The hunting banners snapped in the wind. The sun had not yet set, and a black stallion stood tall, its bearing like a crouching tiger or coiled dragon. Its glossy coat gleamed, muscles taut, amber eyes fixed ahead with a fearsome gaze—yet even that could not compare to the majesty of the rider upon its back.
Today, Qi Yi wore a deep-purple riding robe, embroidered at the collar and waist with golden cloud patterns that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. His dragon crown was set aside, his hair bound only with a jade coronet. Sword brows, starry eyes—his presence was innate, regal.
Holding the reins loosely, Qi Yi cast a languid glance across the field, his air tinged with careless arrogance, though in his gaze burned a sharp contempt.
The consorts had long known His Majesty was striking, but they seldom saw him. In past years, he remained in the camp, occupied with affairs of state. This year, to witness him hunt in person, so splendid and commanding—their earlier discontent vanished at once. Faces flushed, they knelt shyly in place.
Even Li Yinyao was momentarily dazed. At first, she had only sought the power and luxury of a favored consort, never caring much for His Majesty’s looks. But today, seeing him astride his horse, he was more handsome than any celebrity she had admired before entering this world. Heaven had indeed favored her—not only granting wealth and power, but also such a striking male lead. She forced down her delight, wary of betraying her secret.
Xu Wanqing swept her gaze over the kneeling consorts vying for favor. Remembering Consort Su’s earlier taunt that she was unloved, she ignored the Empress’s command to kneel and, lifting her skirts, boldly ran toward Qi Yi. “Your Majesty!”
Wanting the others to see her favored place, Xu Wanqing dared to wrap her arms around his waist, nestling into his embrace. “Your Majesty has finally returned. Had you delayed any longer, Consort Su would have bullied me to death.”
Qi Yi lowered his eyes, coldly regarding the consort in his arms. Her hairpins were ornate, her gown of the finest fabric—her rank was not low. He had been absent from the harem for some time, and most consorts left little impression. Only after a long look did he recall she was his recent favorite. Yet he remembered never granting any consort such liberty.
“Consort Xu, you overstep.”
Xu Wanqing knew her behavior was improper. His Majesty usually indulged her, rarely rebuking her. But failing to bow was a grave breach—even the Empress would not dare. Still, she had been unsettled today, determined to show the neglected women that she was not merely a pretty face, but truly cherished.
“I know, Your Majesty. But Consort Su said I am unloved, that beauty fades quickly. I was angry. Please, let me hold you.”
She thought that with a little coquettishness, His Majesty would relent. In the past, when she quarreled with the Empress at morning court, a few playful words had spared her punishment. Surely a mere embrace would be forgiven.
But her jeweled hairpins swayed annoyingly. Qi Yi’s brows lowered, his tone sharp: “If I indulge you in neglecting rules within the palace, and you behave so outside, it will make me a laughingstock. When we return, I will have Madam Kong teach you proper conduct.”
Xu Wanqing froze, incredulous. Yet seeing his serious expression, she stiffly withdrew her hands and followed at his side, properly restrained.
Qi Yi stepped forward to the Empress Wen Yun, listening as she explained the arrangements for the evening’s banquet.
Xu Wanqing bore her humiliation, holding herself with calm poise, desperate not to let Consort Su or the others see her shaken. But inside, her thoughts were in turmoil.
Only a month apart—why had His Majesty changed? Could it be that she had truly lost favor?
Impossible. Absolutely impossible. Surely he was only mindful of appearances. In the hunting grounds, with so many eyes upon them, if she acted so boldly, people would call him a foolish king.
Xu Wanqing steadied herself. Among all the consorts, none were more beautiful or better born than she. How could His Majesty possibly neglect her in favor of those others? She curved her lips in a faint smile—only to meet Consort Su’s gaze.
Consort Su lifted her head, eyes glittering with amusement, as though she saw straight through Xu Wanqing’s fragile façade. Her red lips moved silently, yet the words were clear: “Petty, jumping clown.”
Xu Wanqing bit her lip, breath uneven. Seeing His Majesty about to leave, she lost all pretense of dignity and propriety. Grabbing his sleeve, she asked: “Your Majesty hunted so many animals today. Might you grant some to your consort?”
They were mere beasts—whoever claimed them mattered little. Qi Yi inclined his head slightly. “Choose for yourself.”
The hunt was judged by the number and rarity of the prey. For His Majesty to give Consort Xu the right to choose—this was extraordinary.
The other consorts were filled with envy and jealousy, yet none dared speak. To ask openly and be refused before so many would be humiliating.
Xu Wanqing, of course, noticed their envious stares. She lifted her chin proudly. Hadn’t she said so? His Majesty cherished her.
“Then, Your Majesty, I would like that white fox.” Even from afar, all could see the fox was rare and precious. And it was alive.
A dead fox’s fur dulled quickly, losing its luster. But this one, though its leg was wounded, lay weakly in the cage, its coat still shining, soft and bright.
If killed only just before being made into a cloak or blanket, its fur would be far finer than any ordinary fox. Xu Wanqing thought of this too. Though she had no use for such things now, since His Majesty allowed her to choose, she would naturally claim the most valuable—to show Consort Su and the others that she was most beloved.
Qi Yi followed her gaze. The white fox lay curled in the cage, whimpering softly. Though he had shot it himself, it looked up at him pitifully, eyes brimming with tears. He disliked breaking his word. The fox had been taken by chance, and giving it to Consort Xu would mean little. Yet those pleading eyes stirred an echo in him—reminding him of another voice: “Your Majesty, could you hunt a white fox for me?”
Silence fell.
Xu Wanqing waited anxiously until at last Qi Yi spoke slowly: “Except for that one.”