"Darn it." Xie Jing Xing suddenly turned around and instructed Mo Qing and the few, "Escort Fūrén out of the outer fields. Tie Yi, follow me."
Shen Miao said, "You are going to the inner fields now?" The uneasy feeling in her heart got heavier that Shen Miao almost had the urge to pull Xie Jing Xing back and prevent him from leaving.
Xie Jing Xing looked at her deeply and there was a seriousness in his eyes for the first time, "There are changes to the plan."
Shen Miao clenched her hands into fists and looked at him, "I will wait for your return."
Xie Jing Xing remained silent and turned the horse's head before whipping it as Tie Yi trailed behind. As the two of them grew further apart, their silhouettes vanished into the dust clouds created by the horses.
Shen Miao sat on the horse's back, clutching the reins tightly. She was in no mood to wander around the outer fields by herself at the time. Mo Qing said, "Fūrén, let's return."
Shen Miao nodded, and Mo Qing escorted her out with a group of guards. Despite this, Shen Miao's heart continued to pound incessantly, and she continued to try to calm herself down. She began to consider every minor detail of the situation.
There appeared to be a serious threat to today's matter. The position of Emperor Yong Le in Great Liang's court was not as secure as one might think. In it, the Lu family's army was more critical, and there appeared to be rebellious intent; most importantly, the Lu family was the Late Emperor's power.
Could there have been a connection between Emperor Yong Le and the Late Emperor? It appeared that some Emperor was unwilling to hand over the throne to the son. Could it be that Emperor Yong Le's position was not passed down through official method and that some means were used, so the Late Emperor was resentful and would still lay a big net even after dying for so many years, in order to pull him down the horse one day?
Emperor Yong Le and Xie Jing Xing should have made some preparations for this, but no one knew why Emperor Yong Le went into the inner fields and headed to Hua Feng Peak. There were only two options: first, someone in the Imperial army forced Emperor Yong Le to enter the inner fields early, and thus Emperor Yong Le was forced to enter the inner fields early. The second point was that this was Emperor Yong Le's intention, and it was a spur-of-the-moment decision that he made without consulting Xie Jing Xing.
Shen Miao thought it should be the second one because there were still some officials and other people walking around in the surrounding fields. Even if there were evil people hiding in the Imperial army, they would not choose to take action here and would instead allow Emperor Yong Le to enter the inner fields and take action without anyone around.
But why did Emperor Yong Le enter first, and what decision made Xie Jing Xing so nervous that a grim expression appeared on his face that Shen Miao had never seen before on Xie Jing Xing?
She walked shakily with the horse, and an eagle flying overhead gave a long shriek. Her heartbeat quickened, and an incredulous thought entered her mind.
That thought, however, was quickly dismissed by her as she shook her head and secretly pressed her heart.
She first noticed Ji Fūrén after leaving the outer field. Ji Fūrén did not accompany Ji Dàrén into the hunting grounds and instead waited outside. Shen Miao went up to greet Ji Fūrén because she didn't know anyone in Long Ye.
"Why did Qīnwángfēi come out so early?" Ji Fūrén smiled, "One thought that one will play longer inside. There are a lot of foxes in the outer fields and if one is lucky, one will be able to see black foxes. The scarf made from their fur is warm and beautiful."
Shen Miao smiled gently, "I only followed them for the fun and bustle and do not know how to hunt." She then looked at Ji Fūrén and said, "Fūrén no need to call me Wángfēi. Since we are relatives, it is alright to call me Jiao Niáng (Jiao Girl, coz of her intimate name Jiao Jiao). As such, I can thicken my skin to call Fūrén Yímǔ."
Ji Fūrén was startled then her smile got much more warmly, "So Jing Xing had told you about it. In this case, then I would not do all those headache things and just call Jiao Niáng."
Shen Miao smiled. Luo Xue Yan did not have sisters and only brothers so she only had Jiùjius and no Yímǔ, thus it was refreshing to now have an additional Yímǔ. But seeing Ji Fūrén's dignified self, she seemed to be one who knew the situation and her words were straightforward. Shen Miao thought about it and find that it should be as such, else how would one be able to raise Ji Yu Shu with such a personality.
