Chapter 46 Do you still like him?

The impact of that night on Huiyi was so strong that for three consecutive days, Lin Lanting was refused entry by Huiyi, making it even more impossible for him to sleep in her bed.

It wasn't just anger, but also an unspeakable shame.

That Lin Er is shameless! He tricked her into touching his filthy thing, and what's worse, he lingered for so long!

Her hands were all scraped and it hurt for two days after applying the medicine.

Now, whenever she sees Lin Er, she recalls the hot breath he exhaled on her neck that night, and the hands and feet that clung to her tightly.

Of course, the most terrifying thing was the filthy thing that kept weaving between her thumb and forefinger.

It was so hot it was terrifying, as if it would melt at any moment.

It did indeed melt.

Huiyi still can't get over the memory of her hands being covered in filth at the end.

They still say it's not something dirty!

However, the devil is always one step ahead. Despite Huiyi's attempts to drive him away, Lin Lanting still managed to come up with a clever idea.

They didn't hesitate to climb onto the roof, remove the tiles from Huiyi's head, and then make all sorts of ghostly noises at Huiyi, who was just getting sleepy.

Having heard many strange tales from mountain villages since childhood, Huiyi was initially tricked by Lin Er and was so frightened that she couldn't sleep at all. She hid under the covers and called for Yu Niang and the others.

Finally, someone outside shouted "Stop thief!" and the "ghost" on the roof was discovered.

It was Lin Er who was playing tricks.

Even when caught red-handed, he wasn't afraid; he just jumped off the roof with a grin, becoming a prisoner who surrendered without resistance.

For Lin Lanting, being brought in to be questioned was better than being constantly turned away.

He found that this trick worked quite well, and the side effects were negligible. In the following days, he used the same trick again, showing his face on the roof and smiling at Huiyi inside the house.

After several attempts, Huiyi admitted defeat and let the scoundrel in.

However, to prevent him from teasing her hands again, Huiyi forbade him to sleep in bed. Even when Lin Er complained of being cold, Huiyi simply had someone make a makeshift bed for him on the floor.

But this shameless fellow couldn't resist. He secretly climbed up while she was sound asleep in the middle of the night, and when Huiyi woke up the next day, she was met with Lin Er's blatant face.

Although he's quite handsome, he's still frightening.

Early in the morning, a shoving and fighting session was inevitable.

But more often than not, Lin Er would get up early, leaving half of the bed still warm, arrogantly proclaiming his presence from the previous night.

This infuriated Huiyi.

After a few chaotic days, the autumn hunt arrived, and new things took over Huiyi's field of vision. She stopped competing with Lin Er.

On September 27th, Emperor Yongxi led his relatives, officials, and civil and military officials to the Qishan hunting grounds.

The autumn hunt will last for three days, with hunting and recreation during the day and feasting and roasting meat at night, before returning home in high spirits.

Huiyi was interested in it, not only because it allowed her to get some fresh air, but also because she was good at riding and archery and could enjoy the pleasure of hunting.

While they might not hunt bears or tigers, they could still catch plenty of pheasants, rabbits, wild boars, and other game. Enjoying the game they had hunted at night made for a wonderful life.

Huiyi got up very early, combed her hair into neat double buns, and kept all her hair ornaments simple, wearing only two precious hairpins and a kingfisher feather phoenix hairpin.

She changed her skirt into a bright red Hu-style dress, embroidered with seven-colored phoenixes and surrounded by large gold peony patterns, which was magnificent and dazzling in the sunlight.

She wore deerskin boots, a belt around her waist, and carried small items such as a sachet and a dagger.

This was the most fashionable riding and archery outfit for women in Chang'an. They wore men's clothing or Hu clothing, but styled their hair in a woman's bun. Far from looking out of place, it was novel and fashionable.

Ultimately, this trend was started by Huiyi two years ago.

When Huiyi was fifteen, she went on an autumn hunt in Qishan with her parents. Looking at her Hu clothing and her hair tied up high like a young man's, she felt that something was missing.

On a whim, she changed her hairstyle into a pretty female bun, a departure from the previous style.

Her status as a princess of the imperial family, coupled with her outstanding beauty, and her unique style of dress, inspired many young women in Chang'an to imitate her, creating a trend for a time.

Although there are now countless women dressed like this, Huiyi is always the first, and every time she appears, she still attracts everyone's attention.

Biqing helped the princess put on her wristbands and, while tidying her clothes, said with a smile, "Even if many young ladies in Chang'an try to imitate the princess, our princess is the most dazzling one."

"Yes, yes, you can learn how to dress up, but looks are innate. Our princess is the most beautiful young lady in all of Chang'an!"

Yu Niang smiled kindly to the side, her words full of pride in her own princess.

Huiyi wasn't exactly a humble person at heart, especially after suffering so much hardship when she first arrived in Chang'an. She knew that there were many times when she needed to put on airs and act grand.

