Chapter 31 Xiao Lingjun Awei, what do you want?

Prince Xie was quite clever. He immediately laughed it off, closed his fan, and smiled at Shen Zhi, saying, "Since it's a gift from the Empress, and since the Crown Prince has brought tea, I won't bother you any more."

After saying this, he casually bowed to the eunuch and turned away in a leisurely manner.

The eunuch achieved his goal and said goodbye with a smile.

Shen Zhiwei stood up and walked them out. Just as Xie Mingxu's ostentatious carriage left the alley, and the sound of the wheels had not yet faded, another blue wool carriage stopped in front of the Lin Mansion.

The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and the person who got out was Xiao Lingjun's trusted eunuch. He had a fair face and walked silently to the steps and bowed.

He nodded slightly to the Lin Mansion's housekeeper who came out to greet him, and said in a shrill voice, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has announced that the newly opened horse ranch in the western suburbs is having a run today with several fine horses, tribute horses from foreign countries. Since the young lady has been bored at home, I'd like to invite her to go and relax and see what's going on."

As he spoke, he bent towards Chen Zhiwei with a smile, and spoke in a much softer tone.

"His Highness also said that he has invited several young men from the royal family to accompany her. They are all young and lively, so Miss Shen can just do as she pleases. Second Miss Shen will also come out of the palace today. Several young men from the royal family and His Highness the Third Prince will also be there. It will be more lively with more people."

The words were comprehensive and appropriate, and it sounded like the crown prince was sympathetic to his cousin and invited her to have fun together, even taking An Yu into consideration.

There was no reason to refuse, and I hadn't been out for a long time.

Shen Zhiwei nodded to him: "Your Highness is so kind, how dare I refuse? I will change my clothes and go with you."

The eunuch smiled even more deeply and stepped aside to make way: "Miss, don't worry. I will wait for you here."

The carriage drove out of the city gate and headed west. The incense and seat cushions inside were arranged according to her preferences, making it comfortable and appropriate.

Shen Zhiwei leaned against the wall of the carriage, fingertips tapping the carvings on the window frame in a daze. Xiao Lingjun was always like this, paying attention to every detail to the extreme, making it impossible to find fault and impossible to refuse.

Shen Zhiwei never thought of refusing.

About half an hour later, the carriage slowed down.

The curtains of the carriage were lifted by the attendants, and the bright afternoon sun poured in, carrying with it the scent of grass and dust.

The Western Suburbs Horse Farm boasted a vast view, with distant, dark green mountains and nearby, fresh, green pastures. It had been transformed into a makeshift banquet venue. Colorful curtains fluttered, and stands covered in brocade carpets were arranged in an orderly fashion. Many young men in finery were already riding horses, playing, or gathered together to chat and laugh.

As soon as Shen Zhiwei got off the car, she heard a cheerful call: "Sister!"

Chen Anyu, dressed in a cherry-colored riding uniform, swooped over like a bird and took her arm, his cheeks flushed and his eyes brightening. "Prince brother said you were coming too, but I didn't believe it! It's so much fun here. Look over there, there are so many beautiful horses!"

She looked in the direction An Yu pointed, and saw that in the distance, inside the fence, there were indeed several extraordinary Western Region horses with shiny coats, being led slowly by their trainers.

"Yeah, I saw it." Shen Zhiwei patted his sister's hand and slowly scanned the horse farm.

Several princes and sons of different counties were returning from horse racing, laughing heartily; several pretty ladies were sitting under a sunshade tent, pointing at the field and giggling softly; further away, a group of younger royal family members were clumsily learning to control horses, causing the attendants to nervously surround them.

The scene was lively and... normal.

Then, her gaze fixed on a weeping willow by the water on the side of the stands.

Xiao Lingjun was sitting there.

Today he wore a plain, sky-blue brocade robe, loosely tied with a jade belt, and a cloud-gray fox fur coat. His dark hair was half-tied with a jade hairpin, the rest of it cascading over his shoulders. He leaned leisurely against a table, toying with a wine cup in his hand, and listening with a smile to the conversation of an elderly clan member beside him.

Warm and elegant, like the spring breeze blowing through the willows.

As if he noticed her gaze, he turned his head and accurately captured her figure across the crowd of noisy people.

He raised his glass towards her, his lips curved into an arc, his eyes gentle, motioning her over.

Shen Zhiwei was stunned for a moment, then nodded and walked slowly with An Yu.

"Your Highness..." She walked closer and was about to salute.

"No thanks," Xiao Lingjun waved his hand with a smile, his tone natural and intimate, "Let's not be polite when we're out having fun. You look better than you did a few days ago. An Yu was just complaining about you being cooped up in the house, so it's a good time to come out and get some fresh air."

Shen Zhiwei followed his instructions and took the empty seat beside him. An Yu immediately sat down beside her on the other side, chattering about the interesting things they had just experienced while riding horses. Xiao Lingjun listened with a smile, occasionally nodding, his eyes gently passing over An Yu, but always returning to Shen Zhiwei's calm profile.

The servants quietly brought her tea, which was her favorite tea and some salty snacks, at just the right temperature.

