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墨書 Inktalez
In recent days, I have occasionally caught glimpses of her in the garden, her pride almost making her want to take flight to show off.
"Your Highness, His Majesty and the Noble Consort are holding a horse race on the back mountain. All the esteemed ladies are invited to participate," a maid named Cui Ling reported.
In Da Feng, where the world is conquered from horseback, the restrictions on women are not severe, and riding and archery are encouraged for everyone. Thus, many noble ladies know how to ride.
Now that the Noble Consort has stirred up a horse racing event, Yun Zhi Yue senses a hint of conspiracy behind it.
Upon arriving at the racecourse, she had to admit that her perspective was narrow. It wasn't just the consorts; even young officials from the court were present for the race. It seemed that this horse racing event was a way for His Majesty to bond with his ministers.
"Your sister Yun Pin has arrived. The Emperor was just speaking of you. Your hometown is in Qingzhou, which is mostly flatland, so your riding skills must be excellent. You should definitely compete to bring honor to His Majesty," said Noble Consort Sister.
Once those words were spoken, how could her sister dare not participate, even if her riding skills were lacking? She would give it her all, hoping not to anger His Majesty with her ranking.
The Emperor laughed heartily, "No worries! Consort need not feel burdened; there will be no penalties for poor performance. However, I will reward those who achieve good rankings handsomely. Go change into suitable attire."
Yun Zhi Yue smiled and curtsied before heading down to the arena. Naturally, she needed to wear fitted riding gear; those cumbersome long skirts were hardly practical.
As she turned around, she brushed past Feng Yu, whose expression held a different meaning. Yun Zhi Yue maintained a blank face as if she had never seen him before.
In that moment, she noticed Feng Yu again and felt his gaze lingering on her. He was the Qin Wang Shizi, and she was an ambitious palace consort; it was inevitable they would encounter each other as she rose in prominence. Avoidance would be futile; confronting him directly was the only solution.
While changing clothes, she ran into Fang Pin and Xu Wanyi, who had also donned riding outfits. The expressions on their faces darkened Yun Zhi Yue's gaze.
Fang Pin appeared somewhat uneasy; if her guess was correct, this intense activity of horse riding might have implications for them. Xu Wanyi’s expression was strange as well; she seemed to suppress some anger but did not act on it and hurriedly left.
Something felt off; just yesterday, Xu Wanyi had seemed high and mighty, ready to deal with her—what had changed?
Women’s thoughts are truly difficult to decipher. Yun Zhi Yue's mind raced at high speed, consuming considerable energy as she tried to understand.
The riding outfits hugged their bodies closely, making it easy to see how striking Yun Zhi Yue's alluring figure was.
As soon as she appeared in her new attire, she attracted numerous gazes. The Emperor's eyes sparkled with interest as he called her over to him, completely ignoring the Noble Consort beside him.
Yun Zhi Yue playfully teased the Emperor while enjoying the sight of the Noble Consort's clenched teeth—a rather unsatisfactory expression for her.
The horse racing event had not officially begun, allowing her some time to play with these people.
"Supervisor Luo," she said, pouring a cup of tea, "I am quite thirsty."
"How audacious! Supervisor Luo is His Majesty's close attendant, how dare you give orders?" the Noble Consort scolded. "Yun Pin, are you so spoiled by favoritism that you've lost your senses?"
The Emperor furrowed his brow but remained silent as Luo Bai handed the tea to Yun Zhi Yue.
With lowered eyes, she replied, "Yun Pin Niang Niang is also a master; a servant naturally must attend to her. Your Highness, you speak too harshly."
The Noble Consort retorted, "Who is it that usually treats these concubines with such disdain?"
As a eunuch close to the Emperor, Luo had many who sought his favor, yet he was known for his lack of warmth, never giving face even to her or the Empress.
Yun Zhi Yue raised her chin defiantly. "The palace was personally bestowed upon Yun Pin by His Majesty; she is indeed a master. How can one give orders to Luo?"
"Noble Consort Sister is truly petty. Who in this world can compare to His Majesty's nobility? The Consort benefits from His Majesty's grace, isn't that right?"
The Emperor laughed heartily at this flattery and embraced Yun Zhi Yue, feeling quite pleased. "What the Consort says is true; I grant the Consort her honor, and naturally no one can oppose that."
Luo Bai watched the Emperor's arm around Yun Zhi Yue with an inexplicable itch in his hand, his mind conjuring images of branches being snapped.
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