All his life, Tian Chen had never curried favour or appealed himself to people. By showing his strength and capabilities, they naturally flocked themselves to him. Some admired him, some feared him, and many wanted to benefit from him.

Now, walking mindlessly with Xue Lan, he was clueless about what to do. This man was different from the others both in his situation and himself as a person.

From his previous experiences he knew he had to treat this person carefully or else he would run away again.

Unlike the other consorts and concubines who fought for his affection with ulterior motives, the former prince was afraid of his affection because of his pure heart.

Out of all the princes and princesses Qi Ming nation could send, they gifted him Xue Lan for the peace treaty.

This was nothing short of fate, right?

No.

He earned Xue Lan. All the events of his life, including the war, had probably been leading him to this man.

As the Emperor’s thoughts spiralled deeper and deeper, Xue Lan couldn’t care less because his legs were already sore and heavy for a long while.

Just how long were they going to walk?

Xue Lan covered his mouth with his fan and breathed out Mo Shen’s name.

“My Lord.”

He paused and looked back. Mo Shen was behind him with his signature smile.

Tian Chen returned from his thought. He turned around to look at their interruption.

“Forgive me for the delay. It took quite a while to find the Imperial Physician,” Mo Shen supported Xue Lan’s waist and smoothly retrieved him from Tian Chen. “I will massage your legs once we return.”

Xue Lan nodded and saluted at Tian Chen, “Your Majesty must be busy and preoccupied with the country’s affairs. This subject will not hold you back from your duty any longer. This subject excuse himself to retreat to his chamber first. May Your Majesty have a pleasant day.”

Tian Chen wanted to tell Xue Lan to stay but then the other staggered in his attendant’s arms. He realized that he neglected Xue Lan’s legs once again.

He reluctantly let Xue Lan go.

Once they were out of sight, Mo Shen directly carried Xue Lan on his back. Xue Lan’s robe had slits on each side which made it easier for him to carry him.

He preferred carrying him in the front as usual, but they were still outside.

“How did you know she would take that particular colour?” Xue Lan asked. “Did Huang Xieli assign a particular colour for each of them prior to this?“

“No, it is unnecessary They only need to avoid a certain colour and that's it.“

“Then?“

Mo Shen chuckled, “Humans subconsciously seek better things than others. It could be said intentionally in this case. I checked their seating before making the pastries with different patterns on top as you saw earlier. Not like she had that much choice sitting in second last.”

“You can easily make sweet pastries like that without any chilli. You’re not messing with my food intentionally, are you?” Xue Lan asked suspiciously.

“Your face trying to bear the spiciness is too entertaining. I can’t help myself,” Mo Shen guiltlessly laughed.

Xue Lan, “…”

He refused to speak with this demon.

Facing the sulking Xue Lan, Mo Shen made him a very generous non-spicy lunch and coaxed him by offering to teach him how to draw human figures.

Xue Lan reluctantly forgave him.

His master was also cute when sulking~

***

The day of the hunt finally arrived.

Mo Shen dressed Xue Lan in all black and tied his hair up to ease his move. He also shortened the length of his robe and protected his legs with high leather boots.

“You said that these fabrics come from hell. Are they free?” Xue Lan was still curious about it.

“I didn’t say they come from hell,” Mo Shen corrected. “I made them with my power. That’s just how it is. Like how you’re able to create things on paper.”

Xue Lan thought about it and understood somewhat, “Then, what would happen to the world if you, theoretically, fold the paper?”

“When angels do it, they call it miracles,” Mo Shen smirked and pointed at Xue Lan’s chest where their contract seal was, “when we do it, they call it chaos.”

Xue Lan’s eyebrows raised slightly.

“My sweet little lord,” Mo Shen hooked Xue Lan’s chin with a wicked smile, “you realize what you truly sacrificed for your rebirth now?”

“If I care about such a thing,” Xue Lan’s eyes looked at Mo Shen unwaveringly, “would I only be asking it now?”

Mo Shen chuckled and rubbed Xue Lan’s lips with his thumb, “I’m looking forward to my reward, My Lord.”

