Chapter 64

Chapter 64

After Shen Anning regained consciousness that day, she meticulously recuperated and soon recovered. However, not long after, Lu Suian fell ill with a fever.

Yet, Lu Suian possessed astonishing endurance; even when sick, he kept it from everyone. It was only two days later, when he developed a cough, that Shen Anning belatedly realized his condition.

Lu Suian had always been in excellent health, rarely falling ill in their previous life, which greatly surprised Shen Anning. She later learned that he had immersed himself in the lake water that night, using his own body to cool her fever.

Afterward, to prevent her from catching his illness, Lu Suian uncharacteristically moved into his study for those few days.

Since he had, after all, saved her life, and his current illness was due to her, Shen Anning, once able to leave her bed, personally instructed the kitchen daily to prepare nourishing meals and send them to the study.

However, Lu Suian seemed to have a poor appetite; the daily soups and dishes sent to him were all returned untouched to the kitchen. Not long after, he suddenly sent word to her main quarters, requesting a bowl of sweet potato porridge.

Sweet potato porridge?

When Shen Anning heard these three words, she paused for a moment, a brief haze washing over her—how long had it been since she heard such familiar words?

It turned out Lu Suian had a sensitive stomach. In the six months since marrying into the Lu family, Shen Anning had worried endlessly over his delicate constitution. She had tirelessly devoted herself day and night, immersing herself in the kitchen, constantly devising ways to soothe Lu Suian’s stomach. Among his preferences, sweet potato porridge was a particular favorite.

When it came to preparing this porridge, Shen Anning was a true master, skilled enough to teach others.

However, since her rebirth, Shen Anning had never made this bowl of porridge for Lu Suian again.

Hearing it unexpectedly now felt like a memory from a distant, bygone era.

Although Lu Suian did not explicitly state it, Shen Anning seemed to faintly sense his unspoken desire: he wanted the bowl of sweet potato porridge made by her own hands.

But while flowers may bloom again, youth never returns; skills, if not practiced, will inevitably fade. Even if she made it again, it would no longer possess the same taste, the same essence as that original bowl of porridge.

That day, after lingering by the window for a long time, Shen Anning ultimately had Xiong Si the cook prepare a bowl and send it over.

Throughout the rest of the month, Lu Suian never received the bowl of sweet potato porridge he desired.

For five or six consecutive days, every single bowl of sweet potato porridge was returned untouched to the kitchen.

…

In the blink of an eye, the end of the month had arrived.

It is said that three major events occurred in the capital in late August.

The first was naturally the recently sensational serial murder and dismemberment case. This horrifying case, which gripped the entire capital for seven full days, caused a massive stir throughout the city. Because it seemed to involve Princess Fuyang and a noble lady from a Marquis’s household, it added an air of mystery, leading many storytellers to adapt it into various chapbooks and anecdotes, widely circulated throughout the capital and even across Great Yu.

Of course, these later developments are for another time.

The second event was the arrival of the Turk envoys in the capital. With the great victory in the north, where Great Yu achieved a comprehensive triumph, the Emperor ordered a general amnesty. For a time, the entire capital was enveloped in a celebratory atmosphere, with the lively mood rivaling that of the New Year. By the end of the month, many Turks with prominent noses, blue eyes, and braided hair began roaming freely around the capital, becoming a curious sight in the city.

The third event was the royal hunt at Jiuyou Mountain at the month’s end.

Because the Huo family’s rise to power was illegitimate, especially in later years when Huo Guang monopolized authority, engaged in political machinations, and lacked true ambition, coupled with the new Emperor’s unstable reign, the royal hunting grounds had not been opened for several years. Now, with the court situation stabilizing and the northern victory adding to the joy, Emperor Wei was immensely pleased and made an exception, allowing many lower-ranking consorts and family members from various households to attend.

This year’s Jiuyou Mountain hunt was destined to be the grandest and most lavish event in the entire capital.

In her previous life, Shen Anning missed the Jiuyou Mountain hunt due to her involvement in the palace banquet incident. Now, reborn, what reason did she have to miss it again?