Ji Fūrén pulled Shen Miao's hand and led her in another direction while speaking, "Today, Jing Xing and Xing Zhi entered the hunting grounds so you and I will wait outside. When the sun sets, they would return and at that time both of you can come to the Ji residence for a meal. Speaking of which, after Jing Xing's return this time, he had not gone to our residence for a meal."
Shen Miao smiled and complied and instantly thought about Xie Jing Xing and started to be somewhat worried before asking, "Yímǔ, the fight in the inner fields, is it dangerous or not? One fear that it is not easy to hunt a lion."
Ji Fūrén signed, "This was the regulation that was established during the founding of the country. After so many years, it was originally abolished, but in the end, Xiān Huáng..." She suddenly stopped and looked at Shen Miao with a smile, "You need not worry. The Imperial army is brought along and even though the beasts are ferocious, those guards are not vegetarians. Moreover, both xiōngdì have martial art skills and are not idlers with no strength to kill a chicken. Their kungfu is more than enough power to protect themselves."
When Shen Miao heard it, she also smiled along but in her heart, it seemed that Ji Fūrén was not aware of the matter. If she knew, she would not reveal such a relaxed expression. That Imperial army was not as safe as they looked on the surface. Ji Fūrén was not one who could discuss matters with and at this time Shen Miao was somewhat regretful as she should bring Pei Lang along, at least now she could discuss matters. She did not know anyone in Long Ye and knew nothing about Xie Jing Xing's arrangements, thus, it was not good to make other arrangements.
The outer fields were far from the grove's edge, so there would be a breeze. Because those who came were nobles, a lot of ice was transported over. It was currently refreshing, and a few young ladies and Fūréns were sitting there drinking tea and eating snacks. When they saw their family return with some hunted prey, they were overjoyed and went up to show off.
It was a very interesting form of entertainment.
Shen Miao's heart began to sink. She looked at the distant Hua Feng Peak, which was so far away that it could not be seen. Everyone was having a good time chatting, but who knew if it was a scene of fighting and killing? Was it just a lion or is it a golden dragon from the Nine Heavens?
Someone walked over just as she was thinking. Shen Miao looked up and saw Ye Fūrén, who was sharp and silent. Ye Fūrén approached Ji Fūrén's side and sat down before smiling at Ji Fūrén., "Why did you not enter?"
"How would I know how to hunt? One is only merely watching." Ji Fūrén also smiled along. Even though the Ji and Ye families did not interact much, on the surface, one had to do what needed to be done. After all, Ye Mao Cai's official rank was comparable to that of Left Minister Ji, if not slightly higher. Ji Fūrén said, "Ye Fūrén also did not enter?"
"I will not enter." Ye Fūrén waved her hands, "My body of bones will not be able to withstand the horse movements at all." Her gaze landed on Shen Miao, "Why did Qīnwángfēi not enter? Just now one had seen the Qīnwáng accompanying Wángfēi to enter. Why not play a while more?"
Shen Miao's heart thumped. Ye Fūrén's words seemed to be probing something. Could it be that she knew of the matters in the inner fields? The Lu and Ye families were special and it was worth noting. She said, "The sun is too strong and one feels dizzy in the outer field, thus, one return first." Afterwards, she then put on a slightly disappointed look, "Moreover, I don't like to see scenes of killing."
Ji Fūrén smiled, "Rui Qīnwángfēi is softhearted but this is of no wonder. Even ordinary females would not be willing to see rabbits being killed." Seeming afraid that Ye Fūrén would continue to interrogate Shen Miao, Ji Fūrén changed the topic on purpose and asked Ye Fūrén, "Speaking of which, some days back, one heard that Ye Shàoyé's illness erupted again, is he better?"
Ye Shàoyé. Naturally, this was referring to the son of the Ye family that the concubine birth to and was raised under Ye Fūrén's name as a Di-son. When Ye Fūrén heard it, she said, "Still alright. It is an old illness that would be painful when it rains and there has not been any way out of it." Her tone of voice was of indifference.
