Chapter 73 Outing Together

Chapter 73: A Joint Outing

The Great Hui court enforced rigid protocols, and for the women of the palace, their lives were largely confined to the palace grounds, with little opportunity to venture outside. So the chance to join the emperor on an outing to the countryside, thanks to his favor, was naturally an exciting prospect.

Even Princess De Ning—not just A Wu—was thrilled.

The Jingxi Emperor was consumed by state affairs and rarely visited the inner palace, so Princess De Ning seldom had the chance to speak with her father. Now, getting to accompany him on an outing was something she had never dared to imagine before.

She was giddy with anticipation, prompting her to prepare her attire and accessories early, pack her essentials, and even ask a court lady to quickly teach her a few poems, just in case her father suddenly decided to test her.

At Princess De Ning’s excitement, Consort Kang sneered, "The emperor is taking his beloved out for a stroll, and you’re just an afterthought! Nowadays, he has eyes for no one else but that darling of his. You’re just there to keep them company!"

Princess De Ning pouted at once, displeased. "Must you say such things?"

It ruined the mood. She had been so happy, but now, hearing this, it did seem to make sense. Her excitement fizzled.

Consort Kang scoffed. "Your father punished you and stripped your mother of her rank. Now, the two of us are in a difficult position—how can you possibly hold your head high? He’s just stringing you along with a few words. Look at you, so foolishly believing he actually favors you. If he truly did, why would he demote me?"

Princess De Ning fell silent. She had already learned her lesson, knowing that publicly challenging her father had been a grave mistake, which was why she had been punished.

As for her mother’s demotion, there was nothing she could do. She had already begged and cried—what more could she do?

Now that her father was taking her on an outing, she naturally wanted to go. But her mother’s words still stung.

Consort Kang continued, "He’s completely bewitched by that little enchantress. Summoning you now is just to make you tag along. Once your father has other children, what worth will you have?"

Princess De Ning’s face flushed red. She flung the new dress aside and stormed back to her room. "Then I won’t go!"

That night, she lay in bed sullenly, unable to sleep, tossing and turning as she thought it over.

But the next day, when a court lady came to fetch her and even the Fengtian Palace sent someone specifically, Princess De Ning hesitated but ultimately boarded the carriage.

After all, who would willingly give up such a rare chance to go out, especially with her father?

This time, they weren’t heading to Nanqiongzi in the southern part of the capital but to the northern outskirts, where the landscape was mountainous. The season was at its most beautiful—verdant hills, sparkling streams, birds singing, and willow catkins dancing in the air.

At first, Princess De Ning’s heart felt heavy, but as she watched the commoners outside enjoying their outings—families with children dressed in bright colors, lively and cheerful—she began to cheer up.

She was, after all, simple-hearted by nature, and soon she found herself enjoying it. "I’m so glad I came!"

Halfway through the journey, a court lady from Fengtian Palace arrived, fetching Princess De Ning to the emperor’s carriage, where Noble Consort Ning was also present.

Princess De Ning hesitated briefly but went anyway.

To her surprise, upon entering, she saw her father lounging lazily in his seat, a scripture open on his lap as his long fingers idly flipped through the pages.

Beside him, Noble Consort Ning was halfheartedly shuffling leaf cards.

When the Jingxi Emperor noticed his daughter boarding, he didn’t look up, merely instructing calmly, "De Ning, show her the ropes."

Princess De Ning was taken aback. "So Imperial Noble Consort doesn’t know how to play leaf cards?"

A Wu immediately retorted, "It’s just a game—since when is it mandatory? I’ve always devoted myself to studying. Who has time for such idle games?"

At this, Princess De Ning gaped at A Wu.

Was she really so diligent?

The Jingxi Emperor, meanwhile, raised a brow slightly, casting a subtle glance at his blustering noble consort.

She’s got some nerve saying that without even blushing.

He coughed lightly and said, "De Ning, go ahead and teach her."

Princess De Ning couldn’t refuse. "Yes."

Turning to A Wu, she reluctantly said, "Pay attention. If you don’t get it, that’s on you."

A Wu replied, "As if I’d forget!"

Princess De Ning then took the leaf cards and began teaching A Wu the rules, explaining that this was the "Wen Qian (Copper Coins)," this was the "Hundred Sons," this was the "Ten Thousand Strings," and this was the "Hundred Thousand Strings," and so on.

A Wu perked up at the names, itching to play, and quickly grasped the rules. The two began to play.

Princess De Ning said, "Wait, this involves betting. Did you bring any money?"

A Wu exclaimed, "Huh?"

