“Rise.”
Prince Lin’s cool voice rang out, accompanied by Side Consort Fang’s smiling approach as she helped her up. “Sister Shen, please rise quickly. This is the Mid-Autumn family banquet—we are all family here.”
Side Consort Fang was magnanimous, kind, and full of cheerful conversation.
After Shen Lingshu took her seat, she noticed that aside from Side Consort Fang, only Concubine Lin was present. It had been half a month since they last met, and Concubine Lin still looked as sickly as ever.
Concubine Li had injured her leg, and Concubine Hai was under house arrest.
As soon as they were seated, exquisite dishes were served one after another, a feast for the eyes. Only after Prince Lin picked up his chopsticks did everyone else begin to eat.
Side Consort Fang raised her wine cup. “The golden breeze brings coolness, osmanthus fragrance fills the air, and the auspicious hour of Mid-Autumn has arrived. I sincerely pray to the Moon Palace Immortal to bless the Prince with good health, increased fortune and wisdom, and peace and prosperity for the Prince’s residence. I humbly beseech the Prince’s consideration.”
“Good.” Prince Lin raised his cup and took a small sip.
Shen Lingshu lowered her gaze. The dishes looked beautiful, but by the time they were brought from the kitchen to the table, even the most exquisite dishes had cooled considerably, greatly diminishing their flavor.
She secretly glanced up. This was the first time she had seen the Prince in such a formal setting. His stern expression made his already cool face appear even more aloof and distant, like the moon in the sky—unattainably high!
Concubine Lin, as frail as a willow swaying in the wind, stood up with a cup of tea. “I offer tea in place of wine to congratulate the Prince on this festive occasion. May the Prince be like the bright Mid-Autumn moon, its clear radiance everlasting, with fortune, prosperity, and auspiciousness always by his side. I respectfully offer my congratulations.”
“Good.”
Prince Lin took a sip of wine, his gaze falling on Shen Lingshu.
Three pairs of eyes were now fixed on her. Shen Lingshu found it impossible to ignore. She stood up with her wine cup. “I’m not good with flowery words. I simply wish the Prince: a good appetite, restful sleep, and a happy mood every day, just like tonight’s full moon!”
Under the bright moonlight, dressed in apricot-colored robes, she seemed to be coated in a soft, radiant glow. Her eyes, filled with charm and laughter, sparkled like stars. Such a simple, unadorned blessing was something he was hearing for the first time.
“Pfft—”
Side Consort Fang couldn’t help but laugh. The next moment, sensing Prince Lin’s glance, she quickly shifted her expression and said, “Sister Shen’s blessing is truly sincere!”
“Good!”
Prince Lin drained his cup in one gulp. After the banquet, he took Shen Lingshu’s hand and left.
Concubine Lin also found an excuse to slip away. Side Consort Fang looked at the table full of dishes and, in a fit of anger, smashed her cup. “Vulgar and unbearable! What does the Prince see in that wench?”
…
In the Secluded Orchid Courtyard, Shen Lingshu presented a mooncake. “Prince, I made this mooncake myself.”
Her smile was like a blooming flower, her eyes sparkling like stars as she looked at him, as if her joy and happiness were contagious. Prince Lin opened his mouth and took a bite. The sweet red bean paste spread across his lips and teeth.
“How is it? Is it sweet? Is it delicious?” Shen Lingshu looked at him with eager anticipation.
Prince Lin’s eyes darkened slightly, his thin lips parting. “You taste it.”
His cool voice carried a faint huskiness. Before Shen Lingshu could taste the mooncake, she felt darkness before her eyes and a weight on her lips. Her body lifted lightly as she was swept into the air…
The moon quietly hid behind the clouds. Shen Lingshu felt like duckweed floating on the sea, rising and falling with the waves…
“Prepare water.”
Prince Lin’s cool voice rang out as Nanny Hua entered with a jasmine-scented pillow, deftly placing it under Shen Lingshu’s hips. Shen Lingshu pulled a blanket over herself and smiled, saying, “Wishing Nanny an early Mid-Autumn Festival joy.”
Nanny Hua paused for a moment before replying with a smile, “And I wish Concubine Shen a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival as well.”
