Chapter 69 Extra

Chapter 69: Epilogue

Due to Yu Xi's horse-riding accident last year, Song Mingyin had abstained from the autumn hunt. However, with his improved mood this year, he was certain to participate.

The autumn hunt was scheduled for the 15th of October, precisely one month after Yu Xi's wedding. Without much thought, Yu Xi decided to join, primarily to relieve some stress. Besides, Fu Anyian would undoubtedly accompany the emperor, and if he were going hunting, he would surely bring her along. So, she might as well go herself.

On the day of departure, Yu Xi was in an excited mood. She opened the curtain with great interest and took a look. As soon as she poked half of her head out, Fu Anyian's figure appeared next to the carriage, with the corners of his lips raised slightly and his dark eyes glowing with gentleness.He looks a lot more friendly and less aloof.

"Princess, were you looking for me?"

Yu Xi raised her eyebrows in amusement, teasing him for his self-importance. "What do you think? This princess was admiring the scenery."

The man arched an eyebrow, dismissing her remark with a casual "Oh, very well. Princess, please do as you wish."

After a morning of traveling, they stopped for a rest before resuming their journey. Song Mingyin's carriage was in front, accompanied by Concubine Shu and Concubine Li for the hunt. As the princess royal, Yu Xi's carriage followed closely behind, under Fu Anyian's charge. Since leaving, he had been constantly hovering around her, eager to make his presence known, afraid of being forgotten.

Gazing at the back of his head with a grin, Yu Xi said, "You're blocking my view."

Upon hearing this, Fu Anyian turned around, softly acknowledging her complaint. Before she could react, he turned back and climbed into the carriage.

Her carriage was spacious and elegant, exuding the same subtle fragrance as she did, a delicate aroma that was pleasing to the senses.

Fu Anyian immediately wrapped his arms around her waist assertively, his gaze sweeping over her body. She was dressed in a blue-green robe, looking serene and graceful. The thin fabric clung to her curves, highlighting her exquisite figure.

The man's Adam's apple moved subtly, and the tenderness in his eyes deepened as they rested on her radiant face. "We'll share a tent tonight."

Yu Xi knew he had ulterior motives, and he indeed expressed them openly.

Looking at him, she reached out to shield herself, blushing as she said, "No, we can't."

There would be so many people during the autumn hunt – officials, soldiers, guards, and palace maids. Yu Xi felt bashful; she didn't want to be stared at by so many.

But Fu Anyian wasn't shy. They hadn't been intimate for a long time, and he was eager.

He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Your monthly cycle must have passed, don't try to hide it from me."

It had been several days since her last period, but Yu Xi had been evading the topic, continually claiming it hadn't ended. He either genuinely didn't know or pretended to believe her lies to make her happy. However, judging from his current expression, he had no intention of letting her off easily.

Yu Xi pursed her lips, considering her response. Before she could speak, Fu Anyian whispered another provocative question into her ear, "Does the princess not desire it?"

"I don't want to," she whispered, lacking confidence.

Fu Anyian turned his head slightly, catching the flush on her cheeks, which only made him smile wider. "If you don't want to, then I do."

Their breaths mingled, and her heart pounded fiercely, filled with anticipation and bashfulness. Her pure eyes shimmered with coyness as her bright irises reflected his advancing figure. In the next instant, her lips were warmly kissed, and the scent of pine filled her nose.

Fu Anyian pulled away, gazing at her with a smile. He knew she couldn't help but let out a delicate moan when she was stirred, a sound that was incredibly enchanting. However, the current setting wasn't appropriate. They were outside, surrounded by palace maids and guards in the carriage. No one could know what they were doing, so he whispered in her ear, "Don't make a sound, or someone might hear us and know what we're up to."

As he spoke, Yu Xi's lips parted slightly, instinctively looking outside the carriage. Her face turned completely red, and in frustration, she playfully hit him.

Her delicate chin stung from being gently turned towards him. Before she could utter a word, her lips were sealed, muffling any sound.

Compared to the fierce and wild kisses in the still of the night, this one was gentler, stirring her emotions even more deeply.

The procession ahead began to move slowly, and Fu Anyian finally released her. His eyes still held a lingering warmth and a satisfied smile. With his broad and caring palm, he tidied her clothes, his actions tender.

"Remember to drink water."

Yu Xi felt a feverish heat in her body, indeed needing a drink of water. The carriage suddenly felt much more spacious after Fu Anyian left. She took a deep breath and pressed her cool palm against her cheeks to dispel some of the warmth.

The carriage rocked gently, and Dong Ling, noticing Yu Xi's silence, grew worried and called out from outside, "Princess, are you hungry?"

"Not at all. I'll just rest for a bit."

She touched her swollen lips, feeling a little guilty. Originally, she planned to lift the carriage curtains to admire the scenery along the way, but with her swollen lips, she couldn't bear to be seen like that; anyone would notice right away.

Closing her eyes to rest, Yu Xi's heart had just settled down when it started to race again. This was due to the lingering scent of pine on Fu Anyian's clothes that seemed to still surround her, as if he had never left.

Sighing, a sweet smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

-

The sun illuminated the hunting ground with a golden glow, combined with the shimmering golden leaves of the maple trees, creating an enchanting scene of pure gold.

Yu Xi stood beneath a tree, admiring the breathtaking view, before finally coming back to her senses.

De Shun approached her, informing her that the tents were ready and she could go rest. She agreed and followed De Shun.

Her tent was separated from Song Mingyin's by a short distance, requiring only a brief walk. Yu Xi glanced in that direction before asking De Shun, "Have you seen Lord Fu?"