Her injuries had mostly healed after nearly ten days of care. Aside from some scars of varying depths remaining on her wrist, everything else had largely recovered. So, two or three days in advance, she began preparing for the hunting trip.

Since she had not brought Bai Tao to the last palace banquet, she specifically brought both Bai Tao and Huan Xi this time.

On the auspicious date of August 29, the weather was warm and the autumn breeze refreshing. That day, a massive procession set out from the city gates, making its majestic way toward Jiuyou Mountain.

Thousands of Imperial Guards led the way at the front, holding high the flags of Great Yu emblazoned with the character "Yu," fluttering in the air. At the very front was the majestic imperial carriage of the Son of Heaven, followed closely by Empress Zhang’s phoenix carriage. Next came Noble Consort Luo’s carriage, with equal grandeur, followed by the carriages of the various princes and other dukes and marquises. Behind them, the procession continued in order of rank.

The lengthy procession seemed endless, stretching beyond sight.

The Lu family’s carriage was positioned near the front, separated by one carriage from the Lian family of the Duke’s household.

Due to the large number of carriages in the procession, each household was limited to one carriage, except for the princes’ carriages and the Lian family’s carriage, which had rendered great service this year.

Since the Lu family had many members, even a luxurious two-horse carriage felt somewhat crowded. However, Luo Shi of the second branch was Noble Consort Luo’s niece, and the second branch was unwilling to squeeze in the same carriage with so many others. Before boarding, Noble Consort Luo sent someone to invite Luo Shi and her mother-in-law of the second branch to her carriage for a chat. Not long after, however, Noble Consort Luo ascended Emperor Wei’s dragon carriage, surpassing even Empress Zhang to ride alongside the Son of Heaven.

This move on the imperial carriage naturally did not escape anyone’s notice. Before boarding her carriage, Shen Anning saw from afar that Zhang Wan’s complexion did not look well, while the second branch of the Lu family saw their status rise significantly due to Noble Consort Luo’s favor.

Indeed, wherever there are people, there will always be intrigue.

Whether in small households, the deep courtyards of noble families, or the treacherous palace halls, it is merely the same drama playing out at different times, in different places, and among different people.

No one can escape this world of complex social interactions.

After the long and wearying journey, the grand hunting procession finally arrived at Jiuyou Mountain as the sun set.

The scenery at the foot of the mountain was majestic and picturesque, breathtakingly beautiful.

In the distance, the Imperial Guards were setting up camp. After sitting in carriages for most of the day, everyone was sore and stiff. Once the carriages stopped, everyone got out to stretch their legs.

"Ning’er."

As soon as the Duke’s household carriages stopped, Zhang Wan eagerly made her way toward the Lu family carriage.

Zhang Wan took Shen Anning’s hand, carefully examining her face and features, and sighed, "You’ve indeed lost some weight."

Then, she promptly pulled Shen Anning aside to check her over thoroughly before saying, "You didn’t sustain any lasting injuries, did you? How have you been recovering these past few days? When I heard that terrifying news, I broke out in a cold sweat all over. Unfortunately, the household has been busy lately, and I couldn’t find the time to visit. Quick, let me have a look."

Zhang Wan’s concern was evident.

Mentioning that day’s dreadful news still made her heart race with fear even now.

After learning of Shen Anning’s danger that night, she had stayed awake all night and wanted to rush to the Marquis’s household immediately. She only relented when she learned that everyone from the household had scattered. Soon after, she dispatched people from the Duke’s household to assist in searching throughout the capital.

Thankfully, it ended without major incident.

The next day, at dawn, she hurried to the Marquis’s household to visit. However, Shen Anning was still unconscious at the time, so she did not want to disturb her and left after a brief glance.

She had been looking forward to this meeting for days.

She had also worried that Shen Anning might not have recovered enough to join the hunt.

Seeing her arrive from afar before departure had set her mind at ease.

