The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

After resting briefly inside the main tent, Shen Wangxi led Shen Qingruo out.

Two fine horses were already prepared on the open ground of the hunting ground. One was jet black and exceptionally swift, Shen Wangxi's imperial horse, Zhui Feng.

The other was a gentle white mare with a tuft of red hair on her forehead, which was Xueying prepared for Shen Qingruo.

"Your Majesty, is this the horse you're going to give Aruo to ride alone?" Shen Qingruo looked at Xueying, her eyes shining.

"Hmm, its name is Xueying. It's gentle and suitable for beginners." Shen Wangxi stroked Xueying's neck, and the horse affectionately rubbed against his palm.

He turned to Shen Qingruo and said, "Come, let me help you mount your horse."

He held her waist and, with a little effort, steadily lifted her onto the horse's back.

Shen Qingruo gasped softly, instinctively grabbing the protrusion in front of the saddle, her body stiffening slightly.

He used to hold her from behind and steer the horse, but now she's all alone and a little scared.

"Don't be afraid." Shen Wangxi stood beside the horse, holding the reins in one hand and gently patting her back with the other. "Relax and sit tight."

Shen Qingruo slowly relaxed her tense body.

Not far away, Xiao Yu was instructing several subordinates on patrol duties when his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the figure in the distance.

He saw His Majesty personally help Consort Zhao onto her horse, and saw him standing beside her, patiently giving her instructions.

Xiao Yu forced himself to look away and continued talking to his subordinates, but his voice was a few decibels lower than usual.

Duke Qi Rui of Su State took in this scene, sighed inwardly, stepped forward, stood beside Xiao Yu, blocking most of his view, and whispered to him to leave:

"Your Highness, you need to personally check the guard arrangements in the eastern area again to ensure that everything is foolproof."

Xiao Yumeng immediately composed himself, bowed, and said, "Yes, Duke Su, I'll go right away."

On the other side, Shen Wangxi was holding Shen Qingruo's hand, teaching her how to properly hold the reins.

"Relax your hands, hold them like this, that's right." His large hand enveloped her slender fingers, carefully adjusting her posture.

Shen Qingruo's hands were small and soft, and it seemed as if they would break if you squeezed them too hard in his palm.

"Your Majesty, is that so?" She turned her head slightly to look at him.

"Yes, Aruo is very smart." Shen Wangxi looked at her serious expression and smiled slightly.

He mounted his Wind Chaser and walked side by side with her snowy figure. "Follow me, and walk slowly."

He controlled the speed so that Xueying could easily keep up.

Shen Qingruo was initially a little scared, but under Shen Wangxi's guidance, she gradually got used to it and even dared to loosen one hand to gently stroke Xueying's soft mane.

"Your Majesty, it's so well-behaved." She smiled, her eyes crinkling, shining brightly in the autumn sunlight.

Looking at her radiant smile, Shen Wangxi's heart stirred. He spurred his horse closer and reached out to tidy a stray lock of hair that had been ruffled by the wind: "I'm glad you like it."

The two traveled to the east.

This scene was witnessed by Xiao Yu, who looked up again.

Further away, Shen Jingyan, who had come to find her husband, happened to see him staring intently at her.

Her smile froze, her eyes gradually turned cold, and her nails dug into her palms.

Shen Wangxi seemed to have sensed something, and his gaze swept over.

But all that could be seen were the departing figures of Xiao Yu and Shen Jingyan.

His eyes darkened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and spoke softly to Shen Qingruo beside him:

"Are you tired? Let's go back and rest. Later, I'll take you to a high place to watch the sunset over the hunting grounds."

"Okay." Shen Qingruo nodded obediently, completely unaware that she had unintentionally stirred up a pool of spring water again.