Dongdi
The carriage creaked and groaned as it slowly came to a stop in front of the Hunting Garden Palace.
Before Yan Shu even got out of the car, she could hear a lively commotion outside. Ling Yuan jumped down nimbly first, then turned around and reached out to help her. Yan Shu took his hand and slowly got down, her deerskin boots leaving a shallow dent in the thick snow.
The viewing platform had been set up in advance, in a well-chosen location that offered both shelter from the wind and a good view. The cushions were thick, and as soon as I sat down, a maid handed me a hand warmer with freshly replaced charcoal, the warmth instantly spreading from my palms.
"Are you cold?" Ling Yuan sat down beside her.
Yan Shu shook her head, her eyes already captivated by the scene before her. In the distance, the snow-covered forest stretched out in a vast expanse of white, while nearby, banners fluttered in the breeze. The imperial relatives, nobles, and civil and military officials were all dressed in hunting attire and furs, their breaths creating a cloud of white mist. This spectacle was even more magnificent than described in historical records.
The horns blared, signaling the official start of the winter hunting ceremony. The emperor, clad in military attire, stood on the platform and delivered a few words to boost morale, followed by the elaborate flag-raising ceremony. Yan Shu watched the steps performed according to ancient rites, her heart pounding faster—it was almost exactly the same as what she had seen in illustrations of ancient books before. The immersive experience made her fingertips tremble slightly with excitement.
Ling Yuan turned her head and asked in a low voice, "Do you understand it?"
Yan Shu honestly shook her head.
Ling Yuan pointed to the arena and explained to her in a low voice, "See that person holding the offerings? That's someone from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices... Now, the royal elite are coming up, and they're in a snow hunting formation..."
He spoke clearly and logically, and Yan Shu listened intently, nodding slightly from time to time.
After the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere became lively. Crown Prince Xuan Shuo, accompanied by several young members of the imperial clan, strode over, his sharp hunting attire making him look quite dashing: "Uncle! As usual, we're a team. With you here, this year's first prize is ours again!"
In previous years, Lingyuan was indeed the mainstay of the Crown Prince's side during the winter hunt.
Ling Yuan stood up and said to the Crown Prince, "I appreciate your kindness, Your Highness. However, your aunt is unwell, and I will stay here to accompany her. I will not participate in the competition this year."
Xuan Shuo glanced at Yan Shu's belly and said, "It's time to stay with my royal aunt. I'll go first, and if I get good luck later, I'll definitely send it to my royal uncle and aunt!" After saying that, he led his men away in a hurry.
Ling Yuan sat down again and looked at Yan Shu: "We can't watch the hunt, but there's an archery range over there. Want to check it out? You can try your hand at it."
Yan Shuzheng, who was feeling a bit bored, immediately nodded: "Okay."
The archery range was set up in a sheltered spot, with several targets set up. Quite a few people were already playing there, cheers rising and falling. Ling Yuan escorted Yan Shu and walked slowly over. Before they even got close, they saw a familiar face.
Xuan Gui and Yu Xue'er stood very close. Xuan Gui had just withdrawn his hand from the girl's bow, and both of their faces were flushed. Upon seeing them, Xuan Gui abruptly straightened up as if burned, while Yu Xue'er hurriedly took a step back, bowing in unison: "Royal Uncle, Royal Aunt." "Greetings, Prince Duan, Princess Duan."
Yan Shu couldn't help but smile as she looked at the inexplicable intimacy between the two.
Ling Yuan remained calm and nodded, "No need for formalities." He glanced at the bow rack beside him and said to Yan Shu, "Want to try? Use that light horn bow; you don't need to exert any force, just have some fun."
Yan Shu had tried archery a few times in modern times, so she nodded. Ling Yuan personally picked out the lightest bow and a few arrows, handing them to her.
She stood still, mimicking the others, and nocked an arrow. Being pregnant, she dared not exert force; the arrow flew limply, landing on the outermost edge of the target.
Xuan Gui immediately clapped his hands in praise: "Your Majesty, what excellent archery skills!"
Yu Xue'er also said softly, "The Princess's first attempt at shooting was already very accurate."
Yan Shu herself found it funny.
Ling Yuan walked behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and placed his large hand over hers as she held the bow. His deep voice brushed past her ear: "Lower your wrist a little more, relax your shoulder... Yes, just like that."
He guided her hand and slowly drew back the bowstring. "Whoosh—"
The arrow struck the bullseye just below it.
