MTLNOVEL Chapter 39 - The Journey
Wanyun’s impression of the Mulan Autumn Hunt still lingered on the scenes from ‘My Fair Princess’, where Emperor Qianlong led his sons galloping across the grasslands. Hmm, seems like a subtle admission of age.
However, after spending years in the Qing Dynasty, she had gained a clearer understanding of the event. The term “Mulan” comes from the Manchu language and means “deer lookout,” while “autumn hunt” carries its literal meaning. In ancient times, hunting was named differently based on the seasons: “Xian” for autumn, “Sou” for spring, “Miao” for summer, and “Shou” for winter. Thus, “autumn hunt” naturally referred to hunting activities held in autumn.
Despite its apparent purpose as a hunting event, the Mulan Autumn Hunt was unique to the Qing dynasty and served more than just recreational aims for the imperial family. It held significant political functions, including strengthening military preparedness, pacifying the Mongols, stabilizing border regions, and reinforcing frontier defenses. Additionally, it acted as an important military review for Eight Banner troops.
On the route from the capital to the Mulan Hunting Grounds, Emperor Kangxi had established dozens of palaces of various sizes for resting along the way. The most significant and largest was the Rehe Palace (later renamed the Chengde Mountain Resort). This well-maintained road leading to Rehe was one reason the Crown Prince agreed to bring Wanyun along. Maintained annually by the Ministry of Works, the road was smooth and spacious, ensuring a comfortable journey without the hardships of camping or racing across hundreds of miles in haste.
When packing for the trip, there was no need to carry too many items since all daily necessities were provided at the palaces. They only needed to bring personal essentials, making it possible to travel light and happily anticipate the journey.
Wanyun had never even been to the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia in her previous life. She eagerly imagined the cattle, sheep, and grilled meat skewers awaiting her arrival.
The departure day greeted them with clear skies and rolling white clouds—a perfect and pleasant day for travel.
During Emperor Kangxi’s reign, the Crown Prince’s carriage was distinct from those of other princes. Although all princes were entitled to ride carriages with red wheels, the exterior decorations varied by rank, featuring shades of blue, green, or red. When the eunuchs respectfully led Wanyun to an enormous four-wheeled red carriage with a golden roof and curtains, she couldn’t help but marvel internally.
The grand carriage was rarely used by the Prince because of its size. It had been specially retrieved from storage, freshly polished and repainted, just for this journey. The vehicle was originally a Western-style carriage presented as tribute from Great Britain in the 24th year of Kangxi’s reign. Modified to include steering and shock absorbers, the interior featured a spacious cabin that accommodated a small couch and even a table.
As Qingxing helped Wanyun aboard, she was amazed by the space. It reminded her of a business-class seat on a high-speed train. Peach proudly puffed out her chest, explaining that such four-wheeled carriages were rare even in the palace, and most royal family members rode in two-wheeled ones. This luxurious carriage was an exclusive gift to the Crown Prince from the Emperor himself—comparable to finding a Lamborghini amid rows of Volkswagens and Toyotas.
It certainly drew attention!
Wanyun felt surrounded by envious, jealous stares as she boarded.
The Crown Prince only approached near departure. Hearing the sound of hooves, she lifted the carriage curtain and looked out. In the distance, under the setting sun, a seemingly endless procession of carriages and horses resembled a winding dragon. Suddenly, a lone rider emerged from the golden light, galloping toward her.
Dressed in a pale yellow robe adorned with dragon patterns, the Crown Prince rode a noble steed fitted with a gold saddle. The sunlight bathed his eyes in a shimmering gold hue. As he approached the carriage, he reined in his horse and gazed at her, his eyes now like a serene moonlit lake, brimming with gentle affection.
“A Wan,” he called softly, not dismounting but leaning down to caress her face. “Are you tired? Once the street ahead clears, we’ll leave the palace.”
Wanyun pressed her cheek against the Prince’s palm, which had turned red from holding the whip, and softly replied, “I’m not tired.”
