Zhao Zhuoru visited He Yuexuan whenever she had time. She was the most outstanding woman He Yuexuan could possibly encounter.
For ten years, she tirelessly fed him, praised him, and kept him company. Unbeknownst to him, she had long occupied a special place in his heart.
When Zhao Zhuoru was 10 years old, she had requested a marriage decree. The Empress, having observed her actions over the years, naturally granted her wish.
Zhao Zhuoru personally accompanied the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree to the He State Duke's mansion. Everyone in Yuecheng knew how much importance she placed on this.
He Yuexuan didn't yet understand what love felt like, but he knew he didn't dislike the idea. He was pleased.
From this day forward, everyone would know he was the Crown Princess's man. The thought of it filled him with sweetness.
Now, as their wedding day was fast approaching, He Yuexuan stayed at home, embroidering his wedding clothes daily.
Today, Her Majesty the Empress, accompanied by a group of court officials, went hunting. Officials of the third rank and above were to bring their families.
A group of men chatted amongst themselves, while the women, dressed in riding attire and carrying bows and arrows, awaited the Empress's command.
Men interested in archery could also participate. He Yuexuan, a typical young man from a respectable family, stayed close to his father, afraid to wander off.
Her Majesty the Empress shot an arrow, hitting a bird that had just flown past. The officials offered words of flattery, and the competition officially began.
The women, each vying for success, rode their horses in search of prey. Their arrows were marked with their names. Once they hit a target, attendants would gather their spoils.
"Isn't that the son of the Left Prime Minister? He's as heroic as any woman."
"You are too kind. I am merely a beginner. I don't expect him to bag many prey; I just hope he doesn't get hurt."
"Your son is quite bold. I feel nervous just looking at that horse. My son is only interested in calligraphy and painting; he knows nothing of riding and archery."
"Everyone knows the young master of the General's mansion excels in calligraphy and painting. We all have our strengths. It's I who am disappointing, unable to bear a son for my wife."
The other husbands fell silent. This was blatant boasting. In his youth, his waist had been famously slender, and many men gossiped that he couldn't have children.
Yet, after marrying the Minister of Personnel, he had given birth to three daughters. Everyone in Yuecheng envied his good fortune.
His remaining brothers in his maternal family instantly became sought-after, with suitors nearly breaking down their doors.
"Why have all you elder brothers fallen silent? I'm only speaking the truth. I truly envy those who have both daughters and sons. If I had a son, I would dress him up beautifully every day."
"Minister's husband, there's no need to envy. You have several concubine-born sons. They all call you Father. If you wish to adopt one, you can dress him up however you please."
The Minister's husband's face turned green. "After all, it's through a different womb. I thought if my wife tried a bit harder, the next one might have been a son."
The others chuckled, accepting this remark. Their gatherings were filled with talk of children and clothes, jewelry.
After a while, everyone was quite tired and returned to their tents to rest. Those who had discreetly inquired about potential matches for their children now gathered in small groups to chat.
"Alas, I'm so worried. I'd appreciate it if all you husbands could keep an eye out for me. Although she's a concubine's daughter, my wife dotes on her. She also has some literary talent and is waiting for this year's imperial examinations."
"Don't worry. If I find a suitable match, I'll recommend them to you immediately. It must be difficult for you."
"Brother, what are you saying? It's my duty to manage the household for my wife. I only hope these children will remember my kindness."
"Alas, I have a secret recipe for having daughters. I'll have someone send it to you another day. We men, after all, should have daughters to accompany us. No matter how well you raise someone else's child, it's still through a different womb, and there's a distance in the heart."
"Then thank you, Brother. I am deeply grateful. If it works, I will repay you handsomely in the future."
"I'm only telling you this in secret, so please don't pass it on. My maternal grandfather used this recipe, and I used it when I had my Elder Sister. It's guaranteed to be effective."
The man's face lit up with joy, his hands unsure of where to go. He grasped the hand of the person in front of him tightly. They looked at each other, everything unspoken between them.
Zhao Zhuoru, on horseback, pursued a spotted deer to the edge of a stream. She drew her bow and shot in one fluid motion. The deer fell to the ground, its life ebbing away.
Just then, she heard a man's voice, "As expected of the Crown Princess, truly remarkable." As he spoke, he clapped his hands.
Zhao Zhuoru turned to see Han Ziwen sitting by the riverbank. Han Ziwen bowed to her.
"Crown Princess, I..."
Before he could finish, Zhao Zhuoru urged her horse forward and galloped away. Han Ziwen lowered his head, tears welling up, his eyes filled with unwillingness.
"What's wrong, Young Master Han? Isn't Elder Sister too unfeeling? How can one ignore a beautiful man in tears?"
Han Ziwen quickly wiped away his tears. "It has nothing to do with the Crown Princess. I just accidentally got my foot caught on a rock."
The words spilled out before he could even think. When he realized who had spoken, he saw it was the Second Princess.
"I beg your pardon, Second Princess. Please forgive my rudeness."
The Second Princess dismounted and walked towards him.
"It's alright. I'll help you."
"Thank you, Second Princess."
As Han Ziwen spoke, he leaned back slightly, trying to keep his distance. The Second Princess noticed and raised an eyebrow.
It seemed he only had eyes for his Elder Sister and had no interest in her. However, she too wanted to contend for the position of Crown Princess.
After moving the rock, Han Ziwen stood up but stumbled, falling directly onto the Second Princess. She seized the opportunity and pulled him into the water.
Jun Jiuli: "Nice, another pair made."
Water Child: "They're both wicked, a match made in heaven."
Although Zhao Zhuoru felt this was not something a lady would do, she still eagerly led others over. This tactic, though sly, was effective and amusing.
Under the water, the Second Princess tightly wrapped her arms around Han Ziwen's waist, dragging him towards the shore.
Han Ziwen was well aware of her intentions and harbored great resentment. He couldn't break free now, or his life would be in danger. He could only hope no one noticed once they were ashore.
Seeing the two emerge from the water, Han Ziwen's attendant rushed over, wrapping him in a cloak.
Han Ziwen thanked the Second Princess. As they were about to leave after their brief exchange, they encountered the Left Prime Minister.
Seeing them both dripping wet, the Left Prime Minister's face darkened. The Empress's stance was clear; the empire belonged to Zhao Zhuoru.
She understood the Second Princess's intentions, but this offered not even a sliver of a chance for success. She did not want to jeopardize the entire Left Prime Minister's mansion.
Zhao Zhuoru: "Oh dear, how did you fall into the water? I saw Young Master Han sitting on the rock just now, and I thought he might have a difficult problem. That's why I went to inform the Left Prime Minister. Fortunately, my Second Sister was here, or it would have been dangerous today."
"This old minister thanks the Second Princess for saving my son. I will definitely visit with my husband to express my gratitude for saving his life another day."
"Prime Minister, you are too kind. Anyone would have acted today." httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Outsiders were unaware of the day's true events, and the Left Prime Minister wished to use the life-saving favor to put an end to the matter. The servants present would not gossip, but the Second Princess would not let it go.