Hunting

On the second day of the sixth month, the weather was absolutely gorgeous. The previous day had been raining periodically, but the sun shone brightly the next day. The weather has been like that recently, notwithstanding the muds in the hills.

Luo Tan stretched out in a sluggish manner. Even though the summer days were long and hot, the room was dry and refreshing since there was a lot of ice in the room.

The maid in the room smiled as she asked, "Xiǎojiě want to go where to look today?"

Luo Tan looked at the small toys that were piled up to a small mountain, "I don't know. Will just go and ask Doctor Gao."

"Gao Gōngzǐ has gone out today and will only return tomorrow night." The maid said, "He has let núbì inform Xiǎojiě that if Xiǎojiě wants to go out, núbì will follow along and some guards will also be called along, and buy whatever you fancy."

"Is there some matter?" Luo Tan said, "Is there a patient for him to travel to?"

The maid smiled and did not answer.

Luo Tan waved her hands, "Since this is the case, then I will shop around casually."

She had arrived in Long Ye for more than a month and for these days, she was always with Gao Yang. Gao Yang said that medical practitioners were borderless and when he was young, he had experiences of travelling and had lived in Long Ye for a period of time. This residence in Long Ye was his and even though Luo Tan felt that these words were somewhat strange, she was not suspicious after everyone in the residence said as such.

That messenger that send the letter to Shen Miao was sent back by Gao Yang, saying that Shen Miao had agreed to bring Luo Tan along and would take good care of Luo Tan. One did not know how Gao Yang lied but afterwards, the Shen family indeed did not come back.

The side of the Shen family was concealed and Luo Tan was thinking about it in her heart. After a few more days of playing in Long Ye, she would then look for Shen Miao and confess to everything. If now she were to say, she feared that Shen Miao and Prince Rui will send her back. She had not played or eaten enough so how could she leave now?

Luo Tan walked out of the doors and when she walked to the courtyard, she heard some noises far away from the other side of the wall and asked the maid beside her, "What is happening outside that is so bustling?"

The maid smiled, "It is the Imperial Hunt today and it is the sixtieth year festival. Huángshàng is also going to the hunting grounds to hunt and is currently followed by the Imperial army, thus, the commoners on the streets are cheering."

Luo Tan liked bustling scenes and thus she said, "Then let's also go and take a look. Can it be that one will be able to see Huángshàng's heavenly appearance?"

That maid's expression changed slightly and she shook her head, "The streets are very crowded with people and moreover Huángshàng is in the canopy and could not be seen."

Luo Tan was somewhat unenthusiastic and that maid smiled, "Núbì will first prepare some snacks to eat during the journey. After a moment, núbì will accompany Xiǎojiě to wherever one wants to go."

"You go then." Luo Tan said. After waiting for that maid to leave, Luo Tan sneaked out from the back doors and murmured, "It is not too much to watch from afar."

Her figure quickly disappeared from the courtyard.

Zaza: After reading the first part, don't you want to make Gao Yang suffer under Luo Tan? Cause I do… Since he lied to her (and made all the servants do the same) and Luo Tan believed him, now I want Luo Tan to friendzone him and make him jealous unknowingly. Hrumph… That is for lying to our innocent Luo Tan!

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After Shen Miao washed and groomed, she saw Xie Jing Xing change his clothes.

Because of the hunt today, he had worn riding attire that was suitable for hunting. Narrow sleeves, high-necked collar, waistband strap, green boots with dark flower embroideries, making him look very neat and refreshing but because the riding gear was very fitting, he looked like an elegant noble gentleman.

Upon seeing Shen Miao, Xie Jing Xing frowned, "These clothes."

After all, it was a hunting ground on a hot summer day, and Jing Zhe was concerned that Shen Miao would faint from the heat, so she sought out light, breezy clothing. A pair of silk trousers sat beneath the robes, which were wide and breezy, but the robes on top were a thin layer of yarn, with only a tube top on her chest. The light purple had the appearance of a cloud. On normal days, Shen Miao appeared dignified, but in this outfit, she was so charming that it was impossible to articulate.

Shen Miao looked at herself, "Not good?"

Xie Jing Xing said, "It is cool in the mountain. It is better to wear a coat."

