That Imperial Concubine is both wicked and cunning! Your Majesty, wake up!

A few days later, during the autumn hunt, the sky was high and clear, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

On the hunting grounds, the grass and trees are turning slightly yellow, and the wind swirls fallen leaves, creating a vast autumn scene.

The emperor only brought one concubine, the Imperial Concubine, with him on this autumn hunt.

The accompanying ministers, guards, and ceremonial regalia were all present, forming a grand and imposing procession.

Lou Du originally intended to take advantage of the autumn hunt to take Shuang Ning away and elope to a place where no one knew their identities.

But his little scheme had already been seen through by his parents, who locked him in the room beforehand.

At the same time, the Marquis of Zhenbei was also filled with rage.

Marquis Zhenbei also wanted to take advantage of this autumn hunt to bring Ningning home.

He secretly gathered a large number of trusted guards and was about to set off.

Old Madam Zheng rushed forward and stopped him, saying, "My son, you mustn't!"

The Marquis of Zhenbei angrily said, "Mother, don't stop your son. Even if he is the emperor, he cannot treat Ningning so cruelly. I will risk my life to bring Ningning home."

With tears in her eyes, Madam Zheng pleaded, "My child, how can I, as your grandmother, not be heartbroken by Shuangning being taken to the palace? But you must also consider the hundred or so people in the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion, and plan for Shuangning's safety. By making such a fuss, if you are accused of treason, not only will you fail to rescue Shuangning, but you will also harm her, pushing her into an abyss of no return. Wouldn't that only bring pain to your loved ones and joy to your enemies?"

"Mother, I know all this, but I only have one daughter, Shuangning. Shuangning is the child that Huiniang gave her life to keep."

Madam Zheng said, "Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king. If the emperor takes a liking to something, who dares to disobey? This matter requires careful consideration; we must not act rashly. We should also listen to Shuang Ning's own opinion before making any plans!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The hunting grounds.

The two had already changed into riding and archery gear and stood side by side on the hunting ground, a truly pleasing sight to behold.

Zheng Shuangning wore a light red riding outfit, which accentuated her snow-white skin and bright, expressive eyes. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, wore a black hunting outfit embroidered with gold dragons, his posture upright and his aura composed.

Before long, a young eunuch led in a fine horse with a warm coat and an extremely docile temperament.

Xiao Yan turned his head to look at her, his voice soft and gentle, with a hint of coaxing: "Want to ride a horse? I'll teach you."

Zheng Shuangning nodded slightly, and the Emperor reached out and steadily supported her waist, carefully helping her onto the horse.

Once she was settled, he didn't immediately let go. Instead, he took the reins himself and led the horse forward step by step.

The horse's hooves trotted lightly, and the fallen leaves rustled.

He walked beside the horse, his gaze always fixed on her, as if afraid that she might do something inappropriate.

At this moment, he was dressed in a black hunting outfit with dragon patterns, and should have been a majestic and cold emperor who held the power of life and death.

But right now, he's holding the horse's reins, moving slowly and carefully, tending to it gently.

His appearance was extremely incongruous with his attire.

Zheng Shuangning pulled on the reins. "Your Majesty, aren't you afraid that I might accidentally startle the horse and hurt you?"

Xiao Yan looked up: "Ningning wouldn't."

He paused, then added softly, "Besides, Ningning's happiness is the most important thing."

Zheng Shuangning's heart trembled slightly.

Her happiness is the most important thing.

After completing one lap, Xiao Yan slowly loosened the reins, looked up at her, and said gently, "Run slowly, don't be afraid."

After saying that, he raised his hand and gently patted the horse's rump.

Upon receiving the command, the horse gradually quickened its pace and began to run.

As the horse swept past Xiao Yan, she subconsciously looked up and met his gaze.

He stood there, his dark hunting attire fluttering slightly in the autumn wind.

But those sword-like eyes were fixed on her alone from beginning to end.

Zheng Shuangning's heart skipped a beat.

Ever since he prepared "Autumn Snow" for her that day, she had a vague feeling that the relationship between the two of them had quietly changed.