The sound of horses' hooves was thunderous on the horse field, and the shouts of young men were mixed with their cute laughter.

Xiao Lingjun picked up the teacup, stroking the warm porcelain wall with his fingertips, and asked casually, "When I came here just now, did you see the carriage of the Xie family kid just leave? Did he bother you again?"

Shen Zhiwei picked up a piece of almond cake, and her fingertips paused when she heard the words: "The prince came over to sit for a while, talked about some interesting stories in the capital, and did not stay long."

"He seems to be free," Xiao Lingjun smiled, and without further questioning, he pointed to a snow-white horse in the arena. "Look at that jade lion. It's a new tribute from Dayuan this year. It's quite fierce and has knocked down several good horses. An Yu was clamoring to try it just now, but I stopped him."

Shen Anyu immediately pouted: "What a beautiful horse! Prince brother is stingy!"

"When you can tame your little red horse by yourself, then you can talk about this again." Xiao Lingjun smiled and tapped her forehead with his finger.

Shen Zhiwei looked at his sister rubbing her forehead and acting coquettishly, and the corners of his lips couldn't help but curl up slightly.

The sun was warm, the meadows were bustling, and the air was filled with the scent of grass and dust, mixed with the aroma of roasting meat in the distance.

This lively and enthusiastic scene was completely different from her usual quiet solitude, but it was not unpleasant at all.

Seeing her expression relaxed, Xiao Lingjun naturally leaned over and brushed her temples with his fingertips, saying in a gentle and natural tone, "It's a little stained with catkins."

His movements were extremely fast, touching and leaving immediately, but the warmth of his fingertips briefly imprinted on her slightly cool skin.

Shen Zhiwei subconsciously tilted her head, not in resistance, but simply out of habit after not being so close to anyone for a long time. Xiao Lingjun seemed completely unaware as he withdrew his hand and instead picked up the jade pot, refilling her half a cup of hot tea.

"Try this tea, the new tribute of snow buds from Nanzhao, it has a refreshing taste, you should like it." He gently pushed the teacup in front of her.

Shen Zhiwei picked up the teacup and took a sip. The tea was clear and sweet, which was exactly what she liked.

"Your Highness, thank you for your concern." She said softly.

"As long as you like it." Xiao Lingjun smiled and turned his gaze back to the horse farm.

At this time, there was a louder noise and cheers in the field.

I saw that the unruly jade lion was actually tied up by a bridle by someone. Although it was still raising its hooves and neighing violently, it was firmly controlled in a corner of the field.

The horse trainer was a tall young general with a curly beard and a broad face. He was a figure in the Northern Frontier Army.

Xiao Lingjun's eyes narrowed slightly, and the smile on the corner of his lips faded a little.

Almost at the same time, the sound of horse hooves came from the other side.

A group of people were seen approaching slowly. The man in the lead was Xiao Wangqing, dressed in a dark riding uniform, with an upright figure and a stern face.

Behind him followed several personal followers who were also wearing Northern Frontier military uniforms, all with solemn expressions.

Xiao Wangqing reined in his horse and jumped off. The movement seemed to affect something in his body. His brows furrowed for a moment, then returned to normal and he walked steadily towards the direction where Xiao Lingjun was.

"Royal brother." He walked to the front of the stands and bowed.

Xiao Lingjun put down his teacup, a gentle smile on his lips as he scrutinized him, "Third brother is here. The wind and sand in the northern border are wearing on me. I should be resting well in Beijing. Why are you here at the horse ranch to join in the fun?"

"I heard there are some good horses from foreign countries, so I came to take a look." Xiao Wangqing spoke concisely. His eyes swept across Xiao Lingjun, and briefly paused on Shen Zhiwei and Shen Anyu beside him. He nodded slightly as a greeting, and his expression relaxed slightly when he saw Anyu.

"Second Miss Shen."

“Third, Third Prince…” Shen Anyu was caught off guard by being called, his shoulders trembled, and he subconsciously shrank towards Shen Zhiwei.

Xiao Lingjun seemed unaware and smiled, pointing to the empty seat beside him. "Since you're here, sit down and rest. It'll take some time to train the horses, and there will be something exciting to watch later."

Xiao Wangqing did not refuse and sat down at a slightly farther position as instructed.

The atmosphere was a little subtle for a moment.

Xiao Lingjun seemed oblivious to this. He picked up the jade pot again and personally refilled Shen Zhiwei's empty teacup. His voice was gentle, "This snow bud becomes astringent when it's cold. You have to drink it while it's hot."

Shen Zhiwei nodded, picked up the teacup and took a sip.

At this time, the Northern Frontier general in the field finally tamed the jade lion. Although the white horse still shook its head and breathed from time to time, it was willing to be led and walked slowly, and cheers rang out all around.

Xiao Lingjun clapped his hands and smiled, "Excellent! The soldiers of the Northern Frontier are indeed brave. Reward!"

Immediately, a eunuch came over with the reward.

The general thanked him, but his eyes looked towards the stands, lingering on Xiao Wangqing. After receiving an almost imperceptible nod from the latter, he withdrew.