“At the summer festival, the preys we catch will be cooked for the mid-day feast when the sun is at its peak,” Xue Lan added. “Make sure to bring something edible in addition to the main prey. The main prey will be given to Tian Chen anyway.”

“As you wish,” Mo Shen easily promised. “Any particular request, My Lord?”

“I’ve always wanted to try fresh seafood,” Xue Lan tilted his head, clearly challenging Mo Shen.

Mo Shen’s lips curved in amusement, “Coincidentally, I’m a great swimmer.”

Once they were ready, Mo Shen escorted Xue Lan to the assembly point. After sending him to Tian Chen’s side, he promptly left.

Xue Lan wanted to try messing with him by calling him back, but he should do that later.

After a short ceremony, the convoy headed out of the palace grounds and started their journey to the forest. Xue Lan rode the horse by Tian Chen’s side.

“Where is your attendant, Honorable Consort Xue? Should he not be looking after your wellbeing on this strenuous trip?” Tian Chen asked.

“Answering Your Majesty, this subject’s attendant expressed that he wished to present this subject with a surprise,” Xue Lan replied. He gestured at Yang Huo leading his horse, “He entrusted Guard Yang as his replacement. This subject is in capable hands.”

Yang Huo saluted Tian Chen.

Tian Chen couldn’t help but frown.

Why Yang Huo out of all people?

The convoy arrived at the forest where the camping area was already prepared. After eating lunch and settling things, they continued deeper into the forest to hunt.

Tian Chen was proficient in archery and caught several small games for his warmup. The guards escorting them tracked down a deer and so they went hunting it down.

A guard returned from his scout, informing him that the deer was nearby.

Tian Chen climbed off his horse and wanted to help Xue Lan, but the other already got down with Yang Huo’s help.

Yang Huo was already told by Mo Shen about Xue Lan’s situation. He readily put Xue Lan’s arm around his shoulder and carried him down by his knees.

Xue Lan was very familiar with this action and asked, “Did Mo Shen teach you this?”

Yang Huo cleared his throat awkwardly as he placed Xue Lan down, “Quite personally, yes.”

Seeing Xue Lan’s look at him, he was very certain that this consort was aware of his and Mo Shen’s…’affair’.

And he definitely knew who was the receiver between them.

He felt like he was truly helpless and exposed in front of this master and servant pair.

“Please be careful of your steps, My Lord,” Yang Huo offered his arm as Mo Shen instructed him.

“Thank you, Guard Yang,” Xue Lan held onto his arm.

The two of them followed behind Tian Chen and the rest of the guards. Their pace couldn’t catch up with them but they didn’t rush it. They weren’t the ones who needed to hunt anyway.

In a way, their carefree attitude was on the same wavelength.

Tian Chen’s hold on his bow faintly tightened.

He couldn’t support Xue Lan with his walk because he needed to hunt but he couldn’t help but feel indignant.

He chose Xue Lan to accompany him as his consort but why was an insignificant guard get to be intimate with him instead?

He swore if that promiscuous guard tried to seduce Xue Lan, he wouldn’t hesitate to put an arrow in his head.

“…Why do I feel like I’m risking my life to be your escort today, My Lord?” Yang Huo was speechless seeing Tian Chen’s occasional glare at them.

“Is that not exactly why Mo Shen chose you?” Xue Lan didn’t deny it.

Yang Huo, “…”

Why did he feel proud and wronged at the same time?

The group stopped a few meters away from the deer. Tian Chen advanced by himself and silently drew his arrow.

He precisely pierced the deer’s neck and it tumbled down with a cry.

The guards moved to secure it while the eunuchs praised his superior archery for the nth time.

Just as Tian Chen was about to return, a low growl trembled the air. Everyone immediately stayed still in silence.

“Stay behind me, My Lord,” Yang Huo cautiously said as he grabbed the hilt of his sword.

Xue Lan obediently stepped back.

They were all on alert for the beast and it finally appeared from behind Xue Lan.