Chapter 35

On the way back, Nianxi remained somewhat silent. Gu Ci, whose heart was entirely on her, naturally noticed her distraction and couldn’t help but ask: “Why aren’t you happy? Did I do something to upset you?”

Nianxi shook her head and vaguely replied, “I’m just a little tired.” She didn’t know the details of the battle in the northern frontier from her previous life. At that time, she was entirely immersed in the fantasies of youthful romance and hadn’t paid any attention to such matters. Aside from the vague reminder to be careful, she couldn’t offer even a single piece of helpful advice.

Gu Ci was the first person she had liked since her rebirth. Despite her continued aversion to marriage, she wholeheartedly hoped he would have a smooth and fulfilling life. Just like now, with his bright and gentle eyes.

“The Qiqiao Festival is approaching. What kind of gift would you like?” Gu Ci asked with a smile.

Nianxi couldn’t think of anything. Gu Ci had already given her so much. “Nothing, I can’t think of anything I want.”

Gu Ci said, “If you don’t have anything in mind, then I won’t hold back.”

Nianxi, knowing he was trying to cheer her up, followed along and asked, “Let’s hear it then.”

Gu Ci glanced at her slyly. “That will depend on Miss Wen’s sincerity. Whether it’s an embroidered pouch or a strand of hair, they would all be wonderful.”

Gu Ci had given her many precious and interesting trinkets, yet, in truth, she had never really given him anything in return. So, Nianxi earnestly responded, “My embroidery skills are not exceptional; it might take some time.”

“I was just teasing you.” Gu Ci gently brushed her hair and smiled. “Having you here is the greatest gift and blessing for me.”

“Alright, didn’t you say you were tired? Go and rest. I’ll be on duty tomorrow, but I’ll bring you Liao’s crispy duck the day after.”

“…Understood.”

The fragrant drink shop in the Western Market officially began construction.

Every couple of days, Wang Muyi would send over account books to inform her of the progress. Nianxi busied herself with planning the beverage menu and seasonal offerings, making every day fulfilling.

It wasn’t until Princess Wen Shu’s invitation arrived, as promised, that she suddenly realized that more than half a month had passed since the Dragon Boat Festival.

After that day, Nianxi pretended to receive a prophetic dream and used it as an excuse to caution Gu Ci about Northern Liang. Although Gu Ci laughed at her wild imagination, he later promised to remind his father, the Duke, to stay alert. Only then did Nianxi feel slightly relieved.

Princess Wen Shu had invited her to watch a polo match.

The Emperor was fond of the sport, and his interest inspired many in the capital to follow suit. Nianxi had accompanied Gu Ci to watch him play polo before. The polo field in the Southern Market had been packed to the brim with people, with no room to move and deafening cheers. From nobility to commoners, everyone adored the sport.

With the Emperor’s birthday approaching, the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince, Prince Jing, organized a polo match to honor the Emperor’s birthday and demonstrate their filial devotion.

Such a grand event, attended by the Emperor himself, was not something Nianxi, the daughter of a fourth-ranked civil official, could have witnessed if not for Princess Wen Shu’s invitation. Feeling obliged by the kind gesture, she reluctantly agreed to attend, hoping the Princess wouldn’t ask her for a fortune-telling reading during the event.

Upon hearing about Princess Wen Shu’s invitation, Gu Ci was somewhat uneasy. “That Princess can be quite whimsical,” he remarked. He had originally planned to take Nianxi horseback riding at Tuoshan on his day off, but he now had to adjust his schedule. Given his noble status, entering the royal polo grounds to watch the match posed no difficulty.

The Crown Prince, born to the late Empress, led one team, while Prince Jing, the son of the current Empress, led the other.

On the polo field, young men were divided into two teams, wearing close-fitting outfits with tall riding boots and colorful headbands to keep sweat from dripping into their eyes. Each team was led by a respective prince. Riding horses and swinging their mallets, they dashed across the field with impressive vigor, exuding an inspiring and heroic charm.

In the end, the Crown Prince’s team narrowly won by a single goal, defeating Prince Jing’s team.

Princess Wen Shu was so excited that she nearly lost her voice from cheering. “Crown Prince Brother, you’re amazing!”

“If only every day could be like this! Being cooped up in the palace all the time, I might start growing mushrooms,” she added with an exaggerated sigh.

Sitting beside the Princess, Nianxi asked, “Your Highness, why don’t you leave the palace for some leisure?”

In this dynasty, princesses could leave the palace and establish their own residences once they turned sixteen. Princess Wen Shu, now eighteen years old, was permitted to leave the palace for leisure, even though the Emperor and Consort Shu were reluctant for her to live outside the palace.

