Early the next day, preparations for the Winter Hunting Festival were in full swing. Since it was set to take place after the first snowfall, everything had to proceed according to plan. This had always been the rule in the imperial palace.
When it came to the Winter Hunting Festival, the first one to be thrilled was Dongfang Yi. She had been looking forward to it for a long time, and now she could finally show off the hunting outfit she had made.
Just as she was secretly rejoicing, Xiao Qian rushed in, out of breath. "Donghua's back!"
Shortly after, Donghua, dressed in a red robe, appeared at the palace gate. The guards behind her were carrying some items, presumably the lounge chair and mahjong set she had requested.
"You're back quite quickly, Donghua," Dongfang Yi said.
She had thought Donghua would be gone for at least ten to fifteen days, but unexpectedly, she returned in just three days.
Donghua hadn't anticipated coming back so soon either. When she reached the Eastern Pass, her informants reported that the two suspects had left. She also heard intelligence suggesting that the woman might be Bai Huan, one of the notorious Bai siblings who had once dominated the Eastern Pass.
But Donghua was certain she had seen the woman die right in front of her eyes. Could there really be a miraculous elixir that could bring the dead back to life?
Upon learning this, Donghua rushed back to the palace and informed Helian Qi before returning to the Queen's chambers.
It seemed that the mystery was beginning to unravel. The person who had killed the Crown Prince of the Southern Neighboring State, Shun, was likely Situ Qing. However, considering his relationship with the queen, Donghua couldn't tell her everything.
"Have you found out anything?" Dongfang Yi asked.
She was eager to know who the mastermind behind all this was.
But Donghua changed the subject and started talking about the Winter Hunting Festival.
Dongfang Yi could tell that Donghua was hiding something from her, but she didn't want to force her to reveal it. So she frowned slightly and began talking about other things.
Two days later, all the preparations for the Winter Hunting Festival were completed. A large procession set off towards the Eastern Suburban Hunting Ground outside the palace gates.
The hunting ground was exclusively for the royal family. It had been enclosed many years ago, and no one else was allowed to enter. As a result, there were plenty of game animals, and their meat was plump and delicious due to the dedicated feeding.
Helian Qi rode at the head of the procession. Behind him were Ru Yi and Helian Rong, who was also on horseback.
Although Helian Rong had planned to leave the capital, he had promised Helian Qi to stay until after the New Year. Naturally, he wouldn't miss such an exciting event.
Following them were the sedan chairs of the queen and the concubines. Dongfang Yi sat in the front sedan chair, with Donghua beside her.
Among the others were Concubine Chu, Concubine Shun, Concubine Dong, Yaoji, and even ladies of the rank of imperial concubine, such as Concubine Shu.
Behind them were the sedan chairs of the ministers and their wives. They had come to add to the excitement of the hunting ground. After all, there were few royal men, and without the sons of the ministers, the competition would lose its charm.
After about half a day's journey, they arrived at the Eastern Suburban Hunting Ground. It was a place completely surrounded by forests. As soon as they entered, they could hear the clear chirping of birds and the roars of unknown animals.
Dongfang Yi pressed her face against the window and looked out. Seeing that the snow from a few days ago had not completely melted, she knew that the place must be closed off to the public, which was why it was rarely visited. This also helped to preserve the integrity of the hunting ground.
Before long, the procession came to a halt. They were in the center of the forest, where many tents had been set up for the royal family to rest. After all, hunting was not a one - day affair, and they needed accommodation for their stay.
Dongfang Yi was helped out of the sedan chair by Donghua. Looking up, she saw Helian Qi in the distance, smiling at her. She returned his smile.
All this was seen by Concubine Chu behind them. She bit her lip hard, and the anger in her heart welled up uncontrollably.
She had been wanting to visit Dongfang Yi in the past few days, but there were people protecting her both openly and secretly, making it impossible for her to approach. So she had to wait and see.
Now seeing Dongfang Yi and Helian Qi exchanging looks, she knew that their relationship had become extraordinary, and she was probably already forgotten by him.
Nan Gong Liuyun had sent several urgent messages, advising Helian Qi to favor her, but Helian Qi had ignored them. Instead of visiting her, his relationship with Dongfang Yi had only grown stronger.
Thinking of this, a murderous look flashed in her eyes, and her emotions became chaotic.
Concubine Lian, standing beside her, secretly rejoiced. As long as the woman in front of her lost her composure, she would do something stupid, and it would be easy to get rid of her.
Then she added fuel to the fire. "The relationship between the queen and the emperor is really good. They're flirting with each other..."
As she spoke, she glanced sideways at the woman beside her.
Sure enough, Concubine Chu's expression became even more strained. She raised her hand and slapped Concubine Lian, scolding, "Shut up, you bitch!"
Concubine Lian didn't expect to be slapped in public. With all the concubines around, it was a great humiliation.
She felt a burning pain on her face, and her humiliation grew deeper. But no matter what, she had to suppress her hatred and continue to smile at the woman in front of her.
Concubine Chu sneered. She thought the bitch had a thick skin and could still smile after such an insult.
Feeling a bit better, she followed the procession into the tents.
Except for the ministers, each concubine was assigned a tent. Helian Qi had his own, and next to it was Helian Rong's. This was to ensure that in case of danger, the message could be conveyed quickly.
After everyone was settled, the atmosphere in one of the tents was quite unusual. Inside sat Yaoji, and opposite her was Concubine Lian, who had just provoked Concubine Chu outside.
No one would have expected these two to be sitting together.
"I wonder what your Highness wants?" Concubine Lian frowned and asked.
She was aware of the current situation. The people from the Southern Neighboring State were the common enemy of the entire harem and were also feared by the emperor. So she didn't want to get involved with them.
Thinking of this, her frown deepened.
Then she heard the woman sitting in front of her say in a bewitching voice, "I can help you get everything you want."
A strange atmosphere filled the tent. Concubine Lian was a bit moved by what the woman said. It seemed that the woman had seen through her innermost desires.