Chapter 125: Please Forgive Me, Your Highness

Shen Nanyuan: "..."

As expected.

"...Sister," Shen Jinyu said, looking clearly uneasy. "I didn't do this on purpose; they were the ones who gave them to me."

He was likely worried that his previous reputation would scare people off, and they feared he might ruin their business.

Shen Nanyuan replied, "I know, I’m not saying anything to you."

She took a bite of the almond cookie in her hand. It was fragrant and crisp, and her expression softened involuntarily. She glanced at Wu Miaofu and said, "Cousin, you should have some too."

"...These were bought by cousin for you, sister..."

"It’s alright," Shen Nanyuan smiled. "If you find them delicious, Jinyu will be happy too, right?"

Shen Jinyu: "...Right."

Although he felt an inexplicable dislike for this cousin, he wouldn't treat her the way his mother did. "Go ahead and eat, cousin. They are very good."

Only then did Wu Miaofu reach out to take one, nibbling on it in small bites.

This year's royal hunt was much like the last. Even with the Duke of the State’s mansion bringing an extra young lady, there was still enough lodging. It was Wu Miaofu’s first time in such a place, and she stayed timidly close behind Shen Nanyuan. Fortunately, her quarters were not far from Shen Nanyuan’s, which eased her anxiety somewhat.

The tent was very warm. Liu'er tidied up the things they had brought and smiled, "I am truly fortunate to follow you, Miss, to be able to come to a place like this."

She paused for a moment, her voice dropping, yet unable to hide her excitement: "Will we be able to see His Majesty?"

To them, the Emperor was unreachable, like a star in the distant sky. The possibility of seeing him made her heart race with excitement.

"Perhaps."

Wu Miaofu spoke softly.

She wondered if she was even qualified to see him.

On the way, she had heard Shen Jinyu and Shen Nanyuan chatting and learned that there would be a banquet on the first night. The Emperor and all the princes would attend, along with the royal nobility. As a mere cousin from the Duke’s mansion, would she even be allowed to go?

She could not help but feel apprehensive.

Yet, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and she still longed to attend.

It felt as though by attending such an occasion, she might attain the same noble status as Shen Nanyuan.

Wu Miaofu bit her lower lip slightly and stood up. "Let's go find sister."

If she were with her, Shen Nanyuan wouldn't be able to leave her behind so easily; she would surely take her along.

When she reached Shen Nanyuan's tent, she stopped and called out softly, "Sister?"

"Hmm?" Shen Nanyuan’s voice came immediately. "Miaofu? Come in."

Wu Miaofu walked in and saw her sprawled on the bed with no regard for a lady’s decorum. Her breath hitched, but she said nothing for a moment, then lowered her eyes and sat carefully on a chair.

"This is my first time in a place like this, so I feel more at ease coming to find you, sister."

Shen Nanyuan stretched and sat up, just about to speak, when she suddenly heard a voice from outside the tent: "Is the County Princess in her tent?"

It was the shrill voice of a eunuch.

She frowned upon hearing it, wondering if the Second Prince had already come looking for her so soon after her arrival.

Shen Nanyuan walked slowly toward the exit, and Wu Miaofu stood up to follow her.

Sure enough, the Second Prince was standing outside the tent. His dark eyes, which had been solemn, softened the moment he caught sight of Shen Nanyuan.

Shen Nanyuan: "..."

She curtsied, "Second Prince."

Wu Miaofu was startled by the sound. Before she could even see what the Second Prince looked like, she hurriedly mimicked Shen Nanyuan and curtsied, "Second Prince."

Her heart hammered against her ribs, filled with panic and nerves.

This was a prince of the imperial palace.

He had always been so far removed from her, yet now he was standing right before her.

Gu Shengyu’s gaze swept over Wu Miaofu and then drifted away indifferently. He looked at Shen Nanyuan with a faint smile on his lips. "I have been quite busy with matters lately, so I have neglected you. I hope you will not blame me, County Princess."

Shen Nanyuan: "...Your Highness is a prince, and court affairs are paramount. This subject would not dare to blame you."

She had to stifle the urge to curse.

She wished the Second Prince was too busy to ever come looking for her; she wanted some peace!

Wu Miaofu knew of the engagement between Shen Nanyuan and the Second Prince. She had occasionally heard her father mention that the Second Prince was very likely the future heir. If that were the case, Shen Nanyuan would be the future Empress, and they would become royal relatives.

She pursed her lips slightly. While the Second Prince was occupied talking to Shen Nanyuan, she quietly raised her head to steal a glance at him. At that single look, she froze, and her breath caught.

He wore a mysterious black robe trimmed with gold, his hair tied up with a golden crown. His face was chiseled with sharp, defined features and smooth contours. With a faint smile on his lips, he looked elegant, noble, and pure. The regal air that seemed to come with him left her heart trembling uncontrollably.

She had never seen someone so handsome and extraordinary.

But at that moment, the eunuch beside the Second Prince barked sharply, "How dare you stare directly at His Highness!"

Startled, Wu Miaofu immediately lowered her head. "I..."

Shen Nanyuan quickly stepped in front of Wu Miaofu. "This is my cousin. She is still young and does not understand these things. I beg Your Highness to forgive her."

She frowned, and the eunuch, seeing her protecting the girl, hurriedly lowered his head, not daring to say another word.

Gu Shengyu’s gentle voice followed. "It is fine. It was my servant who frightened you. I will certainly punish him when we return."

His gaze passed over Shen Nanyuan and landed on the flustered Wu Miaofu behind her. Seeing her face flushed bright red, he smiled. "Since she is the County Princess’s cousin, she is also my cousin in the future. We are all one family; you need not be so afraid. I do not eat people."

His pleasant voice, tinged with a light smile, rang in Wu Miaofu’s ears. She hesitated for a moment, unable to resist looking up at Gu Shengyu again, only to meet his dark, pool-like eyes.

Her heart drummed like a drum. She lowered her head in a panic, her voice as thin as a mosquito’s: "Yes, Your Highness."

Gu Shengyu’s gaze did not linger on her for long. "The weather has turned cold recently, especially in a place like this. The temperature difference between day and night is significant. You must dress warmly, County Princess, to avoid catching a chill. The banquet later will likely last a long time; you should wear a cloak."

"This subject thanks Your Highness for your concern."

"If you feel cold later, have someone fetch some silver frost charcoal. It will be warm after burning for a while."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Shen Nanyuan kept her head lowered, thinking to herself that the Second Prince was truly long-winded.

Gu Shengyu looked at her and asked suddenly, "This year is my third brother's first time returning to the palace to participate in the royal hunt. Who do you think, County Princess, will come out on top between my third brother and me?"