Half a month later, the spring hunt officially began. Nan Zhiyun was the highest-ranking attendant on this journey.
Her carriage was positioned directly behind Yu Jingchen's, second only to his in grandeur. However, compared to the Emperor's magnificent carriage, Nan Zhiyun's appeared much humbler.
"The road is bumpy, let's rest for a while before we continue. Go and summon Consort Shu," Yu Jingchen said to Xing Lai.
Xing Lai silently rolled his eyes. Didn't he always complain about the slow pace and urge them to hurry on this very road before? Now he had become so delicate…
Despite his internal grumbling, Xing Lai dutifully went to deliver the message. As Nan Zhiyun arrived, Yu Jingchen was just preparing tea.
Xing Lai lifted the curtain of Nan Zhiyun's carriage. She looked inside and met Yu Jingchen's smiling eyes.
"You're here? Come up quickly." The moment Yu Jingchen saw Nan Zhiyun, his gaze softened considerably.
Nan Zhiyun was helped into the carriage. Yu Jingchen extended his hand to her and then pulled her to sit beside him.
"Have some hot tea." Yu Jingchen handed the freshly brewed tea to Nan Zhiyun.
"Your Majesty's carriage is so large," Nan Zhiyun remarked, glancing at Yu Jingchen's vehicle, which was more than twice the size of her own. The interior was luxuriously decorated, with thick carpets on the floor. Of course, Nan Zhiyun was unaware that Yu Jingchen's carriage was never like this before; it was only for this occasion.
"If you like it, would you like to ride with me in this carriage for the rest of the journey?" Yu Jingchen had prepared it specifically for her, and seeing Nan Zhiyun's delight, he was very pleased.
"Okay," Nan Zhiyun was eager to stay. It looked so comfortable here, and she wouldn't get carsick. Besides… there were so many grapes here. Nan Zhiyun picked one and popped it into her mouth.
Yu Jingchen expertly stroked her head, drawing her into his embrace, his face filled with doting affection.
The other consorts in the rear naturally learned that Nan Zhiyun had gone to the Emperor's carriage, but they did not dare to act rashly. Only…
"Su Baolin, you should return. His Majesty is not available to see you now." Xing Lai looked at Su Qianyan before him with some exasperation. Why insist on coming here to seek trouble?
"Eunuch Xing, this humble concubine merely wishes to pay her respects to His Majesty. Please be accommodating…" As Su Baolin spoke, her maid stepped forward and slipped a packet of silver into Xing Lai's hand. How could Xing Lai accept it? If he did, he'd be risking his head. Moreover, this meager sum was beneath his notice.
"Su Baolin, please do not trouble this servant. I am unable to help," Xing Lai said, inwardly rolling his eyes. Was she actively seeking death?
Xing Lai was annoyed by Su Qianyan's persistence, but Su Baolin showed no sign of understanding. What could he do?
"Su Baolin, His Majesty will not see you now. Please return," Xing Lai's expression became a little colder.
"Eunuch Xing, regardless, I am a Baolin appointed by His Majesty. Are you bullying me too much? You didn't even inform His Majesty, so how do you know he doesn't wish to see me?" Su Qianyan's tone was unfriendly. She was wearing a crimson dress today, which made her appear much more flamboyant.
Xing Lai was almost amused by her. Fine, if she wanted to court death, he supposed he couldn't stop her.