If the Lu family carriage hadn’t been so crowded, she would have gladly squeezed into it today.

Shen Anning knew that Zhang Wan had visited while she was unconscious and had later received two rounds of tonics from the Duke’s household. She was deeply moved. In her previous life, she had devoted herself entirely to Lu Suian and the Marquis’s household, without making a single friend. Now, she felt profoundly touched.

She took Zhang Wan’s hand and spun around in place, saying, "Look, sister, all limbs intact and well. It’s a pity I’m not skilled in riding and archery, or else tomorrow I’d surely hunt a fierce beast to show you."

Shen Anning reassured her with quick-witted banter.

Her light-hearted chatter made Zhang Wan laugh.

Seeing that Shen Anning was unharmed and in good spirits, unaffected by that terrifying incident, Zhang Wan felt relieved. Noticing that although the bandages on her wrists had been removed, a silk scarf still covered the scars, she immediately pulled out an ointment from her sleeve and handed it to her, saying, "This is an ointment I specially requested from Her Majesty the Empress when I went to the palace the other day. It’s a tribute from beyond the borders, said to have remarkable scar-removing effects. Put it on later—your wrists are so lovely, it would be a shame if scars remained."

Shen Anning took it without ceremony.

Once assured of her well-being, the two finally shared a quiet look, then smiled at each other. Soon, they unexpectedly stepped forward simultaneously and shared a long-overdue hug.

This was their first sober meeting since the Mid-Autumn Festival night they got drunk. That day’s events were so significant that even Crown Prince Lian was reportedly stirred. Both had much to say to each other afterward, but with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching and the subsequent shocking incident, their meeting was repeatedly delayed.

Now reunited, both felt they had so much to catch up on.

"By the way, after returning home that day, did the Crown Prince give you any trouble?"

After discussing Shen Anning’s matters, it was natural to turn to Zhang Wan’s affairs. Shen Anning finally asked what had been on her mind these days.

That day, Zhang Wan was a wreck, and Shen Anning, caught up in the moment, had drunk their troubles away. But upon sobering up, she realized with alarm how impulsive they had been.

Having been reborn, Shen Anning no longer held any expectations for her husband, but Zhang Wan was different. As the eldest granddaughter-in-law of the Duke’s household, the Empress’s younger sister, and a daughter of the Zhang family, she bore not only the fate of the entire Zhang family but also the political intent to win over the Lian family.

Zhang Wan’s marriage was even more entangled than hers.

Shen Anning also wanted to ask about that Miss Yan, but seeing Zhang Wan’s weary expression and hesitation, she wasn’t sure if she should bring it up.

Mentioning that day’s drunkenness seemed to embarrass Zhang Wan. Usually gentle-natured, she had never done anything as out of character as that day. Though improper, it was the most liberating moment of Zhang Wan’s life. She and Shen Anning were on the same wavelength, so she held nothing back, answering honestly: "After waking up that day, the Crown Prince promised me he would not take Miss Yan as a concubine. Instead, he would adopt her as a sworn sister and later arrange a marriage for her as if she were his own sister—"

Zhang Wan spoke slowly.

Shen Anning thought this was good news, but she saw no joy on Zhang Wan’s face. Sure enough, the next moment, Zhang Wan gazed into the distance. Following her line of sight, Shen Anning saw a delicate, slender figure standing out near the Lian family’s carriage. She was hands-on, personally helping Lady Lian down from the carriage and walking arm in arm with the second daughter of the Lian family as if they were sisters.

Those unfamiliar might mistake her for the first daughter-in-law of the Lian family, Crown Prince Lian’s wife.

That figure hadn’t been seen at the palace banquet last time.

"Could she be—"

Shen Anning narrowed her eyes and let out a cold laugh. "Since ancient times, sworn siblings have been like family. But I fear this Miss Yan has no desire to be the Crown Prince’s adopted sister—only his 'sweetheart.'"