“At the moment, I can’t stay with you. If you get tired, just lie down and rest. It’s about a two-hour ride, but if there’s something urgent, feel free to send someone to find me,” Yinreng instructed gently, then rode back to where Emperor Kangxi’s carriage was. Aside from attending to the emperor’s personal needs, he was also the one who reviewed official memorials daily.
Emperor Kangxi’s diligence was legendary, ranking high among emperors of all dynasties. Except for the memorial days of Empress Hesheri and a few days off during the New Year, he was always either dealing with state affairs or traveling to do so.
You see, even when he went hunting, he had a special carriage and personnel to bring him memorials for review!
Wanyun looked at the Crown Prince with deep sympathy.
Yinreng didn’t quite understand her gaze, but he gently tucked her loose hair behind her ear and said softly, “Once we pass Gubeikou, we’ll arrive at the Bakshiying Palace and the two-room palace. I’ll come to meet you then.”
Clearly, this oblivious workaholic was already accustomed to Emperor Kangxi’s 996 work schedule.
Yinreng indeed took it all in stride.
Since childhood, he had grown up amid piles of memorials. Sometimes, when Emperor Kangxi went outside to meet officials, he would leave Yinreng in the warm chamber to write the memorials swiftly. He even learned to imitate the emperor’s handwriting, developing a method with a steady hand and sharp strokes.
Wanyun, of course, knew this. It was no secret to anyone in the court. As she watched the Crown Prince gradually fade into the blinding sunlight, she sometimes found it quite ironic. Now, Kangxi trusted and loved the Crown Prince so deeply, but in the future, he would punish him for various strange and trivial matters. Kangxi himself had raised him as a towering figure, admired by the world, only to later break him down and let him fall into the mire.
Back then, the imperial edict for the Crown Prince’s establishment read: “We hereby announce to heaven and earth, to the ancestral temple and the state. On the 13th day of the 12th month in the 14th year of Kangxi, Yinreng was bestowed the imperial seal and established as the Crown Prince. He will be the leader of the Eastern Palace, bearing the weight of the everlasting reign, linking the hearts of all the lands.”
‘To bear the weight of the everlasting reign, to link the hearts of all the lands.’
Kangxi had indeed done so. He had, without precedent, established the Crown Prince’s authority among his sons. From the early years, he had allowed him to interact with scholars from the southern provinces and even foreign missionaries. By now, many of the Crown Prince’s staff at the Yuqing Palace were from Jiangnan, and his side consort and daughters were all from the Han military banners.
The position of Crown Prince was an institution specific to the Han Chinese, as the Manchu people had never practiced a formal system of succession under the “Eight Banners’ shared rule of the world.” Kangxi’s arrangement for the Crown Prince carried deep meaning.
The Crown Prince lived up to expectations, leaving a remarkable impression on both Han Chinese and foreigners. He gathered many Han officials around him, and it was said he could even speak a few words in the foreign languages with court missionaries like Xu Risheng.
But when the so-called “disposal of the Crown Prince” occurred, Kangxi began listing his alleged crimes, such as forming factions, scheming, and discussing state affairs recklessly. On one hand, he criticized the Crown Prince’s behavior as improper, unfilial, and ungrateful, while on the other hand, he muttered to his ministers, “Yinreng has a remarkable appearance, knowledge, and talents.”
It was truly contradictory, as though the same Kangxi who once used the Crown Prince to win over the Han people and stabilize the political situation, and who was willing to let the Crown Prince review memorials on his behalf, was not the same person.
Wanyun sat in the carriage, with Bitao spreading various dried fruits, honeyed snacks, tea, and jerky on the small table. She leaned back against the thick, embroidered cushion behind her and began cracking sunflower seeds, thinking to herself, ‘This move by Master Kang is just like the old saying—wanting the horse to run but not wanting it to eat the grass!’
However, Emperor Kangxi had already become one of the few rulers of the Qing Dynasty who excelled in both civil and military affairs, internal governance, foreign relations, and cultural character. Just think of what kind of mess he inherited from Emperor Shunzhi! No one is perfect, and perhaps he couldn’t have predicted that such things would happen in his later years.
