Yu Miaohua looked at Pei Chiyan, then at Shen Sushang and Pei Yuheng.
The Crown Prince had been assigned by the Empress Dowager to teach her horseback riding—but what were the other two doing here?
Shen Sushang calmly explained, "His Majesty instructed me to sketch some scenes to be sent to the ancestral temple for Consort Hui’s birthday next year."
A question mark practically floated above Yu Miaohua’s head.
Huh? Her birthday next year… would still be celebrated at the ancestral temple?
Even the Emperor himself didn’t require such ceremonies for his own birthday, yet a mere consort was given this special treatment? It was practically turning the natural order upside down.
[System, is the Emperor just greedy for the treasures our ancestors left?]
After all, she had previously used the names of Great Qi’s past emperors to "bestow" many valuable gifts.
[Host, I suspect the same…]
Even the system, which usually viewed Pei Lingyue through rose-tinted glasses, couldn’t honestly claim this was out of love.
Yu Miaohua wasn’t angry. If Pei Lingyue wanted those treasures, it was for the sake of Great Qi—the people would ultimately benefit. She didn’t dislike this little scheme of his.
"Your Highness, are we really letting the Crown Prince teach us?" Pei Yuesheng sidled up to Yu Miaohua, gaining a new appreciation for Consort Hui’s extraordinary status in the palace. Which favored consort got the Crown Prince himself as a riding instructor?
Pei Yuesheng couldn’t help but suspect that the Emperor wanted the Crown Prince and Consort Hui to spend more time together, fostering a good relationship so that even after the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the consort could live out her later years in peace.
Not only the Emperor—even the Empress Dowager and the Empress treated Consort Hui with unusual indulgence, and the consort clearly adored them in return. Her stepmother had urged her to win Consort Hui over, but how could that possibly work?
Thinking Pei Yuesheng was nervous, Yu Miaohua reassured her, "Don’t worry, the Crown Prince is very easygoing."
Pei Yuesheng lifted her gaze, only to meet the Crown Prince’s cool, assessing eyes. She couldn’t help but grumble inwardly: His Highness doesn’t seem as good-tempered as the rumors say.
Though Pei Chiyan didn’t know why Yu Miaohua had kept this princess in the palace, he was well aware that despite Prince Zhuang’s efforts to appear indifferent to power over the years, he hadn’t truly given up his ambitions. Pei Yuesheng’s presence in the palace was definitely not just about currying favor with Yu Miaohua.
He averted his gaze and said to Yu Miaohua, "Let’s pick the horses first."
"Sure!" Yu Miaohua perked up. "If I choose one, does it become mine?"
Pei Chiyan was infected by her unrestrained excitement, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yes. You can even feed it, name it, and bond with it."
Not wanting to be left out, Pei Yuheng began listing key points for selecting a fine steed.
By the time he was nearly hoarse from talking, Pei Chiyan remarked lightly, "Consort Hui already knows all this. The Art of Horse Appraisal was her contribution."
Previously, selecting horses had relied on experience, but after the Art of Horse Appraisal was introduced, a more systematic standard was established. Combined with the thousand-odd blood-sweating steeds secretly brought back, Great Qi would soon possess an army of robust warhorses.
Pei Yuheng gritted his teeth: Why didn’t the Crown Prince say so earlier? Was he deliberately making a fool of me?
Yu Miaohua no longer held her initial dislike for Pei Yuheng. Watching his ruffled feathers, she suppressed a laugh and said, "I’d nearly forgotten—this is a good refresher."
Pei Chiyan then shared some lesser-known tips, especially on taming and bonding with horses.
Yu Miaohua listened attentively.
Pei Yuesheng’s gaze flickered between Pei Yuheng and Pei Chiyan: Am I imagining things, or is there some subtle rivalry between them?
What were they competing over? Surely not Consort Hui’s attention?
Pei Yuesheng nearly laughed at her own thought. She must be overthinking—maybe they just didn’t get along.
Noticing her stare, Pei Yuheng turned and glared at her.
Pei Yuesheng: "..."
No wonder the Crown Prince keeps putting him in his place.
Consort Hui was much nicer.
She edged closer to Yu Miaohua—only to feel more eyes boring into her back.
Prince Feng’s heir, the Crown Prince, even Shen Sushang… Were they worried she’d take advantage of Consort Hui?
Thanks to her upbringing, Pei Yuesheng was highly perceptive. She keenly sensed that these men seemed unusually concerned about the consort.
She inched even closer to Yu Miaohua.
While absorbing the horse-taming lesson, Yu Miaohua didn’t overlook her. "What’s wrong?"
