Chapter 038: The Crown Prince and the Subject’s Wife

The argument between Lady Jiang and the Manor Manager did not last long.

As the man on horseback rode past, both immediately fell silent, sweating profusely as they bowed in respectful greeting.

Lady Jiang was now drenched in cold sweat from fright, filled with deep regret in her heart.

Earlier, she had repeatedly asked, “Who exactly came to take her spot?” The Manor Manager had stubbornly refused to answer, urging her repeatedly to stop asking. Of course, she was unwilling to relent, because in her carriage convoy was Qin Chanyue. Even without mentioning her deceased husband, Qin Chanyue still held the title of Junzhu. Lady Jiang had persisted, and the two had been entangled in argument until now.

Now, seeing it was the Crown Prince, her “unwillingness” was immediately crushed, not daring to show the slightest hint of defiance.

If she had known earlier it was the Crown Prince, she would never have dared to make a sound! Everything under heaven belongs to the Crown Prince—what had she been fighting for earlier?

If her unruly and unreasonable behavior had offended the Crown Prince, what would she do in the future?

Upon hearing the full story, the Crown Prince on horseback did not drive them away. Instead, with a calm expression, he said, “I came here on a whim for hunting. In truth, I have disrupted Lady Jiang’s journey. We should respect the principle of first come, first served. In that case, arrange the remaining rooms in the Manor for them to stay.”

Lady Jiang repeatedly expressed her gratitude, thinking to herself: People say the Crown Prince has a cold face and an even colder heart, a ruthless man who imposes severe punishments, but now it seems that is not the case.

Following the Crown Prince’s order, the remaining carriages finally entered Dabie Manor.

Dabie Manor was not like an ordinary inn, divided into first and second floors with a dozen rooms separated by walls and guests facing each other. Instead, it was built as one courtyard after another, with most families occupying a single courtyard. The courtyards were spaced about a hundred paces apart, interspersed with wooden scenery.

Long corridors and pavilions stood among artificial hills and rockeries, along with planted maple trees.

Dabie Mountain was abundant with maple trees. In summer, they were lush green, but by autumn, the entire mountain turned red. From afar, one could see the crimson maples adorning the forest, their branches still tender and light. Stopping the carriage to admire the maple grove at dusk, the frosted leaves were redder than the flowers of February.

The twelve families in total were assigned rooms in Dabie Manor in order. As luck would have it, Qin Chanyue’s courtyard was right next to the Crown Prince’s, separated by only about a hundred paces. Between them was a bamboo grove, within which stood a tall pavilion housing an ancient zither for playing melodies and enjoying oneself.

It was not too close, and it should not disturb the Crown Prince’s refined interests.

Moreover, Qin Chanyue still remembered the last time when the Crown Prince had inexplicably spoken to Liu Yandai. She specifically instructed Liu Yandai to avoid the Crown Prince if they encountered him.

Qin Chanyue did not want to disturb the Crown Prince, but the young gentlemen accompanying them were eager and restless.

They were all sons of noble families. Barring any unexpected events, they would all enter court service in the future—even if they could not pass the Spring Palace Examination themselves, they could still secure official positions through family connections. Although these positions might not be particularly high-ranking, their lives would certainly be comfortable.

And as the old saying goes… no man does not yearn for power.

For the most part, men admire the strong more than women do. When they saw the Crown Prince, it was like a pack of starving dogs spotting a delicious feast—how could they resist going up to lick his boots?

That day, after everyone had settled their carriages and originally planned to set off into the mountains the next morning, a group of young noblemen grew impatient. Almost as soon as everything was arranged, they immediately mounted their horses and rode into the hills.

They weren’t necessarily intent on hunting; rather, they were chasing after the Crown Prince’s hoofprints. After all, there were only a few routes into the mountains. With the Crown Prince inside and them following, they were bound to cross paths sooner or later.

If they could exchange a few words with the Crown Prince, who knows? They might catch his eye in the future.

And so, that very night, the group of young noblemen entered the mountains. What happened afterward remains unknown.

In any case, on the first night at Dabie Manor, the womenfolk all rested peacefully.

The night in the mountains felt colder than in the city. It didn’t seem like early autumn but rather deep autumn, with a chill that pierced through silk robes. Precious incense curled upward as they sat wrapped in quilts, listening to the wind rising deep in the night over Dabie Mountain.

