Reborn Lady - Chapter 397
Autumn brought with it a refreshing breeze. That year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, Emperor Yongping took a group of clan relatives and several ministers to the Pine Forest Paddock.
For Yin Hui, it was only her second visit to the Pine Forest Paddock in her life. The last time she had been there was seventeen years ago when Wei Xun was yet to be born, and Wei Heng was merely a toddler who loved to play in his cradle.
After a night’s rest, Wei Luo and his sons went hunting with Emperor Yongping early the next morning.
Meanwhile, Wei Ning and Wei Bao went off to play with a group of little girls. Yin Hui, Ji Xianxian, Fu Shan, Wang Junfang, and the three princesses sat together.
Xu Qingwan didn’t join them; she and her children were still in mourning for Wei Yang, as tradition dictated a three-year period of mourning.
“I also want to go horse racing. Who else wants to join me?” Fu Shan impatiently voiced her desire. While the capital boasted chrysanthemums, it was the grasslands of the paddock that she yearned for, eager to gallop across its expanse.
Yin Hui glanced at Ji Xianxian and suggested with a smile, “Second sister-in-law was quite elegant last time. How about this time?”
Ji Xianxian laughed self-deprecatingly. “I’m already a grandmother; I dare not risk my old bones.”
Though Er Lang and Si Lang had already welcomed a child, making Ji Xianxian a grandmother, she refused to accept old age. Despite her dazzling attire, she found herself unable to ride a horse due to aching waist and legs.
The Eldest Princess, the Second Princess, and Wang Junfang opted to continue enjoying the flowers.
Wei Ying raised an eyebrow at Yin Hui, saying, “Third Sister-in-law, are you coming?”
Recalling their previous race where she had lost to the Third Sister-in-law, Wei Ying was eager for a rematch.
Yin Hui hesitated momentarily. She desired to participate in the race, but as the Crown Princess, she felt a sense of reservation.
If Xu Qingwan were in her position, she would likely decline such an invitation without a second thought.
However, Yin Hui realized that she was not Xu Qingwan, and being the Crown Princess did not necessitate adhering to the same temperament.
Her father-in-law was known for his open-mindedness. Whether she was the Third Master’s wife, Princess Shu, or the Crown Princess, she was merely his daughter-in-law. Last time, her father-in-law had shown no disapproval of her horse racing, and it was unlikely to be an issue again.
“Let’s go, while there’s still time for you to race this year,” Yin Hui declared resolutely.
Fu Shan and Wei Ying eagerly followed her lead, heading back to their rooms to change into their riding attire.
Watching them depart, Ji Xianxian’s heart skipped a beat, but she reminded herself of her previous defeat in the horse race and decided to let it go.
The Second Princess spoke quietly, “The Third Sister-in-law can do as she pleases now that she’s the Crown Princess.”
The Eldest Princess remained silent, sipping her tea without comment.
Wang Junfang was unsure how to intervene on Yin Hui’s behalf but chose not to engage in the behind-the-scenes conversation, opting instead to enjoy the flowers on her own.
Ji Xianxian shot Wei Shan a disapproving glare and retorted, “It’s a leisurely visit to the paddock. Who says the Crown Princess can’t race?”
The Second Princess looked at her in disbelief, wondering if she was helping Yin Hui.
Ji Xianxian regarded her with disdain, implying she was being foolish.
Meanwhile, Yin Hui, Wei Ying, and Fu Shan rode their horses to the grasslands. The brisk autumn wind swept across the boundless expanse.
Fu Shan had also brought along a bow and arrow.
Wei Ying suggested, “If the Fourth sister-in-law catches something, we can have a picnic outdoors at noon.”
Yin Hui said with a hint of skepticism, “We’ll have to see if she can catch anything or if we’ll end up starving.”
Fu Shan, brimming with confidence, declared, “Just wait and see!”
The three girls raced onward, their horses galloping swiftly. Upon spotting a hawk in the sky, Fushan halted her horse and swiftly drew her bow. However, despite her efforts, the hawk soared too high, and her arrow fell short.
Frustrated, Fu Shan snorted, “It’s because I haven’t had the chance to practice. My hands aren’t accustomed to it.”
“Let me give it a try,” Wei Ying offered suddenly, reaching out to Fu Shan.
Fu Shan gladly handed over the bow and arrow, and Wei Ying darted towards the nearby lake, sensing potential prey in that direction. As she loosed an arrow towards her target, the unexpected movement caught the attention of nearby onlookers at the Hongpao Pavilion, causing them to turn and watch in surprise.
At forty-three years old, Cui Yu still retained his imposing height, yet his countenance exuded a newfound sense of calmness and gentleness. Upon recognizing the Princess on horseback, Cui Yu offered a warm smile and saluted from a distance, as if he were the one causing interruption rather than the princess.
Wei Ying reciprocated the gesture with a smile before turning her horse and riding back.
Meanwhile, Fu Shan watched on with a puzzled expression.
Wei Ying explained to her, “I saw a rabbit, but unfortunately I missed it.”
After speaking, Wei Ying glanced at Yin Hui, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Yin Hui shook her head helplessly. Cui Yu was a dignified elder; it was absurd to compare him to a rabbit. Yet, in that moment, Wei Ying’s demeanor resembled that of an infatuated person eagerly awaiting the appearance of a rabbit.
Meanwhile, in the hunting grounds, Wei Heng skillfully shot an arrow at a green snake coiled on a tree. This particular species of green snake was non-poisonous, as the guards had already cleared out the venomous ones.
The snake Wei Heng targeted was no thicker than a thumb, making it difficult to spot unless one looked closely.
“Wu Lang, you’re quite the marksman!” Ba Lang exclaimed enthusiastically, rushing to pick up the snake.
Er Lang snorted in response, feeling a twinge of irritation at the praise.
Emperor Yongping, overhearing the exchange, pointed to a bowl-sized hole in the large tree where the snake had been perched.
“Er Lang, you seem rather unconvinced. Why don’t you try shooting into that tree hole? I’ll reward you if you can hit it,” the Emperor suggested.
How could the Imperial Grandfather doubt his skills so openly? Surely, hitting such a large hole should be an easy task.
So Er Lang drew his bow with utmost seriousness, setting his arrow and aiming at the tree hole. With a swift motion, he released the arrow, but it missed its mark. The wind on the grassland had been a factor that Er Lang hadn’t taken into account.
Comments for chapter "Chapter 397"
MANGA DISCUSSION
Geners
- Action (12)
- Comedy (29)
- Completed (31)
- Drama (30)
- FANTASY (1)
- Fantasy (24)
- Futuristic (4)
- Gender Bender (1)
- Historical (8)
- Manga (0)
- Novel (48)
- One shot (4)
- Original Novel (8)
- Psychological (7)
- Reincarnation (19)
- Romance (56)
- ROMANCE (1)
- School Life (7)
- Sci-Fi (6)
- Slice of Life (2)
- Supernatural (13)
- SUPERNATURAL (0)
- Thriller (2)
- Tragedy (3)
- Transmigration (13)
- Wuxia (1)
- Yaoi (8)
- Yuri (2)