Chapter 149

Chapter 149: For Her Alone

Meng Yang studied Sheng Zhi Wan closely. Her voice was casual, her expression calm, without the slightest hint of jealousy.

[How could this be?] Meng Yang wondered. Seeing her own husband doing so much for another woman, how could Sheng Zhi Wan remain so unbothered?

Meng Yang despised Sheng Zhi Wan’s serene, unshakable calmness. [Who does she think she is?]

She stepped forward, lowering her voice, “Princess, would you truly not mind if the Heir Apparent stays with me tonight?”

Meng Yang had already heard from the Third Prince about Sheng Zhi Wan’s strange position—although favored by the Empress Dowager, Emperor Chong Sheng did not treat her as affectionately as people imagined. Perhaps it was because her birth mother was merely a palace maid who climbed into his bed. Regardless, the Emperor’s attitude toward her carried hints of hidden dislike.

[A Princess not favored by the Emperor, who has angered her husband’s family, with no special talents of her own—where did her confidence come from?]

“I don’t mind,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied with a faint, mocking smile. “If the Heir Apparent is willing, he can dress you, wash your feet, or even help you relieve yourself—none of it matters to me.”

Meng Yang’s face turned pale, then flushed in embarrassment at Sheng Zhi Wan’s crude words.

Just then, Qi Shu Xian emerged from inside. He went to the carriage to fetch something, then walked toward Sheng Zhi Wan.

“My Lord…” Meng Yang bit her lip and tugged at his sleeve.

Qi Shu Xian hesitated, glancing awkwardly toward Sheng Zhi Wan.

Sheng Zhi Wan laughed lightly. “I understand. Tonight, you must stay with Concubine Meng. After all, she’s pregnant and needs care.”

Qi Shu Xian frowned slightly, “You misunderstand. Tonight, Yang’er has something to take care of, and she asked me to accompany her.”

“No need to explain,” Sheng Zhi Wan said softly, turning away. She entered her room without another glance.

Qi Shu Xian gazed after her departing figure and sighed, yet didn’t follow. [Tomorrow at the Imperial Hunt, she’ll finally understand that my heart is truly hers.]

The next morning, officials and their families arrived at the training field under the Eunuch Attendant’s guidance.

When Sheng Zhi Wan entered alongside Qi Shu Xian and Meng Yang, numerous eyes turned toward them.

Meng Yang kept her gaze lowered as she obediently followed Qi Shu Xian. Her delicate appearance stirred sympathy. Many recognized her as the famous Lady Meng, creator of the Maiden’s Delight Wine, but none had expected Qi Shu Xian would openly bring her here.

Many Madams and Young Ladies cast curious glances at Sheng Zhi Wan, eager to witness her reaction. Yet, Sheng Zhi Wan appeared indifferent, her exquisite face serene, not sparing a single glance toward the couple beside her.

Seeing this, those who’d been ready to gossip suddenly found themselves speechless.

After all, Sheng Zhi Wan was a Princess, married to the talented and promising Heir Apparent Qi. So what if Qi Shu Xian had Lady Meng by his side? Their own husbands were no better.

Silencing their idle chatter, many Madams and Young Ladies respectfully greeted Sheng Zhi Wan. She returned their greetings with composed elegance, then took her seat, guided by the Eunuch Attendant.

Her seat, however, was not arranged among the Royal Household, but with Qi Shu Xian’s Duke’s household.

Settling comfortably, Sheng Zhi Wan genuinely felt at ease. With Meng Yang constantly fussing over Qi Shu Xian, she was left free to quietly observe people and appreciate the distant scenery.

Soon, the envoys from Northern Di entered the training field.

Sheng Zhi Wan immediately recognized the young Fourth Prince who led them. He was handsome and refined, his fine robes accentuating his elegance. Yet, his lean figure and pale complexion contrasted starkly against the two robust, muscular Northern Di generals who stood protectively behind him.

Clearly, these generals were here to guard their frail prince.

Sheng Zhi Wan watched them closely for a moment, but could not discern more.

Shortly thereafter, Emperor Chong Sheng entered alongside the Empress, Consort Qi, the Crown Prince, and the other imperial princes. Everyone rose to pay respects. The Northern Di envoys performed their foreign rites, and then all took their seats.

Emperor Chong Sheng began to introduce the history of the Training Field and the tradition of the Imperial Hunt. Sheng Zhi Wan listened quietly, her attention shifting between the subtle rivalry between the Empress and Consort Qi.

She considered her imperial siblings.

The Crown Prince, Sheng Yuan Jun, born from the Empress, shared a mother with the eldest princess and was weak-bodied but cruel beneath his respectful façade. Her second brother, Sheng Yuan Qi, son of Consort Li, openly challenged the Crown Prince with reckless ambition. Her third brother, Sheng Yuan Hao, son of Consort Qi, had risen quickly in favor, closely resembling his mother’s late sister, Consort Yuan. He concealed great ambition beneath a cultured exterior.

As for her younger siblings, the fourth prince Sheng Yuan Yu had become a fool after a fire, while the fifth prince Sheng Yuan Hui was merely ten years old, too young to contend for the throne.

“Princess, what are you looking at?” Meng Yang interrupted softly.

Sheng Zhi Wan gave her a faint, dismissive glance without responding.

After the Emperor finished speaking, the Imperial Hunt formally began.

Everyone knew this hunt was meant to intimidate the Northern Di envoys. But who had the Emperor chosen to lead this display of strength?

Twenty Northern Di warriors stepped forward, each strong, imposing, their gazes boldly challenging Sheng Kingdom’s elegantly dressed young masters.

Among the imperial princes, only Sheng Yuan Qi stepped forward, joined by skilled young warriors and noble heirs.

Shang Xiu Yuan, son of Shang Tian Hao, appeared confident, his martial skills renowned. Sheng Zhi Wan casually glanced in his direction but saw no sign of Shang Hang Yu. [Had he not come?]

Just then, Qi Shu Xian stood and announced, “Zhi Wan, I promised I would hunt the Red Fox for you. Today, I shall fulfill that promise.”

Meng Yang was startled. [A Red Fox? There are no Red Foxes near the capital.]

The legendary Red Fox from distant Cangnan was famed for its small stature and incredible speed, faster even than the finest horses. Such a creature couldn’t possibly appear here unless deliberately brought in.

But who could have placed a Red Fox within the Imperial hunting grounds? Could it truly have been arranged by the Emperor himself?

Meng Yang’s mind reeled with disbelief.

Sheng Zhi Wan pressed her lips together faintly, her gaze meeting Qi Shu Xian’s through the crowd.

[Last time, he had not given her the Red Fox. But today’s Red Fox—this one was especially requested from the Emperor himself, and it was only for her.]