"Ah!" Yan Shu exclaimed softly, turning to look at Ling Yuan with bright, sparkling eyes.
Ling Yuan smiled slightly and released his hand: "It's acceptable."
Xuan Gui and Miss Yu watched from the sidelines, their eyes filled with envy. The four of them then stayed at the archery range. Xuan Gui was eager to show off, hitting every arrow without fail, which captivated Miss Yu. Under Ling Yuan's guidance, Yan Shu tried several more times, getting closer and closer to the bullseye each time, playing with great enthusiasm.
As evening fell, a bonfire was lit in the open space, and the dinner began. The aroma of roasted meat filled the air, and the song and dance performances were lively and exciting.
Ling Yuan sat with Yan Shu at the table, cutting the roasted venison into small pieces and placing them on the plate in front of her. Halfway through the banquet, Empress Cui Yunya walked straight to Yan Shu's table.
"Sister," the Empress said affectionately, her gaze fixed on Yan Shu's abdomen with concern, "you look quite well. The hunting grounds were windy; could you handle it? If you feel unwell, be sure to summon the imperial physician immediately. Don't try to tough it out." She then looked at Ling Yuan, "Prince Duan, you must take good care of Shu'er; she's pregnant now."
These words were considerate and thoughtful, showing her to be a caring older sister, a stark contrast to the Empress she once was in the Phoenix Palace.
Yan Shu was wary inside, but smiled on the surface: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well, and the Prince has taken very good care of me."
The Empress held her hand again and said some words of advice, such as to take care of herself and rest well during her pregnancy, before leaving, as if she really had only come to care for her younger sister.
Yan Shu watched her departing figure, her heart pounding with tension.
A moment later, Xuan Gui staggered over, carrying a wine cup; he had clearly drunk quite a bit. He plopped down next to Ling Yuan, let out a burp, and asked with a troubled expression, "Uncle, I...I have something I'd like to ask you."
Ling Yuan glanced at him: "Speak."
Xuan Gui scratched his head, his face turning even redder: "You... how did you propose to my aunt back then? Did you directly ask my father to grant you a marriage, or... did you talk to him first?" As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Yu Xue'er not far away.
Yan Shu was holding a teacup when she heard this and almost choked. She quickly covered her lips with her sleeve, barely suppressing her laughter. Thinking back to how her marriage with Ling Yuan had started entirely as a political alliance, and seeing Ling Yuan now looking so serious as if he were giving advice, she couldn't help but laugh.
Ling Yuan paused, his hand holding the wine glass, his expression unreadable. After a moment of silence, he actually began to offer advice: "Requesting an imperial decree for a marriage would be simpler, but it wouldn't seem solemn enough, and it might not suit the woman's wishes."
Xuan Gui's eyes lit up, and he leaned closer: "So, what does Imperial Uncle mean?"
"Since you two are mutually in love," Lingyuan said, "you should first inform your elders. If they agree, then prepare the six traditional gifts and formally visit them to propose marriage, to show your sincerity."
Yan Shu listened from the side, secretly amused. Her own husband had always been oblivious to matters of love and sex, and in the early days of their marriage, he was as cold as ice. Now, however, he was teaching his nephew how to "formally propose marriage."
Xuan Gui nodded repeatedly, as if he had found a treasure: "Uncle is right! We should be serious! We can't be rude to him!" As if he had solved a huge problem, he happily toasted Ling Yuan again before swaying away.
After he walked away, Yan Shu finally couldn't help but turn to the side and chuckle softly.
Ling Yuan turned to look at her: "What are you laughing at?"
Yan Shu raised her eyes, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, "I laugh at Your Highness... you yourself got married in a muddle, and now you're acting as Xuan Gui's teacher..."
Ling Yuan wasn't annoyed by her teasing; he simply reached out and gently tapped her nose, his eyes full of laughter.
He cut another piece of tender rabbit meat and placed it on her plate, saying in a low voice, "Eat more, we'll be back soon." Yan Shu smiled and nodded.
The winter hunt was to last for several days, and they were to be settled in the hunting grounds that evening. Yan Shu, being pregnant, was exhausted after a long day of travel, and her spirits were low even before the banquet was over. Ling Yuan noticed her fatigue and immediately stood up, signaling to the Emperor, before helping her leave the table first.
Back in the tent, the charcoal fire was burning brightly, its warmth enveloping them. With the help of her maids, Yan Shu removed her hairpins and changed into light nightgown, falling asleep almost instantly upon hitting the pillow.