Shen Miao, "…" Where would there be a cool breeze in the sixth month? Moreover, Long Ye was always warm.

Xie Jing Xing then added, "Your body and complexion belongs to the Xie family and cannot be sunburned."

Shen Miao, "I understand. Jing Zhe, go bring a coat over."

Xie Jing Xing then let the matter rest.

When outside, Mo Qing and some of the guards of the residence of Prince Rui were ready and Ba Jiao was also present. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu did not have to follow today and Xie Jing Xing transferred a guard, Hui Xiang, from Mo Yu Army to disguise with Ba Jiao as personal maids to protect Shen Miao's safety.

Shen Miao's heart sank the more elaborate Xie Jing Xing's plans became. Shen Miao had to come today because of the Imperial Hunt's sixtieth-anniversary festival, and even if there was no such event, she would not stay in Prince Rui's residence. It wasn't because of anything, but because her right eyelid had been jumping incessantly as if something was about to happen.

Her worried and troubled appearance fell into Xie Jing Xing's eyes and Xie Jing Xing thought about it before walking with Shen Miao towards the door, "Why so depressed?"

Shen Miao said, "Seem to always feel uneasy."

"Your Xiànggong (相公 - olden call of endearment for husband) has a great life." His lips raised up, "Fūrén need not worry."

Shen Miao rolled her eyes but saw that there was no horse carriage at the doors and asked, "The horse carriage is not brought over yet?"

Xie Jing Xing smiled and pulled Shen Miao to the doors. Mo Qing came forward with a horse and with a flip, Xie Jing Xing was up on the horse when he suddenly pulled Shen Miao's hand. Shen Miao could not prevent him from pulling her up and place in Xie Jing Xing's embrace.

"The horse carriage is too slow." He lowered his head to look at Shen Miao and said not too fast or slow, "You know archery but do you know horse riding?"

Shen Miao was about to speak when Xie Jing Xing interrupted her words, "It is alright if one doesn't know. This Xiànggong will teach you." Finishing, he used the horsewhip and the horse neighed loudly before galloping away.

The bodyguards that were behind seemed to have followed along. Shen Miao's back was leaning against Xie Jing Xing and in his embrace but her heart could not help but be shocked. That horse was a good precious and valuable horse that ran very fast. Xie Jing Xing's horse-riding skills were very good and he could manoeuvre all the twists and turns. The crowds in the market exclaimed in shock but he just laughed out arrogantly.

Shen Miao recalled the first time seeing Xie Jing Xing in this lifetime. It was in front of Guang Wen Tang when that purple-clad handsome youth sat high on top of the horse, lazily and arrogantly sizing up the crowd.

His breathing was close to her ears and practically brushed against her cheeks. His low-pitched but sweet laughing could be heard overhead, and it infected Shen Miao's heart as well.

In truth, she wished for the same kind of liberation. She would stand on top of the Nine Palaces and gaze at the eagles flying far above her, wishing to live freely with only one horse beneath her feet. Her entire life, however, was spent guarding the guy who did not love her and fighting to live for her children in the depths of the Palace.

She didn't seem to have had such a good time in public in a long time.

Shen Miao smiled, "In Long Ye, you are also as rude as you were in Ding capital city?"

"To go to the furthest but not exceeding." Xie Jing Xing answered. He then looked down again at her and lifted her chin before chuckling lowly, "You are not as unrestraint in Ding capital city than in Long Ye."

Shen Miao was startled while Xie Jing Xing continued smiling, "I like this kind of Shen Jiao Jiao more."

"Me too." Shen Miao said with a smile.

Xie Jing Xing's movements paused and even the horse's movements slowed down. He said, "You also like this me?"

"No." Shen Miao said, "I also like this kind of me."

The two people's laughter drifted along with the summer breeze, and Hui Xiang whispered to Ba Jiao's ears among the guards behind them, "Isn't it said that Fūrén has a cold personality and it is all our Zhǔzi's wishful thinking? It looks like the relationship is not bad."

"Fūrén's personality is not cold at all." Ba Jiao said with all smiles, "Fūrén is a good person."

Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing arrived at the hunting grounds as the morning sun began to rise.

