Since the Fifth Prince was in that other group, Xie Yuzhang was no longer the person of highest rank present, and she rose along with A’Mei, calling out, “Fifth Brother.”

“You came out too?” The Fifth Prince was very pleased to see that she had followed his advice from that day and come out to clear her head. “Jingshan is here too.”

Xie Yuzhang shaded her eyes with her hand to peer over, and sure enough her maternal cousin Yang Huaishen was also in that group.

“Second Older Brother,” she called, “Have you all come out for hunting and riding as well?”

The Fifth Prince paused slightly.

In the past, Xie Yuzhang had called him “Fifth Elder Brother” as well. Ever since that afternoon she had been afflicted by that nightmare, she had changed to simply “Fifth Brother.” It didn’t sound particularly wrong, but the person herself could naturally feel it — the former warmth was gone.

With Yang Huaishen there as a point of comparison, that feeling was especially vivid.

Still… it was not such a great matter. Besides, she was about to be married away in the near future.

The Fifth Prince did not take it to heart.

Yang Huaishen had already dismounted, tossed his riding crop to a servant, and strode over with long steps. “Baohua.”

He examined her carefully, and seeing that her brow was smooth and unstrained with no trace of dejection, he felt a slight relief, and said, “Ziyi and Fucheng sent over several Liangzhou horses for us, so we came out to give them a run.”

Since Liangzhou was mentioned, it must have something to do with Li Gu and his group, but who were Ziyi and Fucheng? Xie Yuzhang naturally looked toward Li Gu.

Li Gu, seeing her gaze fall on him, folded his hands in a greeting. “This subject’s courtesy name is Fucheng.”

Li Weifeng quickly followed with a greeting of his own. “This subject’s courtesy name is Ziyi.”

Xie Yuzhang suddenly understood.

In later years, people would only address Li Gu as “Your Majesty” or “The Holy Sovereign.” Xie Yuzhang had truly not known what his courtesy name was.

She smiled and asked, “Was it General Li who chose it?”

Li Weifeng had been about to answer out of habit, but Li Gu had already replied, “Indeed. This subject was born of humble origins, and it was only after the General took him in as an adopted son that he received a courtesy name.”

Li Weifeng shot Li Gu a sideways glance and sensibly held his tongue.

Yang Huaishen moved sideways and slipped between Xie Yuzhang and Li Gu, cutting off the line of sight between them, and said with a smile, “You all came out hunting? What did you catch?”

Xie Yuzhang smiled. “All the usual things — nothing extraordinary. You might as well help decide how best to prepare them.”

Yang Huaishen smiled back. “You should go easy on the roasted meat — you don’t want to break out in heat blisters on your face and end up crying over it.”

He bantered with Xie Yuzhang while she turned away, and he quietly breathed out in relief.

He had been at the great banquet that day, serving at his father Duke Yang Changyuan’s side, and had witnessed with his own eyes the moment Xie Yuzhang had playfully teased Li Gu. Under ordinary circumstances, this would have made for a small bit of gossip for everyone to chat and laugh about over tea. But on that same day, the Emperor had agreed in person to betroth Xie Yuzhang to Mobei, and so the incident had been overlooked and no one had brought it up again.

Only Yang Huaishen felt a pang of pain in his heart.

First she had entrusted him with her care, then given him a jade pendant, then flirted openly in front of the court. When had Baohua ever paid that kind of attention to any man? She must be fond of Li Gu!

Under any other circumstances, this would be the sort of small, sweet girlish thing that would make one smile knowingly, and even years later, when each of them had wed, it could be looked back upon as a tender memory from one’s youth.

But Xie Yuzhang was now about to be sent in a marriage alliance to Mobei, to be wed to an old man old enough to be her grandfather, and so this small stirring of a young girl’s first feelings became, all at once, cause for sorrow.

At the time, everyone was laughing. Only he and his father had not.

Yang Huaishen had feared that seeing Li Gu would cause Xie Yuzhang grief and heartache, and so he had hurried to step between them. But looking at Xie Yuzhang’s retreating figure now, he thought… his cousin did not seem quite as fragile as he had imagined.

He quietly breathed out in relief, then could not help glancing back at Li Gu. He saw that Li Gu’s gaze had already moved away, and he was speaking with Li Weifeng.

Both of them seemed fine. That was for the best.

Since they were all acquainted, the two groups simply merged into one.

The younger brothers and sisters asked about it, and learned that the elder brothers had recently acquired some fine horses and had made a special outing to give them a proper run.

The Li family, in their dealings with people these days, used the Liangzhou horses they had brought as gifts. The Liangzhou cavalry was renowned throughout the land, and the Liangzhou horses were no small part of the reason why. Fine jade and treasures were easy to come by, but good horses were hard to find. These young lords had received Liangzhou horses and had been itching to ride them, so today they had arranged to meet outside the city and ridden to their hearts’ content.

