Chapter 126: Do Not Speak Recklessly

Shen Nanyuan: "..."

Could she speak of Xiao Yan in front of him? Certainly not. She pulled the corners of her mouth into a stiff, forced smile. "This official’s daughter naturally believes it will be Your Highness."

Gu Shengyu’s face gradually revealed a faint, subtle smile. "But my third brother’s martial arts were all taught by Captain Shen. In our dynasty, if Captain Shen claims second place, no one dares to claim first."

"...The Third Prince has not been studying for long, whereas Your Highness has been practicing martial arts since childhood. This official’s daughter believes your martial arts are naturally superior to the Third Prince's." Having said this, she lowered her head and continued, "Therefore, you are more likely to secure the top spot than the Third Prince."

*Pah, pah, pah.*

She was clearly just waiting for these next few days for Xiao Yan to crush the Second Prince.

Gu Shengyu seemed extremely pleased and could not help but reach out to touch Shen Nanyuan’s head. "The County Princess trusts me so much; I am very happy."

Shen Nanyuan gripped her hands tightly, feeling an unbearable sensation where he had just touched her. She did not look up, her eyelids lowered to hide all the emotions in her eyes.

"I will certainly secure this top spot, and when that time comes, I shall bestow all the treasures the Emperor grants upon the County Princess."

"..." Shen Nanyuan’s voice remained even. "This official’s daughter thanks Your Highness."

*Forget it.*

Those belonged to Xiao Yan!

Wu Miaofu’s heart, however, was filled with envy. She dared not look up at the Second Prince again, yet her heart continued to pound violently. Unable to resist, she lifted her gaze for a fleeting, stealthy glance before hastily lowering her head once more. Only when the Second Prince turned and left did the tension in her heart ease slightly.

Shen Nanyuan let out a long sigh of relief, muttering under her breath as she walked, "Finally gone."

"..." Wu Miaofu looked at her in surprise. After a brief pause, she followed closely behind Shen Nanyuan into the tent. Hesitating for a moment, she spoke, "Didn't Cousin and Elder Sister think that the Third Prince would be the one to secure the top spot this year..."

The Second Prince was already so handsome and dashing; she wondered what the Third Prince might be like. Curiosity began to stir in her heart.

***

Shen Nanyuan paused slightly at these words, glancing at Wu Miaofu from the corner of her eye. "Both the Second Prince and the Third Prince are very formidable. My brother and I were just talking for fun at the time; it doesn't matter who wins."

Wu Miaofu responded with an acknowledgment and sat down close to Shen Nanyuan. However, in her heart, she selfishly hoped to see the Second Prince win. Her mind involuntarily drifted back to what Madam Shen had said with a gentle smile before she left.

"The Imperial Hunt is an annual grand event; all the nobles and young masters of prestigious families will attend. Just go and watch to your heart’s content, and if you see someone you like, tell your aunt when you return."

Wu Miaofu’s heart tightened, her fingernails digging into her palms, causing a sharp, stinging pain. Her gaze, however, couldn't help but drift toward Shen Nanyuan.

She was a daughter of heaven, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhen’s estate, and a County Princess specially conferred by the Emperor. Her status and standing were different from her own; even her future husband was someone she dared not imagine for herself.

If only... if only she were her.

Sensing that her gaze was perhaps a bit too sharp, Shen Nanyuan paused for a moment before looking over, some confusion in her brows. "Why do you keep staring at me? What is it?"

"Nothing," Wu Miaofu said. "I just think... Cousin has a truly wonderful life."

It was a life she could never envy enough.

Shen Nanyuan paused, looking at Wu Miaofu with a strange expression, feeling that this statement sounded odd coming from her. "I have plenty of worries, too." She continued, "It’s just that you don’t know about them."

This left Wu Miaofu completely baffled. With such noble status and the high probability of becoming the future Empress, what could she possibly have to worry about? But she did not voice her thoughts, merely smiling as she lowered her eyes to pour a cup of tea. Taking a shallow sip, the image of the Second Prince she had just seen flashed before her eyes. Her hand trembled, and her heart began to beat wildly again.

She knew her station was humble, so she dared not indulge in delusions. Yet, there was always a sense of unwillingness in her heart.

***

The Emperor suddenly dismissed the evening banquet, which made Shen Nanyuan feel much more at ease. Otherwise, she would surely have had to see the Second Prince again and listen to those officials talk about how well-matched she and the Second Prince were.

Wu Miaofu did not end up attending the banquet either, but the Emperor had the exquisite dishes prepared for the feast sent to each tent. Since Shen Yi and Shen Sinian were not there, only Shen Jinyu ate with the two of them.

"I heard from Big Brother," Shen Jinyu whispered, "that the Emperor suddenly dismissed the banquet because he was struck by a sudden, severe illness. They were heading to the Emperor's quarters; it seems this bout is quite ferocious."

Shen Nanyuan looked up at him, her eyes carrying a hint of warning. "Do not speak of such things. There are many eyes and ears here; avoid being overheard by those with ulterior motives. Keep your mouth shut and don't speak nonsense."

Shen Jinyu quickly lowered his head and ate earnestly. "Yes, Elder Sister."

Shen Nanyuan placed a piece of meat in his bowl, her eyes lowering. She had said the Emperor was old and his health was failing, yet he insisted on coming to the Imperial Hunt himself. Well, now look what happened. She wondered if he would still live for another two years as written in the original story. Looking at his current state, she felt it was uncertain.

She frowned, feeling a sense of worry. She hoped it would give Xiao Yan more time; his true capabilities had not yet been fully revealed.

"Elder Sister, Big Brother is likely too busy to join us. After we finish eating and rest a while, let's go to the persimmon trees together. If we go too late, I’m afraid they’ll all be picked clean." The young masters of those noble families were no more honest than he was. He feared they would deliberately strip the trees bare.

Shen Nanyuan nodded slightly and asked, "Does Miaofu want to go with us later?"

Wu Miaofu naturally wanted to; following by Shen Nanyuan’s side would allow her to meet many people she could never reach before, and perhaps she might even see the Second Prince again. But just as she was about to speak, she was abruptly interrupted by Shen Jinyu’s words from the side.

He smiled. "Elder Sister, how can you be so careless? Cousin looks exhausted, and this is her first time at a hunting ground. She’s been in a carriage for so long; she must want to rest early. If you put it that way, Cousin will surely feel too embarrassed to refuse you. Let Cousin rest early; we can just save one of the persimmons we pick for her."

Having said this, he turned to look at Wu Miaofu with a beaming smile. "Right, Cousin?"

Faced with his gaze, Wu Miaofu could not think of anything else to say. She bit her lip and had no choice but to nod along with his words. "Yes, I would like to rest early."

Shen Nanyuan’s gaze swept over Shen Jinyu for a moment before she replied, "It was my lack of consideration. Then, go and rest once you've finished eating."

"...Very well."

It wasn't until after dinner, when Wu Miaofu and Liu'er turned and walked out of the tent, that Shen Nanyuan narrowed her eyes. "What is going on?"