After breakfast, Yin Hui led Xiao Heng to pay their respects to Princess Xu first.
Princess Xu’s courtyard, while more spacious than most, couldn’t quite compare to the grandeur of the palace. A simple atmosphere permeated the surroundings. Xu Qingwan, Ji Xianxian, Mrs. Wei, and Wei Ying arrived one after the other, accompanied by the four concubines of King Yan, including Li Fangfei.
Princess Xu greeted them with a smile, “My lord and the others are going for a horse race. How about we take a walk outside too?”
Ji Xianxian, upon hearing this proposal, cast a look at Yin Hui. Yin Hui maintained a composed smile. She was aware that independent activities might be more enjoyable than leisurely strolling with a large group of people. However, since Princess Xu had suggested that they walk together that day, no one wanted to voice a differing opinion. Even Wei Ying made no objections.
As they walked out of the courtyard, they were greeted by an expansive forest to the west, a vast green grassland to the north, meandering streams within, and a sparkling lake to the east.
Princess Xu suggested they take a stroll around the lake.
Er Lang and San Lang gleefully shouted as they ran and played on the grass. Despite Xiao Heng’s short legs, he was enthusiastic about joining in the fun, toddling along with the support of his wet nurse.
Princess Xu smiled and encouraged Da Lang and Sister Mei to play as well. Sister Zhuang and Liu Lang had stayed at the palace, and Mrs. Lang, who had experienced a bit of discomfort due to the bumpy journey, was unable to partake in the play just yet.
“I really wish we could go horse racing,” Ji Xianxian lamented to Yin Hui as they walked together. She then attracted Mrs. Wei and Wei Ying over and whispered to them, motioning for Mrs.Wei and the sisters to approach Princess Xu for permission.
Mrs. Wei replied, “Let’s go together.”
Wei Ying chimed in, “It’s no big deal to race tomorrow. Taking a leisurely stroll today is perfectly fine.”
Ji Xianxian turned to Yin Hui and inquired, “What do you think?”
Yin Hui smiled and replied, “Let’s take another day of rest.”
Ji Xianxian was reluctant to be the one to approach the princess, and she didn’t wish to pressure others into doing so either, so she quietly accepted the decision.
Upon reaching the lake, the maids laid out mats beneath the shade of the trees, and the masters settled down in their respective spots.
Yin Hui and her sisters-in-law sat with Mrs. Wei.
Yin Hui took a sip of tea, and her eyes fell on the children not far away. Da Lang was quiet, Er Lang and San Lang were running non-stop. Xiao Heng couldn’t catch up with his brothers, so he was anxious, and Sister Mei, born from the eldest house’s concubine, accompanied them. She ran slowly, deliberately letting Xiao Heng win every time.
Seeing that Xu Qingwan was also observing Sister Mei, Yin Hui smiled and commented, “Sister Mei knows how to care for her younger brother at such a young age. She’s adorable.”
Sister Mei’s biological mother had been a dowry maid for Xu Qingwan, and she had been raised as part of the family. As such, Xu Qingwan was genuinely concerned about Sister Mei’s upbringing. She nodded in agreement and added, “Maybe it’s because she often plays with San Lang and picked it up naturally.”
Ji Xianxian quipped with a half-smile, “You’re quite skilled at flattering people, even at such a young age.”
At that moment, Er Lang, who had been running, suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground. San Lang, who was following him closely, couldn’t stop in time and tumbled over Erlang.
Ji Xianxian’s face turned pale.
With that, Er Lang burst into tears, clutching San Lang and pushing him away. San Lang stared at the crying Er Lang for a moment, then got up, patted his knees, and went to find Xiao Heng.
“Mother, San Lang hurt me!” Er Lang was brought over by the wet nurse and complained to Ji Xianxian while wiping away his tears.
Ji Xianxian glanced at Xu Qingwan, then scolded Er Lang, saying, “You fell first by accident. Don’t blame San Lang for something that was not his fault.��
Er Lang sniffled, providing his argument, “It didn’t hurt when I fell, but it hurt when he fell on me.”
Ji Xianxian felt a bit concerned. She lowered her head to check Er Lang’s back but fortunately didn’t find any bruises.
“Alright, go play with Da Lang and stop running around. Look at the sweat on your forehead.” Ji Xianxian wiped her son’s face with an expression of slight disgust.
Er Lang refused to go and instead sat beside his mother, requesting some pastries.
Xu Qingwan observed Yin Hui, who shook her head with a smile. A child’s temperament was to some extent influenced by their parents. Ji Xianxian was stubborn, and it seemed Er Lang had inherited some of that trait.
San Lang soon realized that his fifth brother wasn’t the best playmate for running. However, faced with a shameless elder brother and a younger sibling who adored smiling, San Lang opted to stick with Xiao Heng. Together, they caught grasshoppers in the grass and watched as the insects hopped about. They even threaded the green grasshoppers onto horsetail grass stems. Er Lang, who had improved after having some pastries, eventually joined in the fun of catching grasshoppers.
When Xiao Heng returned, he presented his mother with a grasshopper as if it were a precious treasure.
Yin Hui had played this game as a child and held no problem against it. Ji Xianxian, on the other hand, had hopped away earlier, but she was soon chased and playfully frightened by the mischievous Er Lang.
Gradually the sun became brighter, and everyone went back to the other courtyard.
In the afternoon, after Yin Hui had taken a nap, Wei Luo returned, drenched in sweat. He poured three bowls of herbal tea for himself before entering the room.
Yin Hui asked Jinzhan to fetch some water from the bathroom and said to Wei Luo, “You seem exhausted. Have you been running?” He had spent two hours in the woods, hunting prey for their picnic, and ran for an additional hour after taking a well-deserved rest. Although he was a bit worn out, he managed to keep pace with his father and several military officers. His elder brother, second brother, and fifth brother were all left far behind. King Yan had even praised him for his efforts.
Yin Hui asked, “Would you like something to eat?”
Wei Luo replied, “I’m not hungry; there’s a roast sheep feast tonight on the grassland, and everyone will be attending. You should prepare in advance. It will get cold at night.”
Yin Hui glanced at the sky and estimated that she had about half an hour before Wei Luo had to leave. She then took the silver lamp and went into the house.
Jinzhan returned from the washroom, accompanied by two sturdy women carrying buckets.