The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 375: Chapter 375: An Inexplicable Rapport

Princess Qingyang, hiding and spying from the shadows: ”...”

’Is this what it feels like to be backstabbed by the person you trust most? I love it.’

In her bewildered state, she thought she saw Shen Yanchuan glance in her direction. Guilt-ridden, she immediately went rigid, trying her utmost to hide completely behind the tree trunk and leave no trace of her presence.

Finally, Shen Yanchuan looked away, and the faint, oppressive feeling at last dissipated.

Princess Qingyang nearly burst into tears. ’My life isn’t easy, you know!? How could I possibly be the kind of person who’s just after a bite of roast venison? I did this—completely! purely!—to create an opportunity for my brother!’

But clearly, Shen Yanchuan did not appreciate the gesture.

He nodded earnestly. ”She is rather fond of it.”

Princess Qingyang closed her eyes. ’My soul has left my body. My reputation is in ruins.’

But no one cared.

The two of them stood together, chatting as if it were the most normal thing in the world. The atmosphere was quite harmonious.

—If you didn’t listen to what they were actually saying, that is.

”She said she’s had it before, but now that King Yan Nan isn’t in the Capital City, she can only rely on you.”

”Is that so? King Yan Nan is indeed a master of horsemanship and archery. She’s... average.”

”I think she’s pretty good. Many of the young nobles in the capital can’t compare to her.”

”True. They also can’t eat as much as her.”

”If you’re not willing, she said roast rabbit would be fine too.”

”She’s putting in an order with you now?”

”Not really.” Ye Chutang was completely unaware that a certain someone in the distance, while physically present, had been spiritually deceased for some time. Of course, even if she had known, she likely wouldn’t have cared. ”Besides, Xiao Wu is also quite eager to have some.”

Shen Yanchuan raised an eyebrow slightly. ”Fine.”

Ye Chutang hadn’t expected him to agree so readily. A moment of surprise was followed by the corners of her lips curving up, revealing a small dimple.

”Then I must thank you in advance, Princely Heir.”

’She could have gone herself, but with so many prying eyes here, it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.’

’If Shen Yanchuan was willing to handle it, things would be much simpler.’

Shen Yanchuan watched her, the smile on his face deepening.

”Then... wait for my return.”

She didn’t know if it was just her imagination, but Ye Chutang felt that the tone of his words seemed to carry... an indescribable gentleness and affection.

It was just like that night in Shiluan City, when he had resolutely taken her hand, never letting go, and whispered in her ear:

”Don’t worry, I’m here.”

She was lost in the memory for a moment before quickly snapping back to the present.

As their eyes met, it seemed everything was understood without a word.

She gave a slight nod.

...

”Yanchuan has entered the woods as well?” Emperor Muwu couldn’t help but laugh when he heard the news. ”I thought he’d lost interest in such things.”

Consort Ru, pouring wine for him at his side, revealed a playfully chiding smile on her impeccably maintained face. ”Now where is Your Majesty coming from with that? The Princely Heir is in the prime of his youth, full of vigor and passion.”

Emperor Muwu smiled but said nothing.

The Eldest Princess seemed unconcerned with this topic and instead asked about others.

”Cheng Xuan and Cheng Qi led their men into the woods an hour ago. I wonder who will be the first to return with a prize that satisfies Your Majesty?”

Emperor Muwu let out a hearty laugh. ”Cheng Xuan has been a master of martial arts since he was a boy, and he performs exceptionally well every year. However, Cheng Qi was forged on the battlefield. As for who will win... even I can’t say for sure!”

A flicker of emotion crossed Consort Ru’s face before she quickly smiled. ”A tiger does not father a dog. Your Majesty’s sons are, of course, all exceptional.”

The Eldest Princess, however, seemed to be reminded of some old affair and couldn’t help but sigh.

”It’s a pity Cheng An isn’t here today.”

Consort Ru’s smile instantly froze on her face.

The cheerful expression on Emperor Muwu’s face also faded, a shadow of melancholy flickering in his eyes.

The atmosphere in the tent instantly turned rigid.

Consort Ru quickly smoothed her expression back into a smile. ”To be so remembered by the Eldest Princess... I’m sure Cheng An would be very heartened and comforted to know. By the way, you mentioned before that you wanted someone to take a look at Lanxi’s pulse? As it happens, Lanxi is here today as well. I was thinking, why not—”

The Eldest Princess’s expression softened considerably, and she nodded gently.

”A good idea.”

She turned her head and instructed, ”Lan Yi, go and ask Chutang to come here.”

The smile on Consort Ru’s lips froze once more.