Pei Yuesheng said, "I’m afraid I’ll slow everyone down."
Yu Miaohua reassured her, "It’s fine. We’re not here to win prizes—just getting on the horse is enough. Enjoying the process matters most."
The system piped up:
[Host, she doesn’t need to win, but you have to place in the top three!]
[Shut up! You’re so annoying! Don’t remind me!]
Pei Yuesheng hunched her shoulders. "I’m afraid they’ll resent me for wasting their time."
As she spoke, she glanced pointedly at Pei Yuheng, clearly implicating him.
Pei Yuheng was now certain: Pei Yuesheng was targeting him. Is she trying to drive a wedge between me and Yu Miaohua?
Yu Miaohua said, "They won’t. The Crown Prince and the heir are both very kind and patient."
She figured Pei Yuesheng’s paranoia stemmed from the toxic environment of Prince Zhuang’s household.
Blame Prince Zhuang!
Yu Miaohua patted her head. Pei Yuesheng nuzzled into her hand like a cat—and honestly, it felt nice.
Pei Yuesheng could practically feel someone’s stare burning holes into her back.
With an earnest expression, she said to Yu Miaohua, "With you here, I’m not as scared anymore."
[Host, don’t you think Pei Yuesheng is acting a bit… tea?]
[What nonsense! She’s just insecure. Don’t be so hard on her.]
The system fell silent. Even though the host’s own tea-making skills are top-tier—enough to make the Princess of Daliang spit blood—she can’t see through this girl’s act.
Is this what they call "the spectator sees more of the game"?
Soon, they arrived at the Imperial Stables.
The overseer had prepared a selection of gentle mares two days prior, each flawless. Yu Miaohua’s theoretical knowledge was utterly useless here.
Pei Chiyan had anticipated this. "Just pick whichever you like."
In other words—go with your gut!
[System, can you tell which one has the best potential?]
She needed a top-three finish!
[If we quantify it, their talents are about equal. Just avoid the one on the far left.]
[Why?]
[It likes to play with dry poop.]
[...]
Unacceptable! It looked so sweet, with an adorably innocent face—who’d have guessed it was a secret poop enthusiast?
Yu Miaohua surveyed the field before finally settling on the second-to-last horse—a chestnut mare with striking amber-like eyes that shimmered in the sunlight.
Pei Yuesheng, meanwhile, had chosen the tallest black stallion present and was attempting to feed it some hay. Unfortunately, the horse seemed to have a bit of a temper, refusing to accept her offering.
Just as Yu Miaohua was about to lead her chosen mare out, a panicked cry suddenly rang out from nearby.
"Ahhh! Stop! Someone stop it!"
She looked up to see a magnificent white steed galloping toward them like a bolt of lightning, its pristine coat unblemished, as if dusted with snow.
[Wow, this horse’s stats are off the charts! It’s way above the others. If the other horses are around 90, this one’s at 98!]
Pei Chiyan immediately stepped in front of Yu Miaohua, his sword gleaming with a sharp, deadly light, ready to strike down the charging horse if it posed any threat.
But the steed came to a graceful halt just three zhang away from Yu Miaohua. It lifted its head proudly, its eyes bright and intelligent.
It circled Yu Miaohua and the others several times, and somehow, she intuitively understood what it was trying to convey—Look at me, aren’t I beautiful?
The Imperial Horse Warrior arrived moments later, panting and pale-faced as he bowed in apology to the nobles. According to him, he had been taking the horse for a leisurely stroll when it suddenly bolted toward them.
The horse in question, however, seemed dissatisfied with the explanation. It trotted toward Yu Miaohua, only to be blocked by Pei Chiyan when it came within a zhang of her.
The horse let out an indignant whinny, veering left to bypass the obstacle—only to be thwarted again. This time, it grew even more irritated and nudged Pei Chiyan with its head.
"Don’t hurt it!" Yu Miaohua blurted out.
Pei Chiyan, who had already half-drawn his sword, sheathed it again. His gaze locked with the horse’s, as if weighing something. After a moment, he stepped aside.
The steed trotted up to Yu Miaohua and nuzzled her affectionately, making its fondness for her unmistakable.
Pei Chiyan observed the scene and remarked, "It seems it’s chosen you."
Yu Miaohua, still slightly stunned, chuckled. "Well, it’s certainly clever—picking its own owner."
Though a mare, the horse was nearly as large as a stallion. Yu Miaohua reached out to stroke its neck, smiling. "So well-behaved!"
