Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C073

The Princess Consort returned from the study, not only missing the list she had taken, but also appearing quite displeased.

For a time, Linglong and the others moved with extra care, their steps light and cautious.

Wushuang, using the excuse of fatigue, returned to her bedchamber to rest.

After lowering the bed curtains and lying down, Wushuang finally felt a great deal of her tension release.

She needed a quiet place to contemplate her thoughts, but once she was truly alone, her mind was a chaotic jumble. A thousand threads of thought tangled, yet she could grasp none. The words Prince Wei had spoken earlier kept flashing through her mind.

"What is there for you to feel aggrieved about?"

"Always pretending to be foolish with this Prince."

"Stop crying, you should go back."

This was the first time Prince Wei had spoken to her in such a tone. Wushuang hid beneath the covers, secretly weeping for a while, her sorrow deepening with each tear.

A series of light footsteps sounded outside the curtains, and Linglong's voice called out, "Princess Consort."

"What is it?"

She quickly wiped her tears with the quilt, not wanting Linglong to see her crying.

However, Linglong did not enter, but stood outside the curtains and said, "Chamberlain Fu has sent back the list."

What list?

Hadn't that list been reduced to a crumpled mess by her tears?

Seeing that Wushuang did not speak, Linglong continued, "Princess Consort, would you like to take a look?"

Wushuang said, "Bring it here, let me see."

A corner of the curtain was lifted, and Linglong, holding the paper with both hands, passed it in. Wushuang took it and saw that it was indeed the list she had given to Prince Wei earlier. However, it was not the same one she had taken, but rather a new one that had been copied exactly from the original.

On the pure white, smooth imperial paper, rows of dense, small characters were written in ink so black it seemed tinged with purple. The handwriting was unmistakably Prince Wei's.

When had he copied it anew?

Seeing that the items he had mentioned earlier were appended at the end, Wushuang felt a mixture of wanting to cry and laugh. A scene appeared in her mind—the moment she had left, he had copied the list she had ruined with her tears, and then had it sent to her.

He had told her to return, so why send this to her? He was truly infuriating!

Wushuang, feigning composure, handed the paper back, saying, "Prepare everything according to this list. Do not disturb me; I shall rest a while longer."

But how could she possibly sleep? Instead, she lay there lost in thought, at times feeling wronged, at times joyful, at times happy, and at times resentful, her emotions a complex tangle.

***

After having the list sent to Xiangluan Courtyard, Prince Wei summoned several of his subordinates to discuss matters.

This was his first time participating in the winter hunt since returning to the capital. He had participated before, but that was more than a decade ago. He had even been the target of a plot during a winter hunt back then, so he was naturally aware that such occasions were never peaceful.

He instructed the head of his guards, Wang Xicheng, to select the people who would accompany him this time. His guards were all from the Black Armor Army, their loyalty beyond doubt. However, the number of people he could bring to Fragrant Mountain was limited, so he naturally had to choose the best. He also instructed them to pay attention to the recent movements of the various mansions, especially the other princes' mansions.

After completing these tasks, Prince Wei dismissed everyone and then called Ji Yang out.

[You should be aware of the situation this time. This Prince need not say more.]

[Look at your cautious demeanor. If anyone dares to offend, just kill them. That group of chickens and dogs is not worth mentioning.]

[If worldly matters could be resolved with mere force, there would be no need for so many scholars. It's not that this Prince fears them, but rather that I wish to avoid any further unforeseen events. There are many who seek my demise, yet my concern is not for myself, but for her. This matter with Shuyu and the Xi family, though seemingly minor, demonstrates that those people have not given up and still resort to such methods to provoke you.]

[At times like this, you are not me.]

[You understand this Prince's meaning, so why engage in such verbal sparring? For her safety, it is best we adhere to our previous methods.]

What methods?

Naturally, a dual approach. With Prince Wei's intellect and Ji Yang's martial prowess, all schemes and plots will naturally be insignificant.