“Do you think I don’t want to?” Xiao Nanxi sighed, “Mother always says the outside world is too dangerous. If Father hadn’t left the palace today, I wouldn’t have been able to step out. Why else would I have chosen that day to drug Pei Jian? It’s only because I’m usually kept under such strict supervision that I had no other opportunity!”

Nianxi thought it would have sounded crude and unbecoming if anyone else had said this. Yet somehow, coming from the Princess’s forthright manner, it seemed oddly endearing.

“I just saw Pei Shizhang too. He was accompanying the Emperor. Quick, tell me, what’s my fortune for today?”

“…” Nianxi maintained a smile. “Excellent.”

She had no knowledge of divination and had only used it as a temporary excuse that day. Since she was already making it up, why not say something to make the listener happy?

Hearing this, Xiao Nanxi’s face indeed lit up with delight.

Nianxi cautiously asked, “Does Your Highness like Lord Pei…?”

“Of course ~” Xiao Nanxi answered without hesitation. “Don’t you think Pei Shizhang has a very restrained and ascetic look?”

Before Nianxi could respond, the Princess, full of excitement, continued, “I’ve been reading storybooks lately, and from experience, men like Lord Pei, who is dignified and reserved, usually have cold exteriors but passionate hearts. I want to verify it for myself.”

Nianxi: …

“This is hard to judge.”

As Xiao Nanxi spoke, she kept fanning herself, sweat continuously forming on her forehead, and her complexion looking unwell.

Nianxi asked, “Your Highness, are you feeling overheated?”

Xiao Nanxi leaned closer with a pained expression. “It’s all because I wanted to maintain a straight posture. I specifically wore a tight corset today. But it’s too tight, and I can barely breathe with this heat.”

Hearing this, Nianxi’s gaze involuntarily dropped to the Princess’s graceful figure, leaving her momentarily at a loss for words. This Princess was truly innocent and spontaneous, yet so candid it was almost overwhelming, often leaving Nianxi unsure of how to respond.

But Xiao Nanxi, experienced as she was, declared, “I need to take off this ridiculous corset. You’re coming with me.”

Amused, Nianxi agreed and accompanied her to the resting quarters behind the polo field.

Unexpectedly, after changing her clothes, the Princess had a new idea. “Do you know how to ride a horse?”

“…Not very well.”

Xiao Nanxi clapped her hands. “Perfect! Let’s go pick a horse.”

By now, Nianxi had realized that Princess Wen Shu had the temperament of a child—impulsive and whimsical. Unable to refuse, Nianxi could only go along with her.

Xiao Nanxi chose a fiery red horse and skillfully mounted it. Seeing Nianxi remain still, she asked in confusion, “Why aren’t you picking one?”

Nianxi didn’t wish to attract attention. Princess Wenshu was the treasured daughter of the Emperor and Consort Shu, and merely accompanying her today had already drawn plenty of attention. If Nianxi were to ride horses with the Princess here at the countryside racecourse, it would be far too conspicuous. So she gestured at her attire and said, “Your Highness, I am not dressed in riding gear—it’s rather inappropriate.”

“Alright then.”

Though Xiao Nanxi was lively and impulsive, she wasn’t one to force others. Hearing this, she tugged at the reins, cracked the whip with a flourish in mid-air, and galloped off.

This vast racecourse hosted various activities such as polo, horse racing, and archery. Each year, the royal family held several grand events here.

Dressed in striking red, Xiao Nanxi was as dazzling as a meteor. Her spirited figure on horseback instantly captured the attention of everyone present.

The Emperor, seated on high, watched his youngest daughter’s graceful and bold performance. Smiling, he remarked, “This little sister of yours is the most mischievous.”

This comment was addressed to the Crown Prince, Xiao Heng.

With the late Empress passing away early, the Emperor personally raised Xiao Heng. Compared to the other princes, their conversation carried a more casual and affectionate tone. “Little sister is mischievous because you’ve spoiled her, Father,” Xiao Heng replied.

The Emperor laughed heartily, stroking his beard.

Meanwhile, Pei Jian stood by, attending the Emperor.

As an academician from the Imperial Hanlin Academy and a close aide to the Emperor, Pei Jian was highly regarded, thanks partly to the Crown Prince’s recommendation. At this moment, like everyone else, his gaze was directed toward the scene on the field. However, unlike the others, his eyes fell upon a slender, graceful figure in the shadowy corner of a lush green backdrop.

It had been half a month since he last saw her.