As she ate, Bitao brought out her favorite “daily nuts,” took away the dish of seeds on the table, and said, “Gege, don’t eat so many sunflower seeds. Didn’t you say walnuts and cashews are better for you? I’ve brought those for you!”
“Only Bitao understands me,” Wanyun smiled as she took the nuts.
For this trip, Wanyun had actually prepared quite a few snacks. She had even baked some dried vegetables and fruits in the bread oven and secretly brought them along, hiding them deep so she wouldn’t dare take them out.
How pitiful! She knew that all the snacks she had previously exposed had been ruthlessly confiscated by the Crown Prince! He thought eating too many snacks was bad for her. It wasn’t that he feared she would eat as much as Wang Gege, but because her appetite wasn’t very big. If she ate too many snacks, she would eat less at regular meals. Following Master Kangxi’s health-conscious philosophy, the Crown Prince thought this was a bad practice and would affect her health. From then on, he instructed everyone around her to restrain her.
Qingxing, being honest and obedient, dared not defy the Crown Prince’s wishes, but Bitao, who was on her side, secretly helped her hide some snacks.
“Bitao!” Sure enough, when Qingxing came back from getting off the carriage to relieve herself, she saw the snacks and angrily shouted, “When did you sneak these in? Didn’t His Highness specifically order that Gege should restrict her diet? These fried snacks are too heating! Don’t you know better? If you get caught, I won’t protect you!”
Bitao stuck out her tongue and whispered, “My dear sister, didn’t Gege say that these nuts are good for the little prince in her belly? I’m not an idiot; I’ll make sure Gege only eats one packet a day. Is that okay? Please stop lecturing me!”
Qingxing finally stopped but still had a dissatisfied look on her face.
Wanyun and Bitao exchanged a quiet glance, both feeling a bit relieved.
Taking advantage of the moment when Qingxing got off the carriage to fetch water, Bitao leaned over and whispered, “Gege, it’s unbelievable, Qingxing’s attitude is starting to resemble that of an old nursemaid!”
That’s right, Wanyun thought seriously. In the future, they’d call this kind of friend a “mom-like best friend”—the one who nags even more than your own mother!
Nuts were indeed a good thing.
These “daily nuts” were something Wanyun had prepared ahead of time by roasting, drying, and mixing various ingredients like raisins, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, and almonds. She divided them into portions, wrapped each one carefully in oil paper, sealing them up. They were convenient and nutritious.
Wanyun had once seen a pregnant colleague constantly nibbling on nuts in the office. The colleague had said that they contained healthy fats and plenty of vitamins. Now, Wanyun was putting this advice to use, and sure enough, these snacks were perfect for her—filling but not too much, and they satisfied her cravings!
Before she knew it, she had finished an entire packet.
Just as Wanyun was about to exchange a sly glance with Bitao and signal her to secretly grab another packet of snacks, the sound of a quiet whip crack reached her ears, followed by the rumbling of carriages. In no time, the carriage she was in slowly drove out through the vermilion palace gates.
The sounds of the bustling streets of the capital reached her ears, and Wanyun felt a strange sense of being in a different world. She quietly lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw the commoners, kneeling along the street, being held back by the mighty Imperial Guards. The street they were traveling on was completely empty of other carriages and pedestrians. The shouts and clamor seemed to come from a market on the other side of a wall, but it still made her feel nostalgic.
The carriage wheels clattered along, and soon the cramped street shops disappeared from sight. In front of her stood a tall city tower, and both sides of the tower were occupied by merchants setting up stalls, but the stalls were now abandoned, with everyone kneeling on the ground, separated by the Imperial Guards.
Once they passed the Gubeikou, as the Crown Prince had mentioned, the scenery outside the carriage suddenly opened up.
Gubeikou was a fortress between Shanhaiguan and Juyongguan, guarding the throat of the passage between Liaodong and Inner Mongolia to the Central Plains. It was one of the many gates of the Great Wall.