With the crisis averted, the Imperial Horse Warrior fawned, "She’s usually quite temperamental and refuses to let anyone near her. Yet she took to you immediately, my lady. It’s clear she’s chosen you as her master."
[System, who knew I had Disney princess potential!]
For the first time, Yu Miaohua truly felt like a Mary Sue.
[It’s because you’ve bound with me and completed many missions, host. You carry the vitality of nature within you, and this horse, being highly perceptive, sensed it.]
Whatever the reason, all that mattered was that animals adored her.
Yu Miaohua declared, "I’ll take her. From now on, her name is Snowfall."
As if understanding, Snowfall let out a soft whinny—this time, oddly delicate and almost coquettish, as if she were putting on a sweet, affected tone.
Yu Miaohua fell silent.
[System… was she just trying to sound cute? That was definitely an attempt at a cute voice, right?!]
[I think Snowfall’s going to be my secret weapon. If I can just polish my archery skills, I’ll easily make top three.]
Her confidence soared.
Pei Chiyan began instructing Yu Miaohua on riding—though she already knew how, she was rusty from lack of practice. After a few laps, her muscle memory returned, and she was soon riding with ease.
She beamed from atop the horse.
The system hadn’t exaggerated—Snowfall’s intelligence was remarkable. She barely needed guidance, responding to the slightest tug of the reins as if reading Yu Miaohua’s mind. And with her stunning appearance, she was practically Yu Miaohua’s dream horse.
Pei Chiyan realized Yu Miaohua hardly needed his help with riding.
She and Snowfall had already developed an uncanny rapport in such a short time.
He had always known Yu Miaohua had a natural charm that drew people to her—he just hadn’t expected it to extend to animals.
Nearby, Shen Sushang began sketching.
In contrast to Yu Miaohua’s smooth progress, Pei Yuesheng was struggling. The horse she’d chosen was gentle, but the moment she mounted it, her entire body stiffened with tension. Her nervousness only agitated the horse further, and several times, she nearly toppled off.
Though Pei Chiyan remained wary of Pei Yuesheng’s motives for entering the palace, he wasn’t the type to take it out on a young girl—especially since she held little influence in Prince Zhuang’s household. If anything, the fault lay with the adults.
He patiently explained the basics to her.
But for Pei Yuesheng, knowing the theory and executing it were two different things.
The sensation of being suspended in midair, with no solid ground beneath her feet, filled her with unease.
After yet another near-fall, Yu Miaohua could no longer stand by.
She dismounted Snowfall and approached Pei Yuesheng’s horse, gently soothing its growing restlessness.
Snowfall let out a distinctly displeased whinny and nudged Yu Miaohua’s back with her large head.
Without turning, Yu Miaohua chided, "Behave. I’ll give you an apple later."
She effortlessly mounted the horse, her movements as light as a bird’s. Gripping the reins, she said, "Here, let me guide you. Don’t be afraid. If you’re nervous, your Obsidian will be too."
Obsidian was the name Pei Yuesheng had given her horse.
With Yu Miaohua’s warmth at her back and her gentle, encouraging voice in her ear, Pei Yuesheng was transported back to her childhood.
After her mother’s death, she and her sister had been increasingly neglected in Prince Zhuang’s household, eventually banished to a rural estate. The servants there ignored them, treating them as invisible. Fearing her younger sister would grow up ignorant, her elder sister took it upon herself to teach her daily—correcting her posture, guiding her hand when she wrote.
Noble Consort Hui… reminded her so much of her sister.
Her sister had loved her because they were bound by blood.
But Noble Consort Hui was kind simply because she was good. She knew Pei Yuesheng had been sent as a spy, yet she still softened and let her stay.
Pei Yuesheng wasn’t a good child. She often exploited that kindness, playing up her vulnerability to earn sympathy and care. If she ever betrayed Noble Consort Hui… even her sister and mother would be disappointed in her.
"There, you’ve got it now. That’s the right feeling. You’re doing wonderfully."
"You’re quite talented, you know."
Yu Miaohua’s praise rang in her ears—she never hesitated to uplift others.
Pei Yuesheng couldn’t help but break into a radiant smile. "Yes, I think I’m getting the hang of it."
She realized she didn’t want to be a weapon for Prince Zhuang’s household to use against Yu Miaohua, nor did she wish to see the disappointment in her eyes.
She also needed to find a chance to tell her sister. She was certain her sister would like Consort Hui as well.
…
While Yu Miaohua was teaching Pei Yuesheng, neither Pei Chiyan nor Pei Yuheng could tear their attention away from them.