“Speaking of which, my black horse… is that also a Liangzhou horse?” Xie Yuzhang suddenly remembered.

The Fifth Prince remembered this clearly. “That was one of the tribute horses sent from the northwest back then. Among them were two young foals — one was given to you and one to Anle.”

At the time the previous Crown Prince was still alive, and along with the current Crown Prince both had received Liangzhou horses. The Fifth Prince had been a few years younger and had not gotten one, something he had resented for a very long time.

Li Gu turned his head to look at the horses.

Xie Yuzhang told him, “It’s the one with four white-socked hooves.”

Li Gu looked for a moment, then turned back and told her, “It’s been kept too comfortably.”

A’Mei, sitting beside Xie Yuzhang, clapped her hands in admiration. “Isn’t it? Such a beautiful horse.”

But Xie Yuzhang looked back at Li Gu with a serious expression. “You are right.”

Li Gu was somewhat surprised that Xie Yuzhang understood what he meant.

That black horse with four white-socked hooves had a sleek, gleaming coat and a plump, rounded belly, and it did indeed look, on the surface, quite beautiful — and in truth, most horses belonging to the nobility in the capital were raised to look exactly like this. But it only looked beautiful. To Li Gu’s experienced eye for horses, it had been kept far too comfortably and indulgently, and if it were ever brought before a battle formation, it would likely be trampled into pulp by the other horses.

Li Gu also understood that the person raising the horse might not be unaware of this fact — it was simply that a noble’s horse was first and foremost expected to look impressive.

Princess Baohua had no need to ride into battle, and it was likely the same for her, so after he said what he said, he swallowed the second half of his thought — it should be ridden more — keeping it on the tip of his tongue and saying nothing more.

Xie Yuzhang thought to herself: this future Emperor had always been a man of few words, even from his youth.

Reticent in speech but swift in action — this was the assessment the world would later give of Li Gu.

Their encounters had been few, and they had barely spoken. The memory that stood out most was still that single phrase, “Too thin.”

Without thinking, Xie Yuzhang’s hand circled the wrist of her other hand and gave it a squeeze. Well, she was not yet that thin now. In truth, after returning from Mobei, her body had always been frail and weak, and she had lost the rounded look of her youth. Sometimes when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she herself had thought she was far too thin.

But if he truly found her unpleasant, why had he in the end come to see her personally, in a condescension of his imperial dignity, when she lay dying?

And if he truly liked her, why had he treated her with such disdain? Making her the laughingstock of all Yunjing?

Xie Yuzhang could not stop herself from giving Li Gu a sideways glance.

That glance fell squarely into the young man’s eyes.

Carrying resentment and reproach, with a depth of emotion in her gaze — it was an expression no girl of this age could have possessed, and none that a young man of this age could have understood.

Li Gu froze.

Xie Yuzhang turned away and started making up conversation with A’Mei.

Servants brought forward washed fresh fruit and cool spring water.

The young girls and young men chattered and reached for them. The older young men only watched with smiling faces. The few years’ difference in age showed itself clearly in their bearing.

The most conspicuous of all, naturally, were Li the Seventh and Li the Eleventh.

A’Mei leaned close to Xie Yuzhang and whispered, “That Li the Eleventh is quite good-looking — it’s just that he’s too dark-complexioned.” She seemed genuinely regretful.

In Yunjing, the fashionable ideal of beauty was the fair, refined, and elegant look of a scholar’s face like carved jade. Li Gu, having been subject to the wind and sun of the northwest for years, was slightly darker-complexioned, which did not fit the current popular aesthetic.

Xie Yuzhang thought of how, in later years, the people of Yunjing would come to adore and pursue the new Emperor’s slightly dark-complexioned, robustly handsome appearance, and could not suppress an inward smile.

With the midday sun at its most intense, the noble young people all retreated to the shade of the trees while the servants ran back and forth, and before long the game had been turned into plates of food.

Someone said, “Oh, isn’t this the rabbit Baohua shot?”

And another, “Baohua took three pieces of game today — she came in first!”

The older group was all astonished. The Fifth Prince asked, “Baohua, did you truly shoot these yourself?” His expression was one of utter disbelief. He and his sister had played together so often — how could he not know Baohua’s archery?

What the Fifth Prince did not know was that Xie Yuzhang had lived in the Mobei Khanate for ten years, and her riding and archery were now utterly different from what they had been.

Xie Yuzhang said casually, “Just lucky.”

Her attention was in truth mostly on Li Gu, which made her seem somewhat detached and aloof. But everyone here had been on good terms with her and had been thinking of her impending departure for Mobei. That she could manage not to cry and weep, and even come out openly to join the hunt — that alone was no small thing. No one reproached her for her distraction.