He mentioned that he would stay with her tonight, but who knew if he would actually come? Honestly, she was quite looking forward to it.

"Ah, Lord Fu and Lord Lin entered the woods when he arrived. They must be assessing the situation."

Is that so?

For something like inspecting the woods, did they really need both of them? Perhaps there was another matter at hand.

Yu Xi glanced in the direction De Shun pointed, just in time to see the two men emerge from the forest, their heads lowered as they conversed. Yu Xi closed her eyes and then entered her tent to rest.

The nights grew dark quickly in autumn, and before she knew it, the sky had turned pitch black. Bonfires were lit around them, casting flickering candlelight into her tent, dancing like graceful dancers, enchanting and alluring.

After a full day in the carriage, she was genuinely exhausted. Just after freshening up, sleepiness overwhelmed her, causing her eyelids to struggle in a battle against one another. Her vision became blurry, and everything appeared hazy.

Yu Xi promptly fell asleep, murmuring with her eyes closed, "Should Fu Anyian arrive, do not disturb me."

"I understand, Princess."

The hunting grounds were located in the outskirts, devoid of people, and thus very quiet. The gentle fragrance carried by the autumn breeze drifted into the tent, soothing and pleasant. However, occasional roars of fierce beasts could be heard, adding a slight tinge of terror to the atmosphere.

Yu Xi soon fell asleep, enjoying a peaceful night's rest until dawn.

Despite being in the countryside, she felt warm and comfortable, though the bedding Dong Ling prepared for her was rather stiff and uncomfortable. She tried to shift position, but was pulled back by an unseen force, intensifying the hardness.

Grumbling softly in dissatisfaction, Yu Xi opened her eyes, her vision blurry. A vague outline of a man came into view, his handsome features almost surreal. Instantly alert, she rubbed her eyes, clarity returning.

Fu Anyian remained asleep, his sleeping face serene with an added touch of gentleness. His soft breathing carried a burning warmth, like a feather brushing against her cheek, causing a ticklish, prickling sensation.

Fu Annian did not wake up, his sleeping face was clear and gentle, he breathed gently, the temperature was hot, brushing his cheeks like a feather, itching and numbing.

As soon as she moved, someone tugged her back. "Where are you going?"

"You're awake? When did you come back?" She had no recollection, unaware that even Dong Ling had tried to rouse her.

"I've only been back for a short while."

Not wanting to disturb her deep sleep, he had quietly slipped into bed beside her. Before they knew it, the dawn arrived.

Fu Anyian held her in his arms for a moment before getting up to wash and dress, asking, "Shall we go riding this morning?"

"I won't. I'll just take a stroll nearby."

It had been over a year since she last visited, so she wanted to explore the surroundings first before going for a ride. She thought that when Fu Anyian was free, they could ride together.

Wiping his hands with a handkerchief, Fu Anyian replied, "Stay in the tent, there are fierce beasts in the hunting grounds."

"I heard them last night."

They must have been released specifically for this autumn hunt. As a weak woman, she had no intention of joining the excitement. No wonder he had returned late last night – perhaps he had been occupied with this matter.

Yu Xi finished arranging her clothes and instructed Dong Ling to prepare breakfast. Since Fu Anyian would join her, two sets of tableware were set out.

"Don't sleep too early tonight, wait for me."

"What am I waiting for?"

She asked impulsively, then blushed after realizing what she had said.

"What are you thinking about? Something important?"

Yu Xi huffed. If it was something serious, then just say it directly; there was no need for such ambiguous words.

"From now on, just speak your mind when you have something to say."

Fu Anyian paused his actions, shook his head in amusement, and clearly saw the embarrassment in her eyes. He didn't expose her, instead finishing his meal before heading to Song Mingyin's quarters. They were planning to go hunting in the morning.

Yu Xi rested alone in her tent for a while before strolling around to appreciate the scenery of the hunting grounds. No one accompanied her, so she initially thought of visiting the Concubine Shu, but the thought of her current pretentious attitude dampened her mood.

At noon, she instructed De Shun to prepare a roasted lamb leg as she was craving it.

De Shun happily took care of the task, roasting two legs – one for the princess and the other for him and Dong Ling to enjoy.

After waiting for half an hour, Yu Xi finally got to taste it. Just as she finished a piece and was reaching for another, Wang Quan rushed in, breathless and without any prior announcement. He immediately exclaimed, "Princess, His Excellency is injured."

Yu Xi's expression changed slightly, and she stood up abruptly. Then, remembering how he had pretended to be injured to trick her last time, she sat back down calmly, suspecting he was using the same tactic again.

"Oh, send one of the royal physicians to attend to him."

Wang Quan wiped his sweat, anxiety etched on his face. "The imperial physician has already attended to His Highness; this time it's serious."

Yu Xi lifted her gaze, observing that Wang Quan didn't seem to be lying. She rushed out immediately. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Wang Quan was perplexed – wasn't it because she herself didn't believe him?

"How severe is the injury?"

"It's in his leg."

Seeing Wang Quan's tension, Yu Xi inferred that it must be quite serious.

With this thought, she hastened her steps, lifting her skirt as she entered Fu Anyian's tent.

Upon entering, Yu Xi was met with a pungent herbal scent. She wrinkled her nose and scanned the area. "How is he? Where's the imperial physician?"

Fu Anyian leaned against the support, his complexion slightly paler but his spirits surprisingly high. His leg had been bandaged, hiding any signs of the wound. She bent down for a closer look, unable to gauge the severity of the injury.

"I knew you'd come," Fu Anyian said, casting a subtle nod at Wang Quan, acknowledging his efficient work.