The Emperor said, “Rongzhi, I will not be going to the spring hunt this year. I will entrust the entire responsibility to you.”

Murong Zhi bowed and said, "Your subject obeys."

The Emperor waved his hand wearily and said, "Hmm, go and prepare."

Murong Zhi: "Yes."

After saying that, he got up and left.

Mu Mansion

Muya said excitedly, "Mother, I want to go hunting tomorrow too."

Sima Qingqing: "Okay, I understand. I've never seen you this enthusiastic in previous years."

Mu Ya tugged at Sima Qingqing's clothes and said coquettishly, "Mother..."

Seeing that she was embarrassed, Sima Qingqing stopped teasing her and said, "Alright, alright, Mother knows."

Sima Qingqing turned to Mu Qing and said, "Qing, you come too. Pack your things, and we'll set off together tomorrow."

"You're too young to go hunting. You can stay with your mother and we'll just stay in the camp and play."

Muya also came over and said, "Aqing, you stay in the camp with your mother and wait for your sister to bring back a big game for you."

Mu Qing: "..."

The next day, after making all the preparations, the group set off following the Crown Prince's entourage.

Civil officials and their families mostly traveled by carriage, while military officials mostly rode horses. Guards and servants from various households followed behind the carriages, forming a large and imposing procession that set off before dawn. Mu Qing felt a little sleepy, so she slept for a while longer in the carriage.

Qixia Mountain Hunting Ground

When the Crown Prince led his officials and their families to Qixia Mountain, it was already broad daylight.

The area for the spring hunt was pre-demarcated, divided into two parts. One part was a safe zone, guarded by imperial guards, where senior officials and their wives and children who accompanied them would gather and chat. The other part was the hunting ground, where the princes and military officers would hunt.

The group split into two groups: the families of the old ministers and ministers went to the safe zone, while the servants and maids who came with them set up tents and prepared food. Everyone worked in an orderly manner and soon everything was in place.

Mu Ya went into the tent and changed into riding attire—a black, close-fitting outfit. Her waist-length black hair was tied up in a high ponytail, a sword was at her waist, an arrow basket was slung across her back, and she held a bow in her right hand. She looked incredibly dashing. Her appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Sima Qingqing: "Ya'er, you..."

Muya: "Mother, I'm going hunting."

Sima Qingqing knew Mu Ya's skills, so she didn't stop her. She just said, "Go if you want to, but be careful."

Muya said, "Okay, Mother, thank you, Mother." Then she ran off happily.

Dressed in white, Mu Qing obediently followed Sima Qingqing, staying quietly and listening to the group of ladies chatting about everyday matters. She ate the food that Sima Qingqing occasionally handed her.

Sitting next to Sima Qingqing, Madam Wang asked, "Madam Mu, is this the second young master of the manor?"

Sima Qingqing: "That's right, he is Mu Qing, everyone can just call him Xiao Qing."

Lady Wang looked at him and exclaimed, "The second young master is so handsome!" This drew a chorus of agreement: "Yes, yes, he's really handsome!"

Mu Qing: "..."

Madam Wang: "Madam Mu is so blessed, her son and daughter are both so outstanding."

Sima Qingqing laughed heartily and said, "Madam Wang, you flatter me."

Sima Qingqing was very happy to hear the ladies around her praising their son and daughter. The group quickly started chatting.