Zhang Wan smiled bitterly. "The Crown Prince says he won’t, but he is a filial son. He’s often away on campaigns and cannot attend to his mother, who has never liked me. I fear that over time, even if the Crown Prince has no intentions, he might not withstand the elders’ influence…"

Zhang Wan looked pained. After a pause, she turned to Shen Anning and said, "Thankfully, the Lu family has strict household rules, and Crown Prince Lu is particularly principled. Ning’er, my life may never know peace, but I hope yours will be filled with happiness."

Zhang Wan seemed somewhat uncertain about the future.

Unwilling to see her disheartened, Shen Anning immediately encouraged her: "The Lu family may have strict household rules, but they produced a marquis who took two wives and now seem eager to have an heir do the same."

As they spoke, Shen Anning shared with Zhang Wan the news that Fang Shi intended to arrange for Lu Suian to take a second wife of equal status. She also recounted Lu Anran’s outrageous attempt to ruin her at the palace banquet. Zhang Wan listened completely stunned, clenching her fists in anger at times, her eyes nearly popping out of her head.

The two took turns letting off steam.

After commiserating, Shen Anning motivated Zhang Wan, finding humor in their plight: "Wan’er, life is long—why wallow in misery? How about we watch a good show together? Let’s see who gets the last laugh: your 'dear sister' or my 'good sister'?"

As the two sisters were sharing confidences, Lu Suian in the distance led his horse slowly forward, reins in hand, watching Shen Anning and Zhang Wan deep in talk—sometimes gritting their teeth, sometimes looking aggrieved. He observed them with half-lidded eyes.

Soon, another figure rode up and halted beside him. After watching for a moment, this person’s face gradually hardened. Shortly after, he let out a cold laugh and said, "If Crown Prince Lu is too busy with official duties to manage his household, I could request a disciplinarian from the palace on his behalf to properly instruct his family members, teaching them not to cause trouble everywhere."

This figure was none other than Crown Prince Lian, Lian Cheng.

He and his wife Zhang Wan had only recently reached an understanding, and just as peace seemed to return to his household, seeing Zhang Wan seething with anger made him tense instantly—he knew it must be Shen Anning causing problems again.

He greatly disliked Shen Anning, but as a gentleman, he could not discipline another man’s wife. So he came to her husband to issue a direct warning.

Lu Suian clearly understood the admonition.

However, just as Lian Cheng disliked his wife, Lu Suian wasn't particularly fond of his either.

Shen Anning had always been gentle and virtuous, but that time she shocked him by asking for a divorce. He suspected Shen Anning had been influenced by Zhang Wan.

Immediately, he shot back bluntly: "If a cat doesn’t go after fish, how can others cause trouble? In my opinion, if Crown Prince Lian sweeps the snow from his own doorstep, he wouldn’t involve others in his troubles."

Lu Suian didn’t concern himself with others’ affairs, but the Lian family had recently attracted much attention in the capital. Naturally, the rumor that Lian Cheng had rescued a woman from the border had spread, reaching many ears—including Lu Suian’s.

Lu Suian was implying he was a cat that stole fish.

Lian Cheng’s face darkened.

On this matter, he seemed to have no defense.

The two left on unpleasant terms, each preparing to return to his wife, when unexpectedly a maid dressed in fine clothes approached from afar, leading two other maids directly toward them.

She walked straight up to Lu Suian and said respectfully, "Crown Prince, I heard you recently came down with a chill. This is snow pear soup specially prepared for you by my lady the princess. Please accept it."

Then, fearing he might refuse, she added with a smile, "You are the princess’s rescuer. It’s only a simple bowl of soup—if you don’t accept it, Her Highness will surely be uneasy today."

The commotion was too conspicuous to ignore.

In the distance, Shen Anning and Zhang Wan both looked over.

Seeing this, Lian Cheng felt his earlier frustration vanish instantly. He smirked disdainfully at the calm figure beside him and said, "It seems the one who needs to sweep his own doorstep might be someone else now."

With that, Lian Cheng nudged his horse forward and rode off briskly toward Zhang Wan in the distance.

Leaving Lu Suian alone behind: "…"