A sky full of stars like written words, the dusk misty and dim. In the deep night, the waning moon passed over the mountain lodge, and sleeping by the north window brought a coolness.

By the hour of Chen the next day, the sky was bright, golden light shimmering, the morning sun scattering its rays, waking Chang’an from its dreams.

——

At this moment, in the mountains.

The chirping of birds pierced through the wooden window, rousing one from drowsiness. The mountains carried a unique, fresh scent of grass and trees. As soon as the wooden window was opened, it wafted in with the cool breeze, brushing against one’s face.

Liu Yandai and Qin Chanyue rose together. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dressed and adorned themselves, tidying up neatly before heading out to find the others, ready to join the mountain hunt.

Dabie Manor was bustling with people everywhere; one could bump into guests every few steps. The young noblemen who had ridden out for half the night the day before had also returned. Several groups, grand and numerous, mounted their horses and prepared to enter the mountains.

Inside the mountains, there were specially cleared mountain paths and a leveled area for pitching tents. The flat ground was only about two ke (half an hour) away from Dabie Manor. The group first rode over, after which servants and maids began setting up tents on the spot. The rest followed the private soldiers into the mountains to hunt and play.

The young noblemen and ladies mounted their horses.

Qin Chanyue knew how to ride. As a child, she had even practiced archery while on horseback, coordinating her waist and horse. At her current age, mounting a horse and drawing a bow was no difficult feat. But Liu Yandai couldn’t manage it—she was frailer.

And horses, as animals, are too clever by half, fond of pulling mean tricks to scare people.

Qin Chanyue had personally raised several young horses. One, a chestnut-red horse, was like a mischievous child. If someone timid and hesitant to mount came along, this naughty horse would deliberately paw the ground, frightening them off.

Another, a black horse, loved to act stubborn. It would often stop suddenly mid-gallop and refuse to move. If the rider was a soft-hearted young lady, she’d surely be unable to bring herself to discipline it harshly, left helplessly astride its back.

She also had a worst offender—a pure white horse that would lie on the ground pretending to be dead. It would only get up when offered fruit or carrots, but as soon as someone tried to ride it, it would immediately collapse and play dead again.

Having raised many horses, she could tell at a glance which ones were unruly. They were all mischievous children, each with their own temperaments. Even the gentlest horse, freed from the groom’s whip, would deliberately cause trouble.

With so many unruly horses, Liu Yandai couldn’t ride any of them. Qin Chanyue specially arranged for a private soldier to lead the horse by the reins, guiding Liu Yandai as she rode, and reminded her, “If you’re afraid, just get down and return to the tent to eat roasted meat.”

Liu Yandai wasn’t the least bit afraid; she only felt a sense of novelty.

Even the warm breath exhaled by the white horse beneath her when it snorted delighted her immensely. She couldn’t help but reach out and stroke the horse’s head.

These horses all had smooth manes, some parts of which were braided into small plaits tied with colorful thin ropes, looking utterly adorable. Liu Yandai’s hands gently traced over them, occasionally lifting a braid to give it a playful shake.

She had never seen a horse with braids before.

As the horse began to move, she grew even more amazed, stroking the horse beneath her over and over, utterly enchanted.

During this time, a faint murmur seemed to come from ahead, though it was unclear who had arrived. There were sounds of ongoing conversation and people dismounting.

Liu Yandai glanced up briefly, catching only glimpses of overlapping figures and horse tails in the distance. The mountain path was long, and whatever was happening ahead likely wouldn’t reach her, so she continued to play with the horse’s braided mane.

At that moment, they were traveling along a wild mountain trail, a group chatting on horseback, exchanging words back and forth. The surroundings were lively, and the quiet Liu Yandai stood out little among them.

Today, she had shed her cumbersome, flowing ruqun and donned a vibrant red riding outfit. She had also removed all the gold, silver, and flowers from her hair, opting instead for a simple flower bud bun at the back of her head, adorned with a silver lotus hairpin. Her face was free of makeup, appearing fresh and natural. However, having eaten well these past few days, her complexion was radiant, with rosy lips and bright teeth, like a flower in full bloom.