Princess De Ning continued, "What’s the point if there’s no money?"

A Wu looked pleadingly at the Jingxi Emperor. Why would she need to bring money when going out for fun? Since when does an Imperial Noble Consort carry her own money?

With a gesture from the Jingxi Emperor, a eunuch nearby presented a red-lacquered box filled with gleaming golden leaves.

Princess De Ning and A Wu’s eyes gleamed at the sight.

The Jingxi Emperor declared, "The winner takes a gold leaf."

Princess De Ning and A Wu quickly agreed and began playing.

A Wu, a beginner, lost three straight rounds—almost tearful.

Princess De Ning, having won three golden leaves, bragged, flipping the leaves in her hands. “Brand new, so shiny—look how real the veins are!”

A Wu shot the Jingxi Emperor a look of pure betrayal. She wanted golden leaves too!

The Jingxi Emperor ignored her, lounging by the window, ignoring her for the view.

A Wu fumed silently, itching to chuck the cards at him, but there was nothing she could do. She sucked it up and kept playing.

Fortunately, her luck improved, and she began to win some rounds. Then came the final card—the ‘Million Strings,’ do or die.

Locking eyes with De Ning, A Wu slowly placed her card and said, "Eight Million Strings. Call or fold?"

In this game, the player could bluff, and the opponent had to judge based on the player's expression whether they were lying or telling the truth.

No challenge meant accepting the claim. If one challenged and was right, they won; if wrong, they lost everything.

De Ning wavered, searching A Wu’s face.

A Wu blinked up at her, all wide-eyed innocence.

Was she bluffing, or did she truly have the "Eight Million Strings"? Should she challenge or not?

The room went still as they stared each other down.

The Jingxi Emperor glanced up, sensing the standoff.

He saw right through them but stayed quiet, just propped his chin on his hand, grinning as they played.

His movement startled the two young ladies in their face-off.

Princess De Ning turned her head, biting her lip, eyes pleading.

A Wu gave a surprised look at the Jingxi Emperor, then immediately went on guard, her eyes flashing a warning.

The Jingxi Emperor propped his chin on his hand and said casually, "I don’t know how to play Leaf Cards. I don’t know the first thing about it."

A Wu shot back, "You liar!"

Princess De Ning didn’t dare say it aloud—her awe for her father was too great—but she agreed with A Wu.

"You liar!"

The Jingxi Emperor smiled warmly, radiant and gentle, "Just teasing a little pup."

A Wu gave him a dirty look.

Princess De Ning watched from the side, quietly amazed. She realized how so casually, so familiarly A Wu spoke with her father.

She knew she could never be like that with him.

The two young ladies ignored the Jingxi Emperor and turned back to each other—it was time for the ultimate face-off.

At last, clenching her teeth, Princess De Ning declared, "You’re lying! You don’t have an eight-million-strings Leaf Card at all!"

A Wu held her gaze, "But I’m not lying to you!"

She sounded so sincere that Princess De Ning refused to believe it—she had to be faking!

So she shot back, "Fine, then let’s make a big bet. If you really have it, I’ll give you all my gold leaves. But if you don’t?"

A Wu dug in her heels, "You can ask for anything!"

Princess De Ning snapped, "Deal!"

They looked as if they were betting everything they had, ready for an all-or-nothing bet.

Finally, the two agreed—it was time to reveal the card.

Princess De Ning couldn’t wait. She flipped it over—and the moment she did, she was instantly full of regret.

It really was an eight-million-strings Leaf Card!

She couldn’t believe it, "You really weren’t lying? Why didn’t you lie?"

A Wu replied, "Why would I lie? I told the truth, but you refused to believe me!"

Princess De Ning ground her teeth, "Everyone lies when playing Leaf Cards!"

A Wu smiled, "But I didn’t want to lie to you! I won without lying!"

Princess De Ning stammered in frustration—furious, absolutely furious!

************

By the time they arrived at the country estate, Princess De Ning was still unwilling to concede. She wanted another round, pulling at A Wu’s sleeve to keep playing. But A Wu had no interest—she had won and was perfectly content, with no desire to lose now.

She suggested Princess De Ning play with a female palace official instead, but the princess refused—none of them would dare win against her.

A Wu then pushed Princess De Ning toward the Jingxi Emperor, but the princess huffed, "Like Father would ever play with me!"

A Wu had no choice but to be playful—she simply refused to play anymore. So the two of them tussled playfully until they ended up resting in the villa.

The villa was actually a waterside pavilion with water on three sides. Standing by the window, one could take in the view of the sparkling water and verdant mountains, with small boats gently drifting on the water and lush vegetation lining the banks.