The outside of the hunting grounds was a forest, while the inside of the grounds was Hua Luan Peak. Because of its dense forests and sharp cliffs, Hua Luan Peak was a one-of-a-kind peak in Long Ye. It was a rare scenic view, but there were many beasts, and the roads were difficult to navigate due to the presence of beasts.

This hunting ground was designated as the Imperial hunt by the Late Emperor. Furthermore, when the Late Emperor was alive, the current Emperor would personally enter the hunting grounds on the Imperial Hunt of the Sixtieth Year to hunt a lion without rest and use the lion as a sacrifice, according to the rules established by the founding Emperor.

Previous Emperors encountered dangers during previous Imperial Hunts, but there were no problems because of the Imperial army that followed. This year, however, was not like previous years, and with the Imperial army, it appeared to be even more dangerous than without the Imperial army.

The appearances of Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing was undoubtedly very eye-catching. Everyone saw that they did not take the horse carriage and were all stunned when both of them shared a ride. Emperor Yong Le and Consort Jing had arrived first and Consort Jing exclaimed in shock, "As part of the Imperial family, how could one be this rude?"

Emperor Yong Le looked at Xie Jing Xing with a frown, seemingly unhappy with his approach to doing things. Xie Jing Xing supported Shen Miao down the horse and walked over to Emperor Yong Le in front of everyone.

Emperor Yong Le was also wearing bright yellow riding gear. Emperor Yong Le was not too old and had a handsome appearance. It was just that his temperament was gold and when wearing the ridding gear, both brothers seemed to have robbed all the limelight from the male guests.

Xie Jing Xing and Shen Miao greeted Emperor Yong Le but none of them was bothered with Consort Jing. When Consort Jing saw it, she bit her lips but suddenly smiled as she looked at Shen Miao, "Today, Ruì Qīnwángfēi came to the hunting grounds with Rui Qīnwáng and both husband and wife are deeply affectionate that even a ride was shared. It is indeed envious." Finishing, she changed the topic, "As such, one thinks that when Rui Qīnwáng enters the inner fields of the hunting ground, Wángfēi will also follow in, correct?"

Before Shen Miao could reply, Emperor Yong Le frowned and said coldly, "She does not need to enter."

Consort Jing was startled as she did not expect that Emperor Yong Le would suddenly speak. She was thinking that if Shen Miao entered the inner fields with Prince Rui since there were so many ferocious beasts in the inner fields that even with Prince Rui protecting and even if Shen Miao was not injured, she would have a scared expression and it was a happy thing for her. That day, during the Bright Summer Banquet, those unforgiving words that Shen Miao had spoken to the Lu family had reached Consort Jing's ears. Consort Jing was determined to give Shen Miao a bitter time but did not expect that Emperor Yong Le would help Shen Miao.

Even though Consort Jing was arrogant, she did not dare to go against Emperor Yong Le.

However, Shen Miao understood in her heart that Emperor Yong Le was not speaking out on her behalf. It was only because today, both brothers will be entering the inner fields and it was very dangerous. Perhaps Emperor Yong Le and Xie Jing Xing had already arranged everything and an additional person entering would only be an additional variable. Most likely Emperor Yong Le feared that her entering would influence their plans.

Xie Jing Xing smiled and glanced at Consort Jing. Even though he did not say anything, Consort Jing felt the warning from the gaze. One did not know why but other than Emperor Yong Le, the person she feared the most was this young Prince of First Rank that she even feared Prince Rui more than her own father.

Seeing Consort Jing no longer speaking, Xie Jing Xing grasped Shen Miao's shoulders, "Since Huángxiōng have no other matters, I will bring Jiao Jiao around. She just came to Long Ye and is not very familiar with the people here." Finishing his words, he did not care about what expression Emperor Yong Le had and just left with Shen Miao.

After walking a few steps, one saw Ji Yu Shu running over in excitement from afar. He ran all the way and stopped in front of them, "Sān Gē, Sǎozi."

Shen Miao look at Ji Yu Shu's bright smile and was unable to connect this manager of Feng Xian Pawnshop that was opened in Ming Qi for so many years with the Young Master of Great Liang's Left Minister's family. She asked a question that she kept thinking about, "Why do you always call him Sān Gē?"

"Oh." Ji Yu Shu was stunned and looked at Xie Jing Xing, "You did not mention to Sǎozi?"