Back when Prince Wei was at the border, he had yet to establish his authority. Furthermore, due to his reckless pursuit of merit, a valiant general perished on the battlefield. Although he was spared punishment due to his status as a prince, the army harbored considerable resentment towards him. That was the most arduous period of his life, enduring the pain of his headaches while striving to erase his past errors and disgrace.

Later, it was through repeated meritorious deeds and flawless strategies that he gradually established his authority and forged his reputation as an invincible commander.

This was not the achievement of one person alone, but rather the result of their mutual cooperation. In truth, they have always cooperated over the years, but upon returning to the capital, they gradually became like this.

They were once inseparable, yet somehow, they now harbor their own secrets and estrangement.

Both fell silent. After a while, Ji Yang said, [Then let us proceed as you have suggested, but you must reserve the evening hours for me.]

Prince Wei remained silent, thus signifying his agreement.

***

The day they departed for Mount Xiang, the procession was truly magnificent.

First, the imperial carriage led the way, followed by the princes and imperial relatives, then the meritorious nobles, and finally the high-ranking officials. This vast procession, with carriage after carriage, caused many commoners in the capital to stop and watch. Even the ordinary folk knew that the annual winter hunt had begun.

Prince Wei's carriage followed directly behind the imperial carriage. Unlike the carriage he usually used, this one was far more opulent, befitting the standards of a Prince.

Of course, there were those who enjoyed showing off, such as Prince Qin. He rode alongside the imperial carriage in gleaming armor, appearing as if he were dutifully clearing the path for Emperor Taihe. His actions drew much attention, and the commoners on both sides could be heard saying, "That is Prince Qin, His Majesty's second son."

Noble Consort Sun, seated in her ornate carriage, smiled smugly.

She knew that some would criticize Prince Qin for his ostentatious display, but to her, it was merely sour grapes. As long as His Majesty saw her son's filial piety and the people recognized his bravery, that was all that mattered.

Wushuang, seated in Prince Wei's carriage, also heard the discussions of the people along the way.

This carriage, though more luxurious than their usual black carriage, was actually less comfortable. Crucially, the windows were latticed, allowing outside voices to easily penetrate.

Mount Xiang was not far from the capital; it would take less than an hour to reach on horseback. However, due to the sheer size of the procession, it took a full four hours, traveling from morning until afternoon to arrive.

Wushuang was prone to motion sickness, and the carriage was drafty. Although there were charcoal braziers at her feet, they only warmed her legs. Her cheeks and hands were still freezing. She had prepared well before leaving, wearing many layers, but it seemed insufficient.

The hand warmer in her lap had grown cold. Traveling with the imperial procession was unlike her usual outings. There were only a few attendants, who were now walking on foot outside. They could not come up to help her change the charcoal in the hand warmer.

Wushuang rubbed the hand warmer. Just then, a cloak, still carrying warmth, was draped over her. It was Prince Wei, who had given her his own cloak.

After that day, they remained stiff with each other, no different from the previous days.

Prince Wei's emotions were too subdued. Once he withdrew his feelings, it was impossible for others to discern anything. Wushuang knew this well, yet she could not find a way to break the impasse. They simply remained stiff.

Now, seeing him give her his cloak while he wore only a thin lined jacket, Wushuang was concerned. Prince Wei always wore very little in winter, still wearing his autumn clothes underneath, only adding a fur cloak when the weather grew colder. In this cold weather, such attire was absolutely inadequate.

"I have a cloak. You are wearing so little; what if you catch a cold?"

Wushuang refused Prince Wei's cloak, wanting to return it to him. Prince Wei could only put the cloak back on. Seeing her nose reddened by the cold wind and her whole body huddled in her cloak, he sighed, pulled her close, and enveloped her entirely in his cloak.

Her vision was suddenly obscured, and she was surrounded by a familiar scent.

Wushuang sniffled, feeling a little like crying.

A pair of warm, large hands reached out, taking away the hand warmer she was holding, which had already grown cold, and enveloping her small hands within his. She initially struggled slightly, but feeling the pull, she allowed him to grasp her hands in his, slowly kneading them to warm her.

It wasn't long before her hands grew warm, and she felt his thumb rub across the back of her hand, once, then again, and again.