Princess De Ning and A Wu felt completely at peace, their earlier bickering forgotten as they both relaxed.

A Wu and the Jingxi Emperor stayed in the main hall of the rear courtyard, while Princess De Ning resided in a side hall, some distance from the Emperor’s chambers but not too far, connected by a winding corridor.

At that moment, it happened to be raining. Outside the latticed windows, a gentle spring rain was falling, cloaking the new spring growth in a misty haze.

The three of them enjoyed their midday meal, experiencing a uniquely delightful atmosphere with the chirping of birds outside and the occasional sound of oars dipping into the water.

The meal consisted of rustic country dishes, all made from fresh game, and the tea was newly-tribute tea from the south. With just a sip or two, its aroma lingered pleasantly.

The Jingxi Emperor said, "If the rain stops after the meal, we can go boating or catch some crickets to play with. The crickets here are of particularly fine quality."

Princess De Ning’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

In Great Hui's inner court, playing with crickets was generally forbidden, as the ancestors believed it led to frivolity and excessive indulgence once the habit took hold.

The Jingxi Emperor gave his daughter a look. "Everything in moderation. Do not become obsessed."

Princess De Ning nodded eagerly. "Mhm, mhm! I understand, Your Majesty."

After the meal, the rain indeed stopped. Princess De Ning, now brimming with excitement, wanted to go cricket-catching and tried to persuade A Wu to join her for a competition.

The Jingxi Emperor forbade it. "She is with child now, and the paths outside are slippery. What if she falls?"

Princess De Ning glanced at A Wu’s gently swelling belly and conceded the point.

A Wu felt rather at loose ends. "Then what should I do? I can’t just stay cooped up inside all day."

The Jingxi Emperor soothed her gently, "First, take a stroll in the courtyard to aid digestion, then rest for a nap. After waking, I’ll accompany you for a walk or a boat ride."

A Wu pursed her lips in displeasure. "Fine."

Princess De Ning watched from the side, feeling both sympathy and envy.

She thought A Wu, being so carefully supervised by her father, seemed pitiable—but… she had never seen the Emperor speak so softly and patiently to anyone before.

Her father’s mind had always been consumed by state matters. Occasionally, he would discipline his children, but it was always just that—discipline. Even with the Crown Prince, his focus was more on archery, horsemanship, and studies, never fussing over such details.

But now, with A Wu, he treated her with utmost care.

For the first time in her life, she thought her own mother had missed her chance.

************

Princess De Ning went off to play, while the Jingxi Emperor held A Wu’s hand and strolled briefly before they both lay down to rest.

A Wu, now pregnant with twins, tired easily. Once she lay down, exhaustion quickly set in.

The Jingxi Emperor’s large, gentle hands kneaded her waist lightly as he whispered by her ear, "De Ning has been pestering you all this time. Does it bother you?"

A Wu replied, "Not really… I won anyway!"

Mentioning this, she couldn’t help but feel smug.

The Jingxi Emperor chuckled indulgently. "As long as you enjoy it. If you ever feel bored, you can play with De Ning in the future."

Zhao Yi and Consort Hui seemed too reserved in comparison. He felt A Wu was livelier and more at ease when playing with Princess De Ning.

A Wu: "Alright."

Jingxi Emperor: "Or you could accompany the Empress Dowager. In truth, Her Majesty is quite fond of you. The golden seal bestowed upon you this time was also approved by her. If you visit the Empress Dowager more often, it would reflect well on you."

A Wu recalled the Empress Dowager’s warm gaze and felt a surge of warmth herself. Though this affection stemmed from the child in her womb, the child was still her own flesh and blood. So even if indirectly, she had indeed earned the Empress Dowager’s favor.

She smiled and said, "But Her Majesty’s quarters are filled with card sharks at leaf games, each shrewd as foxes. If I go, wouldn’t I lose every day? A few days of that, and I’d be flat broke!"

She couldn’t bear to lose—it was all money, after all!

The Jingxi Emperor idly stroked her back. "Don’t worry about losing. If you lose silver, I’ll cover your losses."

His private coffers were his to spend, so naturally, she could use them freely.

A Wu twirled a lock of the Emperor’s jet-black hair around her finger, playing with it absentmindedly. "What if I lose every day?"

The Jingxi Emperor gently rubbed his nose against hers and chuckled. "Fortunately, over the years, my private treasury has accumulated some savings. Even if you were the most extravagant, I could still afford you."

