In the blink of an eye, it was April 20. The Astronomical Bureau's predictions had been accurate, and the spring rains finally ceased, leaving a clear blue sky without a cloud in sight. The rain-drenched flowers bloomed as if eager to show off, making one marvel at the endless spring blossoms.

  Old Lady Song watched as Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi departed, a trace of discontent on her face. The First Lady noticed and sensed that, though Old Lady Song outwardly appeared calm and composed, her heart was undoubtedly anxious.

  This year, the Japanese envoy would also attend the spring hunt. If they formally presented their marriage request during the hunt's banquet, there was a high chance the Emperor would make a decision on the spot. Given the current circumstances, it seemed likely that Emperor Jianzhang would grant the envoy's request.

  Her own heart was pounding with worry as if a restless rabbit were lodged inside. Seeing Old Lady Song's concern only made her feel more uneasy. Fortunately, she still had some sense left and turned to reassure Old Lady Song. "Father and Xiao Yi will surely think of something." She recalled how she had once tried to push Song Chuyi to shield Noble Consort Song and the Eleventh Princess from disaster, only to feel a chill of fear. Thankfully, Song Chuyi was exceptionally clever and not only avoided the trap but turned the situation around. Otherwise, if Noble Consort Song suffered now, she wouldn't know where to turn for help.

  Old Lady Song replied that her concern wasn't about the marriage alliance itself. Old Master Song had already confided in her, and she knew that Cui Shaoting was trying to gather intelligence on Japan. And Song Chuyi had also asked the Heir Apparent to reach out to Guo Huaiying, someone with considerable knowledge of Japan. With the combined insights of Guo and Cui, their information would likely be accurate, making it easier to implement their pns afterward.

  Her real concern was the immediate trouble Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi would face—after all, the Ninth Princess was far from easygoing. Who knew what kind of torment she might come up with at the hunting grounds to get even with them?

  Her fears were soon realized.

  After several days of bumpy travel, they arrived at the pace, where everything was chaotic as they waited to be settled. Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi had barely disembarked from the carriage when they received word that the Ninth Princess was summoning them. Xiang Mingzi was so exhausted she could barely speak.

  However, the Ninth Princess's head maid was relentless, and they couldn't refuse a command from royalty. So, they washed up briefly and went to pay their respects to the haughty Ninth Princess.

  The Ninth Princess was dressed in riding attire today, looking spirited and dashing. Her hair was braided up, and she sat on her horse, high above them, fnked by Chen Mingyu and others, casting a disdainful gnce down at them.

  After they had performed all the proper courtesies, she flicked her riding whip and pointed at Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi. "Come, race with me!"

  Xiang Mingzi had always been frail; despite two years of careful pampering in the Song household, she was still physically weaker than most. She gasped as she looked up at the towering horse before her.

  Song Chuyi, thoroughly annoyed by the Ninth Princess's repeated provocations, gave a meaningful look at Chen Mingyu, who stood beside the princess, smiling warmly yet with a hint of calcution. Song Chuyi feigned hesitation and replied, "Unfortunately, Your Highness, I am not skilled at riding."

  Chen Mingyu, holding her horse's reins, widened her almond-shaped eyes in mock surprise. "Sister, you must be joking. Everyone knows that the Marquis of Changning's family has a strong military background. And which girl in the capital doesn't know how to ride? Riding and archery are even part of the Six Rites!"

  Pretending not to understand her goading, Song Chuyi shrugged with an innocent expression. "My skills are poor. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to make it enjoyable for Your Highness. Perhaps someone more skilled would be a better match?"

  The Ninth Princess cracked her whip, letting it rest on Song Chuyi's pale, jade-like neck, her tone dripping with impatience. "Don't make me repeat myself! I told you to race with me!"

  The soft whip y across Song Chuyi's neck, and with a flick of her wrist, the Ninth Princess added more force, leaving a red mark on Song Chuyi's delicate skin, smooth as a peeled egg.

  Chen Mingyu tried to hide a ugh, but couldn't quite manage it, covering her mouth with her hand. The Ninth Princess looked like she was toying with a dog.

  Xiang Mingzi gasped, rushing forward to shield Song Chuyi, her eyes glistening with tears as she stood her ground. "How could Your Highness harm her?"

  People of royal lineage seldom valued others' lives or dignity, especially not those beneath them. Seeing the growing crowd of noblewomen and spectators around them, Song Chuyi gently pulled Xiang Mingzi back, met the Ninth Princess's gaze, and smirked. "Fine, I'll race with Your Highness. But what shall we wager?"

  The Ninth Princess frowned, considering her words. "What do you suggest?"

  Song Chuyi scanned the field, her tone firm and resolute. "I've heard that when men race, the loser must crawl under the belly of the winner's horse. How about we do the same?"

  The Ninth Princess gred at her for a long moment, then suddenly ughed. "As you wish!"

  Confident in her riding skills, she had no doubt that she wouldn't lose to an unknown girl like Sixth Miss Song.

  Just then, Ye Jingchuan appeared out of nowhere, leading a magnificent horse, his eyes sparkling. "Sixth Miss Song, you can borrow my horse!"

  The horse, which he had recently acquired from Princess Rongcheng's estate, was strong and sure-footed, clearly no ordinary breed.

  The Ninth Princess scoffed. The horse was impressive, but it was too tall for Song Chuyi, who'd likely struggle to handle it. She should have chosen a more suitable mount, or she risked being tossed mid-ride.

  But then, to her surprise, Song Chuyi accepted the horse, mounting it with a swift, fluid motion, positioning herself securely in the saddle. This was no novice.

  The Ninth Princess whipped her horse and shot forward like an arrow, determined not to lose, even against an experienced rider.

  Song Chuyi leaned low over her horse's back, following close behind, clearing the first hill with ease and staying within half a length of the Ninth Princess's horse. The horse she rode was indeed exceptional—steady, fast, and poised to catch up.