Shen Miao later learned from Ba Jiao that, on the surface, this Young Master Ye was the Di-son of the Ye family, and that the servants all treated him respectfully, but, behind his back, they all felt that he had no future. Ye Fūrén only treated him well on the surface and didn't care about him at all.
Shen Miao thought this Young Master Ye, whom she had never met, was pitiful.
Ji Fūrén then discussed some other issues with Ye Fūrén. It was most likely done on purpose to divert Ye Fūrén's attention elsewhere. Following that, Ye Fūrén appeared impatient and stood up to leave.
Shen Miao and Ji Fūrén then sat down to wait once more.
The sun began to set slowly, and there was no sign of Emperor Yong Le or Xie Jing Xing.
"Go and inquire if there is any information about them," Shen Miao told Mo Qing.
Ji Fūrén smiled, "One must not be worried, there have been times that because of the patience required for hunting, time would often pass quickly. The routes in Hua Feng Peak are too steep and it would not be easy to move around in the dark, thus, one would wait to the next day to return." Even though the words were as such, the slightest anxiety in her eyes was caught by Shen Miao.
Shen Miao didn't know if she was too sensitive or if she didn't know about some things about Xie Jing Xing, but she had a bad feeling about it and knew that Xie Jing Xing was not as calm as he appeared on the surface when he left, so her heart was tightly hung up.
The sun set behind the mountain, and the skies darkened gradually. The Emperor had yet to return, and the officials, with the exception of a few young ladies and female members who had returned, were still gathered around the hunting grounds. When Shen Miao asked Ji Fūrén if this was the first time like this, Ji Fūrén said, "It is not the case, but usually there would only be a few."
Some officials had already set up camp and constructed a tent out of long cloth. Even though the night was not as open as the summer days, one was concerned about catching a cold. The Ji family had also constructed a tent of this type.
Shen Miao was still walking outside when she noticed Lu Wan-er standing nearby, talking to a middle-aged man. She appeared to be pleading, but that male was unmoved, and Lu Wan-er was eventually dragged up the horse carriage by others and escorted away by a group of guards.
Lu Wan-er most likely wanted to stay here, but that male wouldn't let her. That male seemed to sense Shen Miao's gaze and turned his head sharply, revealing a fierce face, just as Shen Miao was about to leave. His stature was that of a bear, and his aura was filled with bloodthirst as if he was a violent man. He looked at Shen Miao with a sinister gaze. Bao Jiao said, "This is the Zhǔrén of the Lu family, General Lu Zhengchun."
Shen Miao understood. This was Lu Wan-father er's and the Lu family's military commander. Her heart felt strange right away. Both were military commanders, but Shen Xin was heroic, while the other did not appear to be as violent as this individual, who appeared to be unable to conceal the murderous intent in his heart. It was as if one were a naturally tyrannical God. Shen Miao had previously thought it odd that Lu Fūrén, Lu Wan-er, and even Consort Jing did not appear to be intelligent, so how did the Lu family maintain such a strong famous reputation? She finally understood after seeing Lu Zhengchun. With such a tyrannical God, it's no surprise that Emperor Yong Le found it difficult to take action against the Lu family.
It was unclear whether Lu Zhengchun remained here because he was awaiting a result in the Hua Feng Peak or otherwise. Shen Miao was thinking about it, and her gaze shifted away from Lu Zhengchun as she walked away.
The Lu family, as well as Ye Fūrén, remained. Ye Mao Cai had returned and was now speaking with Yu Fūrén. The Lu and Ye families were all present, and if Emperor Yong Le died, would the Lu and Ye families seize the opportunity to rebel?
Looking around, I noticed that some high-ranking officers had already arrived at the tents and were conversing with their Fūréns. They all treated the hunt as a game, waiting for Emperor Yong Le and Xie Jing Xing to return with a lion to use as a sacrifice in the ceremony.
Shen Miao came to a halt and gazed up at the sky. The stars were silent as the summer breeze caressed her skin. It was certainly refreshing.
But, in such a night, was it truly as calm as it appeared?
