Time flies, and seven years have passed since Xiao Xun ascended the throne and Xin Jiuwei was crowned empress.

Another golden autumn has arrived, with clear skies and vibrant colors painting the forests. At the Imperial Northern Hunting Grounds, banners flutter and drums and horns resound, signaling the start of the annual Autumn Hunt. This event is not only a test of military preparedness and a show of force, but also a warm and joyful occasion for the new dynasty's royal family and close ministers to enjoy family time together.

On the high platform in the hunting grounds, the emperor and empress sat side by side.

Xiao Xun was dressed in a black close-fitting outfit, with a bright yellow riding and archery uniform embroidered with golden dragons over it. His imperial majesty was even more pronounced between his brows. His sharp eyes swept over the neatly lined-up imperial guards and members of the imperial family below, exuding an imposing aura.

Xin Jiuwei, dressed in an apricot-yellow riding outfit embroidered with butterflies and flowers, and a silver fox fur cloak, exuded both dignity and heroism. Time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her, leaving only a deeper composure and wisdom in her eyes, and her regal bearing became increasingly gentle and powerful. Her gaze was mostly fixed on the "little hunting ground" specially set up for the children below the high platform.

There, seven-year-old Crown Prince Xiao Chengji, dressed in a miniature version of a bright yellow riding and archery uniform, his little face tense, tried hard to imitate his father's composure. Beneath him was a docile foal, led by two experienced guards on either side. Beside him was Xin Rui, the eldest son of Xin Yunzhou, also seven years old, with a chubby face.

Tiger Head, dressed in ochre-colored close-fitting clothes, rode a slightly more lively pony, his eyes filled with eager excitement, a stark contrast to Cheng Ji's composure.

Xin Kui, holding the hand of her five-year-old daughter Xin Yue, who was as pretty as a porcelain doll, stood by the field and gently instructed her, "Rui'er, protect His Highness the Crown Prince! Nannan, stay by your mother's side and watch, don't run around."

A little further away, Minister of Revenue Qi Huaihe was with his two children.

The six-year-old eldest son, Qi Mingxuan, dressed in a royal blue riding outfit, tried his best to straighten his little chest, showing a composure and demeanor similar to his father.

Meanwhile, four-year-old Qi Mingyue, dressed in a bright red riding outfit, looked like a little chili pepper and kept chattering around Xin Xiyao asking questions.

Xin Xiyao has recovered well after giving birth. Dressed in a light purple riding outfit, she looks even more gentle and graceful. She patiently answers her little niece's questions and looks tenderly at the children in the field who are eager to try.

Lin Jingshu, dressed in a neat crimson riding outfit, looked heroic and dashing. She was not only a "First-Rank Lady" but also the Empress's capable assistant in charity and women's education. She was chatting and laughing with several female members of the imperial family, her eyes occasionally glancing at the children in the room, full of love.

"Father, Mother, I am ready!" Xiao Chengji raised his small face, his voice clear but tinged with nervousness.

"Good!" Xiao Xun said loudly, his eyes full of encouragement. "Chengji, remember what I taught you: keep a steady grip on the reins, have accurate vision, be bold yet careful! Rui'er, protect the Crown Prince!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! Rest assured!" Xin Rui answered loudly, his small chest puffed out even more.

With a command from Xiao Xun, a symbolic bugle call was sounded.

The small hunting grounds had already been stocked with docile deer, rabbits, and other prey. With the assistance of his guards, Xiao Chengji carefully controlled the reins, striving to aim at a startled rabbit that darted past, and nocked his specially made small bow. Xin Rui, like a little bodyguard, spurred his horse closely behind Chengji, his eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings. Qi Mingxuan also rode up alongside, his movements slightly awkward, but his expression focused.

The children's clumsy archery and horsemanship drew bursts of good-natured laughter and encouraging applause from both the platform and the crowd. Xin Jiuwei looked at her son's focused little face, at Hu Tou's loyal and endearing demeanor, and at Ming Xuan's earnest and diligent efforts, her heart filled with warmth. She turned to Xiao Xun and whispered, "Rui'er is just like his older brother when he was little, his protectiveness towards Cheng Ji is exactly the same."

Xiao Xun's lips curled slightly as he glanced at Xin Kui, who was watching his son tenderly from the sidelines. "Xin Kui has taught him well. With them by Chengji's side, I feel very at ease." He paused, then looked at Xin Jiuwei, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Chengji's composure is just like yours. You're so young, yet you're already so thoughtful."

Xin Jiuwei glared at him playfully, but her heart was filled with sweetness. She looked towards the field and saw Cheng Ji finally shoot his arrow. Although it missed slightly, it startled the rabbit, making it dart away even faster. Xin Rui immediately cried out, "Your Highness, don't rush, watch me!" He deftly drew his bow and shot an arrow. The arrow whizzed out, missing its target, but still drawing cheers. Qi Mingxuan also mustered his courage and shot an arrow, which landed on the open ground, his little face immediately showing some disappointment.

"Xuan'er, it's alright, participation is what matters. Try harder next time," Qi Huaihe's steady voice came, reassuring her. Xin Xiyao also smiled and waved, "Mingyue, cheer for your brother!"

Little Mingyue immediately jumped up and shouted in her childish voice, "Go, brother! Go, Prince! Rui is the best!" Her clear voice echoed in the arena, easing the tension of the competition and adding warmth.

The "warm-up" at the small hunting grounds was over, and the real autumn hunt began. Xiao Xun personally led a team of elite imperial guards and the best of the imperial family into the vast royal forest. Xin Yunzhou, as the Duke of Zhenguo and the highest-ranking official in charge of the capital's defenses, naturally followed closely by the emperor, dressed in military attire, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's. Qi Huaihe, though a civil official, was also quite skilled in riding and archery, and he too changed into close-fitting clothes and rode alongside.

Xin Jiuwei, Xin Kui, Xin Xiyao, Lin Jingshu, and some other female members of the imperial family remained in a safer area, protected by guards. They either rode horses for a walk or rested in tents, enjoying roasted and stewed wild game made from freshly hunted game, chatting and reminiscing.

"Wei'er, look at Rui'er. Just now at the hunting grounds, he seemed to want to hunt all the prey for Chengji." Xin Kui looked at the entrance to the dense forest in the distance and said to Xin Jiuwei with a smile, her tone full of a mother's tenderness and a hint of helplessness.

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