In an instant, Mu Xiaoxiao felt a chill penetrate her heart. She nervously clutched the hem of her clothes, her breathing quickening.
With slightly reddened eyes, she looked at Nan Shiying, a hint of pleading in her gaze. Nan Shiying cleared her throat, grabbed Ji Jinmo's arm, and leaned into him. Her pretty face was like a Muyuan flower blooming in the moonlight. "Your Highness," she said, "this concubine wishes to take a stroll around."
Ji Jinmo's coldness instantly melted away. A rare, gentle smile touched his lips, which always seemed so taut, and his voice softened to an unbelievable degree. "Go, then. Don't wander too far."
Mu Xiaoxiao's mouth fell open, her shocked eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.
"Let's go!"
Nan Shiying shot Mu Xiaoxiao a look that said, "Hurry up and run!" Mu Xiaoxiao quickly bowed to Ji Jinmo and then turned to flee.
...
The two walked along the main path towards the outside.
In the winter mountain forest, there was little scenery to admire, only rows upon rows of closely packed, withered trees. Mu Xiaoxiao lowered her head, her toes kicking at pebbles as she walked quietly forward. After a short while, she suddenly looked up and asked, "Your Highness, do you know Feng Luan?"
Nan Shiying nearly choked on her own saliva. Thinking Mu Xiaoxiao had discovered something, she concealed her sudden nervousness and nodded with a smile. "Of course. Who hasn't heard of Feng Luan's great name?"
Mu Xiaoxiao waved her hand. "No, no. What this humble daughter means is... " Mu Xiaoxiao scratched her head, speaking with a touch of embarrassment. "Your Highness, are you acquainted with Feng Luan? Or perhaps related? You really bear a striking resemblance to Feng Luan!"
The smile on Nan Shiying's lips stiffened again. She lied with open eyes. "Though I have long heard of Feng Luan's fame, I have never had the chance to meet him. Oh, yes, I heard that during the flood in Yuzhou, the Princess and Feng Luan treated the victims together? I imagine the Princess must be very familiar with Feng Luan. If you have the opportunity, could you perhaps introduce us?"
Just having her name mentioned alongside Feng Luan's filled Mu Xiaoxiao with an uncontrollable surge of joy. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, and she nodded shyly, "If, if I can meet him."
Seeing Mu Xiaoxiao's demeanor, Nan Shiying's scalp prickled. She dared not linger any longer and, after a few more words, hurried back to the camp.
...
After about an hour of preparation, the various households had a simple lunch in their tents. In the afternoon, Ji Hong emerged from his tent.
The Jiyang Army and the Imperial Guards had already erected a large platform within the area enclosed by tents. Ji Hong's dragon throne was placed in the center, with chairs arranged on either side according to rank and official position.
Everyone took their seats in order.
Palace attendants brought wine. Ji Hong raised his goblet and addressed the assembly, "The weather is harsh, and I shall not say much. I only wish the talented individuals from all the households the very best in their endeavors."
"Toast to the Mountain God."
As he finished speaking, he drained his wine, and everyone else raised their cups and drank.
On the other side, palace attendants who had been ready for some time raised their hammers and smashed wine vats, spilling forth torrents of wine that poured into the earth.
The deafening crash of the wine vats hitting the ground signaled the official start of the winter hunt.
The young lords and ladies from each household mounted their horses, slung their bows and quivers full of arrows, and galloped away.
Ji Hong glanced at Nan Shiying, who was seated beside Ji Jinmo, and smiled. "I heard from Minister Nan that the Princess Consort has been confined to bed for years and has never participated in activities like hunting. Now, during the winter hunt, with only the released livestock and fowl in the forest, it is the safest time. If the Princess Consort is interested, you could let your servants accompany you for a ride."
Ji Jinmo raised his eyes, a cold glint within them. Nan Shiying placed her hand on Ji Jinmo's wrist, a smile on her lips, and rose to curtsy to Ji Hong. "This concubine thanks His Majesty for his kindness, but although this concubine's health has improved considerably, I am still unable to engage in such activities. While I truly wish to gallop with the wind, my body... alas, I only regret that my health does not permit it."
As she spoke, a look of sorrow crossed her face. If Ji Hong had not heard of her prowess from Zou Yun'er, he might have been deceived by her.
Her delicate posture, like a willow swaying in the wind, was performed masterfully.
"Your Highness, you are too kind. It is I who have caused the Princess Consort to feel such sorrow. Truly..." Ji Hong shook his head. While he spoke apologies, he shifted his focus to Ji Jinmo. "Uncle, since the Princess Consort cannot participate, would you care to join? If you win first place, then anything from the national treasury can be yours to choose from."
A collective gasp went through the crowd. They felt the surrounding wind grow even colder, so cold that even the nearby brazier could not warm the chill in their hearts.
What was the Emperor planning?
Would the Prince fall for such an obvious trap?
But the national treasury... they had heard that the Prince had long desired something from it.
This was no longer a conspiracy, but an open challenge.
Would the Prince accept?
Nan Shiying glanced at Ji Jinmo.
Ji Jinmo lowered his gaze slightly and patted Nan Shiying's hand on his wrist. Nan Shiying's expression froze, and she cursed him inwardly.
What was in the national treasury that was worth such a risk?
She couldn't help but glare at Ji Jinmo, wishing she could kick the smiling Ji Hong off his throne. This time, Ji Hong had become clever. He had even asked her first. Since she had refused, he couldn't go back on his word and embarrass himself. However... Nan Shiying let out a cold laugh, tightened her grip on Ji Jinmo's wrist, and looked up at Ji Hong. "Oh? There's a prize? If that's the case, this concubine might be interested."
So what if I go back on my word? I'm telling you directly, everything I just said was nonsense. What can you do about it?
Ji Hong frowned slightly but found himself not overly surprised, as if he were already accustomed to Nan Shiying's brazen behavior.
Recalling the events at the palace banquet, his brow twitched.
That's right. Why would he think she wouldn't go back on her word? Deceiving the Emperor? Would she fear that?
Thinking this, Ji Hong suddenly put down his wine cup. The cup landed on the table with a crisp sound, causing everyone's hearts to skip a beat. "What does the Princess Consort mean by that? Were your earlier words merely excuses to dismiss me? Hmph, does the Princess Consort know what crime that is?"