Her small leather boots hugged her ankles, accentuating the full curve of her calves. The wide leather belt of her riding outfit cinched her waist tightly. Her waistline was not slender; rather, when tightened by the belt, it revealed a plump, alluring charm. As the horse moved, she swayed gently in the saddle, her figure lush and graceful, like flowing waves.

The person at the very front scanned the surroundings, his gaze briefly sweeping over her before withdrawing.

The crowd continued its grand procession into the mountains.

—

Meanwhile, in Chang’an.

The Houfu was unusually quiet today.

After Qin Chanyue and Liu Yandai had left, the only remaining masters in the Houfu were Zhou Chiye and Aunt Xia.

Since the Marquis’s passing, Aunt Xia had been as quiet as a little turtle hiding beneath the surface of a lake, never emerging for fear of having her head struck. Zhou Chiye, too, had caused no trouble today, having left early in the morning.

Ever since his hand was crippled, he had lost contact with his old friends who used to practice martial arts together. When someone came to invite him, he pretended not to notice. Today, however, was the first time he had ventured out on his own initiative.

Leaving the Houfu, he brought no one with him, setting out alone on horseback. He exited Changping Fang and entered Pincha Fang.

Pincha Fang was one of the livelier districts in Chang’an, bustling with people.

In Dachen, districts were strictly divided: residential areas, entertainment quarters, and marketplaces were kept separate and could not be mixed. Every evening, a curfew was enforced on time, and no one was allowed to exceed the allotted hours.

Since the people of Dachen love tea, there is a district in Chang’an specifically for drinking tea, called “Pincha Fang.” Tea was something only scholars, literati, and the scholar-official class could afford, so tea houses were often paired with poetry societies and book studios. While enjoying tea, one could also stroll around, read books, or listen to poetry recitals. Inside these book studios, there were even people playing music for entertainment.

Typically, the young ladies playing music in the book studios came from respectable families—they sold their skills, not their bodies. Previously, Bai Yuning had come to such a book studio to play music before Zhou Yuanting brought her back to the Houfu.

Today, Zhou Chiye rode his horse all the way to Pincha Fang.

When he set out in the morning, the sky was still bright, but as he rode into the district, a light rain began to fall.

Early autumn in Chang’an often brought rain. As the old saying goes, each autumn rain brings a chill. In no time, the people walking in the district had all taken shelter in tea shops, and the streets grew sparse, eventually almost empty.

Only the sound of rain pattering on the bluestone bricks, gathering into small puddles, remained.

As his horse’s hooves clopped over the bluestone bricks, Zhou Chiye finally found Qinyin Ge.

A light drizzle swayed the lanterns hanging under the eaves of the pavilion, and a gentle breeze brushed against his brocade sleeves, carrying a cool, damp chill that clung to him. Frowning, Zhou Chiye dismounted from his horse.

Before entering Qinyin Ge, he hesitated for a moment. He didn’t know what “another path” Bai Yuning had mentioned truly meant, but then he thought—whatever it was, it had to be better than the useless life he was living now.

Moreover, Bai Yuning was the person destined to spend her life with him. She wouldn’t betray him. The path she offered him must be the best.

With this mindset, Zhou Chiye stepped into Qinyin Ge.

Qinyin Ge had two floors. The first floor was filled with scattered seats, with a circular stage in the center where a beautiful woman was playing the guzheng, her melodies light and uplifting.

The pavilion was completely empty, clearly cleared out in advance. Whoever had arranged this had done so with remarkable efficiency.

Spotting Zhou Chiye, a waiter quickly approached, bowing with a smile as he said, “Second Young Master Zhou, please come upstairs.”

As the moment of revelation drew near, Zhou Chiye’s heart grew heavier, and even his palms grew clammy with cold sweat.

Step by step, he climbed the stairs to the second floor, where the waiter led him into a tea room.

The tea room was spacious. As soon as the door opened, its furnishings came into view.

The room was vast, with a tea table directly ahead, a screen to the left, and a circular stage for performances to the right. To the left of the tea table, a young master was already seated.

As the door opened, the young master turned his head with a smile and said, “Second Young Master, please take a seat.”

When Zhou Chiye saw the young master’s face, it felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck him squarely on the head, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

It was the Second Prince.

As the second son of the Houfu, he had known from a young age where his allegiance lay.