"Your Majesty, there are also many talented people under your command." Xiao Wangqing, who had been silent all this time, spoke.

Xiao Lingjun looked up at him, his smile warm, "Talented men emerge in every generation. Third brother has been training in the Northern Frontier for many years, and has many brave generals under his command. He is the pillar of the country."

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince spoke in a sincere tone.

"The warrior who just tamed the jade lion looks like a tiger general."

Xiao Wangqing's eyes met his for a moment, then looked away again, saying calmly, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am a rough and uncouth warrior, not as well-trained as the Eastern Palace guards."

The two of them exchanged polite words, but the atmosphere became inexplicably colder.

The excitement in the field continued. The young men started horse racing. The horses' hooves splashed the fine dirt on the grass, and the cheers became louder and louder.

Xiao Lingjun looked away for a moment, then turned his head to look at Shen Zhiwei. He lowered his voice, his warm breath brushing against her ear: "It's noisy here, would you mind taking a walk over there? There are some docile ponies there, and An Yu just wanted to see them."

Shen Zhiwei raised her eyes and met his smiling eyes.

Something was wrong, but before she could think about it, the delicate tail had slipped away like a fish.

Shen Anyu, who was standing by, was already jumping for joy: "Really? Prince, take me there quickly!"

Xiao Lingjun smiled and rubbed the top of her head: "Of course it's true."

He stood up and extended his hand towards Shen Zhiwei.

His hands were long and clean, with distinct knuckles, and his palms facing upwards, an inviting gesture. The sunlight fell on his palms, revealing the distinct lines.

The surrounding noise seemed to fade away at this moment.

Shen Zhiwei looked at that hand, and for a moment he was in a trance. In the past ten years, he had reached out to her countless times, sometimes to support her, sometimes to guide her, and sometimes when she was seriously ill and weak, he would hold her cold hand tightly in his palm to warm it.

At this moment, in full view of the public, his attitude was frank and his reasons were sufficient.

She was silent for a moment, and finally placed her hand gently in his palm.

His fingertips immediately closed, holding her slightly cold hand firmly. The strength was neither too light nor too heavy, but the temperature of their palms touching was quite high.

He helped her stand up and said to the old clan member beside him with a smile: "Uncle, please sit down for a moment. I will take them to see the foal. I will be back soon."

The old clan member quickly responded with a smile.

Xiao Lingjun held Shen Zhiwei's hand with one hand, and supported the bouncing Shen Anyu with the other hand, walked down the stands, and headed towards a secluded grass slope surrounded by a low fence at the edge of the racecourse.

There were several small foals with bright fur and petite bodies parked there, leisurely nibbling on the grass with their heads down.

Their departure did not attract much attention. Only Xiao Wangqing's gaze followed them for a moment, then turned back to the field.

Walking out of the bustling center, the sounds around me suddenly became much quieter. The grassy slope was slightly higher, and a gentle breeze blew across it, bringing the fresh scent of green grass and wildflowers.

Shen Anyu cheered and ran towards the foals, and the servants hurried to follow and take care of them.

Xiao Lingjun did not let go of Shen Zhiwei's hand, but took her a few steps to the side and stopped under an old tree with lush branches and leaves.

The shade of the trees was dense, just enough to half-hide their figures. They could see An Yu laughing not far away, while being away from the sight of others.

He still held her hand, stroking her slender wrist with his fingertips, his eyes cast towards the rolling hills in the distance, his face a little blurry in the mottled light and shadow.

"The view here is more open than it looks from below."

Shen Zhiwei didn't say anything. She could feel the temperature of his palm getting higher and higher. He rubbed her with a little more force, but restrained himself and stayed at a level that didn't hurt her.

silence.

"Ah Wei," Xiao Lingjun suddenly turned his head to look at her, his eyes reflecting tiny glints of light, his lips curved, "Did you have fun today?"

Shen Zhiwei raised her eyes to meet his gaze and nodded: “The horse farm is bustling and the scenery is beautiful. Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness.”

"As long as you're happy," he said in a hoarse voice. "You're always too quiet. It's not good to stay cooped up in the house. You should go out more often."

Shen Zhiwei tried to withdraw her hand without leaving a trace, but his fingertips suddenly closed and held her tighter.

"Your Highness?" She frowned slightly.

Xiao Lingjun finally turned his head slowly.

The shadows of the trees swayed on his face, and his eyes, which always contained the warmth of spring breeze, were now as deep as a bottomless cold pool.

His eyes were fixed on her, and something inside was shattering. The bright and gentle appearance of the crown prince was peeling off inch by inch, revealing the oppressive and thick darkness inside.

"Awei, look at me."

Shen Zhiwei's heartbeat inexplicably skipped a beat.

At this moment, Xiao Lingjun was like a trapped beast forced into a desperate situation, his elegant fur was torn apart, revealing the bloody fangs inside.

"Your Highness, you..."

"what do you like?"

…

"Awei, what do you want... Love? Power? Status? Even this kingdom..."

"I'll put everything before you. I can do it... I'll give you my life too..."

"Don't choose him."