When the time came, Nanny Hua took the pillow and left, only to see Zhuxin approaching with mooncakes. At the sight of the mooncakes, Nanny Hua was momentarily lost in thought.
Prince Lin emerged from the washroom, dressed in pristine sleepwear, and walked toward Shen Lingshu. He lay down on the bed but, unlike usual, did not fall asleep. Instead, he gazed at the drowsy Shen Lingshu and asked, “The royal hunt is in half a month. Would you like to go?”
Royal hunt?
Shen Lingshu was instantly wide awake. She wrapped her arms around Prince Lin, looked up at him, and asked excitedly, “Really? Can I truly go? But I don’t have any riding attire? My horsemanship isn’t good either, I…”
Prince Lin leaned down and sealed her rosy lips with his own. Watching Shen Lingshu’s stunned expression, he seemed to read her thoughts at a glance.
Greatly amused, Prince Lin let out a hearty laugh and gently stroked her cheek. “If your horsemanship is lacking, I’ll teach you.”
“Thank you, Prince.”
Overjoyed, Shen Lingshu nestled into his embrace, her happiness and excitement overflowing.
On Mid-Autumn Festival, Side Consort Fang accompanied the Prince to the palace, so the morning greetings were excused. Shen Lingshu slept until the sun was high in the sky. After rising, she learned that the Prince had sent over fabrics and gifts. Immediately, she said, “Zhuxin, make me two sets of riding attire.”
“Yes,” Zhuxin replied.
As Shen Lingshu looked at the jewelry the Prince had sent, she couldn’t help but marvel at his thoughtfulness. It seemed she wouldn’t have to worry about lacking accessories for the royal hunt.
After the Mid-Autumn palace banquet, Side Consort Fang learned about the upcoming royal hunt. In previous years, these hunts lasted a month. Her health was still recovering, and the Prince hadn’t touched her. If only Shen Lingshu accompanied him, wouldn’t she monopolize the Prince’s attention?
Soon, the day of the royal hunt arrived. As they gathered at the mansion’s entrance, Shen Lingshu spotted Hai Jiaren, dressed as brightly as a flower. Had her confinement been lifted?
“Concubine Shen, don’t think the Prince visiting your courtyard these past days means he favors you more. Once I see the Prince, he’ll surely forget all about you.”
Hai Jiaren straightened her proud figure. Her mother had said: her body was the type men adored!
“Who was it that got confined after serving the Prince last time?”
Shen Lingshu had no patience for her antics and immediately struck at Hai Jiaren’s sore spot.
Hai Jiaren’s face darkened with anger as she stepped forward. “Shen Lingshu, don’t get too cocky, I…”
Unfazed, Shen Lingshu stepped closer and retorted coldly, “What? If you dare lay a hand on me, whether you’ll even make it to the royal hunt is another matter.”
“You…”
Hai Jiaren’s raised hand finally dropped, and she could only glare at Shen Lingshu in frustration.
“What are you two doing?”
Side Consort Fang approached with a stern expression, her gaze lingering on Hai Jiaren with a hint of disdain. Lady Hai truly was useless.
“This royal hunt isn’t just for Lin Prince’s Mansion. The Crown Prince’s residence, Prince Heng’s mansion, and many officials will also attend. If any of you dare bring shame to Lin Prince’s Mansion, don’t blame me for being merciless!”
Side Consort Fang’s gaze swept over Shen Lingshu’s face. Dressed in peach-pink robes, she looked as radiant as a peach blossom, like a delicate flower carefully nurtured—a sight that was simply grating to the eyes.
“Yes,” Hai Jiaren replied obediently, appearing as though she took Side Consort Fang’s lead in all matters.
“Yes.”
As soon as Shen Lingshu finished speaking, Side Consort Fang’s voice rang out: “I heard that Concubine Shen’s elder sister is a concubine of the Crown Prince?”
Both sisters, yet the elder sister was a concubine recorded in the imperial registry, while Shen Lingshu was merely a lowly concubine!
She refused to believe that Shen Lingshu could be content with this.
“Yes, I will certainly take my elder sister as an example and strive to become a concubine myself,” Shen Lingshu replied with a bright smile. Watching Side Consort Fang’s face turn ashen, she sneered inwardly: Did she think she could make her feel inferior?
What was there to envy about a concubine of a Crown Prince who was about to be deposed?