For the first time leaving Yuancheng alone in the palace, Jiang Yunshu didn’t dare linger too long outside. Including the time spent traveling, their trip lasted only seven days.
This meant they could only explore the areas near the capital. Xie Lin asked if Jiang Yunshu wanted to visit the imperial estates in the outskirts, but she shook her head without hesitation.
The imperial estates were just larger, more spacious palaces—nothing more!
Xie Lin understood her meaning. "Then, Your Highness, would you prefer to wander the mountains or enjoy the waters?"
Jiang Yunshu immediately chose the latter.
Twice bitten—once by a snake, once by kidnappers—both incidents had happened in the mountains. The memories still haunted her, and she doubted she would ever climb a mountain again in her life.
With her choice made, Xie Lin settled on Linxian Lake, a day's carriage ride from the capital.
As the lake came into view, Jiang Yunshu felt the misty dampness in the air.
It was autumn, and the forests were painted in vibrant hues. The closer they got to the lake, the cooler and fresher the air became.
The moment she stepped out of the carriage, Jiang Yunshu sneezed, and Xie Lin draped a cloak over her shoulders.
Standing by the shore, she gazed at the vast, shimmering expanse of water, taking deep breaths. With each inhale and exhale, her heart felt lighter, her mind clearer.
For this trip, Xie Lin had brought a tent. While Jiang Yunshu admired the scenery, the guards cleared a flat area by the lake and set up camp.
To her surprise, Xie Lin had even prepared a fishing spear and asked if she wanted to try spearing fish in the shallows.
Jiang Yunshu’s eyes lit up. "Yes!"
Xie Lin smiled—he’d known she’d love the idea. He’d even instructed the guards to scatter fish bait in the shallow, fish-rich areas of Linxian Lake to attract more fish.
But he kept this detail to himself, thinking Jiang Yunshu would be even happier if she caught them on her own.
Yet, despite his careful planning…
Jiang Yunshu, brimming with confidence, waded into the lake, silver spear in hand, and began lecturing Xie Lin on the art of spearing fish.
"The fish’s actual position in the water is slightly below where your eyes perceive it."
"If you aim directly at the fish, you’ll miss. You have to strike a little lower to hit it!"
It was all due to light refraction—a concept she remembered from middle school physics, one of the few scientific facts still lodged in her mind.
As she imparted this wisdom, she felt positively radiant with intellect. Xie Lin listened attentively, the picture of a model student.
After finishing her lesson, Jiang Yunshu declared, "Let me demonstrate!"
The lake was teeming with fish. In the crystal-clear water, she could see them darting past frequently.
Gripping the spear tightly, she aimed below the fish’s shadow and struck—swift, precise, and forceful.
Missed.
A second fish—another strike.
Missed again.
A third attempt.
Still nothing.
Xie Lin burst into laughter. Then, with effortless grace, he moved his own spear. Every time he thrust it into the water, he pulled up a fish.
With a flick of his gleaming spear, plump fish landed in the basket held by a guard, filling it in no time.
Jiang Yunshu stared in disbelief. Xie Lin hadn’t missed a single strike.
Remembering how she’d lectured him earlier, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Xie Lin chuckled. "Thanks to Your Highness’s guidance, I managed to catch so many."
Jiang Yunshu shot him a glare. Liar!
Then Xie Lin waded over, wrapping an arm around her waist from behind. His hand covered hers, steadying her grip on the spear.
"Let’s try together, Your Highness."
