In the main hall of the front courtyard, discussions had already begun early in the morning.
Xiao Xingcang had abandoned his leisurely attire of the past six months. Today he wore a black brocade hu robe with gold embroidery, a round collar, a golden crown holding his hair, tightly fastened arm and waist guards, and his boots stomped firmly on the floor as he paced the hall.
A man in green official robes stood and said, “During yesterday’s court assembly, someone proposed selecting an empress for His Majesty. After consulting with several ministers, His Majesty agreed to host a banquet at the Empress Dowager’s Winter Palace.”
Xiao Xingcang turned his head. “Any candidates?”
A man bowed and replied, “The granddaughter of the former Forbidden Army commander is highly favored.”
Xiao Xingcang’s eyes narrowed slightly. He thought for a moment, then suddenly opened them wide. So that’s why there had been no marriage discussions for so long—they were waiting for today.
“Some are older,” he pressed. “Did His Majesty truly agree?”
Several people present were taken aback. They didn’t speak, but in their minds: You’re seven years younger than the Princess Consort yourself…
The granddaughter of the former Forbidden Army commander was about the same age as the emperor.
Moreover, if she entered the central palace, she would bring a hefty dowry.
The sons of the Qi family had grown up in the military. Once the daughter married in, those young men would surely achieve great things.
“It has been agreed,” someone replied.
Xiao Xingcang simply nodded, saying nothing, and resumed pacing slowly.
He couldn’t let the Qi family’s “knife” fall into the young emperor’s hands. This banquet had to be disrupted.
He hadn’t yet devised a plan when hurried footsteps came from the corridor. The steward of the front courtyard called out, “Please slow down, allow this old servant to report first!”
Xiao Xingcang turned and stepped out of the hall.
At that moment, a woman appeared in the corridor, carrying a small basket on her back and holding a long sword, hurrying toward him.
She walked straight ahead without looking aside, wearing a short hu-style jacket like the household maids, her black hair braided into a plait draped over her front, the ends reaching her waist.
Reaching the front hall corridor, she suddenly stopped.
Gu Qinglu glanced at him, then at the group behind him, and said, “Xiao Xingcang, are the men ready? I’m going into the mountains.”
Xiao Xingcang observed her, noting her expression.
He didn’t know how she had been exhausted and fainted last night, but after a night’s rest, she was now lively again.
It was surprising—she had some real strength.
“Are you sure you can manage?” Xiao Xingcang scanned her from head to toe.
Gu Qinglu’s eyes flicked as she realized what he meant. “Underestimating me?”
If her body weren’t weak, she wouldn’t have fainted after controlling the poison insects.
Xiao Xingcang waved his hand toward the rear but kept his gaze on her. “Then let’s go. The carriage is ready.”
“I’ll ride a horse,” she said, locking eyes with him.
She remembered asking him for a horse earlier.
Today, she wanted to scout first—if a horse was ready, she could bond with it earlier.
If not, mentioning it would force him to provide one.
Xiao Xingcang had anticipated this. He gave a faint, almost amused smile. “The horse isn’t trained yet. It’s still in the stable.”
Gu Qinglu’s eyes brightened. She looked at the front hall steward. “Take me to the stable to lead the horse.”
She turned and walked off.
The hall officials, dressed in formal robes, were stunned.
A maid calling the Prince by name—it was unheard of! Such insolence!
Xiao Xingcang ignored their shocked expressions, waving his hand: “Return to your posts. Monitor court affairs. I am in full health. Inform the Grand Tutor that the emperor’s marriage, following the late emperor’s will, will be jointly selected by the Princess Consort and the Empress Dowager.”
Just moments ago, he hadn’t figured out how to stop the banquet. Seeing Gu Qinglu now, an idea struck him.
A nervous official stepped forward, stammering, “Your Highness… the Princess Consort you mentioned… is she the one who arrived at the residence last month?”
Xiao Xingcang simply nodded.
The Princess Consort’s residence had kept news secret. Their group had only learned last night and rushed over after morning court. Until now, they had not seen her.
Qi Heng and Luo Wei, dressed in rough short jackets, one hand on their waists over their swords, stepped forward with fists clasped: “Your Highness, we may depart. The Princess Consort is already mounted.”
The officials gasped again, glancing at the Princess Consort, then quickly averting their eyes.
The Princess Consort? On horseback???
They thought it would be a wooden horse…
At that moment, the neigh of a horse came from outside the residence.
All eyes were drawn to it—the same maid, still carrying a basket, now riding a spirited, high-stepping horse.
The black horse reared suddenly, attempting to throw her.
Gu Qinglu reacted instantly, pulling the reins and leaning forward, hugging the horse’s neck.
The horse didn’t care, still kicking and tossing her.
The horse’s ferocity only fueled Gu Qinglu’s desire to dominate it.
She yanked the reins hard, whispering: “No beast dares disobey me.”
Then she straightened on the horse, giving a sharp, discordant whistle.
Immediately, the horse neighed loudly and bolted.
The scene stunned everyone. Xiao Xingcang paused for a moment, then quickly mounted his horse and pursued: “Princess Consort, slow down!”
The horse had been untrained intentionally, to test her courage. Who could have guessed she was this fearless?
The guards, positioned to enter the mountains, saw their leaders ride off and mounted in pursuit.
Several officials were left behind, faces full of shock and disbelief.
The Princess Consort? Riding a horse?
They weren’t mistaken, were they?
Wasn’t the Princess Consort supposed to be mentally unfit?
What on earth was going on?
..
The Wang Prince’s residence was vast. Xiao Xingcang wasn’t worried she’d disturb civilians—he feared she might fall off the horse.
If she fell, and injured her brain, how could she help remove the poison from his body?
Turning a corner, he saw the horse had calmed somewhat, walking slowly, occasionally kicking, but far more manageable than before.
His worry was unnecessary.
Riding up beside her, he said at eye level: “This horse is difficult. It might hurt someone. Take the carriage instead.”
Gu Qinglu tugged the reins, her gaze unwavering. “If it dares hurt me, tonight’s meal will be horse meat.”
Xiao Xingcang’s lips twitched. Such boldness…
He noticed the basket on her back, gesturing toward it. “Give the basket to them.”
A Princess Consort carrying a basket? Ridiculous.
The woman’s eyes rolled slightly. “You carry it.”
The surrounding officers and guards glanced at her, then back at their prince.
Daring! She was asking him to carry her basket.
Xiao Xingcang was momentarily speechless.
After a while, he said, “If the Princess Consort wants to carry it, let her.”
When her eyes rolled, he sensed it was deliberate—and certainly mischievous.
Sure enough, it was intentional.
Gu Qinglu gave a half-smile, eyes briefly on him.
He, on his taller horse and wearing full hu robes, exuded authority.
Except for his sharp facial features, one wouldn’t guess he still had poison in his body.
Noticing her glance at him, he finally shifted the sword hanging at his horse’s side, tucking it under his robe so as not to scare her.
Seeing this, Gu Qinglu snorted. One sword—what’s there to fear? Her own weapon from Miaojiang was just as formidable.
She tugged the reins. “Shall we go?”
Xiao Xingcang nodded, waving his hand. Someone immediately stepped forward to lead the way.