A knock came from outside the door. Lan Yan released her grip, turned, and opened it.
Mei Dong stood at the entrance. Seeing only Lan Yan and Jun Yelan in the room, she wondered if she was disturbing them. She decided not to approach so readily if the door was closed in the future. "Your Majesty, tomorrow is the Grand Hunting Meet."
Lan Yan's eyes lit up instantly. "The Hunting Meet! Then I can go horseback riding and archery, and see many small animals."
Mei Dong was somewhat surprised. The Empress had never shown interest in such events before. She reported, "Your Majesty, many ministers will also bring their families tomorrow. You may also bring those from the harem."
Her gaze fell upon Jun Yelan.
Lan Yan immediately understood Mei Dong's implication. She reached out and patted Mei Dong's shoulder, a sly smile on her face. "Mei Dong, you truly are my personal palace maid. You understand me too well."
"Very well, you may go and prepare." Mei Dong left to arrange the matters for the next day.
Lan Yan turned, a faint smile still on her face, and looked at Jun Yelan. "Jun Yelan, you heard what was just said, didn't you? Do you want to come with me? I hear it's very fun."
Jun Yelan had never attended a hunting meet. Previously, his mother would only take his more obedient younger brothers. He looked at Lan Yan's eyes and said, "You can bring anyone you wish."
After speaking, he continued to sit and read.
A hint of amusement entered Lan Yan's eyes; Jun Yelan had agreed. "Then rest well today. We'll set off early tomorrow." She took the book from Jun Yelan's hand and shook it. "I'll give it back to you tomorrow morning."
She then went to the adjacent room.
Jun Yelan was stunned. Looking at Lan Yan's cheerful retreating back, his heart inexplicably calmed.
The next morning, Lan Yan and Jun Yelan sat in the carriage heading to the hunting grounds. She returned the book to him. Curious, she glanced at the title, which seemed to be a book on military strategy.
So, Jun Yelan enjoyed reading such things.
Seeing Lan Yan look over, Jun Yelan took out a book from behind him and said, "Your Majesty, you have indeed made progress recently, but you still need to continue learning. This is the book you fell behind on."
Lan Yan did not take it. Instead, she moved a little closer to Jun Yelan and smiled. "Jun Yelan, were you just praising me?"
Every time the person before her drew near, Jun Yelan's heart would beat a little faster than usual. He cupped the book in his hands and turned his head away, silent.
Lan Yan, however, chuckled. Jun Yelan was getting shy. She then picked up the book Jun Yelan had given her and began to read slowly.
Silence fell in the carriage, filled with the scent of books and the gradually closer proximity of two people's seats.
An hour later, the carriage stopped. Mei Dong stood beside the carriage and announced, "Your Majesty, Consort, we have arrived."
"Mm," Lan Yan replied and stepped out, surveying the surroundings.
This was the royal hunting ground. In the distance lay dense forests, and closer by, dozens of tents were erected, the largest being her own residence.
At this moment, the hunting grounds were filled with people. She saw Prime Minister Lin and Minister Jun, along with their sons, choosing to ignore them all.
Behind Minister Jun stood a man, with refined features and a touch of frailty in his demeanor. He saw Lan Yan and Jun Yelan, his eyes flickering slightly. He walked over and said, "Jun Jiu pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Eldest Brother, we haven't seen each other in a long time. How have you been?" Seeing that Jun Yelan completely ignored him, he then spoke to Lan Yan. "Your Majesty, my Eldest Brother's temperament is such, please do not blame him."
Lan Yan glanced at Jun Jiu. This man appeared frail, but his mind was quite active. She took hold of Jun Yelan's sleeve, not daring to hold his hand, and said with a smile, "I happen to like Jun Yelan's temperament. What need is there for the rest?"
Jun Yelan couldn't help but look at Lan Yan, knowing his own cold personality and his indifferent relationships with others. He knew Lan Yan was defending him and felt a stir in his heart.
He looked at Jun Jiu's awkward expression and said coldly, "Jun Jiu, you truly haven't changed. You always keep your thoughts hidden. It was like this when you were by Mother's side, and now you are before Your Majesty."
Jun Jiu bit his lip, suppressing the anger surging within him. Since childhood, he had been inferior to Jun Yelan. He had curried favor with his mother, causing her to dislike Jun Yelan, and even sent Jun Yelan to the palace.
Who would have known Jun Yelan was so resilient? Not only was he favored by the Empress, but he also became the only consort with a title in the harem. He was unwilling; all of this should have been his. He would not remain inferior to Jun Yelan forever.
"Eldest Brother, you have misunderstood me all these years. I have always considered you my brother. When you were in the palace, I was worried sick about you, unable to eat or sleep. Today, I finally have a chance to see you, how can you think of me like this?"
Jun Yelan's expression remained cold, he wouldn't even spare him a glance.
Jun Jiu lowered his head further, appearing utterly wronged. His gaze would always flit towards Lan Yan, hoping she would dislike Jun Yelan and take notice of him.
However, he didn't hear Lan Yan speak. Instead, he heard a yawn.
After yawning, Lan Yan said, "Jun Yelan, it's difficult to have a brother like this. If I had to listen to him act up like this every day, I'd surely be tempted to beat him."
"I imagine I would even lock him in a dark room, without food for three days and three nights, until he had no strength left to speak." She hadn't intended to interfere in Jun Yelan's family affairs, fearing he would find her meddling, but she simply couldn't bear it any longer.
Hearing this, a faint smile played on Jun Yelan's lips. "I think that method is excellent."
Jun Jiu trembled all over and bowed. "Your Majesty, Eldest Brother, you must be going to rest. Jun Jiu will not disturb you further and will take his leave." He left as if fleeing.
"Haha, playing word games with me," Lan Yan laughed triumphantly, continuing to hold Jun Yelan's sleeve as they walked towards their resting tent.
Upon reaching the tent, she saw a bow hanging on the wall. She thought that since she was here, she should go hunting, but she didn't know how. She walked over and picked up the bow. Suddenly feeling its weight, the bow in her hand dropped towards the ground.
At that moment, a hand reached from behind her, catching the bow from her grip, and a low voice spoke beside her ear.
"This bow is too heavy; it's not suitable for you. You should use a lighter one." Jun Yelan walked towards the wall, selected a smaller bow, drew it, and handed it to Lan Yan.
Lan Yan smilingly took it and played with the bow in her hands. "Jun Yelan, so you also have knowledge of bows and arrows. Can you shoot?"
Jun Yelan nodded, paying attention to Lan Yan's expression. For the men in this place, he hadn't learned the things he was supposed to, only loving books and horseback riding and archery.
Now that Lan Yan knew this about him, would her feelings towards him change?
Lan Yan's attention remained focused on the bow. Hearing that Jun Yelan could shoot, she stepped forward and took his hand. "That's great! Teach me how to shoot." Her eyes shone brightly, enough to captivate Jun Yelan.