***

In truth, the hunting party for the winter hunt was far larger than this. This particular group was merely those with the privilege of following directly behind the imperial carriage. In reality, the younger generations of each family, as well as the carriages carrying their luggage, were all behind. Therefore, the first day of the winter hunt was set for three days later.

As for the two days in between, they were naturally for everyone to settle in and familiarize themselves with the surroundings.

Not everyone was qualified to reside within the imperial villa. Those of insufficient status could only stay in the houses outside the villa. Mount Xiang was a place the imperial family used for hunting every year, and all the facilities were complete. It was just that the houses outside the villa were simpler than those inside, and the servants had to be provided by each family themselves.

However, being able to participate in the imperial winter hunt was considered a great honor by each family. Not to mention providing their own servants, they would willingly offer themselves to serve His Majesty.

The palace chambers within the villa were limited, and Prince Wei's mansion was allocated a place called the Yuxiang Pavilion.

Looking at this Yuxiang Pavilion, it was not even as large as Wushuang's Xiangluan Courtyard. However, this place was close to the very center of the villa, and very near the Yuhua Hall where Emperor Taihe resided. Those living nearby were either imperial consorts, or princes and princesses.

Overall, with so many people, and having to divide them up family by family, to be able to arrange it like this was already quite good.

Before Prince Wei and Wushuang arrived, the servants of Prince Wei's mansion had already arrived with the luggage carriages. Linglong and the others had come with this group.

Originally, Wushuang had heard that the servants and luggage of each family were all behind, and had worried that when they arrived, there would be nothing to use and no clothes to change. Who knew that after arriving, Linglong and Little Douzi had already cleaned the entire Yuxiang Pavilion again. The ground dragon stoves and charcoal basins that needed to be lit were all burning, and upon entering, the wave of heat was a welcome relief.

Because space was limited, the main hall of the Yuxiang Pavilion would be the shared residence of Wushuang and Prince Wei for the next half month. This also meant that the two would be living under the same roof.

Wushuang warmed herself with tea, and saw Little Douzi leading people to organize Prince Wei's belongings. Clearly, in the Xiangluan  Courtyard, his clothes were also placed with hers, but seeing them now, she could not help but feel her face flush and her heart race.

"If you are tired, then go and sleep for a while, and get up later for the evening meal," Prince Wei said.

Wushuang stood up and allowed Linglong to assist her inside. The ground dragon in the inner chamber had already been lit, but because it had not been burning for long, it was not yet very warm. However, two large braziers had been placed inside, which made up for it.

On the bed, several hot water bottles had been placed, and had already warmed the bedding. It seemed that not only was Prince Wei clear about Wushuang's nature, but Linglong and the others knew even better, and had already warmed the bedding.

After changing into fine silk sleeping clothes, Wushuang comfortably lay in the quilt. At this time, Linglong came over and lowered the bed curtains. Wushuang was just feeling puzzled when she heard some movement.

It turned out that this Yuxiang Pavilion was a remnant of the previous dynasty. The main hall had a total of two palace chambers. The outer chamber was for receiving guests, and the inner chamber was for daily life and rest. Prince Wei had nowhere else to go, so he could only move his daily activities to the inner chamber. Just now, several chamberlains were doing the final arrangements. Seeing that Wushuang had come in to rest, they quickly retreated. Now, they were coming in to arrange Prince Wei's usual writing implements, books, and documents.

Wushuang just lay there listening. After hearing a series of soft sounds, several footsteps left. After a while, a particularly distinct set of footsteps entered.

Actually, there was another set of footsteps following beside him, but whether the footsteps were too light, or for some other reason, Wushuang only heard this one set of footsteps.

Someone sat down, and then someone brought tea.

After that, the outside fell into a deep silence.

Wushuang wondered why there was no movement. She endured it for a while, but could not resist, and lifted a corner of the curtain, poking her head out to look outside.

Prince Wei raised his eyes and saw a face poking out from the bed curtains. It was her.

Perhaps because she was warm, her small face was now flushed, and her eyes were limpid and glistening, with a captivating charm.