His maternal uncle, Zhennan Wang, was part of the Crown Prince’s faction, and his mother, Qin Chanyue, had distant ties to the Crown Prince. Since childhood, he had known they belonged to the Crown Prince’s faction.

In the past, his plan had been to go to the border, take over Zhennan Wang’s responsibilities, become the new Zhennan Wang in the future, and continue following the Crown Prince.

Their family had no other path but to side with the Crown Prince—a stance determined two generations ago. Thus, those from their mansion had never had any dealings with the Second Prince. Even if there were any interactions, they were handled with extreme caution, never daring to get too close, for fear of leaving any handle that could be seized.

And now, this “absolutely unapproachable” Second Prince was seated behind the desk, waiting for him to approach.

In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Zhou Chiye’s mind—his mother, Bai Yuning, the Second Prince, and the Imperial Consort Wan behind the Second Prince. Amidst the tangled web of power and influence, he heard the pounding of his own heart.

Zhou Chiye didn’t even know how he walked in. By the time he came to his senses, he was already kneeling opposite the tea table, face-to-face with the Second Prince.

The Second Prince smiled and poured a cup of tea for Zhou Chiye.

The hot tea splashed into the cup, accompanied by the sound of pouring water. Steam rose from the teacup, and amidst the zither music played by the beauty downstairs, the two sat facing each other across the table.

Zhou Chiye’s cheeks were somewhat stiff, his lips pressed together unnaturally. On his face, which bore some resemblance to Qin Chanyue, a trace of hesitation appeared.

He felt a faint sense of regret.

At this moment, his aversion to the Second Prince filled his chest. The admonitions he had heard in the past and the books he had read echoed in his ears, making his hands tremble slightly.

From the standpoint of family allegiances, he and the Second Prince were natural enemies, with no possibility of reconciliation. The Second Prince seeking him out… was certainly not for any good reason. He could not have any dealings with the Second Prince.

At this moment, the Second Prince sitting opposite him finally spoke.

“This prince has recently encountered a difficult matter,” the Second Prince said, his jade-like face showing a hint of helplessness and weariness, tinged with a trace of uncertainty. “If I fail this time, what likely awaits me is a lifetime of imprisonment, with little chance of rising again.”

The zither music from downstairs drifted in through the wooden window, blending with the Second Prince’s despondent voice, leaving Zhou Chiye momentarily dazed.

A lifetime of imprisonment, with little chance of rising again—in a way, wasn’t he in a similar situation?

Wasn’t he, too, a prisoner hidden away in this Houfu?

Though the Second Prince was a noble prince, their statuses differed, yet at this moment, they were both trapped in similar predicaments.

Just as he was lost in thought, the Second Prince suddenly looked up at him and said, word by word, “Only Second Young Master Zhou can help this prince. I promise you, Second Young Master Zhou, if you help me turn things around, in the future, I will personally support and promote you. When that time comes, the entire Zhongyi Hou Mansion will be yours!”

It was as if a wildfire had been ignited in Zhou Chiye’s chest, burning fiercely and causing his face to flush slightly.

The entire Zhongyi Hou Mansion… all his?

His mind flashed with images of his cold and indifferent mother, his bullying elder brother, his sharp-tongued sister-in-law, and finally settled on Bai Yuning’s tear-streaked face.

His chest heaved violently.

Beside him, the Second Prince sensed his desire.

A faint trace of satisfaction appeared on the Second Prince’s face.

Everyone in this world has something they yearn for—some desire wealth, others power, and some want everything. As long as you find the right point to strike, you can draw them into your camp.

Zhou Chiye was an excellent pawn.

He came from a good background, was a standard member of the Crown Prince’s faction, hailed from a family of high-ranking officials, and was utterly infatuated with Bai Yuning—

After a few thoughts, the Second Prince slowly continued, “I know Second Young Master is concerned about the Houfu and finds it difficult to act immediately. But why not consider how the people of the Houfu have treated you? They have never shown you any mercy, so why should you spare them? As the old saying goes, ‘A true man must be ruthless.’ In this world, the victor becomes king, the loser a bandit. Why shrink back for the sake of others’ opinions?”

The Second Prince’s words were like the whispers of a demon, falling upon the ears and stirring ripples in Zhou Chiye’s heart.