Ji Fūrén called her, "Jiao Niáng, it is cold outside, come into the tent first."
Shen Miao smiled and went in. Master Ji was not in the tent as the high ranking officials were in groups of threes and fives, sitting together and drinking. It was a rare leisure time, so how would one let this opportunity go?
Ji Fūrén poured a hot cup of tea for Shen Miao, "Don't worry. Nothing will happen to them. It is however you… if you catch a cold because of this and Jing Xing blame it on me, I cannot afford to bear it."
Shen Miao laughed, "He would not dare." After speaking, she thought about something and hesitated for a bit before finally asking, "It seemed that Diànxià and Xiān Huáng's relationship is not good."
Hearing it, Ji Fūrén was suddenly stunned. She smiled, "Why suddenly ask about Xiān Huáng?"
Even though Ji Fūrén was concealing her very best, Shen Miao could feel the hate that flashes in Ji Fūrén.
Shen Miao had always been curious what kind of role the Late Emperor played in the courts of Long Ye and in Xie Jing Xing's and Emperor Yong Le's lives. Since Ji Fūrén was sisters with the Late Empress, she would definitely have some knowledge of the Late Emperor. Could one be able to know some information relating to the Late Emperor from Ji Fūrén?
Shen Miao did not conceal and said simply, "One heard Diànxià mentioning it but it was not said clearly, thus, one's heart is somewhat curious."
Ji Fūrén looked at her in amazement and immediately said, "One did not expect that he even tell this to you." She then smiled, "In the end, this is Jing Xing's family matters and it would not be good if I tell you about it. In another day, you can ask Jing Xing frankly about it and you will be able to know everything." This was indicating that she was unwilling to speak about it.
But it was precisely Ji Fūrén's attitude that Shen Miao could confirm her conjecture. The Late Emperor indeed was somewhat opposed to the two brothers. Seeing Ji Fūrén's attitude, one thought that he also did not treat the Late Empress's maiden family well.
As she was thinking in her heart about these matters, Ji Fūrén also fell into her deep thoughts and only reacted after a long time and said to Shen Miao, "Don't mention about these without any rhyme or reason. Jiao Niáng, take a nap first, if they come back tomorrow morning and you waited till then, then one's body would be harmed."
How could Shen Miao sleep at this hour? She was only beginning to worry, "I'll sit here for a while because I can't sleep anyway."
Ji Fūrén could no longer persuade her due to her stubbornness. Ji Fūrén became tired after a while of talking. She was not as young as Shen Miao and was unable to stay awake late, so she dozed off in the tent. Shen Miao sat in the tent, her coat covering her.
Who knew that one sitting could last all night?
Birds and beasts could be heard from the distant forest as the morning light crept out. Master Ji had been drinking with his colleagues the day before and had now woken up from the alcohol and was walking towards the tent when he noticed Shen Miao exiting it. Shen Miao unknowingly smiled at him and said, "Yímǔ is not awake yet and is currently sleeping." Yífu, please keep the noise down."
"You should go eat something first," Master Ji said, nodding his head.
Shen Miao complied and walked away.
There were some awake Fréns outside, and their expressions showed signs of exhaustion. They were all people who would be respected like gold and as noble as jade, so staying in a tent was difficult for them. Those who were especially delicate would have returned to their residence, and those who remained were only here to flatter Emperor Yong Le or to enjoy a rare leisurely time.
Hui Xiang brought Shen Miao a bowl of porridge. While Emperor Yong Le was away, a few chefs from the Palace came and prepared a special meal for these female officials' family members. As Shen Miao drank the porridge, she asked Ba Jiao, "Is there any information on Diànxià?"
Ba Jiao shook her head.
Shen Miao looked away at the distance. The sun has already emerged from the mountain and in another shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours), the skies would be completely bright. Even if Xie Jing Xing spent the night in the mountain, they should also return at this time. There was no precedent for hunting for two days in the mountains.
Even though they were not just only hunting.
"Do you have any signal from Mo Yun Army?" Shen Miao asked, "With regards to this matter, your Zhǔzi did not arrange with you that once the matter is successful, there would be any signals for indication?"
