The autumn hunting ground was located fifty li north of Tianxiang City. The convoy moved northward at a slow pace and it took nearly half a day to arrive.
The further north they went, the colder it got. Although the carriage was lined with felt, the cold air seeping in from all directions still made the people inside feel chilly.
Fortunately, they had taken a three - day rest in Tianxiang City. By now, everyone had almost adapted to the weather in Xingzhou and didn't feel uncomfortable.
Remembering what Ji Lingchuan had told her, Song Yihuan took her younger brother and sat in the front as the convoy gradually approached the hunting ground. She curiously looked at the scenery outside.
As the carriage moved forward, the rolling Yangjing Mountains seemed just around the corner. Looking up, one could see the towering peaks with year - round snow on them. White clouds surrounded the peaks, looking like a pure white ribbon around a woman's waist.
Occasionally, a bird would fly across the peaks, letting out a loud cry.
The mountains gradually flattened out. When several green - and - white peaks came into view, a broad expanse opened up before them. Song Yixuan sat up straight, widened his eyes, and couldn't help but let out a "Wow".
At the end of the Yangjing Mountains, there were no more mountain ranges, but stretches of green grass. It was the largest forest in Xingzhou. A river called Fenglun ran through it. Across the river, there was a vast grassland. From time to time, one could see horses, cattle, and sheep grazing leisurely, as well as rabbits hopping around.
Looking at such beautiful scenery, Song Yihuan couldn't help but feel excited.
This was the autumn hunting ground. It was truly as breathtakingly beautiful as Ji Lingchuan had described! If one could gallop on the grassland, it would be such a happy thing!
The others also noticed the beautiful scenery, and for a moment, the surroundings were filled with exclamations.
The officials in Xingzhou had already set up tents. High tree stumps were erected around the tents, and barbed wire was used to enclose them on all sides to prevent anyone or any creature from getting close.
Ji Lingchuan had already arranged a group of Black Armored Troops to guard the camp, ensuring everyone's safety in all aspects.
It was already afternoon when they reached the camp. The emperor didn't make things difficult for everyone. He let everyone choose their own tents to settle in, and then he went into the main tent himself.
Among all the people, the Prince Ning's Mansion had the highest status. No one dared to compete with them for the tents, so they were allowed to choose first. Undoubtedly, the Prince Ning chose the tent closest to the main tent.
The Prince Ning often had to meet with the emperor and other ministers, so he didn't share a tent with the Princess Ning. The Princess Ning looked at Song Yihuan without saying a word, but Song Yihuan immediately understood her intention.
Tidying up the cloak on her younger brother, Song Yihuan said with a smile, "Xuan'er, would you like to stay with the Goddess of Mercy these days?"
Song Yixuan nodded, "Okay. Xuan'er likes to stay with the Goddess of Mercy."
Then, led by Nanny Chen, he went into the tent with the Princess Ning to rest.
Since Ji Lingchuan had to guard the safety of the camp at any time, he didn't share a tent with Song Nanxin. Song Yihuan thought Song Nanxin would stay in a tent alone, but unexpectedly, Song Nanxin stepped forward and took her hand.
"Yihuan, let's share a tent these days. It'll be convenient for us to take care of each other."
Song Yihuan didn't really want to share a tent with Song Nanxin, but she knew that Song Nanxin said this to keep an eye on her and prevent her from doing anything. After all, she had made a big splash in front of everyone before they set off. Her eldest sister could no longer use their mother's past to slander her reputation, which meant losing a way to control her. How could she not be worried?
Song Yihuan smiled subtly, "Of course it's good. Since elder sister got married, I haven't shared a bed and meals with you for a long time. I'm just afraid that elder sister will find me annoying after a long time."
The two sisters walked into the tent next to Ji Lingchuan's hand in hand. In the eyes of others, they had a very close and affectionate relationship.
Inside the tent, the servants were busy making the beds and putting away the suitcases, filling the small tent to the brim.
Pushed back a step by a servant, Song Yihuan bumped into a "wall" with her back. She was startled. After stabilizing herself, she looked back and found that "Bai Shao" was standing behind her at some point.
The memory of being molested by "her" that night was still fresh in her mind. Goosebumps rose on Song Yihuan's body, and she instinctively took a step to the side.
"Bai Shao" lifted the corner of her lips and looked at her with a smile, whispering, "Fourth Miss, be careful."
This warning was full of implications, which made Song Yihuan's heart sink.
What was this person implying? Was it a warning to be careful of "her", or to keep her eldest sister's secret? Not to think about running away or resisting?
Song Nanxin was busy directing the servants to arrange the things she had brought and didn't notice this for a moment.
Song Yihuan replied almost inaudibly, "I should be the one warning you. I don't care who you are or why you're helping elder sister. Don't provoke me. Elder sister and I are blood - related family, while you're just a servant."
After saying this, she stepped forward and walked to Song Nanxin's side, asking with a smile, "Elder sister, do you need any help from me?"
Looking at the two sisters who were almost the same in stature, "Bai Shao" had a meaningful look in her eyes.
The tents were not very big. Each tent could accommodate at most three people. Besides the two sisters, they still needed a maid to serve them.
After tidying up the tent, the servants from Shulan Courtyard and Tinglan Garden who had come on this trip lined up in front of Song Nanxin and Song Yihuan. The tall and stocky "Bai Shao" stood out prominently.
Song Nanxin instinctively wanted to assign "Bai Shao" to stay and serve them. Song Yihuan said subtly, "Fu Ling is elder sister's dowry maid and has served me for a while. She's familiar with the rules of both sides, which can save a lot of trouble."
Song Nanxin thought it made sense. Now that Song Yihuan was sharing a tent with her, leaving "Bai Shao" might expose her true identity. Moreover, she didn't want "Bai Shao" to stay with Song Yihuan. This girl was so charming. She might seduce someone else.
Squinting her eyes, Song Nanxin said, "Then let Fu Ling stay."
So Fu Ling was left to serve Song Nanxin and Song Yihuan, while the other maids found other tents.
It had been a tiring journey. Song Nanxin didn't have the energy to trouble Song Yihuan. She walked to her bed and lay down. Song Yihuan was happy to have some peace and sat down to rest for a while.
Everyone had rested for an hour when the sound of a gong came from outside. It turned out that the banquet was starting.
On this journey, the emperor had only met them once at the beginning and hadn't had any further communication with the other people following him.
After they set up camp, this banquet tonight was for the emperor to reward the accompanying officials and jointly welcome the grand ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven the next day.
Song Yihuan followed Song Nanxin out of the tent. Looking up, she met Ji Lingchuan's face and his deep phoenix - like eyes. He glanced at her and then subtly shifted his gaze, saying coldly,
"Let's go. Don't keep His Majesty waiting."