It was true—the people in the Houfu had never shown him a shred of mercy.

His mother had never cared for him, letting his arm fester until it could hardly heal. His eldest brother had forced himself upon his Xinshang Ren, then slandered her relentlessly, causing her to wander the streets and suffer endless grievances. His father—even that dead father—had forcibly brought him back from outside, confining him like a dog! Not to mention his elder sister-in-law, who had openly reprimanded Bai Yuning, causing her to be punished again.

Each of these incidents was like a straw, one after another, pressing down heavily upon him, burying him in the mud until he could no longer rise, turning him into what he was now.

Since they had treated him this way, why should he show them any mercy?

At that moment, the Second Prince said with genuine sincerity, “In the future, if I can ascend to the Taiji Hall, I will not treat Second Young Master unfairly.”

Zhou Chiye’s heart pounded violently against his chest. He heard his own voice, hoarse, ask, “What… what can I do?”

The Second Prince smiled with satisfaction.

“It’s simple—” The demon’s whispers slowly spread through the tearoom. The zither music outside had ceased at some point, leaving only the two of them in the world, in a place unknown to others, where malice sprouted vines that coiled around Zhou Chiye, blotting out the sky.

And Zhou Chiye was willing.

He was willing to join this outsider in harming his own family.

At times, family members hated each other more fiercely than outsiders. That hatred, mixed with resentment and jealousy, was more terrifying than anything. Outsiders fought based on interests; once those interests no longer aligned, they would retreat at any moment. But family was different.

They genuinely wished for each other’s death.

These several branches living under the same roof appeared harmonious and joyful, but beneath the surface lay layer upon layer of resentment and tears.

As Zhou Chiye and the Second Prince plotted these schemes, the Second Prince could not help but feel smug.

He raised his head high, looking at Zhou Chiye’s face, and thought, Elder Brother, oh Elder Brother, you’ve schemed and calculated everything, but did you ever anticipate this move with Zhou Chiye?

What is my dear elder brother doing now?

The Second Prince did not know that his dear elder brother was currently in Dabie Mountain, thinking of a subject’s wife.

——

At this very moment, Dabie Mountain.

The sun in the sky was obscured by clouds and mist, and the mountain suddenly grew colder. The group had just descended the mountain path and reached the flat ground where tents were to be pitched. The servants and maids had just begun setting up the tents in an orderly manner, and the young masters and young ladies had not yet entered the mountains when an autumn rain arrived.

The autumn rain arrived so suddenly that everyone was caught off guard. The tents on the flat ground would still take half an hour to set up, and with the sudden downpour, the maids and servants had to immediately cover them with oilcloth to prevent them from getting soaked. Their busy time was suddenly extended, and if the rain didn’t stop, they likely wouldn’t be able to start the hunt.

With no other choice, the group had to rely on experienced private soldiers to lead the delicate Madam, Young Lady, and young masters to a nearby cave for shelter.

Otherwise, enduring a cold rain in these mountains would surely lead to a fever lasting several days. If the chill became severe, it could even be fatal. The mountain Manor lacked proper medicine, and it would be unwise to risk leaving lasting health issues.

There were numerous caves nearby, some naturally formed with interconnecting passages, while others had been artificially excavated later. In total, there were over a dozen caves, providing ample space for everyone to rest.

It was said that the local mountain dwellers had originally lived directly in these caves, relying on hunting for survival. Later, as farmland became available for cultivation, the caves were gradually abandoned. However, hunters occasionally stayed in them during hunting trips, so they were not entirely desolate. Inside, some torches remained, which could be lit for illumination or warmth.

In these caves, only Madam, the young masters, and the young ladies were allowed to rest, while all the private soldiers stood guard outside. However, some caves were large, while others were small. When some people entered, others had to move to the next cave. Additionally, some caves were interconnected, making it inevitable for men and women to share the same space.

Given the harsh conditions, no one spoke of “breach of propriety.” After all, everything was happening under the watchful eyes of the crowd, so there was no fear of any scandal tarnishing reputations.

Originally, Liu Yandai had planned to sit with Pomu in the same cave, but just before entering, Liu Chunyu pulled her into another one.