If she belittles herself, she will only be looked down upon more, and people will secretly mock her for growing up in the countryside and being uncouth.

So, she smiled confidently and said lightly, "Of course, who do you think I am!"

Lin Lanting sat cross-legged on the couch to one side, watching from the time he had been washing up until now.

Upon hearing Huiyi's rather narcissistic remark, Lin Lanting shifted her gaze from the waist tightly bound by the man's belt, clearly amused, and teased, "I didn't realize the princess was so narcissistic."

Huiyi glanced quickly at Lin Er out of the corner of her eye and sneered, "What, can't I?"

Since that night, Huiyi didn't even want to look at Lin Er, because whenever she met his dark eyes, she would uncontrollably recall fragmented memories.

Lin Lanting noticed this detail, and his smile deepened.

It was the perfect time to flatter and fawn, so Lin Lanting naturally wouldn't spoil the mood, and spoke flattering words with a smile on his face.

"Yes, Princess, you are a beauty of unparalleled grace, so you should think so."

These words sounded so nice that even if Huiyi wanted to find fault with him, she couldn't. She could only awkwardly say, "You're smart to know your place."

"How is it? Does it look good?"

Once her hair and clothes were all arranged, Huiyi turned around and asked Yu Niang and the others in a light tone.

This is probably the question every young woman asks when she puts on a beautiful new dress, and Huiyi was no exception.

Yu Niang and the others were about to offer their praise when someone beat them to it.

"Plump but not greasy, slender but not skinny, the princess has a beautiful figure that no one can match, so she looks the most beautiful in anything she wears."

To be honest, Huiyi had lost count of how many times she had been flattered, and she was almost tired of hearing it, but she really couldn't stand Lin Er's words.

The main difference is between people.

It was truly bizarre for Lin Er to say such a thing.

With a puzzled expression, Huiyi said coldly with a stern face, "Who asked you?"

"And what kind of description is that? Do you think I'm pork?"

The more Huiyi thought about it, the more she felt that Lin Er meant it, and she said angrily.

Who would use such words to describe someone? Typical soldier!

Lin Lanting was taken aback by the scolding, but gradually realized that those words were inappropriate.

But looking at the full yet slender body in front of him, these were the first words that came to his mind, and he quickly uttered these compliments.

"It was my fault."

Without further ado, Lin Lanting cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and chose the most pragmatic approach.

Admit your mistake directly.

This was undoubtedly the most effective method. After receiving the apology, Huiyi didn't pursue the matter further and turned away angrily, ignoring him completely.

With her beloved Fuxue and Golden Feather Bow in tow, Huiyi rode in the Yanzhai chariot and headed towards Qishan in a grand procession.

Qishan is located in the northwest of Chang'an. It is a high peak on Leyouyuan, a highland in Chang'an. It has the royal hunting ground and Qinglong Temple. Whether it is spring outing or autumn climbing, it is a place that Chang'an people often visit.

In late autumn each year, it becomes the site for the royal autumn hunt.

The entire mountainside is a hunting ground. Although the vegetation is sparse in autumn, the prey is plump and ripe, making it a good time for a harvest.

Huiyi arrived a little late, but no one dared to say anything; they simply watched as the family enjoyed themselves immensely.

"Our rhinoceros looks really smart; he's sure to have a great start today!"

"Erlang, you and my rhinoceros servant look very well-matched!"

Huiyi rolled her eyes inwardly, gave a soft snort, and remained silent, too lazy to bother with his thoughts.

She was dressed in red, and Lin Er followed suit, their thoughts practically written all over their faces.

She wanted to say it in the morning, but she was afraid that if she pointed it out, he would take advantage of her kindness.

Tents were pitched in the mountains and forests, including Huiyi's.

Unfortunately, this year she can only share a tent with Lin Er.

Seeing the only bed in the tent, Huiyi became even more troubled.

On the contrary, Lin Lanting smiled and lay down on the bed first, sighing, "This bed is not soft enough and doesn't smell good. It's far inferior to our bed."

Huiyi didn't like hearing that and retorted, "What do you mean 'ours'? That's my bed!"

It wasn't time to go hunting in the forest yet, so Huiyi decided to rest for a while before going to find her older sisters and brothers to go hunting together.

This has always been the case.

However, after glancing at Lin Er leisurely munching on a pear beside her, Huiyi felt that this year might not be peaceful.

The maidservant brought over the cakes and pastries from her parents' side. Huiyi ate one or two pieces, and the rest were swallowed up by Lin Er's gaping maw.

Just as Huiyi was busy with these pastries and Lin Er, Biqing said that someone was coming from outside.

Huiyi thought it was her elder sister, but to her surprise, it was Li Xiuyun.

Although Huiyi was surprised, she still invited the person in.

She wanted to see what tricks her cousin was up to.

To everyone's surprise, as soon as she entered, Li Xiuyun adopted a humble attitude and apologized to her, pleading for her forgiveness for all her past mistakes.