Xie Yuzhang had A’Mei sitting on one side, the Fifth Prince on the other, and Yang Huaishen seated across from her.

Li Gu and Li Weifeng had not pushed their way forward. They sat with the young lords they were already acquainted with.

Thanks to Yang Huaishen’s warm introductions, the two of them had managed to break into the social circle here. Both felt it was more tiring than fighting a battle.

Li Weifeng glanced over and noticed something off in Li Gu’s expression, and asked quietly, “What is it?”

Li Gu lowered his gaze. “Nothing.”

Li Gu was certain it was because of the joke Princess Baohua had made with him at that banquet, which had given him a suspicious mind, making him constantly feel as though Princess Baohua was paying him particular attention.

That was impossible.

The sun was still strong after the meal was finished, and no one returned home yet. Among the young girls and young men gathered together, there was naturally no lack of amusement. Even on an outing and hunt, the toys were brought along by the servants. Pot-pitch, chess — there was always something to play.

The young men in the older group had originally brought wine, but seeing this younger group present, they had not brought it out. Then some younger brother happened to find it, blurted it out, and the whole group erupted.

The older brothers, heads aching from the clamor of the younger ones, finally had no choice but to bring out the wine, solemnly instructing them, “Only a taste — don’t let your parents find out.”

The younger ones all raised a cheer in unison.

It was not necessarily that they cared so much about the wine itself — rather, because this was something their parents ordinarily forbade, doing it made it feel especially thrilling and delightful.

The older brothers, though all composed now, had each passed through this same stage themselves. They had a mind to indulge the younger ones in their mischief, yet they also had to keep an eye out to make sure things didn’t go too far, so what had started as an outing and a ride had turned into babysitting duty. They grumbled that it was all very tiresome, yet every one of them wore a smile at the corners of their mouths.

After the wine came an archery competition, and everyone put up stakes.

Xie Yuzhang offered a bejeweled gold saddle — identical to the one on her own horse. They had originally come as a pair, one put to use on the black horse and one stored away in her treasury.

Li Gu produced a dagger. Compared to the other stakes people were able to produce on the spot — gilded with silver, studded with gems and jade — Li Gu’s dagger had none of that. Plain fish-skin sheath, utterly unremarkable in appearance.

Yet when it was drawn, a wave of cold air rushed out. Yang Huaishen was quick-handed and drew it out to have a look, and in the height of summer was struck by a sneeze, and had to hastily rub his nose.

Xie Yuzhang’s heart stirred. She stepped forward and asked, “Is it meteoric iron?”

Li Gu had not yet spoken when Li Weifeng already exclaimed, “Your Highness is a person of discernment!”

Yang Huaishen looked at Xie Yuzhang in surprise. “How did you know about that?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “I have heard that on the grasslands, meteors often fall from the heavens. Craftsmen who find the fragments of these fallen stars smelt them into iron that is harder and tougher than ordinary iron, and any weapon forged from it is a rare treasure.”

Meteoric iron was in truth the grassland term for it. In the books of the Central Plains people, it was called “fallen star iron.”

Li Weifeng smiled and said, “I never expected Your Highness to be so knowledgeable about the ways of the grasslands.”

But the moment the words left his mouth, he knew he had misspoken. Sure enough, the laughter and conversation all fell suddenly into silence, and Li Weifeng was deeply embarrassed.

Xie Yuzhang broke the silence, saying with a smile, “I am about to be wed to Mobei, so these past days I have had scholars from the Bureau of Foreign Affairs come and tell me about conditions and customs there. It is very different from ours, and quite fascinating.”

Princess Baohua spoke and smiled freely, and carried herself with poise. She did not shy away from speaking of her imminent marriage alliance.

The hearts of those present held, variously, pity, admiration, and quiet headshaking at the thought that this princess was still young and naive and did not yet understand the hardships ahead. But regardless of what each person privately thought, the way Xie Yuzhang conducted herself here did genuinely put everyone present at ease.

The Fifth Prince praised her. “Sister is truly thoughtful. Father Emperor has been praising you to us often these past two days, saying that you are certain to become a second Princess Shanqi.”

Everyone chimed in with agreement, voices raised in praise, one overlapping another.

Xie Yuzhang’s thoughts were truly fixed on wanting that dagger of Li Gu’s.

The dagger itself was a fine thing. The fact that Li Gu carried it on his person was further proof that it was something he used and valued. Men like them might not feel very deeply for women, but they were often absolutely devoted to their beloved horses and trusted blades.

There had been several incidents in this dynasty of men trading favored concubines for prized horses or blades, and all of them were spoken of as “charming tales.”

If she could obtain that dagger, perhaps years down the road when she needed it, it might move this future Emperor to remember the bond of gratitude from those days.