“I’ve recently been meeting potential suitors,” Liu Chunyu whispered as they entered the cave, her voice tinged with shyness. “My mother has allowed me to take a look for myself.”

Liu Yandai understood immediately—Liu Chunyu wanted to see the young man she fancied. If she wanted to gauge his interest, she could “accidentally” drop a handkerchief and wait for him to return it.

In short, she had to take the initiative to observe, but going alone would inevitably make her nervous. Having someone accompany her was better.

Liu Yandai, with her high status and married status, was the safest choice. There was no need to worry about gossip or others being more interested in Liu Yandai than in her.

Though these young ladies were usually shy, when it came to meeting suitors, they had to be bold and proactive. Otherwise, how could they secure a good marriage?

In Dachen, women who divorced were looked down upon, so marrying into a good family was essential. Otherwise, they would suffer for decades to come.

Having experienced the “vying for favor” in the inner quarters, Liu Yandai deeply understood this. Not every family had a good Pomu or a good husband. Therefore, she did not refuse and straightforwardly agreed, accompanying Liu Chunyu to a cave.

This cave was relatively spacious, about ten feet high and twenty feet long and wide. Inside, four young masters and three young ladies were already standing or sitting. When Liu Yandai and Liu Chunyu entered, everyone turned to look at them.

Liu Yandai was usually timid and would instinctively shy away from such attention, but Liu Chunyu was even more timid and retreated faster.

As the newcomers, they couldn’t remain silent. Liu Yandai thought that since she was already married, she should be better at handling such situations than Liu Chunyu. Steeling herself, she stepped forward to greet the young masters and ladies.

The other young ladies and masters followed with polite bows.

As they spoke, several young masters lit a fire, warming the cave slightly. Some quick-witted maids brought cushions for the young ladies to sit on.

Once everyone was seated, the conversation began to flow. With the light rain passing over the mountains, they gazed at the misty rain outside and discussed poetry and prose, gradually becoming more familiar with one another.

Liu Yandai also knew which young master Liu Chunyu fancied—the son of a concubine from the household of the Right Vice Minister of Revenue, currently seventeen and of marriageable age, surnamed Lin.

Liu Yandai couldn’t help but take a few extra glances at this Young Master Lin.

Young Master Lin was handsome, tall and upright with fine features. Glancing at Liu Chunyu, who was also delicate and lovely, the two seemed quite well-matched.

As Liu Yandai was observing them, she suddenly noticed the surroundings grow quiet. Liu Chunyu beside her quickly stood up, pulling her along, and she hurriedly rose as well. Turning her head, she saw a tall figure entering the cave entrance.

They were inside the cave, where it was dim, while the newcomer approached from the bright light outside. Looking up, they could see a tall figure stepping into the cave from outside.

He wore a black robe embroidered with golden dragon and auspicious cloud patterns. As he moved, the golden dragon and auspicious cloud patterns shimmered and swayed, gleaming brilliantly.

The light from outside blurred his silhouette, making it hard to discern his features, but everyone recognized the attire and knew who had arrived.

Only the Crown Prince could wear such robes.

They all knew the Crown Prince was in the mountains with them, but no one knew exactly where he was, let alone expected him to take shelter from the rain in the same cave.

The people inside the cave, each with their own thoughts, hastily rose to bow in greeting. The Crown Prince, however, paid them little attention. With a slight nod, he entered the cave, found a stone to sit on, and calmly said, “Sit.”

The others dared not make a sound, slowly expressing their gratitude before sitting down.

The Crown Prince, seated in the most prominent spot, remained still, as if merely resting. With him silent, no one else in the cave spoke, leaving only the crackling of the fire.

The silence was unsettling, but the Crown Prince seemed accustomed to it, as well as to the sight of people trembling and speechless in his presence.

Shortly after everyone sat down, a maid brought in hot tea from outside, explaining that a young lady in a neighboring cave happened to have a tea set and had brewed several cups, sending the first one to this cave.

The gesture was undeniably flattering, but flattery was only natural when the person seated here was the Crown Prince.

If the Crown Prince wanted something like Pearl, Jadeite, and White Jade Soup, they would have to start cooking it for him immediately, let alone hot tea.

Once the tea arrived, the first cup had to be offered to the Crown Prince.

Only after he took his cup could the others take theirs.

The Crown Prince initially had no intention of drinking, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Liu Yandai.