Pei Yuheng said expressionlessly, "Don’t tell me you can’t see what Prince Zhuang’s household is scheming. How much longer do you plan to keep that girl in the palace?"
Pei Yuheng felt he couldn’t fathom his uncle the Emperor’s thoughts at all. Of course, he’d never understood Pei Chiyan’s either.
Pei Chiyan replied, "Consort Hui can see it too."
Pei Yuheng frowned. "Then why is she keeping her around? Surely not to lure out a snake from its hole?" Was it worth putting her at risk?
A year ago, he would never have imagined he’d ever be concerned about the Emperor and his plans—though his primary concern was Yu Miaohua’s safety.
If it were up to him, he would never expose Yu Miaohua to danger.
Pei Chiyan said, "She wants to keep her out of compassion."
"So you’re just going to stand by and watch?"
Pei Chiyan replied coolly, "It’s her own choice." There was no need to force her to act against her will under the guise of doing what was best for her.
He paused, then added, "Pei Yuesheng won’t get the chance to act."
If she harbored any ill intentions, she would be dealt with immediately.
Yu Miaohua, unaware of their conversation, was thoroughly enjoying her horseback riding.
After practicing all morning, she planned to switch to archery in the afternoon. From then on, she could just ride a few laps daily and devote the rest of her time to archery.
Thanks to the morning’s vigorous exercise, Yu Miaohua had a hearty appetite at noon, eating more than usual.
She usually napped after meals, but since she’d eaten a bit too much today, she decided to take a stroll in the courtyard to aid digestion.
Pei Yuesheng accompanied her, whispering softly, "Actually, my stepmother not only wanted me to gather information about the palace but also to steal shipbuilding techniques from you. Her family owns a large shipyard on an island."
"The four maids she sent—I’m not close to any of them."
Yu Miaohua hadn’t expected Pei Yuesheng to confide in her like this.
"Do you want to leave Prince Zhuang’s household?"
Pei Yuesheng’s eyes brightened momentarily before dimming again. "But my sister is still in Zhuangzhou."
Yu Miaohua said, "She might return to the capital with Prince Zhuang for the New Year’s banquet. You can ask her then."
That would also give Yu Miaohua a chance to meet her and complete her task.
Yu Miaohua continued, "I’ve been curious about your sister for a long time. She raised you so well—she must be an exceptional person."
Pei Yuesheng was even happier to hear her sister praised than to receive compliments herself.
"My sister is the best, just like Your Highness."
[Host really has a bit of a succubus’s charm, especially when it comes to coaxing young girls—she never fails.]
[Pah! I’m not coaxing her. I’m exchanging sincerity for sincerity.]
After two laps around the courtyard, they returned indoors quickly due to the cold.
In the afternoon, Yu Miaohua practiced archery.
To her surprise, the Crown Prince and the others showed up again.
Were they really so free these days?
Still, having them teach her was better than strangers, so she accepted it calmly.
While she felt no pressure, Pei Yuesheng couldn’t help but overthink.
Why were these men always around Consort Hui? Did they have nothing else to do?
A thought struck her: Could they be in love with her?
It made sense—Consort Hui was wonderful.
But weren’t they worried about tarnishing her reputation?
These despicable men!
No wonder Pei Yuheng had been impeached before—he must have been too obvious.
Unaware that the Emperor and others were even trying to play matchmaker, Pei Yuesheng grew furious and clung to Yu Miaohua even tighter.
Yu Miaohua didn’t overanalyze it, assuming she either lacked a sense of security or had transferred her sisterly affection onto her.
Pei Yuesheng even feigned innocence, saying, "I hope my cousin won’t be upset that I’m taking up so much of your time."
"Surely no one would be jealous that Your Highness prefers me."
Pei Yuheng was so angry he nearly stomped his foot, glaring at Pei Yuesheng with icy eyes.
Pei Yuesheng pretended to be frightened while continuing to stick close to Yu Miaohua.
Yu Miaohua chided Pei Yuheng, "She’s timid. Stop scaring her."
She thought Pei Yuesheng was just seeking reassurance this way.
Pei Yuheng was even more incensed: Pei Yuesheng was definitely provoking him on purpose.
But with Yu Miaohua shielding her, he didn’t want to appear petty in front of her and had to endure it for now.
He decided to take it out on Prince Zhuang’s household. If Princess Consort Zhuang hadn’t sent Pei Yuesheng into the palace, he wouldn’t be suffering this frustration.
As Prince Feng’s most favored child, if Pei Yuheng wanted to stab someone, Prince Feng would hand him the knife. Besides, Prince Feng had never liked Princess Consort Zhuang, finding her haughty and disdainful of others.