Seeing Xie Jing Xing not speaking, Ji Yu Shu scratched his head and smiled at Shen Miao, "In fact, one should call Sān biǎogē. I am biǎoqīn (maternal cousins) with Sān biǎogē and according to the ranking of xiōngdì in the clan generation, he is number three. Sān biǎogē's mǔhòu is my yímǔ (Mother's Sister). We are biǎo xiōngdì."

After Shen Miao heard Ji Yu Shu speaking, she then understood. So Ji Yu Shu's mother and Xie Jing Xing's Imperial Mother were full-blooded sisters. Ji Yu Shu was also considered as the Imperial family and was maternal cousins as Xie Jing Xing. No wonder even though Xie Jing Xing said that Ji Yu Shu was not good, he still take great care of him.

Ji Yu Shu laughed twice and waved his hands, "One heard that my niáng had seen Sǎozi and my niáng also said that Sǎozi was very good, dignified, wise and is a daughter of a noble house. If it was not Sān biǎogē that took action early, she would blame me for not marrying back such a beauty like Sǎozi when I was in Ming Qi."

Xie Jing Xing said calmly, "Ji Yu Shu, do you want to go to the tower prison?"

"I am only joking." Ji Yu Shu jumped up and ran like his buttocks were on fire, "One heard that Gao Yang is also here. I will go look for him. Sǎozi, play around slowly."

He then disappeared from afar.

Shen Miao was in between laughter and tears as she turned to ask Xie Jing Xing, "Gao Yang is also here? Why did one do not see him?"

"He is an official, most likely would come later." He then said, "Gao Yang is the Chancellor of Health Affairs."

Shen Miao smiled, "I know."

"You do have the ability to inquire about Gao Yang's identity." Xie Jing Xing said with a laugh but it was not a laugh.

Shen Miao's heart jumped and did not have anything suddenly. She knew of Gao Yang's identity because of her experiences in her past lifetime in Ming Qi's tribute as the person who came was not Xie Jing Xing but Gao Yang. Thus, from the beginning, Shen Miao's attitude to Gao Yang was that she had long known that Gao Yang was Xie Jing Xing's people.

Fortunately, Xie Jing Xing was not entangled on this issue and only said, "When the hunt begins, you will follow me to the fields of the hunt to catch some hares. When SiShi (modern timing: 9 – 11 am) arrives, I will follow Huángxiōng to the infield and the guards will be left for you. You are free to stroll around the field." After pausing, he then said, "Yímǔ is also here today, I will let Ji Yu Shu mention it to her. If I did not return later, go back to the city with yímǔ and she will send you to the Qīnwáng Residence."

"You will not come back later?" Shen Miao looked at him with suspicion. Actually, when Xie Jing Xing take action, he would be very confident about it. When in Ming Qi, when he had the identity of the heir of the residence of the Marquis of Lin An, even under the Fu family's monitoring, he could still easily complete his plans and that was enough to show that he was not one who acts in a rush. But this time Shen Miao felt so bad that she followed Xie Jing Xing today with suspicion in her tone.

"Rest assured. Huángxiōng and I have made preparations." He smiled warmly, "The two months has not arrived yet so how could I bear to be dead."

Shen Miao pushed him. Under the public eyes, she did not want to accompany Xie Jing Xing to be shameless. Upon turning her head around, she felt a gaze on herself and looked towards that direction but saw Ye Fūrén, who was at the Bright Summer Banquet, looking at her.

Ye Fūrén wore light clothes and that easy to walk in and stood far away. Their gaze met and she did not evade it and smiled gently. It was just that the gaze made Shen Miao feel uncomfortable on instinct. She asked, "The Ye family is also going to hunt today?"

"Ye Mao is the Prime Minister, so naturally he has to follow. But the officials would only be in the outer fields and not enter the inner fields." Xie Jing Xing followed Shen Miao's gaze and discovered that she was staring at Ye Fūrén and asked curiously, "You seemed to be very concerned with Ye Fūrén. What happened?"

"One does not know why." Shen Miao frowned, "The Ye family people always did not give me a good feeling. It is best that you guard against them."