Ba Jiao and Hui Xiang were startled and both of them looked at one another before shaking their heads together. Hui Xiang said, "Zhǔzi did not inform us, two servants, of this arrangement."
Shen Miao was helpless and could only say, "One does not know what is the situation now." She then looked out to the distance with a stretch and saw Ye Mao Cai and her head ached.
Just as she was thinking, a familiar figure walked over from the other end. Shen Miao was startled and did not care about drinking the porridge anymore. She passed the bowl to Ba Jiao and quickly chase after the person.
Ji Yu Shu asked, "What does Sǎosǎo mean?"
Shen Miao frowned, "Aren't you together with Xie Jing Xing?"
Ji Yu Shu was very surprised, "No. I am at the outer fields as only the Imperial family can enter the inner fields. Even though I am half an Imperial family, one is still not qualified at all."
Shen Miao was shocked as she had thought that Ji Shu Yu was here to help support Xie Jing Xing. Now that Ji Yu Shu did not go, could it be that only Xie Jing Xing and Emperor Yong Le was fighting alone? She said, "Tell me honestly, what does Xie Jing Xing want to do this time?"
Ji Yu Shu rubbed his nose with a grievance, "Sǎosǎo, you really ask the wrong person this time. Sān Gē would not bring me along when he handle big matters and the more dangerous a matter is, the more he would not let me touch it. When in Ming Qi, I only manage Feng Xian Pawnshop matters and he would not allow me to intervene with other matters. In the hunting grounds yesterday, it was Gao Yang that was with him. Sān Gē would only bring Gao Yang for any matters that even if I want to follow, Sān Gē would not allow."
"Gao Yang?" Shen Miao asked, "Gao Yang is also an official so how can he go?"
"Gao Yang can go as Sān Gē's subordinate." Ji Yu Shu said, "He's a quick thinker and has medical knowledge so if there are any matters, he would be able to help."
Shen Miao's heart tightened. Gao Yang has medical skills so Xie Jing Xing would bring him along with him, so could it be that the situation had become so dangerous? She then looked at Ji Yu Shu and she understood in her heart. Even though Xie Jing Xing's mouth was bad, he was one who shielded his shortcomings. Ji Yu Shu was also his Younger Biao Brother, just like treating Su Ming Feng, the best way of protecting Ji Yu Shu was not to involve him and perhaps it is also to protect the entire Ji family.
Ji Yu Shu looked at Shen Miao's expression and this time he became smarter and asked, "Sǎosǎo, has something happened to Sān Gē?"
Shen Miao said, "No. I am just anxious that he had yet to return after so long."
"That cannot be." Ji Yu Shu was resolute and decisive when he spoke, "Sǎosǎo is not someone who does not know propriety. You are really too strange just now. Yesterday, when I went to look for Gao Yang, Gao Yang was also very mysterious. Every time when they have something going on, they would be like that. It was still alright in Ming Qi but upon returning to Long Ye, they are drawing the line clearer with me. Is it that he wants to do something?"
Shen Miao looked at Ji Yu Shu's angry expression and sighed with sorrow. Xie Jing Xing was already used to pushing the people around him away to take on everything himself, just like when in Ming Qi, dealing with the Marquis of Lin An, Princess Rong Xin and Su Ming Feng. Now it was Ji Yu Shu's turn but there were some things that were truly a blessing if one did not know of it.
She said, "Apologies. I have no way of answering you because I too do not know what he wants to do."
"Only the Imperial family people can enter the inner fields of the hunting ground. Could it be that there are dangers inside?" Ji Yu Shu said, "Sān Gē and Huángshàng are always so mysterious. Sǎosǎo, you really don't know?"
"Don't know what?" Before Shen Miao could answer, a female voice was heard from behind and it was Ji Fūrén who walked over. One did not know how much she had heard but she looked at Ji Yu Shu before looking at Shen Miao again and her expression become strange. She asked, "What happen to Xing Zhi and Jing Xing? What is the meaning of what you just said?"
