Chapter 200: Hunting

The weather on the second day of the sixth month was wonderful. It was still raining intermittently the previous day but the sun was shining brightly the next day. Although there were muds in the mountain, the weather lately had been like that.

Luo Tan stretched out lazily. There were a lot of ice that were placed in the room so even though the summer days were long and hot, the room was still dry and refreshing.

The maid in the room smiled as she asked, "Young Lady 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."

"Gentleman Gao has gone out today and will only return tomorrow night." The maid said, "He has let this servant inform Young Lady that if Young Lady wants to go out, this servant 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 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 play or eat 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 outside that is so bustling?"

The maid smiled, "It is the Imperial Hunt today and it is the sixtieth year festival. His Majesty 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 His Majesty's heavenly appearance?"

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

Luo Tan was somewhat unenthusiastic and that maid smiled, "This servant will first prepare some snacks to eat during the journey. After a moment, this servant will accompany Young Lady 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.

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

Because of the hunt today, he had worn a 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."

It was after all in a hunting ground and in a hot summer day so Jing Zhe feared that Shen Miao would faint with the heat and specifically round a light breezy clothes. Beneath the robes was a pair of silk trousers that was wide and breezy but the robes on top was a thin layer of yarn, with only a tube top on her chest. The light purple seemed to look like a cloud. Shen Miao looked dignified on normal days and this dressing made her a little charming that one was unable to describe it.

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 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 sunburn."

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.

The more elaborate Xie Jing Xing planned, the more uneasy Shen Miao's heart felt. Today because of the sixtieth year festival of the Imperial Hunt, she had to come and even if there was no such thing, Shen Miao would not stay behind in the residence of Prince Rui. It was not because of anything but because her right eyelid had been jumping nonstop, as if indicating that something would be happening.

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 husband has a great life." His lips raised up, "Furen no not need to 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 husband will teach you." Finishing, he used the horse whip and the horse neighed loudly before galloping away.

The bodyguards that was behind seemed to have followed along. Shen Miao's back was leaning against Xie Jing Xing and in his embraced 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 that he could maneuvered all the twists and turns. The crowds in the market exclaimed in shock but he just laughed out arrogantly.

Shen Miao recalled about 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 just by her ears and seemed to almost stuck next to her cheeks. His low pitched but pleasant laughter was heard overhead and Shen Miao's heart was also infected by it.

In fact she also yearned to have such freedom like this. She would stand on top of the Nine Palaces and looked at the eagles that were flying far high and yearn to live freely with one horse was under ones feet. However her entire life was trapped in the depths of the Palace, guarding the man that did not love her and fight to live for her children.

It seemed that she had not had such a pleasant time in public for a long time.

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

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

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

When the morning sun spread across the earth, Shen Miao and Xie Jing Xing finally arrived at the hunting grounds.

The external part of the hunting grounds was a forest while the internal part of the grounds was Hua Luan Peak. Hua Luan Peak was a unique peak in Long Ye as there were dense forest and sharp cliffs. It was a rare picturesque view but there were many beasts, the roads were difficult to go on because of the presence of beasts.

It was the Late Emperor regulation to use this hunting ground as the Imperial hunt. Moreover when the Late Emperor was alive, according to the rules that were set by the founding Emperor, on the Imperial Hunt of the sixtieth year, the current Emperor would personally enter the hunting grounds to hunt a lion without rest and use the lion as a sacrifice.

During previous Imperial Hunts, the previous Emperors would meet with dangers but because of Imperial army that was following, there were no issues. However this year was not like the past and with the Imperial army, it seemed 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 shocked, "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 of 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 a bright yellow ridding 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 bother with Consort Jing. When Consort Jing saw it, she bit her lips but suddenly smiled as she looked at Shen Miao, "Today Rui WangFei came to the hunting grounds with Prince Rui 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 Prince Rui of First Rank enters the inner fields of the hunting ground, WangFei 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 of 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 but Consort Jing felt that 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 the Emperor have no other matters, I will bring Jiao Jiao around. She just come 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, "Third Older Brother. SaoZi."

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 Third Older Brother?"

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

Seeing Xie Jing Xing not speaking, Ji Yu Shu scratched his head and smiled at Shen Miao, "In fact, one could call Third Older Biao Brother. I am cousins with Third Older Biao Brother and according to the ranking of brothers in the clan generation, he is number three. Third Older Brother's Imperial Mother is my Yi Mu (Mother's Sister). We are maternal cousins."

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 Mother had seen SaoZi and my Mother also said that SaoZi was very good, dignified, wise and is a daughter of a noble house. If it was not Third Older Brother that took action early, she would blame me for not marrying back such a beauty like SaoZi 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. SaoZi, play around slowly."

He then disappeared for 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 inquired Gao Yang's identity." Xie Jing Xing said with a laugh but it was not a laugh.