Looking ahead, she could see the rolling, majestic Yan Mountain range with silent beacon towers scattered among the peaks. Now, the wide Imperial Road stretched like a jade belt to the horizon, but the landscape here wasn’t as desolate as Wanyun had imagined. The road crossed the Chao River, and on both sides of the bridge, there were temples and shops. If not for the Imperial Guards clearing the way, one could imagine how crowded this place would be with travelers.
To the west, she could still see the military camps, likely the Liulin Camp set up by Emperor Kangxi.
After another hour of travel, they arrived at the Bakshi Camp palace. The eunuchs shouted orders, and soon the carriages came to a stop. Qingxing and Bitao quickly packed away the items in the carriage and locked them in the small cabinet under the bed.
It was already dark, but in front of the palace, the Imperial Guards stood in neat rows, holding blazing torches that illuminated the dark night as if it were daylight. The carriage of the Eldest Consort, Lady Irgen Jueluo, slowly stopped behind the procession. With the help of the palace maids and eunuchs, she carefully disembarked.
As soon as she got off, she saw the Crown Prince’s four-wheeled carriage shining even more brightly in the torchlight.
It was the Crown Prince’s carriage.
The Eldest Prince’s carriage was right behind the Crown Prince’s, as the Crown Prince was considered half a ruler, and this arrangement was only natural. But everyone knew that the Crown Prince spent most of his time in the Emperor’s carriage, and this particular carriage was reserved for a lesser-ranked concubine.
The Consort stood for a moment before a eunuch from the Eldest Prince’s side came over to assist her. She felt a sense of satisfaction and, with her head held high, was about to pass by, when suddenly, a commotion arose from the distance.
The Imperial Guards, who had been standing straight, suddenly knelt in unison. “Long live the Crown Prince!” they called out.
The sounds of armor and swords clashing filled the air. The Crown Prince, riding on horseback, arrived at a swift pace, and the wind from his galloping horse made the Eight Banners flags on either side flutter loudly.
The Consort silently stopped in her tracks, slightly lowering her body in reverence. However, she couldn’t help feeling a bit impatient. If it weren’t for the Crown Prince’s interference back then, she wouldn’t still have to live with several other concubines. Now, even the Eldest Prince’s courtyard hadn’t been completed yet! It was truly infuriating!
The Crown Prince dismounted his horse, and the eunuchs immediately came to attend to the horse. He walked straight toward the golden carriage, lifted the curtain, and smiled at the person inside. “A Wan.”
A delicate wrist first appeared, followed by a robe of light green with water-red borders, and a jade cat pendant hanging from her waist, as clear and transparent as a crystal. It was the same as the one worn by the Crown Prince. Soon, the face of the concubine appeared.
With almond eyes and a peach-shaped face, her bright eyes were full of charm. She extended her hand to the Crown Prince, smiling with her eyes as she did. In the flickering firelight, she seemed even more dazzling, like the goddess of the Luo River emerging from the water.
The Crown Prince took her hand, but with his other hand, he slipped it under her legs and directly lifted her down.
The young concubine held onto the Crown Prince, shyly burying her face in his shoulder. The Crown Prince whispered something in her ear, making her blush so deeply that even her neck turned red.
The Consort may not have liked the flirtatious display, but she couldn’t help but sigh. “Such beauty. No wonder the Crown Prince is so captivated. It’s as if he wishes to keep her by his side all the time.”
After the Crown Prince and his group entered the Bakshi palace, the Consort finally had the eunuchs sent by the Eldest Prince prepare things for her. She changed into a smaller sedan chair and went to the other side to enter the two-room palace that belonged to the Eldest Prince’s courtyard. Except for the Emperor and Crown Prince, all other princes lived in two-room palaces, which was something the Consort found somewhat displeasing.
Who didn’t know that the Bakshi palace was newer and more spacious?
She was fuming, but when she entered the courtyard, she found that the Eldest Prince hadn’t returned yet!
