Chapter 53: An Accidental Encounter

Shen Qing wasn’t familiar with Beauty Zhao, but since they had started talking, they simply continued the conversation.

Beauty Zhao asked, “From the way you’re dressed, Shen Liangren, could it be that you know how to ride horses?”

“I learned in the past,” Shen Qing replied with a smile. From the way she asked, it seemed this Beauty Zhao also knew how to ride.

Beauty Li, who was standing nearby, quietly sized up Shen Qing upon hearing this. She thought to herself: With her petite appearance, she can ride horses?

Shen Qing noticed Beauty Li’s look but didn’t care. Based on the few encounters they’d had, she could tell Beauty Li wasn’t someone easy to get along with.

Beauty Zhao said, “Had I known, I would’ve worn something more convenient too.”

“Your outfit is fine, Beauty Zhao. We’re not going hunting. What you’re wearing is already appropriate.”

At this, Beauty Li couldn’t hold it in anymore and said, “We’re here to serve His Majesty. What need is there to ride horses?”

Though she said that, she also felt a bit uneasy—she had gone out of her way to dress up today. Had she made a mistake?

The hunting ground was quite far from the palace, and the group set out in the morning but only arrived around noon.

Guards had been arranged to patrol the surroundings. The Emperor’s outings were always grand, and preparations had been made in advance. Since it was already midday when they arrived, the first thing they did was eat lunch.

Shen Qing and the others were of low rank. Those joining the hunt were all royal family members. The Emperor’s brothers and uncles were present, so naturally, the concubines couldn’t accompany them.

The Empress had arranged the harem ladies and the families of officials separately. The Emperor dined with the royal relatives, and everything was clearly organized.

After lunch came free time.

The men went off to hunt, while the women gathered to chat or rest.

Consort Yu and Consort Shun had brought their children with them and had many attendants. Shen Qing only had one attendant with her—Chunhua.

The resting area had been arranged beforehand. This was a royal hunting ground and had a temporary palace. Shen Qing, Beauty Zhao, and Beauty Li shared the same courtyard.

Once inside the room, Chunhua began massaging Shen Qing’s legs.

Shen Qing closed her eyes and rested for a bit before telling Chunhua to stop. The autumn hunt would last three days. For people like them, it was merely a chance to gain experience and show face—they weren’t required to hunt. Shen Qing told Chunhua to find out where she could go to ride horses. After resting enough, she felt eager to try.

Shen Qing loved riding horses. Especially after being cooped up in the palace for so long, she deeply missed the sensation of galloping freely. She just wanted a little relaxation. Fortunately, the riding ground here was very large—plenty of space for a good ride.

After Chunhua finished asking around, Shen Qing decided to seize the moment and go out for some fun.

So she and Chunhua went to the stables behind the main grounds. The men had all gone hunting, so the riding field was empty. When Shen Qing arrived, the stablehand selected a gentle mare for her. Shen Qing mounted the horse.

Chunhua had initially been worried, but seeing Shen Qing leap onto the horse with a posture that was both strong and graceful, a flash of admiration lit her eyes.

Liangren is truly beautiful.

Shen Qing galloped alone across the field. The wind whipped against her face—it felt like long-lost freedom. It was wonderful.

Just as Shen Qing was immersed in enjoyment, another horse suddenly joined her.

She turned her head and saw a young man. This man rode up and matched her pace. Shen Qing frowned. After circling once, she immediately stopped and dismounted. The young man also pulled to a stop. From atop his horse, he looked down at Shen Qing with a flash of admiration in his eyes.

“Why did you stop? Your riding skills are quite good. Which family are you from?”

Shen Qing turned and gave a proper bow. “Liangren Shen. Greetings, Your Highness.”

“So you’re one of my royal brother’s concubines,” said Xuanyuan Yi, not seeming the least bit disappointed. “Quite sharp—you could tell I’m a prince?”

Of course, Shen Qing thought. How could I not tell? You’re wearing the standard attire of a prince without even trying to hide it.

She spoke plainly, “Your Highness flatters me. I’ve disturbed your pleasure. I’ll take my leave now.”

Given her status, it was inappropriate to interact too much with men outside the Emperor.

Xuanyuan Yi raised an eyebrow. Since she said that, it wasn’t proper for him to ask her to stay—after all, she was his royal brother’s woman.

Shen Qing immediately left. Not far off, she ran into Beauty Li.

They exchanged a brief glance. Shen Qing didn’t care whether Beauty Li stayed or left. She nodded slightly in greeting and walked off.

This small encounter was nothing but an interlude. After Shen Qing returned to the courtyard, she told Chunhua to bring her some snacks. After eating and resting, evening arrived.

The Emperor and the others were still in the front grounds. By evening, according to custom, the ladies were allowed to go out. It was the first night, and the game caught by the Emperor, ministers, and princes would be shared among everyone. Shen Qing always kept a low profile—what reason did she have to act otherwise at such a grand occasion?

The freshly hunted game was cooked on the spot. The imperial chefs had put in their best efforts—the food was truly delicious. After eating a bit, Shen Qing returned to her courtyard. Before long, someone came to summon her—His Majesty wished to see her.

Shen Qing quickly got ready and headed over.

Xuanyuan Ling had gone hunting today. He had personally taken down game and had also been drinking. At this moment, he was not quite the same as usual. He sat on the couch, propped up by one arm. When Shen Qing entered, he lifted his eyes to look at her. His usually restrained intensity surged forth.

Hmm, a little drunk?

As Shen Qing approached, he reached out and pulled her directly into his arms, eyes half-lidded.

“Happy?” he asked. “Did you get to walk around today?”

“Very happy,” Shen Qing replied with a sweet, gentle smile. “This consort even went horseback riding.”

After a pause, Shen Qing added, “I even accidentally ran into a prince.”

As soon as she said this, she felt Xuanyuan Ling’s arm around her tighten.

He was using too much force—Shen Qing let out a small gasp of pain.

A strange feeling rose in Xuanyuan Ling’s heart. “A prince? Which one? Did you two speak?”

He looked at her face and noticed she was frowning. Only then did he realize he had been holding her too tightly.

The man’s possessiveness was painfully obvious.

This little thing had such a bewitching appearance. During the selection process, Xuanyuan Ling had taken one look at her and chosen her—even with her low status. Now, wasn’t she the one who had attended to him the most?

She was just so captivating.

If someone spoke to her, what was their intention?

“We only exchanged a couple of words. This consort doesn’t know which prince it was.”

Xuanyuan Ling knew Shen Qing was well-behaved and gave a low “Mm” in response.

He didn’t say much more, just picked her up and tossed her onto the bed.

That night, Xuanyuan Ling was extremely wild. Maybe it was the alcohol, but he completely let go. He even started spouting provocative lines nonstop. Shen Qing had thought she was used to Xuanyuan Ling already, but this sudden change in behavior caught her completely off guard. His bedroom talk was so intense she almost couldn’t respond in time.

The next morning, when Xuanyuan Ling woke up, he didn’t remember much—except to ask Zhao Hai: “Which prince didn’t go hunting yesterday?”