Hearing this, A Wu quivered with delight, nearly rolling about in joy against him.

She thought to herself, he truly desired heirs—after all, he was the Emperor, hoping for many descendants. Now that she was pregnant, even before the child was born, he already treated her like a precious gem.

Limp and cozy, she nestled in his arms and asked curiously, "If I give birth to a daughter, will she be like Princess De Ning? Will you dote on her as you do Princess De Ning?"

The Jingxi Emperor was slightly taken aback by the question.

Honestly, he’d barely paid attention to De Ning. He had fathered her young, when he was swamped with ruling the empire and had little time to spare for a young daughter in the inner palace.

By the time she grew older, it was even less likely—after all, as a father, especially an imperial one, he couldn’t frequently dote on his daughter.

Bringing De Ning along served several purposes: partly to make up for past neglect, but mostly to provide A Wu with a companion her age and to keep drama at bay in the harem.

He had always kept a close watch on the Empress, ensuring no one else could make waves, so he needed to make sure De Ning behaved.

But he didn’t explain these thoughts, simply saying, "I’d pay her more attention than I did to De Ning."

A Wu murmured softly, "In my heart, I hope for one of each—a princess and a prince. That would be perfect, having both a son and a daughter!"

The Jingxi Emperor smiled. "Then I’d personally teach him to read, to ride, to shoot, to—"

He paused mid-sentence, then changed tack. "When he grows up, he’ll be granted a princely title, given lands of his own, and receive his own golden seal."

The children of an Emperor were born noble, entitled to everything they could rightfully possess. He would never neglect his own blood.

She went weak at his words, her heart pounding wildly.

Never before had she so clearly realized what carrying the Emperor’s child truly meant.

Great Hui had endured for 120 years, ruled by five Emperors. And now, she would stake her claim to Great Hui’s legacy. Even if not the largest portion, it would still grant her descendants imperial status for generations.

She—a lowly fisher girl from the eastern seas—her descendants would inherit a part of the empire Great Hui’s ancestors had built. Her bloodline would merge with the imperial house of Great Hui…

This was her family’s ticket to nobility!

At that moment, A Wu felt no interest in Lu Yunjian—or even her childhood friend Ye Han. Truly, only the Emperor mattered! Bearing his child meant she could reap the rewards of the mighty Yong dynasty’s empire!

Ahh—

A Wu took a deep breath and pressed her face into the emperor’s chest.

Lately, because of her pregnancy, his sleeping quarters and robes were free of any incense. The clean fabric carried only the faint, refreshing fragrance of soap pods—crisp and pleasant.

A Wu drank in his scent hungrily—the seasoned, powerful man who governed the realm and would elevate her children, allowing them to be born into the world's greatest privilege.

The Jingxi Emperor sensed her emotional unrest. He lowered his gaze, watching her tenderly as she nuzzled into him like a puppy, as if trying to burrow in, to merge with him.

Then, A Wu murmured, "Your Majesty, carrying your children is no easy task. You must arrange everything for them, love them dearly."

"Hmm. I will," the emperor replied.

"Love them forever—love them above all!"

She knew she was being childish, but she wanted him to say it.

She wanted that "above all."

Yet, the emperor above her remained silent.

His silence made A Wu uneasy. Was he unwilling to even offer empty reassurance?

Now, gazing at her, he watched gently, quietly, as if he had been observing her for a long time.

A Wu parted her lips, wanting to say something, but she didn’t know what.

She had demanded a childish promise from him, and he hadn’t given it.

Then, the man spoke measuredly, "In the future, those dearest to me will not be the children A Wu bears."

A Wu’s heart turned cold. Was he unwilling to offer even a kind word?

The corners of the emperor’s lips curved into a beautiful arc as he continued, "The one I will love above all is A Wu. Only A Wu."

A Wu’s lips parted slightly in surprise. For a moment, she didn’t understand.

The emperor reached out, his long fingers brushing her soft, glossy lips as he murmured, "Sons and daughters are fleeting guests, descendants mere wisps of smoke. In their youth, they may cling to their parents’ knees, but as they grow, they will have their own minds, their own fiefs and titles. Having had the Crown Prince and De Ning, I’ve come to realize—I cannot truly control them, nor change their nature. We must accept this calmly and let things take their course."

Before his children, he was more an emperor than a father, playing the role occasionally but feeling no stirrings in his heart.

Truthfully, he had long understood—the Crown Prince and De Ning were extensions of his reign, the fruits of securing the dynasty’s future.

If he were not the emperor, there would be no concubines, nor would there be them.

In this life, he would fulfill his duty as a father as best he could, just as he governed the empire with diligence.

