Phoenix Cries Return to Court

Since the beginning of summer, the heat in Beijing has been unbearable, with cicadas chirping incessantly. Even the flowers in the Imperial Garden have withered under the scorching sun.

The annual summer hunting feast, eagerly anticipated by the government and the public, finally arrived as scheduled.

Just after dawn, Emperor Sheng's entourage arrived at the palace gate. As the eunuchs' shrill announcements rang out, Emperor Sheng's carriage slowly started moving. After bowing, the officials rose and lined up on both sides of the procession, following the emperor's carriage as it made its way to the Mulan Hunting Grounds.

Lin Xihe, disguised as a guard, wore a black, close-fitting outfit. Her dark hair was neatly tied up on top of her head with a plain wooden hairpin as she walked with the group. From time to time, she would glance at the bright yellow, luxurious carriage not far away.

A thin white veil hung on the car window, obscuring the view of the person inside. But from the silhouette alone, she knew it was the person she had been longing for. That alone was enough to make her heart race.

Shen Jueyan was secretly following her from a short distance away, protecting her.

As the sun rose in the east, its golden rays pierced the fog, accompanied by the chirping of birds. The group continued on their way when suddenly a gentle breeze blew, lifting the gauze curtain in the bright yellow carriage and revealing the clearly defined profile of Emperor Sheng, Fu Yanzhi.

He was handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a pair of peach blossom eyes, a high nose bridge, and dressed in a bright yellow casual robe. He was talking to Fu Chen and Fu Jie enthusiastically.

Lin Xihe's heart skipped a beat. She stared at the person inside the car, her eyes reddening and glistening with tears. This was the first time she had seen him since her rebirth.

He seemed even thinner than when she left; I wondered how he was doing.

Fu Yanzhi seemed to sense a burning gaze upon him, so he looked up out the car window but saw nothing unusual. However, he felt a vague unease in his heart.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong?" The personal guard stepped forward quickly and asked respectfully.

"It's nothing. Just give the order to strengthen security along the route. There can be no negligence whatsoever," Fu Yanzhi instructed in a deep voice.

The bodyguard respectfully acknowledged the order, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

Shen Jueyan, who was not far away, took in all of this. He frowned, his mind filled with doubts. For some reason, he felt that there was something... kind in the way Wen looked at Emperor Sheng.

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he couldn't help but glance at Lin Xihe a few more times, his brows furrowing even deeper.

As they drew closer to the Mulan Hunting Grounds, the faint sounds of beasts could be heard in the distance. Inside the carriage, Fu Chen and Fu Jie's emotions grew increasingly high. Today, Fu Yanzhi had a rare opportunity to spend time alone with Fu Chen and Fu Jie, and the three of them were enthusiastically discussing matters related to the upcoming hunt—a rare moment of tenderness.

……

Upon arriving at the Mulan Hunting Grounds, after a short rest, Fu Chen couldn't contain his excitement and dragged Fu Jie toward the stables. "Third brother, I heard that Father Emperor specially ordered people to release red foxes, snow rabbits, and several rare deer and roe deer deep within the hunting grounds. Today, we must have a good competition to see who can come out on top."

Fu Jie paused slightly, gripping the white jade bottle tightly in his hand. Inside was a highly invigorating tonic that he had specially ordered someone to find. He was always weak and usually felt tired even after standing for a long time, let alone riding a horse and hunting.

But today, he must win! Thinking of this, a calculating glint flashed in Fu Jie's eyes, but he still said respectfully, "I hope you enjoy yourself, Your Highness. My body is not strong enough; I'm already doing well just to keep up with you."

The two arrived at the stable one after the other and saw Fu Yanzhi dressed in a black outfit, his posture upright like a pine tree, stroking a pure white horse.

That horse was magnificent and strong, with long limbs and a mane like a waterfall; it was the rare and precious "Snow-Treading Horse" that was hard to find even for a thousand pieces of gold in the Great Sheng Dynasty.

Hearing the commotion, Fu Yanzhi turned around and looked back. The two of them quickly bowed respectfully.

"Why did you all come together? I thought Chen'er would want to slack off and rest for a while before setting off."

Fu Yanzhi looked at Fu Chen, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said softly.

Fu Chen pouted and said coquettishly, "Father, you should look at me with new eyes after three days! How come I am still so lazy in your eyes?" He paused, his gaze falling on the Snow-Treading Steed, his eyes full of envy, "Father, this Snow-Treading Steed is indeed worthy of its name, I am itching to see it."

Fu Yanzhi laughed loudly, patted the horse's neck, and said, "This Ta Xue has a fierce temperament and cannot be controlled by ordinary people. Today it will belong to me."

After saying that, he pointed to two fine horses not far away, "That Crimson Sky Horse has great strength and vigor, which is most suitable for your temperament. I specially chose it for you. Go and try it on, and see if you like it."

Fu Chen's eyes lit up, and he happily ran towards the crimson horse. He nimbly mounted the horse, and his moon-white outfit made his figure look even more upright. His black hair was tied up high with a jade crown, giving him the spirited air of a dashing young man.

"Take it easy and don't fall and hurt yourself." Fu Yanzhi looked at Fu Chen's childlike appearance and seemed to think of his own youth, and said with a smile.

Fu Jie's face was gloomy. Looking at the two people in front of him who were acting like a loving father and son, a sinister glint flashed in his eyes. Fu Yanzhi seemed to sense this and took a few steps forward. He patted Fu Jie's shoulder reassuringly and said softly, "Jie'er, you have never been in good health. Why don't you rest in the tent and wait for our return?"

"Father," Fu Jie said respectfully, bowing. "Your Majesty, I have recently recovered well and have been practicing riding and archery diligently every day, all for today's hunt to showcase my skills. I hope Your Majesty will grant me the opportunity to ride and hunt on horseback."

"Then so be it. Be careful and don't push yourself too hard." Emperor Sheng nodded slightly, gave a few words of advice, and then led the Snow-Treading Steed to catch up with Fu Chen ahead.

Seeing this, the palace servants hurriedly followed, and in an instant, only Fu Jie and the Imperial Horse Supervisor remained in the huge stable.

The Imperial Horse Supervisor stepped forward respectfully and said softly, "Your Highness, that horse was specially reserved for you by Prince Yu."

Fu Jie looked in the direction he indicated and saw a black cloud horse standing quietly in the corner of the stable. He walked slowly to the horse and gently stroked its mane. The black cloud horse nuzzled against his palm.

Fu Jie sighed softly, and with the help of the Imperial Horse Administration, he mounted his horse. After settling down, he took out a white jade bottle from his bosom and swallowed all the pills inside.

As the medicine gradually took effect, his previously drowsy mind cleared, and he felt stronger, though he still felt a slight tightness in his chest.

Before long, the accompanying guards and hunters were in place, each dressed in close-fitting clothes, with curved swords at their waists and longbows on their backs.

Emperor Sheng, Fu Yanzhi, mounted his steed, a snow-white horse, and held a carved longbow in his hand. He declared loudly, "Today, we will not compete in status or pomp. We will hunt based on our own abilities. Whoever hunts the rarest prey will be rewarded with a hundred taels of gold and a fine steed for the imperial stables!"