The Crown Prince had already arrived, meaning the Emperor’s arrangements were likely settled, and he might have even gone to rest. So why hadn’t the Eldest Prince shown up yet?
The Consort’s angry eyes pierced the Eldest Prince’s eunuch like a sword. The eunuch trembled and immediately knelt to beg for forgiveness, his face full of distress as he explained the Eldest Prince’s whereabouts: “Please spare me, Consort! The Eldest Prince went on a night hunt with some attendants!”
The Consort was furious, her head spinning. She recalled the Crown Prince personally arriving to pick up the young concubine, and her feelings became even more sour.
During the first couple of years of their marriage, the Eldest Prince never showed such thoughtfulness! It was just…
Meanwhile, Wanyun felt the warmth and scent of the Crown Prince as she gently touched his tense, firm arm muscles.
Ugh! Even though it was dark and she couldn’t see, she could still tell how smooth the lines were and how solid the muscles felt.
Then she met the Crown Prince’s wary gaze.
Embarrassed, she quickly withdrew her hand.
What a tightwad. Now she couldn’t even touch him, let alone eat meat!
Since it was getting late, and although the carriage was comfortable, allowing her to lie or sit, Wanyun still felt that the bed was more comfortable. After washing up together with the Crown Prince, they prepared to sleep.
She brought a copy of the ‘Records of the Grand Historian’ as her bedtime reading, which made the Crown Prince stare at her in surprise. “A Wan, you’ve started reading history recently?”
Having spent two years moving from various popular stories to being able to understand ‘The Travels of Xu Xiake’, Cheng Wanyun couldn’t help but blink her eyes sheepishly.
She had brought this book for its soporific effect.
Since becoming pregnant, her body temperature and hormone levels would sometimes fluctuate, making it hard for her to sleep. However, as soon as she read books like ‘The Zizhi Tongjian’ or ‘Records of the Grand Historian’, she would quickly fall asleep, and the quality of her sleep improved dramatically.
Of course, she couldn’t say this to the Crown Prince. Instead, she spoke with conviction: “Your Highness, Emperor Taizong of Tang once said, ‘Using a bronze mirror, one can correct their clothing and crown; using history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of states; using people as a mirror, one can discern success and failure.’ I’m not reading this for myself, but for the child in my womb! I hope he or she will grow up to be a righteous and kind person.”
Yinreng laughed. “It’s not even born yet, how can it hear what you’re reading?”
Cheng Wanyun wasn’t sure, but there were many theories about prenatal education in later times, so there must be some truth to it, right?
She told the Crown Prince about these theories, saying that newborns could remember their parents’ voices. While they might not recall the actual content, they would retain a vague impression.
Some people even said that if a pregnant woman looked at pictures of Liu Yifei (Fairy Sister), her child would resemble Liu Yifei when born.
Here, while talking to the Crown Prince, Cheng Wanyun changed the “fairy sister” into a “beauty” and called the photos “paintings of beauties,” explaining that these were little tricks taught to her by her stepmother, Madam Wu.
“You don’t know, my siblings and I are quite good-looking as well!”
In reality, the theory that looking at beautiful people would result in beautiful children was pure mysticism. As for things like gender, height, or weight, genetics decided everything.
The Cheng family had good genes, all thanks to Master Cheng’s good-looking features, which, no matter how combined, always looked good. Cheng Wanyun and her siblings resembled Master Cheng, yet each had their own unique traits. Of course, Master Cheng could remarry Madam Wu not because he was a poor county magistrate, but because he was tall and had handsome features.
But the people of the Qing Dynasty didn’t know that, so Yinreng was deeply intrigued by Cheng Wanyun’s novel theories on prenatal education.
Then, suddenly, he remembered the earlier incident where Cheng Wanyun had playfully touched him. He became serious and said, “Since the child in your womb can hear everything and retain memories, A Wan, you must be more careful with your words and actions in the future. You…,” Yinreng trailed off, blushing as he spoke in a quieter voice, “Now that you’re pregnant, you must avoid… those things. Do you understand? Otherwise, how will we face our child in the future?”
