Chapter 64

“Qu Zuo Autumn Hunt?” Nianxi looked surprised.

Fu Ling smiled and nodded, “The princess has just received the news. This year, she can join His Majesty in the autumn hunt at Qu Zuo. Her Highness is delighted and is watching the palace attendants pack for the trip to Qu Zuo.”

“Her Highness said such a good thing should be shared with others. That’s why she sent this servant to invite you to join the royal autumn hunt.”

In her past life, Nianxi had never participated in the autumn hunt. At first, it was because Pei Jian’s official rank wasn’t high enough, and later, he stayed in the capital to act as the regent. Thus, she knew little about the annual autumn hunt.

“Who usually attends the autumn hunt?”

Fu Ling smiled and replied, “Miss Wen, don’t worry. Many ladies and wives from the capital also attend. Not only our princess but also Princess Xinchang and Princess Deqing will be there.”

Perhaps noticing that Nianxi’s smile seemed somewhat forced, Fu Ling added, “The Crown Prince, Prince Jing, Prince Qi, and the fifth prince will also be part of the entourage. Many nobles and officials will attend, so it will be lively. This year’s autumn hunt is brief; it will only last half a month and will take place near the capital, in Qu Zuo.”

However, the more Fu Ling explained, the more Nianxi’s smile faded until she could barely muster one by the end.

Being stared at by such a beauty, Fu Ling couldn’t quite endure it. She could only steel herself and finish her words, “The day after tomorrow, we will depart. Miss Wen, please pack your belongings quickly. This servant takes her leave.”

After Fu Ling left, Nianxi let out a long sigh of relief.

In truth, she wasn’t very eager to go. However, thinking of Princess Wen Shu, who was cooped up in the palace all day, and how she finally got a chance to join the hunt yet still remembered to share this “good thing” with her, Nianxi could only adjust her mindset.

When she brought this up to her parents, Madam Li was quite pleased. “We’ve only been in the capital for half a year, and now you get to join the royal autumn hunt. This is a good opportunity to broaden your horizons. Just one thing: without your parents or elder brother by your side, remember to act cautiously and avoid any trouble.”

Father Wen also advised earnestly, “When you’re away from home, you must protect yourself. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t be afraid—just write to us, and your father will back you up.”

Wen Qingheng also nodded, “And your brother—your brother will personally come to pick you up!”

Gu Ci was the most worried of all. “It’s a pity I’m not part of the Imperial Guards and can’t stay by your side. Princess Wen Shu… you must be cautious and avoid getting too close to her, lest you encounter unnecessary trouble.”

Both of them recalled the previous incident at the hunting grounds when the horse lost control.

Gu Ci grew even more concerned. “Why not say you’re ill and avoid going altogether?”

Nianxi chuckled. “I’m leaving for Qu Zuo tomorrow, for fifteen days. Don’t you have anything to say to me?”

Gu Ci gazed at her, his eyes gradually becoming intense. “You’re leaving tomorrow, but I’m already starting to miss you now.”

“But I’m right here beside you.”

“Not enough.” His voice, unusually low and hoarse, drew closer to her.

Nianxi thought he would kiss her, but he didn’t. Instead, he pulled her into his arms, gently wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing her against his chest, and letting her listen to the “thump-thump” of his heartbeat.

“Do you hear it?”

Nianxi thought for a moment, then nodded.

Gu Ci chuckled softly, his chest vibrating along with his laughter. “What did you hear?”

Nianxi also laughed. She slightly raised her head and pointed to his chest, “I heard you saying you love me, can’t bear to part with me, and beg me to think of you.”

“Yes, I love you deeply, can’t bear to part with you, and I beg you to always think of me.” He repeated gently.

Nianxi’s gaze softened. Gu Ci leaned closer, their eyes met, and naturally, they shared a kiss.

“Wait for me; when I have a break, I’ll come to Qu Zuo to find you.”

…

The princess’s carriage was spacious and luxurious, as elaborate as a room. Red felt drapes enclosed it, and the wheels were painted red as well. The roof was domed, with extended eaves adorned with tassels.

Xiao Nanxi invited Nianxi to sit with her. However, at that moment, Nianxi was a bit carsick, feeling weak and less talkative than usual. Fortunately, the carriage was spacious enough for her to recline and rest.

Nianxi, with nothing to do, picked up a storybook lying idle in the carriage to pass the time. Then, she finally understood why the princess behaved so eccentrically. The stories in the book were utterly bizarre.

The male characters in the book were utterly deranged, constantly abusing and humiliating the women they claimed to love. Even after marrying someone else, they wouldn’t let go, continuing to inflict emotional and physical torment.

Nianxi felt suffocated just reading it. With a “snap,” she closed the book.

“Does the princess enjoy these?”

Judging by the worn edges of the book, it was clearly a cherished item frequently read.

Xiao Nanxi, lying on the couch, turned her head to glance at her and said wistfully, “What beautiful princess doesn’t want to experience the pains of love?”

“How passionate, how tumultuous, how grand!”

Nianxi: … Can’t communicate on this.

Xiao Nanxi, feeling a bit better, sat up from the couch and asked Nianxi, “That day with the startled horse, you were frightened too, weren’t you? I originally wanted to bring you into the palace to calm your nerves. But at that time, my mother was strict, and everyone around me, except for Fu Ling and Yan Qing, was replaced. This matter was delayed. Are you alright now?”

Nianxi shook her head, feeling touched. The princess had been protected too well since childhood, which made her somewhat pitiable. Though eccentric in temperament, her heart was exceptionally kind. Moreover, being so young, she might inevitably misunderstand some things and stray onto the wrong path.

“Your Highness, these stories in the book are fine for passing the time, but you mustn’t take them seriously. What good person would willingly endure such abuse and humiliation?”

“Of course, I know,” the princess replied.

Xiao Nanxi’s eyes sparkled as she pulled out another, even more worn-out book from under the cushion and handed it to Nianxi. “I’m mature now. This time, during the hunt, you’ll help me succeed!”

Nianxi glanced down at the book, its title glaringly obvious: The Cold-Hearted Guard Falls in Love with Me.

Nianxi: …

This was enough to make one’s vision go black. There is absolutely no way to help with this. She should have listened to Gu Ci and feigned illness to stay home!