Shen Miao 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 knew 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 – 11am) arrives, I will follow Imperial Older Brother to the infield and the guards will be left for you. You are free to stroll around the field." After pausing, he then said, "YiMu (maternal aunt) 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 YiMu and she will send you to the Prince 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 plance and that was enough to show that he was not one who act in a rush. But why this time Shen Miao felt that it was not good and followed Xie Jing Xing here, now there were doubts in his words.

"Rest assured. Imperial Older Brother 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 Furen, who was at the Bright Summer Banquet, looking at her.

Ye Furen wore a light clothes and that easy to walk in and stood faraway. 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 Furen and asked curiously, "You seemed to be very concerned with Ye Furen. What happened?"

"One do 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."

"Imperial Older Brother 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 Furen again, Ye Furen had already turn around to talk to other Furens. Shen 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.

Most likely Lu Wan-er had spent a lot of effort in dressing as her ridding attire was very beautiful that it made her look peerlessly delicate. If Shen Miao was not there, she would be the most eye-catching person in the entire occasion. Consort Jing and Lu Wan-er were sisters after all and with the Lu family's protection and doting, she had all the temperament of rich young lady.

It was just that Shen Miao was there so her fabulous ridding outfit was a little bland. Even though it was pretty, but standing together with Prince Rui, there was a sense of incomparable.

It was no wonder at all as it was Xie Jing Xing and Shen Miao that have a strange sense of harmony. Forget about Prince Rui, since he was Emperor Yong Le younger blooded brother and a true royalty, thus he was filled with elegance. But Shen Miao was only a common official family's daughter in Ming Qi and moreover it was a family of military lineage but had this kind of magnanimous and nobility that made one felt dignified. Both of their atmosphere were seamless that let alone a person like Lu Wan-er, even if it was an immortal, it would be incomparable.

Lu Wan-er was however unaware of it and walked to Shen Miao under everyone's somewhat strange gaze. Even though she was facing Shen Miao to speak, her eyes were glued onto Xie Jing Xing. Her voice was delicate and sweet and the tone of voice she was using seemed to have become honey.

"WangFei of First Rank, 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 WangFei of First Rank 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' Furen 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, "Prince Rui of First Rank also look very prestigious today. Early before, one had seen during an encounter in Older Sister's palace. At that time, Prince Rui of First Rank praised Wan-er Qin skills as outstanding. Now Wan-er practices Qin even more and has improved a lot. One do not know when Your Highness Prince of First Rank would be free to give pointers to Wan-er."

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

Seeing Shen Miao 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 Imperial Older Brother, one encountered Consort Qing and Consort Jing said that Fourth Lu Young Lady was playing Qin in Jing Hua Palace and wanted Imperial Older Brother to go over to listen. This Prince listened to it that day but said that it was as comparable to crows. Fourth Lu Young Lady, 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 other face 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 on Prince Rui's appearance. How would she be able to hear in what Prince Rui said? She was 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 this Prince is a brother of the Emperor, in the future Lu Fourth Young Lady better not mention about one going to the palace of a Consort. Those who do not know would think that Lu Fourth Young Lady is deliberately provoking something. This Prince 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 raise by the Second and Third household of the Shen family to have such a character but these Lu Wan-er and Consort Jing is Lu Furen'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 indulge daughters and cultivate sons."

Shen Miao then understood it clearly. With the Lu family's business, even if the daughters in the family were married casually, they would not worry about food or clothes in this lifetime and even being arrogant was alright as their strong maiden family was behind them.

As they were speaking, Xie Jing Xing had already pulled Shen Miao to the edge of the hunting ground. There were a few officials and a few females who had picked their horses. When Xie Jing Xing walked nearer, Tie Yi lead two horses over. One of the horse was a tall black handsome one while the other was a slightly short red pony. Xie Jing Xing supported Shen Miao up the red horse, while he rode the black horse.

Emperor Yong Le's end began to move and the Imperial army were also prepared to head in with Emperor Yong Le.

The drummers began to rhythmically beat the drums, as if one was playing some ancient tune. As the drumbeats became faster and faster, it became more urgent till at the end an arrow was shot and flew straight to a golden fruit that was hung at the far end and the drummers stopped drumming suddenly.

The hunt has started.

Xie Jing Xing brought Shen Miao to the outer fields and Mo Qing and a few of them followed. Upon entering the hunting grounds, one can bring along a few guards. However there were not much danger in the outer fields and under the broad daylight, nothing would happen so bringing them along were 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.

"Imperial Older Brother will send a signal to me on SiShi (modern timing: 9 – 11am) 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 had good hunting skills. Shen Miao had no doubts that if he was not Great Liang's Prince Rui and just an ordinary mountain folk, with this set of hunting skills, he would be able to make a fortune. About the matter of shooting with great precision, Shen Miao had always felt it was just Shen Qiu bragging but now she had finally seen it. Xie Jing Xing's aim was very good that he would hit all his targets. It was only a short time and their horses back were already full of prey. Even though they were all small animals, but it was very rare.

"What else 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, "Master. It is not good. The Emperor has entered the inner fields. Just now Tie Yi and me did a search and were unable to see the Emperor. 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."