Liu Yandai was the only person in the entire cave who hadn’t looked at him from start to finish. Her attention wasn’t on him but on that cup of tea.

Liu Yandai had entered the mountains early that day and was thirsty. The water in her flask was cold and unappealing, so she stared eagerly at the tea. Moments later, after the Crown Prince took his cup, she hurriedly grabbed one and began drinking.

She drank with care, her soft pink lips pursing as her glistening tongue lightly touched the tea cup, taking small sips of the hot tea.

The tea was hot but just right, a warm stream sliding down her throat and spreading warmth through her mouth.

Liu Yandai closed her eyes contentedly.

Sitting on a stone, she held her tea and leisurely savored it, thinking that the Crown Prince’s arrival wasn’t so bad after all. At least, out of respect for him, others would ensure the tea was delivered here first.

After a few cups of tea, someone boldly struck up a conversation with the Crown Prince, who responded with a faint, indifferent expression, yet did not seem averse to it.

Others grew even more excited, speaking in rapid succession.

The Crown Prince sat upright in his seat, his gaze fixed on the cup in his hand, though he did not drink from it. It appeared as though he was merely looking at the cup, but the corner of his eye remained fixed on Liu Yandai.

She sipped her tea slowly, completely unaware.

Without even turning his head, the Crown Prince could see her clearly.

She seemed to have grown fuller recently, her face rounder, her lips red and teeth white, her waist—such a tight coarse leather belt…

The Crown Prince frowned slightly.

Why would she wear such a belt while pregnant? Or rather… when pregnant, shouldn’t she stay quietly in her residence? How could she still come out to play?

This thought only troubled him for a moment before he forcefully suppressed it.

He shouldn’t dwell on such matters. A pregnant woman was beneath his notice.

A sense of irritation spread through his chest. The Crown Prince raised his head and drained the tea in his cup.

He had come here today only for the hunt, and it had nothing to do with this woman.

“The rain has stopped,” the Crown Prince interrupted their conversation coldly before rising and walking out.

The others glanced outside the cave and hurriedly followed the Crown Prince out.

If the Crown Prince went out, they had to follow.

The rain outside the cave had indeed stopped. The afternoon sun hung once more among the clouds, casting a faint golden glow. The mountains were filled with the moist, abundant mist after the rain. With the rain gone and the sky clear, the gentle breeze felt quite pleasant against the face.

The earlier rainwater had already melted away, as if absorbed by the heavens and earth, vanishing in an instant. Only their dampened clothes served as a reminder that it had indeed rained here moments ago.

After leaving the area, the Crown Prince mounted his horse and rode off without looking back. Several young masters hurriedly followed, including the Young Master Lin whom Liu Chunyu had taken a liking to.

No one wanted to miss the chance to connect with the Crown Prince. Opportunities like this were rare and not to be missed!

As Young Master Lin followed, Liu Chunyu beside him also hurried to keep up.

“Young Master Lin—” she mustered her courage and whispered to Liu Yandai, “I’ll try tossing a handkerchief in a moment.”

Liu Yandai nodded immediately. “Go ahead! I’ll go with you.”

The two young ladies promptly followed.

Once they followed, the other young ladies also mustered their courage and joined in. In no time, the group had grown into a bustling crowd, as if they were all accompanying the Crown Prince on the hunt.

The Crown Prince rode on horseback, and the others followed suit, riding through the nearby mountain forests.

Surrounded by dense woods, with marked signs on the trees, they were not afraid of getting lost. Keeping each other company, they pressed forward.

The Crown Prince found Liu Yandai irritating to look at now, though he couldn’t quite explain why. Irritated all the same, he deliberately tried to shake them off, urging his horse to gallop swiftly.

He rode so fast that Young Master Lin soon couldn’t keep up. Once Young Master Lin fell behind, Liu Chunyu also stopped, and Liu Yandai stood by as well.

After the three of them came to a halt, while Liu Chunyu exchanged pleasantries with Young Master Lin, Liu Yandai caught sight of Miss Wu riding past on her horse, stirring up a gust of wind as she dashed “whoosh” into the forest.

Amid the sound of hoofbeats, Liu Yandai heard Liu Chunyu whisper, “She was the one who served the tea earlier.”