Chapter 51: Preparing for the Autumn Hunt

The two of them were very much in sync—willing, natural, and harmonious.

Xuan Yuanling had been overly eager earlier, practically pouncing on her at the sight of her. Now that the matter was over, that usual air of reserve in his bones had returned.

At the moment, he was holding the little lady and chatting with her.

One had to admit, Shen Qing was very pleasant to hold—soft, fragrant, and now looking obedient. It was quite different from the melancholic appearance she had earlier. If she hadn’t suddenly fallen ill, he wouldn’t have realized how much she missed her parents.

Xuan Yuanling rubbed his chin against her shoulder. “In a few days, there will be the Autumn Hunt. Come with me.” It would be good for her to relax a bit.

He spoke with his breath brushing against her ear, making Shen Qing shrink her neck slightly.

The Autumn Hunt was a royal tradition held every year. It served as a ritual to predict the coming year’s harvest, and thus wasn’t merely a matter of the harem, but an important court event. Civil and military officials would also attend.

Shen Qing stole a glance at Xuan Yuanling’s expression, only to find that he was also looking at her. His eyes clearly reflected her image. She had become somewhat familiar with this expression by now.

Xuan Yuanling hadn’t seen Shen Qing in days. He’d originally planned to bring it up after a few more days once things were settled. But he suddenly thought of it just now and blurted it out. Well, it was out now. It wasn’t a big deal. But Shen Qing looked like she wasn’t going to express her thanks.

That left Xuan Yuanling slightly frustrated. He was doing it for her—what, was she not happy about leaving the palace?

Seeing his gloomy expression, Shen Qing almost couldn’t help herself from laughing.

She did it on purpose. She wouldn’t immediately give him what he wanted—let him stew for a bit.

This was called “restraining first to make way for praise.”

But she couldn’t let him stay frustrated forever.

She lifted her hands to cradle Xuan Yuanling’s face, once again remarking inwardly that the Emperor really was awkward and pretentious. Then she planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

Xuan Yuanling didn’t expect it. His heart instantly softened.

After kissing him, Shen Qing beamed with joy. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Mm.”

Oh? Just a “mm”? So simply saying thanks wasn’t enough?

Shen Qing leaned in and gave him another kiss on his other cheek, then asked bashfully, “Your Majesty… is it because you saw how homesick I was when I got sick that you decided to take me out?”

She spoke as if she were guessing, yet with a look full of eager anticipation. Faced with such a pair of eyes, Xuan Yuanling nearly couldn’t keep up the act.

But even so, he couldn’t bring himself to blame her. How could he not pamper such a sweet-talking little girl?

He lowered his head with a helpless chuckle and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You sure do think a lot.”

As he said that, he was already leaning down, seeking her lips.

Desire rekindled—it all happened naturally.

This time, Shen Qing was the one taking the initiative.

Xuan Yuanling thought to himself that he’d have to do more things to make Shen Qing happy from now on.

After all, the rewards came so quickly. He felt that coaxing this little girl was absolutely worth it. The more he spoiled her, the more obedient she became.

Of course, Shen Qing still couldn’t stay overnight in Qianyuan Palace. Someone was called to carry her back. Even so, now that the matter had been settled, she couldn’t help but feel a bit of anticipation.

But before the Autumn Hunt, there was a more pressing matter: Xuan Yuanling’s birthday—tomorrow.

The birthday banquet was very close to the Mid-Autumn Banquet. Xuan Yuanling had made it clear beforehand that it shouldn’t be too extravagant, so the celebration wasn’t especially grand. The harem concubines, however, were all raring to go, each eager to make a good impression on the Emperor.

At times like this, Shen Qing didn’t have much to do. She wasn’t looking to perform or stand out, because Xuan Yuanling likely didn’t care much for his own birthday.

After all, birthdays were inevitably linked to the Empress Dowager.

Sure enough, when the Empress Dowager appeared, the atmosphere became stifled.

She usually didn’t come out, not even for the Mid-Autumn Banquet, claiming to be unwell. But for the Emperor’s birthday, as his mother, it would’ve been inexcusable for her not to show up.

Xuan Yuanling and the Empress Dowager exchanged a few formalities, and the banquet began.

Unlike the previous Mid-Autumn Banquet, this birthday banquet was truly a display of a hundred flowers blooming. Consort Yu was dressed to the nines, and the others weren’t far behind. Shen Qing kept a low profile and quietly observed the spectacle. Everyone seemed to share a tacit understanding—no one dared do anything that might upset the Emperor today. So each woman focused solely on showcasing her beauty.

But once the Empress Dowager arrived, the mood turned oppressive, and all the beauties turned into meek little quails.

When the banquet neared its end, Xuan Yuanling, following tradition, had to visit the Empress’s palace. The Empress Dowager seemed very satisfied. As for the rest, everyone had their own thoughts—no need to spell them out.

It was truly a rare harmonious evening banquet.

After this, the focus naturally shifted to the Autumn Hunt. With half a month to go, the Empress was genuinely busy. She had to decide which concubines would accompany the Emperor and present the list to Xuan Yuanling.

In her heart, the Empress selected Noble Lady Lin, Beauty Li, Beauty Zhao, and Shen Qing.

Though Shen Qing held a low rank, she was currently the most frequently summoned to the Emperor’s bedchamber—clearly the most favored—so she had to go.

The Empress submitted the list to Xuan Yuanling, but when it was returned, Noble Lady Lin’s name had been crossed out.

The Empress was baffled—what had Noble Lady Lin done to displease the Emperor?

Well, it didn’t matter. If the Emperor didn’t like her, she was of no use. If he wanted her off the list, so be it.

A few days later, at the collective morning greeting, the Empress brought up the matter of the Autumn Hunt and named those who would be attending.

Shen Qing had already known she would be going. In front of the Empress, she still expressed a bit of joy. But she didn’t let it last too long—after all, those who hadn’t been chosen were clearly upset.

Take, for example, Noble Lady Lin.