Since he’d already abandoned his ambitions for the throne and reconciled with the Emperor, the Emperor would surely be pleased to see him cause trouble for Prince Zhuang’s household.
Soon, Prince Zhuang’s household faced a barrage of impeachments. Though each charge was minor, the accumulated effect damaged their reputation.
With Prince Zhuang away in his fiefdom, Princess Consort Zhuang received the imperial reprimand.
The household was stripped of three years’ stipends, and their steward was arrested for seizing farmland.
After the envoy left, Princess Consort Zhuang smashed several items in fury.
What was Prince Feng’s household up to? When had they offended them?
She quickly arranged to bring Pei Yuesheng back for questioning.
Yu Miaohua, facing the elegantly dressed Princess Consort Zhuang, smiled faintly. "Yuesheng keeps me company, amuses me, and practices archery with me. She’s utterly delightful—I can hardly bear to part with her. When will she return to the palace?"
Princess Consort Zhuang hadn’t expected Pei Yuesheng to be so capable. She was happy to let her stay longer.
She smiled. "Her sister sent some things for her, so I’m taking her back briefly. It’s her good fortune that Your Highness favors her. I’ll bring her back tomorrow."
Yu Miaohua smiled. "Good. I plan to take her to the winter hunt."
Princess Consort Zhuang’s interest was piqued.
Once they returned home, she immediately questioned Pei Yuesheng. "Do you know why Prince Feng’s household is targeting us?"
Pei Yuesheng’s heart skipped a beat. "What has Prince Feng done?"
Princess Consort Zhuang darkly recounted the recent impeachments.
Pei Yuesheng thought to herself: Could it be because she’d deliberately provoked Pei Yuheng?
Just angering him could lead to Prince Zhuang’s household being impeached? What a delightful discovery!
She’d have to redouble her efforts to infuriate him!
Pei Yuesheng naturally wouldn’t reveal the truth and instead offered an excuse to brush it off. "Perhaps they’re using us as a bargaining chip to curry favor with the Emperor?"
"Prince Feng’s heir has been trying to win over Consort Hui, hoping she’d whisper in the Emperor’s ear. I suspect they want to restore Prince Feng’s title as soon as possible."
Princess Consort Zhuang scoffed. "The Emperor finally found an excuse to suppress Prince Feng—there’s no way he’d restore their title. They’re delusional."
Suddenly recalling some rumors about Pei Yuheng, she asked, "I heard a censor once accused Pei Yuheng of harboring feelings for Consort Hui. Is that true?"
Pei Yuesheng knew full well it was absolutely true.
But she couldn’t possibly admit it—handing Consort Hui’s weakness to her stepmother was out of the question.
She replied, "It must be false, right? Otherwise, the Emperor wouldn’t have so openly allowed my cousin to teach Consort Hui and me archery and horsemanship. He wouldn’t deliberately create opportunities for his rival and his favorite consort to spend time together, would he?"
Princess Consort Zhuang found this reasoning somewhat convincing, though...
"Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. If such rumors exist, there might be some truth to them."
If given the chance, she’d love to fabricate some undeniable evidence to use as leverage.
At this moment, Princess Consort Zhuang and the Princess of Daliang were eerily on the same wavelength.
Pei Yuesheng decided to pin the blame squarely on Pei Yuheng. "My cousin might’ve been overly attentive to Consort Hui to gain her favor, but she treated him with indifference. Compared to him, Consort Hui clearly favors me more."
Princess Consort Zhuang’s attention immediately shifted. "You’re saying Consort Hui prefers you?"
Pei Yuesheng thought about it—there was nothing wrong with that statement.
So she nodded emphatically. "Yes. I’m not skilled at riding, and when Consort Hui saw how timid I was, she let me ride with her, comforting me the whole time and teaching me hands-on."
"She even gave my cousin the cold shoulder for my sake." This last part was Pei Yuesheng’s own embellishment, meant to emphasize Consort Hui’s innocence.
In her telling, if there was any impropriety, it was entirely Pei Yuheng’s doing—Consort Hui had no such thoughts whatsoever.
Though Princess Consort Zhuang could gather some details from her four maids, none of them knew the situation as intimately as this.
For Consort Hui, the charm of a beauty clearly worked better than that of a handsome man.
She gave Pei Yuesheng a rare, kindly smile. "Keep accompanying Consort Hui. Make sure she grows fonder of you with each passing day."
She ought to scour the common folk for more beauties—preferably ones who resembled Yuesheng.