After saying that, he raised his voice and ordered He Baozhong to fetch a copy of the ‘Qing Heart Sutra’ to read aloud.
Cheng Wanyun: “…”
She had gone around and explained so many things, yet he hadn’t forgotten that!
Fortunately, the ‘Qing Heart Sutra’ also had a great soporific effect. Cheng Wanyun didn’t even make it through two lines before her eyelids grew heavy, and she fell into a deep sleep.
Yinreng: “…”
Weren’t they supposed to read books to the child together? Wasn’t the education supposed to start before birth?
The next day, before dawn, Kangxi announced that he would be visiting the Great Wall at the Ancient Northern Pass and inspecting the Liulin Camp, so he would stay an extra day before setting out.
The Crown Prince hurriedly left, and Cheng Wanyun, bored in the palace, didn’t dare wander around. First, because there were many people staying here, including Concubine Yi and other nobles, as well as the concubines and servants; second, because she didn’t know the way, and it would be bad to accidentally bump into someone. After all, the Crown Prince wasn’t here, and she didn’t want to cause him trouble. So, she stayed in the courtyard.
She peeled an orange while flipping through a storybook, not feeling particularly bored. In the afternoon, the Crown Prince returned, drenched in sweat. He quickly took a bath, changed into casual clothes, and sat down in front of her.
Yinreng had already heard from He Baozhong that A Wan had stayed indoors all day, and he couldn’t help but silently sigh. She was always so perceptive, well-behaved, and obedient when it came to such matters.
In his position, it was easy to attract the attention of others. While people might not dare to scheme against him, they might not hesitate to turn their attention toward A Wan.
If it weren’t for his rush to leave this morning, he should have spoken to her a bit more, but he hadn’t expected her to be so clear-headed, almost like a mirror.
Feeling somewhat guilty, he asked softly, “Are you bored? Would you like me to take you to feed the deer?”
Around the Bakshi Camp and the two-room palace they resided in, a large herd of elk was kept. Amid the distinct layers of autumn scenery, one could enjoy the mountain and plain views while watching the deer run, and with a bit of luck, even find some elk antlers!
Reindeer like Santa Claus’ reindeer? She had never seen one!
Cheng Wanyun was immediately intrigued!
Before, she hadn’t dared to leave the house alone, but with the Crown Prince leading her, she felt fearless. She quickly changed into a lighter outfit and followed the Crown Prince to the nearby deer park.
In the Qing Dynasty, elk were considered symbols of good fortune, and the imperial family loved to keep them in their private gardens. As soon as Cheng Wanyun and the Crown Prince arrived outside the park, they could see groups of elk scattered across the vast, lush grassland.
One was as tall as a person! Was this a “fawn”?
It was really huge!
Cheng Wanyun leaned on the wooden fence, the wind blowing in her face. In the distance, several elk leapt over a shallow stream across the grassland, with a vast autumn forest of yellow trees behind them, looking like a beautiful painting.
Yinreng, hands clasped behind his back, watched her eyes gleam with excitement and joy. He couldn’t help but smile.
Bringing her out had indeed been the right choice.
She was so happy, like a bird that had finally escaped its cage. Watching her, he felt as though he too had broken free from his own constraints. His heart soared with her smile, light and soft like a cloud.
“Second Master! Look!”
Suddenly, Cheng Wanyun tugged at the Crown Prince’s sleeve, pointing to a flock of geese flying south in the sky, urging him to look up.
Cheng Wanyun pulled at his sleeve again, and Yinreng looked up, but couldn’t see anything particularly unusual about the geese.
“Wow! They’re so big!” The geese were flying so low that she could see up close just how wide their wingspan was!
Yinreng: “…” What else would you expect?
At that moment, a “pffft” sound of laughter came from nearby. Yinreng turned to look and saw his eldest, third, fourth, and fifth brothers walking over from the other side, together.
“Second brother,” they greeted, bowing their hands in respect.
