen’s arms did she relax. She smiled and said, “Since you like it, you may certainly keep it. Quickly thank the Third Prince and Crown Prince for their gifts.”
Yan Zhen stepped back and curtsied to both men, “Yan Zhen thanks both Your Highnesses for your thoughtfulness.”
Liu Yun smiled broadly, repeatedly saying it was his honor, and ordered his guards to withdraw before returning to his seat.
Yan Zhen walked over to examine the pigeon blood ruby held by the Northern Wei guard, then said, “Imperial Mother, this gemstone is too precious and magnificent for me to use. Please keep it instead.”
Liu Yun immediately smiled and said, “Fifth Princess is truly filial.”
His gift of the fox had won Yan Zhen’s complete affection, while she was already giving away the ruby – the winner of the gift-giving contest was clear.
Zhao Shuhua smiled, “This is the Crown Prince’s gift – even if you can’t use it now, you should keep it. You are Great Zhou’s Princess, and this pigeon blood ruby truly suits you!”
Yan Zhen hesitated for a moment, “Very well then. Thank you, Crown Prince.”
Tuoba Hong, who had been somewhat dejected that his gift hadn’t won Yan Zhen’s immediate affection, was somewhat consoled by Zhao Shuhua’s words. He smiled and nodded at Yan Zhen, who then returned to her seat with the fox in her arms.
The assembled ladies, not just Yan Zhen, were quite captivated by the little fox. As Yan Zhen returned to her seat, many eyes followed her, observing how the little fox lay quietly in her arms, only occasionally glancing around – a very well-behaved little creature indeed.
With the gift-giving concluded, Yan Huai naturally had to exchange pleasantries with the two countries’ representatives. Tuoba Hong said, “We hear that today is Great Zhou’s Shangsi Festival, and in a few days there will be a grand spring hunt?”
Yan Huai’s laugh rang out, “The Crown Prince is well-informed indeed – today is indeed Great Zhou’s Shangsi Festival! As for the spring hunt you mentioned, it will be in seven days. Your Highnesses and the Princess have come from afar – I assume you’ll be staying for some time.”
Before Tuoba Hong could respond, Liu Yun said, “We’ve long heard of Great Zhou’s military might – surely this spring hunt will give us a glimpse. I came to the capital planning to properly experience Great Zhou’s customs and culture – I certainly can’t miss this hunt—”
Hearing this, Yan Huai’s smile widened. Tuoba Hong then said, “Participating in the spring hunt would indeed be excellent – I too wish to see the bearing of Great Zhou’s young men…”
Besides Crown Prince Tuoba Hong, Northern Wei had also sent Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui. As Tuoba Hong spoke thus, Tuoba Rui agreed from the side. Princess Tuoba Wu sat formally with an expressionless face, though her eyes kept returning to the little fox in Yan Zhen’s arms throughout the entire banquet, hardly straying from it.
Yan Huai looked to Yan Che, “Che’er since their Highnesses wish to join the spring hunt, you must arrange everything properly!”
As Great Zhou’s Crown Prince and future Emperor, Yan Che was in charge of arranging the spring hunt. Hearing this, he immediately stood and agreed. Meanwhile, Liu Yun took the opportunity to shower Yan Che with praise.
With Yan Huai making this promise about the spring hunt before the court officials, it formalized this activity that both the Great Zhou royal family and officials were passionate about. Great Zhou’s ancestors had risen to power on horseback, and though settling in Lin’an City had outwardly tempered their martial nature, the ancestral traditions of spring, autumn, and winter hunts had never ceased. In Qin Wan’s memory, the last spring hunt had been two years ago – Great Zhou held significant hunts every one to two years without fail.
At winter’s end and spring’s beginning, as the ice melted and all things revived, the Wei Mountain hunting grounds had been preserved for two years. Going now, there would surely be many rare beasts emerging to forage, and hunters would likely return with abundant spoils.
The hall filled with the sounds of clinking cups as both officials and their families discussed the upcoming hunt.
Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin slightly and said, “I didn’t expect this year’s spring hunt to be in March. Mother, shall we go?”
Madam Hu smiled, “That depends on your father’s wishes. In my opinion, you should go – this year you can still enjoy yourself freely. Next year or the year after, that won’t be possible.”
By next year or the year after, she would be Crown Princess.
Qin Chaoyu’s eyes brightened at these words, and she glanced at Yan Che.
Since Yan Che was organizing the spring hunt, he would certainly attend – in that case, she must go too!
With this thought, Qin Chaoyu looked at Qin Wan, “Ninth Sister, will you join the spring hunt?”
Qin Wan showed slight surprise, “Am I allowed to go?”
Qin Wan had never attended a spring hunt, and since her father had been handling a case at the time, he hadn’t gone either, so she knew little about it. Qin Chaoyu said, “Of course! During the spring hunt, even ladies can wear riding clothes and hunt!” She looked Qin Wan up and down, “However, Ninth Sister, how is your horsemanship?”
Qin Chaoyu didn’t even ask about archery, only horsemanship. Qin Wan nodded, “Passable.”
Qin Chaoyu’s smile reached her eyes, “In that case, why not go? We don’t know if the Empress Dowager will attend, but if she does, she’ll surely bring you along.”
Qin Wan didn’t respond immediately – her mind was preoccupied with Noble Consort Jin’s case, and the spring hunt hadn’t been in her plans.
As the banquet drew to a close and the Emperor and Empress Dowager prepared to leave, the Northern Wei and Western Liang parties also stood. As everyone prepared to exit, Tuoba Wu’s gaze swept the hall. After a while, she asked anxiously, “Elder Brother, where is the Young Commander of the Northwest Army?!”
Qin Wan, who had been walking toward the hall’s entrance with Madam Hu, suddenly halted her steps upon hearing these words.