Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Pei Jing clearly recognized Yu Qizhi's voice.

He put away his bow and arrows, removed the blindfold from his eyes, and glanced at her with a calm gaze. "Why are you here?"

"A few days ago, I promised Youning that I would go out to buy materials for making kites. I happened to pass by here, so..."

"I wanted to see you." Yu Qizhi's eyelashes fluttered slightly.

"Has the Crown Prince had lunch?" She took two steps forward and softly asked, "There are some pastries in the food box in the carriage."

"I've eaten."

As Yu Qizhi approached Pei Jing, the faint scent from her shoulder lingered around him.

"These things should be done by servants." A slight smile finally appeared on Pei Jing's lips.

"It's close. I just thought it would be good to get some fresh air."

"Alright."

To avoid an awkward silence, it seemed Yu Qizhi was the one initiating conversation.

"The Crown Prince aimed and released the arrows very quickly just now?"

She had seen her legitimate elder brother compete in archery before, where he held the bow gracefully, aiming steadily at the target before releasing the arrow, looking both elegant and pleasing to the eye.

But Pei Jing seemed accustomed to rapid shooting; the arrows he had just fired were all quick releases.

"Yes. Normally, it doesn't matter, but if it's on the battlefield, the sooner the enemy falls, the better our chances of victory."

Yu Qizhi fell silent. Her question was casual, but Pei Jing's explanation was unexpected.

However, his answer matched his actions—whatever the method, as long as the result is achieved.

After saying this, Pei Jing did not speak again.

For a moment, there was silence between them. Seeing Yu Qizhi looking towards the exit, Pei Jing softly said, "I'll escort you out."

Yu Qizhi nodded at him.

As she walked closer to him, it was easy to see the carnelian hairpin in her hairstyle.

The hibiscus red carnelian shone brilliantly under the sunlight, making her black hair appear even darker and her skin even fairer.

More importantly, among all the jewelry sent to her, Yu Qizhi had chosen only this one to wear.

Pei Jing's lips curved slightly.

Previously, when Yu Qizhi acted out, it could be seen as a way to seek attention.

But Yu Qizhi clearly knew when to stop, which made her seem more endearing.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the racetrack, another pair of eyes also fell upon Yu Qizhi.

Today, Jiang Luoyi accompanied Princess Xiangle to this place to watch the noble young men on the polo field vie for Princess Xiangle's favor.

Suddenly seeing Pei Jing's tall and dignified figure walking by, it was an unexpected joy for her, making the noble young men on the polo field seem dull in comparison. Jiang Luoyi's gaze was involuntarily drawn to Pei Jing.

Then she noticed the woman walking beside him.

The joy she felt earlier was extinguished like cold water poured over it.

That must be Pei Jing's new wife, Jiang Luoyi thought bitterly.

Jiang Luoyi's thoughts were no longer on the polo field. Princess Xiangle seemed to be calling her, but Jiang Luoyi ignored her.

Watching Pei Jing and Yu Qizhi walk together and then Pei Jing sending her off in the carriage, Jiang Luoyi noticed something she found hard to accept—she had always thought Pei Jing treated all women the same: distant, polite, yet cold.

But perhaps even Pei Jing himself didn't realize that when he looked at Yu Qizhi, his gaze was warm, and even a hint of a smile played on his lips.

This made her previous pride in being slightly different from others seem ridiculous.

The bitterness in Jiang Luoyi's heart continued until Yu Qizhi turned around to bid farewell to Pei Jing in front of the carriage.

The woman spoke to Pei Jing with a lingering look, but Jiang Luoyi no longer cared about what they were saying.

She only saw Yu Qizhi's face, which bore a striking resemblance to hers.

Seeing such a similar face, Jiang Luoyi was momentarily stunned.

Then, it felt as if her blood flowed backward, as if all her worries and puzzles suddenly found their answers—

It turned out that Pei Jing's wife was merely her substitute.

Even the carnelian hairpin Yu Qizhi wore was her favorite color.

The position beside Pei Jing was originally meant for her, Jiang Luoyi.

"What are you looking at? You seem lost in thought." Princess Xiangle noticed Jiang Luoyi's silence and glanced in the direction of the entrance.

Just in time to see Yu Qizhi facing Pei Jing and bidding him farewell.

Xiangle was initially taken aback, looking at Yu Qizhi's face and then at Jiang Luoyi's.

"So, Commander Pei plays games like this," Xiangle remarked with a playful tone, then teased Jiang Luoyi, "Even using a substitute. It seems he still can't forget you, Sister Jiang!"

Jiang Luoyi dodged Xiang Le's hand as it reached for her waist to tickle her: "My lady, please don't say such things." Though she spoke words of denial and restraint, her face turned red.

Xiang Le found this highly amusing. This was far more entertaining than watching those noble youths fumble on the field.

Previously, His Highness the Fourth Prince had wanted her to marry Pei Jing, but Xiang Le herself didn't mind. To her, marrying anyone was the same; after all, she only listened to her fourth brother.

"Just wait, I'll definitely help you," Xiang Le said, relishing the spectacle.

...

On the other side, at the outskirts of Chang'an, a modest carriage approached the city gate. After verification by the guards, it was allowed entry.

The wheels rolled over the cobblestones of Chang'an, producing a rumbling sound.

The carriage arrived at a scenic spot outside the city, where flowers and grass flourished.

Despite the pleasant spring scenery, there was a splendid barrier stretching for dozens of miles, enclosing the entire area and preventing outsiders from seeing inside the tents.

Only the sounds of children playing and laughing could be heard from afar, along with a few kites flying high above the barrier.

Inside the carriage, a hand with distinct joints lifted the curtain.

"Wu San, who is flying those kites over there?"

The man's voice was low and melodious, like the gentle tapping of jade.

Upon hearing this, Wu San outside the carriage glanced in that direction.

"Probably some noble family out for a spring outing, making such a grand display," Wu San replied.

The nobles of Chang'an were so arrogant, even trying to monopolize the beauty of spring. Wu San felt disdain for them.

However, seeing their young master silently staring at the distant kites for a long time, Wu San was puzzled and asked:

"Young Master, is there something wrong with those kites?"

Unlike the freedom of the martial world, Chang'an was the capital, filled with numerous spies.

Few people from the martial world willingly provoked the imperial court. Even someone as careless as Wu San had to act cautiously within Chang'an.

"There's nothing wrong," the man inside the carriage said, lowering the curtain. "Let's go, don't keep Father waiting."

The carriage continued on its way, with the playful spring breeze occasionally lifting the edge of the curtain, revealing glimpses of the interior.

Inside, the man leaned against the wall of the carriage, his face pale. Despite the warm March weather, he still wore a cloak.

The indigo collar of the cloak outlined his cold, sharp jawline. Although his words were gentle, they sent a chill down one's spine.

"Yes, Young Master," Wu San replied respectfully.