Ji Fūrén originally wanted to call Shen Miao over to return to the capital with her but who knew that she happened to see Shen Miao pulling Ji Yu Shu over. Ba Jiao and Hui Xiang were busy monitoring Lu Zhengchun and Ye Mao Cai, and thus were not vigilant of Ji Fūrén and thus Ji Fūrén had heard the conversation between Shen Miao and Ji Yu Shu.
Ji Yu Shu said, "Niáng, it is nothing. I am only joking with Sǎosǎo."
"Don't fool your Niáng." Ji Fūrén looked at Ji Yu Shu and said angrily, "At the beginning one let you go and look for Jing Xing in Ming Qi, you went and did not return and one did not know what you did in Ming Qi. I do not care what you do since you are the Shàoyé of the Ji family. I ask you, what exactly do you know and why do you say those words? Are Jing Xing and Xing Zhi in danger?"
Ji Yu Shu was at a loss for words with his mother and looked at Shen Miao for help. Shen Miao quickly said, "Yímǔ, you have misunderstood. I am only joking with Ji Yu Shu. It is just that Diànxià has not returned yet till now, thus, one's heart is a little anxious and asked Yu Shu about it. Yu Shu does not know anything about it and it was me that has thought too much. Yímǔ mustn't blame him."
Ji Fūrén looked at Shen Miao again and her gaze was a little strict, "Jiao Niáng, this matter is not trivial. I…"
Just as she was speaking, Ba Jiao suddenly ran over and did not care about Ji Fūrén's presence, "Fūrén, they have returned. Huángshàng has descended from the mountain."
Ji Yu Shu was like he had gained an amnesty and quickly said to Ji Fūrén, "You see. I said that nothing happened to Sān Gē. Niáng, don't think too much. Let's go. Let go and take a look at the lion that Sān Gē and Huángshàng hunted."
When Shen Miao heard that Emperor Yong Le and entourage had returned, she sighed with relief and smiled towards Ji Fūrén, "Let us go over."
Ji Fūrén wanted to say more but after glancing at Shen Miao's calm expression, she swallowed back down and let Shen Miao pull her over.
One then saw that a group of Imperial army walked out of the outer fields and was headed by Emperor Yong Le. But the strangest thing was that Emperor Yong Le did not ride the horse but walked out personally. Those with sharp eyesight would be able to see that there was a bit of blood at the sword on Emperor Yong Le's waist.
But this was an Imperial Hunt and even though it was said that the Emperor would personally hunt, it was a beast, thus, how would one let the Monarch head towards danger? It would be the guards that would aim with arrows with the Emperor's instructions.
The meaning of it was that Emperor Yong Le personally shot it.
Emperor Yong Le's expression was the same and one could not see if he was happy or angry. Consort Jing had been waiting in the luxurious tent for a long time and immediately greeted delicately and sweetly, "Bìxià finally came out. Chénqiè had been waiting here an entire night that one's eyes are red already."
Emperor Yong Le only looked at her blandly and did not speak. Shen Miao saw it clearly that Ye Mao Cai's expression was as usual but Lu Zhengchun's expression was somewhat hazy.
The Imperial army behind pulled out something from behind the horses and threw it down in front with a thud, causing the females around to exclaim in shock. That thing was none other than a corpse of a lion that was filled with blood on its head and countless arrows were shot into its upper abdomen. It looked like it was a fierce battle.
Immediately, there were officials that were flattering and came out to congratulate, "Bìxià is wise and divine. It is the blessing of our Great Liang." Everyone followed suit and went along the words and knelt down to sing praises.
Shen Miao also got down to her knees and Emperor Yong Le gestured for everyone to get up.
But Shen Miao did not see Xie Jing Xing's figure at all.
After everyone got up, Lu Zhengchun suddenly spoke, "Bìxià, why does one only see Bìxià and not see Qīnwáng Diànxià?"
Everyone then seemed to remember that Prince Rui of First Rank was not present.
Emperor Yong Le stared at Lu Zhengchun and his gaze was as cold as ice, "Rui Qīnwáng is injured and has returned to the city for treatment."
Everyone was in an uproar.