“Why bring someone so uncultured, Second Brother? Are you not afraid of losing face as the Crown Prince?” Only Yinzhi crossed his arms, coldly glancing at the woman half-hidden behind Yinreng.
“Greetings, sirs. I will excuse myself,” Cheng Wanyun’s heart skipped a beat. She dared not raise her head and quickly gave a deep bow, intending to retreat, but the Crown Prince reached out and stopped her.
Cheng Wanyun looked up in surprise, only to realize that the Crown Prince had unknowingly stepped in front of her. His back, as solid as a mountain, shielded her from the malicious glances aimed at her. He didn’t say anything, only firmly held her wrist, and somehow, she felt reassured.
That’s right, he’s the Crown Prince—what should she fear?
She often couldn’t help but look at the Crown Prince through the lens of sympathy, forgetting that he was still a powerful figure with immense authority.
“Brother, be more respectful when you speak,” the Crown Prince said coldly. “My matters are none of your business.”
“You—” The eldest brother didn’t expect the Crown Prince to be so blunt. He was used to making a few jabs, but usually, the Crown Prince, in his efforts to show magnanimity, didn’t take offense. Why was he so sharp today?
The eldest brother, already upset about the recent situation with the fourth brother’s courtyard and feeling unlucky, had been holding his anger in. He didn’t dare provoke the Crown Prince further, so he just snorted and fell silent.
Yinzhong, who was usually quiet, suddenly spoke up to diffuse the tension: “Second brother, we’ve all been resting in the shade ahead, with a tent set up. It’s quite clean.”
“When did you arrive?” The Crown Prince waved his hand behind his back, and He Baozhong silently led Cheng Wanyun forward.
“We came early this morning. Eldest brother said he found a good place for hunting deer and wanted to invite you, but you were summoned by Emperor Father early on,” Yinzhong explained.
The Crown Prince realized that the Emperor had only taken him along for the mountain inspection and hadn’t called the other brothers. No wonder the eldest brother had used Cheng Wanyun as a pretext the moment he saw him.
Yinreng pieced together the situation and felt even angrier. That eldest brother of his! He glanced at the group of brothers, all empty-handed: “How many did you catch?”
“Don’t mention it,” Yinzhong said with an innocent, foolish look on his face. “Eldest brother came by yesterday, but the deer had already been scared off somewhere. We looked for a long time and couldn’t find any, so we ended up hunting a few rabbits and wild ducks and gave them to the servants to handle. Second brother, would you like some roasted meat later?”
The deer park was enormous, and the elk kept there were meant to be offered as tribute to the palace at the end of the year, so hunting them was prohibited. They were probably talking about the wild elk outside the park.
Yinzhi’s face turned bright red after hearing this. He shouted at Yinzhong, “How can you blame me? It’s because you all came out without even bringing a dog—how were we supposed to track them down?”
Yinzhong pretended not to hear but just smiled at Yinreng, saying, “Second brother, don’t worry. The ladies are already set up at a separate table under the tree. I’ve already instructed someone to bring wine, so we can enjoy the breeze and chat while eating. It’ll be quite pleasant.”
Seeing that everything was arranged, Yinreng nodded in agreement.
Cheng Wanyun followed He Baozhong and walked toward the tent set up under the tree. One side of the tent was lifted, revealing a mat spread inside, with tables and chairs arranged, and four women of varying ages already seated.
Before she arrived, a eunuch had already informed them, so the women all stood to greet her respectfully. The Eldest Princess (Consort), as the highest-ranking, took the lead in instructing the attendant palace maids to bring over tea and snacks.
Thanks to the Crown Prince, Cheng Wanyun was seated at the lower position beside the Eldest Consort, with Liu Song Gege sitting at the upper position. After taking her seat, she subconsciously glanced around at everyone. To her surprise, when she looked up, her gaze met that of Song Gege, the Fourth Prince’s concubine sitting across from her. Both of them were startled and quickly looked away.
As she lowered her head, the others also exchanged curious glances in secret.
Cheng Wanyun was unaware that she had become somewhat of a celebrity in the backyards of several princes!