“The Emperor has arrived!”
Following the eunuch’s announcement, Shen Lingshu knelt with the crowd to pay respects. Amid the many attendees at the bonfire feast, she discreetly observed the figure in bright yellow seated at the highest position—different from the day she was summoned.
Today, the Emperor wore a bright yellow dragon robe, exuding authority without anger. From the high platform, he received the kneeling homage of the crowd.
On either side of the dragon throne, bright candlelight illuminated the Emperor, creating a stark contrast with the indistinct faces of the surrounding ministers.
“All my esteemed ministers, rise,” the Emperor’s authoritative voice rang out.
In the center, a towering pile of firewood ignited into a massive bonfire, casting clearer light on everyone’s faces.
The Crown Prince resembled the Emperor. He had been appointed Crown Prince at twelve and was now twenty-one. As he sat there, an innate nobility radiated from him.
Prince Lin likely took after the late Empress. Among the three princes, he possessed the finest appearance!
Prince Heng resembled Consort Shu. Beside the Emperor, Consort Shu wore an elegant and luxurious purple gown, exuding grace and majesty, elevated and revered.
As a concubine, Shen Lingshu was fortunate just to attend the feast. Speaking up? That was out of the question.
The Emperor and his ministers toasted one cup after another, accompanied by song and dance performances.
Shen Lingshu buried herself in eating roasted meat. It had to be said that hunting outside the palace had its benefits—in Secluded Orchid Courtyard, enjoying roasted meat was no easy feat.
“Truly uncultured, eating like a pig.”
Hai Jiaren muttered softly, watching Shen Lingshu devour her food with a disdainful gaze. As the legitimate daughter of her family, she regretted only that her father’s status was not high enough.
Shen Lingshu stuffed the last bite of roasted meat into her mouth, turned to Hai Jiaren, and looked her up and down. “You should eat less, or you’ll resemble a pig even more. Then you’ll be even less favored by the Prince!”
“You’re the pig.”
Before Hai Jiaren could finish her words, Shen Lingshu picked up a piece of fatty meat and stuffed it into her mouth, whispering a reminder: “Side Consort Fang.”
Beaten to death.
Hai Jiaren immediately fell silent. She glared fiercely at Shen Lingshu, wanting to spit it out but not daring to, afraid Side Consort Fang might notice. With difficulty, she swallowed the fatty meat.
Hai Jiaren secretly pinched her own waist, then glanced at Shen Lingshu’s slender waist, so delicate it seemed one could encircle it with a hand—it was even more infuriating!
How could this wretched woman’s waist be so thin?
Shen Lingshu savored the delicacies and enjoyed the performances, completely ignoring Hai Jiaren.
As the highlight of the feast, the white fox was soon brought forward. Caged, its entire body was snow-white, with only a wound on its foot, resembling a red silk ribbon tied around it.
“The Emperor’s divine might! Heaven bestows auspicious signs!”
“Congratulations, Your Majesty! The white fox is an ultimate auspicious omen, signifying the nation’s prosperity and enduring blessings!”
“May it bless our Mu Ning Kingdom with flourishing fortune.”
‘…’
Congratulations echoed one after another. On the high platform, the Emperor’s laughter rang out. Suddenly, a discordant voice broke through.
The Crown Prince staggered to his feet, raising his cup. “Father, tomorrow I shall also hunt a white fox!”
As soon as the Crown Prince’s words fell, the lively feast instantly fell silent, leaving only the crackling sound of the bonfire.
Prince Heng’s eyes lit up with excitement. He immediately asked loudly, “Elder Brother, do you disdain Father’s white fox for being injured? Do you intend to hunt one larger than Father’s?”
Shen Lingshu couldn’t help but hold her breath. According to the script, Prince Heng had been stirring up trouble all along, trying to get the Emperor to depose the Crown Prince and appoint him as the heir.
Prince Heng’s words were practically adding fuel to the fire. Wasn’t the implication that the Crown Prince was more capable than the Emperor?