"Huángxiōng is currently interested in pulling the Ye family over so every action of the Ye family is monitored and nothing is wrong." Xie Jing Xing thought and saw Shen Miao's cautious look before comforting her, "They are outside the area and would not influence the situation. There is no need to worry."

When Shen Miao looked at Ye Fūrén again, Ye Fūrén had already turn around to talk to other Fūréns. Shen Miao then suppressed the uneasiness in her heart and let it be.

When the time was up, the hunt would begin. The officials that came today were not of low status and these officials will accompany in the hunt while the female family would watch the activities. Those who were more courageous would go into the outer fields and those who had a quieter temperament would stay outside the hunting area to wait.

Coincidentally, Lu Wan-er also came today.

Lu Wan-er had most likely put in a lot of effort in her riding attire, which was so beautiful that it made her look peerlessly delicate. If Shen Miao were not present, she would be the most noticeable person at the event. After all, Consort Jing and Lu Wan-er were sisters, and with the Lu family's protection and pampering, she had all the temperament of a wealthy young lady.

It was just that Shen Miao was there, so her fantastic riding outfit was a little boring. Even though it was beautiful, there was something incomparable about standing next to Prince Rui.

It was no surprise given that Xie Jing Xing and Shen Miao have a strange sense of harmony. Forget about Prince Rui, because he was Emperor Yong Le's younger blooded brother and true royalty, so he exuded elegance. But Shen Miao was just a common official family's daughter in Ming Qi, and her family was of military lineage, but she had this kind of magnanimity and nobility that made one feel dignified. Both of their atmospheres were so seamless that a person like Lu Wan-er, or even if it was an immortal, would be incomparable.

Lu Wan-er, on the other hand, was unaware of it and proceeded to Shen Miao under everyone's somewhat strange gaze. Despite the fact that she was facing Shen Miao to speak, her gaze was fixed on Xie Jing Xing. Her voice was delicate and sweet, and the tone she was using had turned honey.

"Qīnwángfēi, one did not expect that one could meet you here today. On the day of the Bright Summer Banquet, one felt familiarity at first sight with QīnWángfēi and thought that when one is free, one would definitely meet up with you. One did not think that one can encounter it now. It is really fated." Lu Wan-er talked to Shen Miao courteously and obediently, without half of a shadow of the bossy and domineering manner of the Bright Summer Banquet.

Shen Miao's heart was laughing and she wondered what was in the brains of this Lu Wan-er's. Could it be that she believed that Xie Jing Xing would believe whatever she said? Moreover, there were other residences' Fūrén present and Shen Miao would not hide anything and tell Xie Jing Xing the truth. Lu Wan-er did not display any 'familiarity at first sight' but 'hatred to the bones'.

As Lu Wan-er spoke, she did not what for Shen Miao to reply and looked at Xie Jing Xing. Her unconcealed affection was all over her gaze as she said sweetly, "Rui Qīnwáng also look very prestigious today. Earlier before, one had seen during an encounter in Jiějiě's palace. At that time, Rui Qīnwáng praised Wan-er Qin's skills as outstanding. Now Wan-er practices Qin even more and has improved a lot. One does not know when Qīnwáng Diànxià would be free to give pointers to Wan-er."

Shen Miao paused at involuntarily looked towards Xie Jing Xing. Lu Wan-er would not lie in front of Xie Jing Xing. Xie Jing Xing actually heard Lu Wan-er's playing Qin and praised Lu Wan-er Qin's skills as outstanding?

Seeing Shen Miao's suspicious gaze, Xie Jing Xing's lips hooked up and laughed, "Oh, not happy?"

Shen Miao looked away.

Xie Jing Xing shrugged his shoulders and when he looked towards Lu Wan-er, his expression was changed. His handsome brows were still lazy as he spoke but there was no smile on his face.

"At the beginning, when one spoke to Huángxiōng, one encountered Jing Fēi and Jing Fēi said that Lu Sì Xiǎojiě was playing the Qin in Jing Hua Palace and wanted Huángxiōng to go over to listen. Běnwáng listened to it that day but said that it was as comparable to crows. Lu Sì Xiǎojiě, you cannot even differentiate between compliment and sarcasm? It seems that it is really necessary to get a teacher to give pointers to one's brain."

Shen Miao almost burst out laughing as she did not realize Lu Wan-er was slow-witted to this level. Xie Jing Xing did not give others faces at all when he speak so how would he care if there were other people around or not.

