Ye Chutang arrived at the city gates just as the hour of mao began.
The gates swung open.
Having ridden all the way from the Minister's Mansion, she had already regained her familiarity with horseback riding.
Song Jingning and his party had already gathered.
Aside from the four young masters who had been drinking the night before, there were also two young ladies present.
Noticing Ye Chutang's exceptional riding skills, Song Jingning suddenly felt a renewed interest in today's hunt.
A well-matched competition would make the hunt far more thrilling.
With a smile, he addressed Ye Chutang as she dismounted, "Miss Ye, you’re very punctual. Let me introduce everyone to you."
"Su Yu and his younger sister Su Nian, Wei Zeyu, Tang Xiuwen and his elder sister Tang Zhirong."
These were all young masters and ladies from scholarly families.
Ye Chutang greeted each of them in turn before introducing herself.
"Ye Chutang."
As soon as she spoke, she sensed a flicker of hostility—directed at her from Su Nian.
Su Nian harbored feelings for Song Jingning.
Ever since learning that the Song family intended to propose a marriage alliance with the Ye family, she had been restless.
When her brother mentioned last night that Song Jingning might be interested in Ye Chutang, her heart nearly shattered.
So even though her riding and archery skills were mediocre, she had swallowed her pride and joined the outing.
Noticing Ye Chutang's gaze, Su Nian forced a faint smile.
"Miss Ye, your reputation precedes you in the capital. It’s an honor to make your acquaintance."
Ye Chutang understood the source of Su Nian’s hostility but paid it no mind, returning the smile gracefully.
"Meeting by chance is fate. The honor is mutual."
Su Nian was momentarily dazzled by Ye Chutang’s smile, sensing her kindness and refinement, and her hostility melted away.
Song Jingning announced, "It’ll take half an hour to reach Plum Mountain. Let’s set off!"
With that, he led his horse out of the city gates.
Once beyond the walls, he mounted swiftly and spurred his horse into a gallop.
The others followed.
The sky at mao hour was faintly lit, the air crisp with a lingering chill.
As they distanced themselves from the imperial city, mist curled around them, condensing into tiny droplets on their hair.
When the first rays of the morning sun rose, the droplets shimmered like scattered jewels.
Su Nian, a delicate young lady of noble birth, had only ever practiced riding in controlled environments and had never ridden such a long distance.
Halfway through the journey, she could no longer endure it.
"Brother, I need to rest," she pleaded, her inner thighs chafed raw.
"Of course."
Su Yu rode ahead to catch up with Song Jingning.
"Jingning, let’s find a spot to rest and have some provisions before continuing."
Song Jingning, aware that inviting Su Nian and Tang Zhirong had been a reluctant decision, nodded at once.
"There’s a river up ahead. We’ll take a break there."
"Agreed."
The group halted by the riverbank, each finding a rock to sit on.
Ye Chutang brought out fruits and pastries she had prepared.
"Please help yourselves. No need to stand on ceremony."
These were delicacies she had taken earlier when she raided the imperial kitchens—all of the finest quality.
Since she offered, no one refused, each taking a small portion.
Noticing Su Nian’s awkward gait, Ye Chutang turned to Song Jingning.
"After eating, it’s best not to ride too vigorously. Let’s proceed at a gentler pace."
Song Jingning, too, had noticed Su Nian’s discomfort.
"Miss Ye makes an excellent point."
After finishing an apple, Ye Chutang walked to the river’s edge.
The water was clear and slow-moving, revealing small fish darting along the bottom.
Sunlight danced on the surface, glinting almost blindingly.
Watching Ye Chutang blend seamlessly into the picturesque scenery, Song Jingning felt an inexplicable urge to draw closer.
He approached her and asked, "Miss Ye, do you not have riding attire?"
"It was too late to purchase any last night. Is this outfit unsuitable?"
"The trees in Plum Mountain grow densely. Delicate fabrics like yours might snag. There’s a shop at Plum Manor that sells riding gear—you could buy a set there."
Ye Chutang smiled. "Thank you for the advice."
Then, abruptly, she asked, "You seem close with your family?"
The sudden shift in topic puzzled Song Jingning.
"Why do you say that?"
"I was merely reflecting. We’re of similar age, yet our circumstances couldn’t be more different. In the Ye family, I’ve always been an outsider—sent away to the countryside as a child. If not for my usefulness, my father would never have brought me back."
Hearing this, Song Jingning grew even more perplexed.
It was said that family matters should never be aired in public—why was Miss Ye confiding this to him?
After a pause, he offered consolation.
"Miss Ye, every experience in life is a trial that shapes who you become. The past has led you to the person you are today."
While his words weren’t wrong, the past of the original owner of this body had nothing to do with the present Ye Chutang.
She smiled. "Well said, Young Master Song. I’ll take that to heart."
Then she steered the conversation further. "Since we’re the same age, who’s older?"
Song Jingning found her questions increasingly peculiar but answered truthfully.
"My birthday falls on the fifteenth day of the eleventh month."
"What a coincidence. Mine is in the eleventh month too—but the third day."
Though the dates didn’t match, sharing the same month felt like a small stroke of fate.
Encouraged, Ye Chutang pressed further.
"I’ve heard that the capital was bitterly cold that year—everything frozen over. My mother slipped and went into early labor. If not for Divine Doctor Xue’s intervention, I wouldn’t have survived."
A pang of sympathy struck Song Jingning.
"Surviving such hardship foretells great fortune."
At last, he grasped why Ye Chutang had shared this.
It seemed they shared the same suspicion.
So, he responded in kind.
"I was born in Liangzhou, even further north than the capital. Winters there bring heavy snowfall, often causing disasters. That’s why my mother named me ‘Jingning’—‘peaceful scenery’—hoping for stability and prosperity for both our family and the nation."
Hearing this, Ye Chutang realized she had been mistaken.
Not only were their birthdates different, but their birthplaces too—he couldn’t possibly be the original owner’s brother.
"Young Master Song’s name is truly well-chosen."
Song Jingning chuckled softly.
"The name may be fitting, but my mother’s wishes remain unfulfilled."
With a foolish emperor on the throne, corrupt eunuchs wielding power, loyal ministers dying unjustly, and the people suffering—the nation teetered on collapse!
"It will come to pass," Ye Chutang said firmly.
Noticing the others stealing glances their way, she added, "Young Master Song, everyone seems rested. Shall we depart?"
"Right. Let’s go."
By the time the group reached Plum Mountain, Prince An was kneeling in the golden hall, taking the blame for the emperor’s scheme against Ye Chutang.