Yet how could a competition ever proceed according to her wishes?

The target was hung twenty zhang away on a large tree. Xie Yuzhang struck the center five times. The remaining five arrows, while not squarely hitting the bullseye, none went off-target either. Among the young women, she was the finest. Even the young men were greatly astonished.

When the young men took their turns, each was determined not to be bested by a young woman like Baohua. They all summoned up their concentration and spirit. But as they had mostly been lax in practice, very few managed to surpass Xie Yuzhang.

Which provoked waves of laughter. Sisters scolded brothers for failing to uphold family honor, while brothers flushed red to their ears with shame.

The Fifth Prince, as a prince, had long been in the habit of not participating in competitions like these, so as not to have others let him win out of deference to his rank. He could not have expected that after not playing together for a spell, Xie Yuzhang’s archery had improved so dramatically. He cheered loudly on the spot, making a show of support for his younger sister.

Yang Huaishen, however, made a creditable showing. Eight of his ten arrows struck the bullseye squarely.

Li Gu and Li Weifeng both gave quiet nods of approval.

Yang Huaishen was also well known in Yunjing as a dashing nobleman, and many young women harbored admiration for him. These noble young women were entirely uninhibited, and cheered at the top of their voices, each afraid that hers was too soft, that Yang the Second would not hear it, and she would be outdone by the others.

Then came the turn of the two Li men. Li Weifeng had no intention of underselling himself. Ten shots, ten bullseyes, packed tight in the center of the target.

The crowd erupted in cheers, all assuming Li the Seventh would take first place.

But unexpectedly, Li Weifeng smiled and did not call on a servant to pull out the arrows.

From the moment Li Gu stepped forward and took his position, drew his bow and nocked his arrow, Xie Yuzhang held her breath.

She had heard so many accounts of the founder-Emperor of Da Mu’s valor and skill in battle, but had never witnessed it with her own eyes. By the time she had what she thought was her “first meeting” with him, he was already seated on the dragon throne.

The arrows were as fast as shooting stars. The eye could not follow them clearly at all.

The two Li brothers had clearly intended to put on a display. Li the Seventh had ten out of ten in the bullseye. Li the Eleventh drove each of his arrows into the tail of one of Li the Seventh’s arrows, splitting it cleanly, and drove it deep into the center.

This required not only pinpoint accuracy, but tremendous force as well!

Watching the proud sons of Yunjing left so stunned they could not speak, Li Weifeng and Li Gu exchanged a look — the pent-up frustration that had been building since their arrival in Yunjing had finally been released, and they felt considerably better.

Xie Yuzhang was the first to clap. Only then did the others seem to rouse from a spell, and applause and cheers rang out together.

The Fifth Prince’s voice was by far the loudest.

Xie Yuzhang smiled with mischievous intent and asked the people still waiting their turn, “Are the rest of you still going to try?”

There were still three people waiting. They all waved their hands at once. “No need to embarrass ourselves, no need.”

Someone let out a dramatic cry, “Why not give it a try, elder brother? Maybe you’ll take first place!”

It was the younger brother of one of the men, causing a scene right there on the spot. The man in question pulled up his sleeve without a word and went to pummel his younger brother.

The whole crowd dissolved into laughter.

First place, of course without question, went to Li Gu.

Everyone had their servants send their stakes over to him. Li Gu said “Many thanks for conceding,” and magnanimously had his servants collect them.

Yang Huaishen threw an arm around Li Gu’s shoulders. “Tonight you’re buying the drinks.”

Li Gu was not stingy about it. “He Chun Restaurant. We drink until we fall.”

The young men called out together in cheerful agreement.

The younger ones looked on with envious eyes, but knew that at their age they could not yet push their way into that circle of socializing. They would have to wait a few years yet.

The sun was no longer so harsh now, and everyone had had their fill of amusement. The servants moved with quick, practiced hands to pack everything up, while the young women and young men needed no waiting on — they had already mounted their horses one by one, preparing to ride back.

Li Gu had just caught hold of his reins and was preparing to mount when Xie Yuzhang said to A’Mei, “You go with them.”

Then she led her black horse over and called out, “General the Eleventh.”

This form of address was rather peculiar.

Xie Yuzhang genuinely wanted to spend more time with Li Gu and grow closer to him, but she was of imperial bloodline and could not, like others, simply call out “Li the Eleventh Elder Brother” in the casual way they did. Calling him “General Li” felt too distant. After much thought she had arrived at this “General the Eleventh.”

Though it sounded odd, it gave rise to a natural sense of warmth and closeness.

Li Gu paused. “Your Highness?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “I would like to ride along with you all. I am worried I cannot keep up — would you be willing to guide me?”

Li Weifeng let out a cough, then gave Li Gu a kick.

Only then did Li Gu draw his gaze from her face and say, “As you command.”