The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 446 - The Truth Emerges

After decades apart, the princes of Zhasake had all changed significantly.

The grasslands were unlike the capital; the princes appeared much older than their thirty-something years.

However, due to their diet of beef and lamb, they still looked as robust as ever.

Only the second prince, Er Dun, had truly aged; now sixty, he had a slight hunch in his back.

After simple greetings, everyone was led to the camp, which this time was even more splendidly decorated than during their previous visit.

With Nan Qi being prosperous and trade routes extending to Zhasake, there were now many items from the Central Plains.

Ning Chen's main tent was at the front, where he was speaking with the princes, while the women were being attended by the grand prince Aoqi's wife, Jibuchuhe, and her sister Duolan, now the fourth princess.

"After so many years, Guifei still has her charm. I still remember the grace with which you could shoot a hundred paces back then," Duolan said with a smile.

The scar on her face had faded to almost nothing, but if one looked closely, it was still there.

However, she obviously didn't care at all.

Just looking at her bright eyes and smile, it was clear that Duolan had been very happy with the fourth prince, Qing Ge'er Tai, over the years.

"It's rare that the princess still remembers those old stories, but now I'm afraid I'm not up to it anymore. In the palace, I've had no chance to draw a bow and shoot arrows; I might not even be able to pull the string now," Ye Yun laughed as well.

She wasn't being modest; she genuinely felt she was out of practice.

No matter how skilled a person is, not touching something for decades would inevitably make them clumsy.

Jibuchuhe spoke up at an opportune moment, "Guifei has just been living in the deep palace for so long that she hasn't needed these skills, which is why she has become rusty. If you are interested, Your Highness, you just need a little practice, and you'll regain that feeling from before."

"Now that we're on the grasslands, of course, there's no excuse not to exercise. I brought riding gear with me, and in the days to come, I plan to go horseback riding with the princesses. But you two mustn't laugh at my riding skills," Ye Yun said, her eyes bright and full of spirit.

The two princesses naturally agreed and laughed along.

After a few pleasantries, they didn't want to disturb Ye Yun's rest any longer and stepped out.

As they walked back, Jibuchuhe remarked, "I was worried that Guifei would be overly serious and formal, but now that I see her, she's genuine and straightforward, a very smart person."

"Yes, she's much better than those delicate Central Plains ladies," Duolan chuckled.

Once they left, Ye Yun changed her clothes and sat down to rest.

Now that they were on the grasslands, the roads were not as easy as those in the capital; the jolting nearly knocked her out.

"There's a banquet tonight, and I really don't want to move. Tomorrow's Mid-Autumn Festival will be another event I can't escape."

"Your Highness looks tired; why not take a nap? We can prepare the bed first," Nan Zhi suggested.

Ye Yun nodded...

Since they set out from Yuzhou, she hadn't slept well. Although the carriage was spacious, it was still not as comfortable as a proper bed.

She was indeed tired, but the group of children was extremely excited.