Huiyi was not prepared for this at first, and it took her a long time to process what she had heard. It was only when Lin Er squeezed her hand that Huiyi realized what she had heard.

"Does my cousin know she was wrong?"

Huiyi tilted her head and asked her, though she didn't quite believe it.

Li Xiuyun is incredibly jealous of her. Over the past five years, she has made one underhanded move after another, and even after being wronged and punished, she still can't control herself next time.

Just like that polo match, they risked so much to try and sabotage her.

Now, they've come to admit their mistake without saying a word.

This is really strange.

Because she didn't believe it, no matter how much Li Xiuyun said, Huiyi remained cold-faced. Finally, after everyone had finished speaking, she dismissed the guest in a detached tone.

When she left, it was clear that Li Xiuyun looked embarrassed and awkward because she hadn't achieved the desired effect, but so what?

Something unusual must be going on. Huiyi felt that there was something behind this, but she couldn't figure out the reason for it.

Seeing Huiyi's furrowed brows, Lin Lanting said with a smile, "What's there to worry about? Isn't it something to be happy about when someone you dislike bows down to you?"

Huiyi straightened up and realized that Lin Er hadn't let go after pinching her, but she hadn't noticed because her attention was drawn to Li Xiuyun.

In short, Lin Er held her hand for quite a while.

"let go!"

He pulled his hand out and even kicked Lin Er, leaving a noticeable gray footprint on his bright red robe.

Huiyi wanted to laugh, but she tried her best to hold it in.

"What do you know? Something's definitely up when things are not going well. Li Xiuyun is definitely up to something bad, and it's not a small one."

Lin Lanting was somewhat confused and humbly asked, "She is a county princess, and you are a princess. Since she has offended you, shouldn't she apologize to you?"

Huiyi snorted coldly, her past unpleasant memories stirred up, and she started rambling on and on.

"Li Xiuyun isn't exactly an honest and well-behaved person. I was disgusted by her quite a bit during the first few years after I returned to Chang'an..."

Because these were all experiences she had personally gone through back then, Huiyi had them etched in her heart, and she could talk about them endlessly.

Huiyi casually picked out a few memorable incidents to recount, including sarcasm, teasing, pranks, and various subtle jests.

For example, Li Xiuyun and the other women isolated her, tricked her into going to retrieve a kite and injured her leg, causing her to fall into the water, and even though they knew she was afraid of insects, they secretly put insects on her clothes to scare her.

Huiyi spoke earnestly, unaware of Lin Lanting's increasingly somber expression.

"...So, Li Xiuyun isn't some kind-hearted person who suddenly realizes the truth. She must be up to something. I'm not falling for her tricks. I'll just ignore her nonsense!"

After speaking with righteous indignation, Huiyi noticed that Lin Er was unusually quiet. She looked over and met Lin Er's angry eyes.

Huiyi was stunned, and then he asked, "...How come I've never heard of these things before?"

Huiyi sneered and snorted, "You've never heard of me? Back then, you were either playing around with some spoiled brats, fighting cocks and dogs, or you were going to war with your uncle. You wouldn't know me at all. It's good enough if you don't cause me any trouble!"

Huiyi vaguely remembered that she first met Lin Lanting on the Lantern Festival when she was fourteen years old. She and her third brother sneaked out of the palace to play and took a fancy to a Kunlun slave mask, but Lin Ershou snatched it away.

Lin Er was also annoying back then. He not only bought the mask she wanted first, but also wore it and swaggered at her.

Huiyi remembered this Lin family's second son from that time, and she never gave him a friendly look whenever she saw him.

Unexpectedly, the other party was also a troublemaker. Not only did he not kneel down and beg for mercy, but he also secretly opposed her, and the two had an unpleasant relationship for three or four years.

Even now, things aren't entirely harmonious, but it's a different kind of disharmony altogether.

Hearing Huiyi's words, Lin Lanting remained silent for a few moments, offering no rebuttal, only replying that he understood.

At that time, Huiyi had no idea what Lin Er was planning, and was only pleased that he was doing his duty.

Around noon, the two of them tidied up a bit and went over to the banquet that their parents had prepared.

The parents' tent was very large, just like a court, with countless seats.

Huiyi saw many familiar faces.

There were also those who disliked it, such as the Xie family.

When Huiyi saw Xie Yun, she was furious at his staring intently at her elder sister.

They wished they could gouge Xie Yun's eyes out.

Even after they sat down, Huiyi kept her eyes on the Xie family, which caused Lin Lanting's expression to darken.

Because Xie Yun was not the only one seated in the Xie family, but also Xie Xi, whom he had once disdained to pay attention to.

Things are different now; he cares.

In particular, when he saw Xie Xi's gaze also seemingly glancing over and lightly landing on his wife, Lin Lanting felt a little breathless.

Unable to bear it any longer, he asked, "You still like him?"

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Author's Note: Updated! Updated! [heart emoji]

I really want to write full-time, but it's so difficult [crying emoji]