The 60th Year of Kangxi's Reign, Imperial Hunting Grounds near the Capital
On the boundless wilderness, accompanied by the neighing of horses, a sharp arrow shot forth from a chestnut steed. The little red fox that had just poked its head out from nearby had no time to react before the arrow accurately grazed its front leg.
Cheers soon erupted from the surrounding woods.
"After just a few days apart, cousin's archery skills have improved remarkably!"
"Cousin flatters me! It's just small game, barely enough to make a pair of gloves for mother."
"But cousin, shouldn't you be attending His Majesty now? What brings you here?"
Casually handing her riding whip to a nearby attendant, Yu Ludai leaped down gracefully from her nearly adult-sized red pony, addressing the newcomer with familiar ease.
The seventeen-year-old maiden wore a sky-blue qipao, the crimson jewel adorning her forehead gleaming brilliantly under the sun. Yet more dazzling than any ornament was the girl's radiant beauty.
Under the bright sun, the entire party momentarily lost themselves in admiration. Leading them, Hongxi couldn't help but smile.
Before he could speak, a young guard in indigo armor quickly stepped forward, carefully handing a blood-stained unconscious fox to an attendant behind him.
Thanks to Third Sister's connection, though merely cousins, the two had met frequently since childhood. Having grown up following Emperor Kangxi, Hongxi was erudite and unconventional in conversation, always bringing her interesting little gifts. Yu Ludai had always liked this cousin since childhood and now treated him with comfortable familiarity.
By the time they returned to camp chatting and laughing, it was already late.
Yet the stunningly beautiful girl still attracted most eyes along the way. Despite Hongxi's presence, countless eager admirers wished to approach.
From a distance, even Imperial Consort Yi couldn't help sighing to An Ning:
"Our Yu Ludai's looks... thank heavens she was born into the imperial family, otherwise..."
She might have been labeled a femme fatale. Remembering the recent capital drama, Guo Luoluo shook her head.
Imperial Consort Yi had worried before - with Ninth Prince's situation, her precious granddaughter might lack brothers for support, so she'd often lectured Fifth Prince's sons.
Yet as she grew, Yu Ludai not only retained her childhood charm but became more radiant and graceful, her calligraphy and paintings earning even the Emperor's praise. Whenever she visited the palace, not just Fifth Prince's sons but nearly all her cousins vied for her attention.
Seeing her son and daughter-in-law diligently maintaining health these years, visibly improving, Imperial Consort Yi finally relaxed.
But recalling the recent incident, Guo Luoluo couldn't help saying:
"A-Ning, I know you two dote on your daughter, but Yu Ludai is reaching marriageable age. This can't be delayed forever."
"And that son of mine! Last time... that was utterly improper! That was the Fuqa family's legitimate young master after all..."
Thinking of her troublesome son gave Imperial Consort Yi a headache.
An Ning's lips twitched, not daring to admit she shared blame for this.
However unwilling, the couple had frankly discussed their daughter's marriage prospects.
Considering ancient etiquette's absurd demands and mother-in-law relations, An Ning's requirements were simple: regardless of status, the family structure must be simple, preferably without parents-in-law to serve, and even better without brothers.
Though Yin Tang said nothing then, he clearly agreed.
But contemplating his precious daughter being taken away made him furious for days.
Soon after, that unfortunate young Fuqa master happened to cross his path.
Objectively, the young man had good family background, decent character and looks, already a second-rank imperial guard. But like most Manchu families, his household was crowded - two levels of mothers-in-law above, plus numerous siblings as the legitimate second son.
Neither An Ning nor Yin Tang could accept this, the latter refusing outright.
Well... reckless people exist in every era. Somehow learning why the Beile's household disapproved, the young man actually demanded separate residence from his family!
Though fearing Ninth Beile's notorious temper, the Fuqa family didn't dare make it public, rumors still circulated.
Involving his precious daughter, Yin Tang's explosive temper wouldn't tolerate this. He not only harassed the family but personally beat the young man.
Yet stubbornness isn't easily cured. Even after An Ning made him ill for half a year, the fool persisted.
Thus when Yu Ludai parted from Hongxi, an armored young guard eagerly approached.
Though quickly blocked by guards, An Ning frowned, wondering if she'd been too lenient.
Not even glancing his way, seeing her waiting mother, Yu Ludai happily ran over, calling sweetly:
She proudly presented her two pitifully small fox catches. The few-month-old kits were adorable, especially with their wet, pleading eyes.
Yet immediately the girl declared excitedly:
"Mother said last time the new fur scarf's color wasn't pure enough. How about these?"
Facing her daughter's earnest, hopeful gaze.
After settling in, mother and daughter snuggled together as usual. Casually, An Ning mentioned the young man.
"They say many capital maidens find Guard Fuqa's devotion touching, a rare true heart. What does Yu Ludai think?"
The girl in her arms paused briefly, then dismissed it with a light hum, burying her face against her mother.
"Don't worry, Mother, I remember what you taught."
"Besides, so what if he's sincere? Many people love me sincerely in this world."
The girl lifted her head proudly.
He doesn't even rank!
Moreover, the Fuqa family... Yu Ludai frowned. Third Sister married into that family years ago. Though only distant relations, knowing her brother-in-law's character and their messy household made her instinctively dislike them.
Why would she want such troublesome in-laws?
"I'd rather stay with Mother forever!"
Nestled in her mother's arms, the girl murmured softly.