But if there were another life, he hoped they would be reborn into a loving family, spared the weight of the crown.

Now, gazing at A Wu, his light tea-colored eyes brimming with inexhaustible tenderness, he said, "I may stumble at times, but I will strive. If you ever find me lacking, you must tell me, remind me."

Pausing, his rich, melodious voice carried a vulnerable note, "Will you?"

A Wu’s heart raced wildly, as if it might leap from her chest.

Her face flushed with shame, moved, and an indescribable emotion.

Under the overwhelming intensity of it all, her eyes grew damp, her nose stinging with held-back tears.

She half-knelt in his arms, tilting her face up to gaze at him with devotion, murmuring, "Your Majesty, A Wu would give you her very life."

When she spoke these words, she would have torn out her heart, offered her lungs, given all for him.

Yet, the Jingxi Emperor merely watched the woman in his arms in silence. His patience was vast, yet somehow insufficient.

What he wanted was not her life, nor her loyalty—he wanted her heart, her love.

His long fingers traced gently over A Wu's brow. "A Wu, love me more. Treat me as your husband."

To such words, A Wu did not know how to respond. The words burned too intensely—she'd drifted through life in a haze, never considering such things.

—Perhaps she had never been worthy of pondering this question.

So instinct drove her toward escape. Could she offer something else in return? She was willing to give her life—what more did he want?

At this moment, his fathomless eyes were fixed unwaveringly upon her, yet she looked away.

The bedchamber was too quiet. Though no two people could be closer, nestled in his arms, words failed her.

She could have placated him, deceived him—but she did not wish to.

So, at last, she raised her slender arms, cautiously looping them around his neck, tilting her face to press her lips to his.

The man paused briefly before finally bending slightly to capture the lips she offered—quivering lips, sweet as fresh cream, so delicious he couldn't let go.

His eyes drifted shut in pleasure, savoring the moment.

Yet, unexpectedly, she resisted, shoving at his chest.

He opened his eyes, lowering his lashes to watch her squirm, then squirm lower.

His brow arched, voice strained nearly to breaking. "What are you—"

Mid-sentence, his words died.

For he saw the soft little woman, with shocking boldness, lifting the hem of his robe and nuzzling beneath like a stray cat.

Understanding dawned—blood roared in his ears. "A Wu!" he rasped.

But A Wu did not stop.

She was inexperienced too, trembling with nerves—yet she believed this was all she had to offer. She dared not meet his eyes. She simply wanted to do something to please him, to repay him.

She'd surrender flesh and bone, give all—but do not ask her of love.

She truly did not understand.

What followed was difficult for A Wu. She was even frightened at first—she had not known it would be so terrifying.

Shaking, she fisted his robe in white-knuckled grip.

The Jingxi Emperor's throat bobbed, his voice strained nearly to breaking. "If it pains you, we'll stop."

He could sense she was untutored, struggling to bear it.

Yet A Wu grew stubborn. "This is new to A Wu," she insisted, "but A Wu will serve her Emperor."

She spoke with trembling fear, yet with the determination of someone ready to die.

The Jingxi Emperor lowered his eyes, gazing at the young woman in his arms with a shadowed yet tender gaze.

He was expectant, full of pity, and somewhat melancholy, yet in his heart, he had already condemned himself to heartbreak—perhaps this life was destined to be one of unfulfilled longing.

She appeared delicate and innocent, yet she had already been through life's harsh realities, her heart sealed away in a distant past he could never reach.

A Wu started, her whole body quivering with nervous anticipation.

Her face flushed with heat, her heart filled with fear, yet she also yearned deeply, her body trembling uncontrollably as she pushed forward despite her trembling.

The dim and hazy light of the bedchamber played over A Wu’s disheveled hair, clinging to her snow-white cheeks. She lifted her quivering lashes, her damp, clear eyes gazing up at the man above her with devotion.

He tilted his neck slightly, the sharp and defined lines of his throat taut as his Adam’s apple worked furiously, as if caught in an unbearable restraint.

The most noble man in the world, his bone structure so refined, now was flushed with need, his usually indifferent face tinged with a faint red.

A Wu was utterly intoxicated by him. In this moment, she felt the illusion that she could control this man.

With just a little more effort from her, he would completely come undone.

Then, the Jingxi Emperor pressed his lips together, his voice rough and hoarse as he ground out, "A Wu, your husband still wants more. Give him more... be gentle with him."

His voice was rough with barely-contained need.

A Wu blinked her damp eyes and hesitantly continued, testing his limits.