Thinking deeper, wasn’t he suggesting that the Crown Prince was mocking the Emperor for being old and should step down to make way for a worthy successor?
From a distance, Shen Lingshu couldn’t clearly see the expression on the Emperor’s face, but judging from the congratulatory ministers just moments ago, she could sense that the Emperor was definitely displeased.
“Father, Third Brother has misunderstood.”
Prince Lin stood up and declared loudly, “What Elder Brother the Crown Prince meant was that if he could hunt another white fox, it would be an added blessing, bringing further auspiciousness to our Mu Ning Kingdom.”
“Father is the true Son of Heaven. Hunting such a white fox is a sign of divine favor, a blessing for the state, and a fortune for all the people.”
Shen Lingshu held her fruit wine cup, her gaze falling on Prince Lin. Born into the imperial family, with a face as handsome as jade, he was the most dazzling presence wherever he stood.
“Elder Brother, is what I said correct?” Prince Lin asked, glancing sideways.
The Crown Prince frowned, feeling that Prince Lin was making too much of a fuss. He bowed and saluted, saying, “Father, your son also hopes for blessings upon Mu Ning, safeguarding our Mu Ning rivers and mountains for generations to come.”
“May Mu Ning’s rivers and mountains endure for generations to come.” Seeing this, Duke Xiao quickly knelt and saluted, shouting loudly.
Immediately afterward, several more ministers knelt down, and finally, all of them knelt in unison, chanting, “May Mu Ning’s rivers and mountains endure for generations to come.”
On the high platform, the Emperor gently stroked his emerald thumb ring and said, “The Crown Prince is thoughtful.”
After these words, it didn’t take long for the lively atmosphere to return.
“Elder Brother’s archery is extraordinary. Tomorrow, you are sure to take the lead,” Prince Heng said, raising his cup in a toast.
“Tomorrow, this prince will definitely hunt a stag king.”
A hint of drunkenness tinged the Crown Prince’s eyes as he drained his cup and looked at Prince Heng, saying, “Third Brother, your archery still needs more practice.”
The Crown Prince raised his cup and clinked it with Prince Lin’s, saying, “Second Brother, tomorrow, let’s have a good competition!”
“Agreed,” Prince Lin responded.
Prince Heng raised his cup again for another toast and asked as if puzzled, “Elder Brother, if you hunt the stag king tomorrow, how will you handle it?”
“Hic.” The Crown Prince let out a drunken burp and said, “Of course, slaughter…” it and share the meat.
“Elder Brother, you’re drunk,” Prince Lin said, taking the cup from him. “Third Brother’s words are inappropriate. If Elder Brother hunts the stag king, he will naturally present it to Father.”
Chilled by the cold wind, the Crown Prince now understood Prince Heng’s verbal trap and declared loudly, “Second Brother is right. If I hunt the stag king, this prince will naturally present it to Father.”
Prince Heng gritted his teeth in frustration. Was Prince Lin out of his mind? If the Crown Prince were brought down, wouldn’t he have a chance too?
After the heart-pounding banquet.
Just as Shen Lingshu was about to return to her tent, she was pulled away halfway by Prince Lin, who reeked of alcohol. “This lord will take you somewhere!”
Mounting the horse, Shen Lingshu felt a bit frightened and asked, “Your Highness, where are we going? To see the moon? To watch the sunrise?”
Prince Lin, thoroughly drunk—didn’t this count as drunk driving?
As the night wind blew, bringing a slight chill, Shen Lingshu nestled closer into Prince Lin’s embrace. After a while of galloping, the horse stopped by a wide riverbank, where several boats were moored, one of them lit with lanterns.
Dismounting and boarding the boat, Shen Lingshu still felt a bit dazed the moment she sat down. She gazed delightedly at the water’s surface, shimmering under the moonlight—truly beautiful!
“So lovely!”
Shen Lingshu exclaimed as the boat moved forward, entering a golden reed marsh. Under the moonlight, it resembled a beautiful painting.