Lu Wan-er's face immediately became red.

In fact, in Jing Hua Palace, after she finished playing the Qin, her entire heart was concentrated on Prince Rui and it was jumping so loudly as she was indulging in Prince Rui's appearance. How would she be able to hear what Prince Rui said? She did not hear clearly and thought that Prince Rui was praising her and now that Prince Rui made it clear, she now looked like a joke thus Lu Wan-er was stunned on the spot.

Xie Jing Xing swept her an angry look and said, "And Běnwáng is a xiōngdì of the Huáng, in the future Lu Sì Xiǎojiě better not mention about one going to the palace of a Fēizi. Those who do not know would think that Lu Sì Xiǎojiě is deliberately provoking something. Běnwáng is unable to afford to have such an offence." Finishing, he then pulled Shen Miao away and threw Lu Wan-er alone by herself at the original spot.

Shen Miao felt that Lu Wan-er was silly enough to be pitiful and asked Xie Jing Xing, "The Lu family is so powerful, so how did they raise all their young ladies like this?" Be it Consort Jing or Lu Wan-er, they could be able to fight with the previous Shen Miao. It was just that Shen Miao was deliberately raised by the Second and Third households of the Shen family to have such a character but these Lu Wan-er and Consort Jing are Lu Fūrén's biological daughters.

Xie Jing Xing said, "One's whole heart is in court battling, naturally discipline of one's children are neglected. Moreover, the Lu family has always indulged daughters and cultivated sons."

Shen Miao finally realized what was going on. With the Lu family's business, even if the daughters married casually, they would not have to worry about food or clothing in this lifetime, and being arrogant was acceptable because their strong maiden family was behind them.

Xie Jing Xing had already dragged Shen Miao to the edge of the hunting ground while they were talking. There were a few officials and females who had chosen their horses. Tie Yi led two horses over as Xie Jing Xing approached. One of the horses was a tall, handsome black horse, and the other was a slightly shorter red pony. While riding the black horse, Xie Jing Xing helped Shen Miao up the red horse.

Emperor Yong Le's end began to move, and the Imperial army was also preparing to march in with him.

The drummers began to beat the drums rhythmically as if they were playing an ancient tune. As the drumbeats became faster and faster, the urgency grew until, in the end, an arrow was shot and flew straight to a golden fruit hung at the far end, and the drummers abruptly stopped drumming.

The hunt has begun.

Shen Miao was led to the outer fields by Xie Jing Xing, and Mo Qing and a few others followed. When entering the hunting grounds, one can bring a few guards with them. However, there was little danger in the outer fields, and nothing would happen in broad daylight, so bringing them along was just in case.

"When will you be entering the inner fields?" Shen Miao asked Xie Jing Xing as she rode the horse. She had not been riding a horse for a long time but this horse was docile and she could control it easily.

"Huángxiōng will send a signal to me on SiShi (modern timing: 9 – 11 am) and then I will leave." Xie Jing Xing sat up straight, "Now one can still accompany you around. Do you want to hunt a fox?"

Shen Miao, "Fox?"

Xie Jing Xing reached out and grabbed her reins, "Follow me."

Xie Jing Xing was an excellent hunter. Shen Miao had no doubts that if he wasn't Great Liang's Prince Rui and just an ordinary mountain folk, he could make a fortune with this set of hunting skills. Shen Miao had always thought Shen Qiu's precision shooting was just bluster, but now she had seen it for herself. Xie Jing Xing's aim was so good that he was able to hit all of his targets. It had only been a short time, but their horses' backs were already loaded with prey. Despite the fact that they were all small animals, it was extremely rare.

"What else do you want to hunt?" Xie Jing Xing smiled proudly, "I will help you to hunt."

Just as Shen Miao was about to speak, she saw Cong Yang rushing over from the other side and said out of breath, "Zhǔzi. It is not good. Huángshàng has entered the inner fields. Just now, Tie Yi and me did a search and were unable to see Huángshàng. There were horse tracks at the bottom of Hua Luan Peak."

"Inner fields?" Xie Jing Xing frowned, "Did not give any signal and went in alone?" His gaze flashed and he barked lowly, "Darn it."