It should be said that she has changed.

She no longer hated or resisted him as she had when she first entered the palace.

Whenever she met Xiao Yan's affectionate gaze, she couldn't bring herself to say anything harsh.

It was as if Xiao Yan's words were true; their love had been deeply rooted in each other throughout their past and present lives.

But deep down, what she wanted most was still freedom.

After running two laps, the horse gradually slowed down and came to a steady stop.

Xiao Yan immediately stepped forward and gently helped her dismount: "Not bad."

*

The next day, the emperor led his entourage deeper into the forest.

The further you go in, the more secluded and tranquil the atmosphere becomes, and the more lush the vegetation grows.

Occasionally, a tiger's roar could be heard.

Along the way, the Emperor's archery skills were excellent, and he shot down two leopards, four or five foxes, as well as several pheasants and rabbits. The prey quickly piled up to almost half a heap.

As you venture deeper into the dense forest, the surroundings become increasingly quiet.

Xiao Yan raised his hand to signal the guards behind him: "No need to follow too closely."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately slowed down and followed at a distance.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Yan turned to the side, reached out and steadily supported Zheng Shuangning, and gently pulled her onto his horse, embracing her in front of him.

Caught off guard, Zheng Shuangning instinctively tried to break free.

Xiao Yan immediately tightened his arms, holding her tightly in his embrace, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

"Don't move, there are tigers inside. Aren't you scared, Ningning?"

Zheng Shuangning stiffened and stopped moving. She turned her head slightly and whispered reproachfully, "How could Your Majesty do this without even asking for my permission?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately softened his tone and admitted his mistake in a low voice: "It is my fault, but the depths of this forest are dangerous, and I was really worried about you, afraid that you would be frightened."

Zheng Shuangning pursed her lips.

He was pretending to be afraid of her; his real intention was to take the opportunity to get closer to her.

Seeing that she was no longer angry, Xiao Yan smiled faintly, took her hand, placed it on the arrow's fletching, and said softly, "Come, let me teach you."

He and she drew back the bowstring together, and the moment he released it, the arrow shot through the air and accurately struck a fox that darted out not far away.

"Ningning is amazing." Xiao Yan lowered his head and placed a light kiss on the top of her head.

Zheng Shuangning turned her head and glared at him, her almond-shaped eyes wide open, filled with a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment.

"Didn't His Majesty promise me he wouldn't force me?"

Xiao Yan remained silent, gazing at her flushed cheeks with a deepening smile in his eyes. He then lowered his head and gently placed a soft kiss on her tender cheek.

Zheng Shuangning blushed instantly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She gently pushed him away, both angry and anxious.

"emperor!"

Xiao Yan immediately suppressed his smile and repeatedly admitted his mistake: "I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong! Ningning, don't be angry. You can punish me however you want when we get back, okay?"

Suddenly!

Several arrows shot out from the bushes.

Xiao Yan reacted quickly and pulled her away to avoid it.

The tender atmosphere from just moments ago vanished completely.

"Your Majesty...were you assassinated?"

"Ningning, don't be afraid."

What bad luck! To be assassinated.

Dozens of assassins dressed in black and wearing masks filed out.

The horse was startled and let out a long neigh.

These people acted with exceptional meticulousness, clearly not ordinary assassins.

They calculated that although the royal guards were numerous, they were mostly deployed on the perimeter, while the depths of the dense forest were relatively weak.

They used a strategy of surrounding three sides and leaving one side open, forcing the opponent into a desperate situation.

Turning back means certain death.

Xiao Yan reined in his horse and turned it around. The steed carried them into the depths of the dense forest.

Immediately behind him, shouts of "Protect the Emperor! Protect the Emperor!" erupted from the guards, accompanied by the piercing sound of clashing swords.

Zheng Shuangning turned around and glanced back.

Strangely, these assassins did not linger in battle, nor did they pursue them with all their might. Instead, they subtly exerted pressure, forcing them deeper and more dangerous into the jungle.