She slept soundly that night, only waking up slowly at dawn. The tent was quiet, save for the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire. Just as she sat up, Chun Tao, who was guarding the outer room, entered upon hearing the noise.
"Your Highness is awake? His Highness was summoned by the Crown Prince early this morning to discuss today's hunting route," Chun Tao reported while helping her with her washing and dressing.
Yan Shu nodded. Just as she finished her breakfast, the Crown Prince's voice came from outside the tent.
"Uncle, you must come with us today!" The Crown Prince's voice was tinged with laughter. "Yesterday, without you, our team didn't even catch a decent fox, and we were laughed at by the other families."
Yan Shu put down her teacup and looked at Ling Yuan, who had just entered through the curtain. He was dressed in riding attire today, which made him appear even more upright.
"Your Highness, please go ahead," Yan Shu said softly. "I'll rest in my tent, or perhaps sit on the viewing platform. It won't be a problem."
Ling Yuan said, "But...you're all alone..."
"How could you be alone?" Yan Shu interrupted him with a smile. "Chun Tao and so many maids are here. Besides," she glanced outside the tent, "isn't Miss Yu here too? It would be good to have her come and keep me company."
Ling Yuan's gaze lingered on Yan Shu's face for a moment. Seeing that she appeared calm, he said, "Ling Ying will have his personal guards stand watch outside the tent. If there is any discomfort, send someone to report immediately."
"I understand." Yan Shu replied with a smile, watching him stride away with the Crown Prince.
Before long, Yu Xue'er arrived. Today she was wearing a pale yellow jacket, which made her small face look even more delicate.
"This humble woman greets Your Highness." Yu Xue'er bowed respectfully.
"Please get up and sit down." Yan Shu gestured for her to sit beside her. "You don't need to stand on ceremony here."
Miss Yu was still a little nervous, her hands placed neatly on her knees. Yan Shu had Chun Tao serve tea and snacks, and chatted with her casually.
"What does Miss Yu usually like to do?"
"Your Highness, I... usually read books at home, occasionally practice calligraphy, and have also learned some riding and archery from my father."
"No wonder your archery posture was so perfect yesterday," Yan Shu said with a smile.
Yu Xue'er blushed: "Your Highness flatters me. I only have a superficial understanding."
As the two were talking, a commotion suddenly arose outside the tent. Yan Shu sent Chun Tao to see what was going on.
Chun Tao returned and reported, "The hunting party has returned. I heard that His Highness shot a white fox with an arrow, and His Highness the Crown Prince is very happy. He is having the game sent to His Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Yan Shu's lips unconsciously curled up. She knew that Ling Yuan's actions would be exceptional.
Yu Xue'er said, "His Highness Prince Duan is truly remarkable."
About an hour later, the hunting party returned one after another. Yan Shu heard Ling Yuan's voice coming from outside the tent, as if he was instructing Ling Ying on something.
Just as she was about to send Chun Tao out to check, the curtain was lifted and Ling Yuan strode in. There were still some snowflakes on his shoulders, and a few specks of mud could be vaguely seen on his riding clothes.
"You're back?" Yan Shu greeted her with a smile.
Lingyuan took off his cloak and handed it to Chuntao, then walked to her side: "Hmm. Did I disturb you?"
"No," Yan Shu shook her head, "I heard you hunted a white fox?"
Ling Yuan gave a faint "hmm": "The fur is alright, I'll have someone make you a collar later."
Upon seeing this, Yu Xue'er quickly stood up to take her leave. Yan Shu didn't linger, smiling and telling her to come back tomorrow.
Once only the two of them were left in the tent, Ling Yuan carefully examined Yan Shu: "How are you today? Is anything bothering you?"
"I'm fine," Yan Shu said, brushing the snowflakes off his shoulders. "Miss Yu kept me company for a while; time flew by."
Ling Yuan held her hand, feeling its warmth, and then felt relieved: "If you're bored tomorrow, have Ling Ying escort you to the viewing platform, just don't go too far."
Yan Shu leaned on his shoulder and softly hummed in agreement. The sound of wind and snow could be faintly heard outside the tent, but inside it was warm and cozy, with the crackling of charcoal fire mixed with the faint scent of pine wood emanating from Ling Yuan, making her feel exceptionally at ease.
At this moment, all matters of court intrigue and past and present lives seemed to temporarily fade away.
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