15. Your Highness, you’re up quite early.

Morning at the entrance of Wenxuan’s stables

At dawn, the sky was just beginning to brighten faintly when Yue’er arrived, riding a white horse. Her posture atop the horse was graceful and free-spirited. She wore a long blue robe cinched at the waist with a black belt, presenting a tall and capable figure. The most striking detail was the blue hat she wore—normally, such attire would not require a hat, but Yue’er had to conceal her identity, so the hat was essential.

Yue’er had thought she was the first to arrive, but to her surprise, Zhao Chengxian was already there, holding the reins of his chestnut horse at the gate. Dismounting, she approached him and greeted with a respectful salute, “Greetings, Prince. You’re up early today!”

Yue’er knew Zhao Chengxian was a leader who led by example, and working under him gave her a sense of security.

With a smile, Zhao Chengxian replied, “No need for formalities. As the person in charge of this matter, I must arrive early.” His gaze lingered on Yue’er differently now—he had firmly recognized that she was indeed Hui Yue’er. He resolved to have her admit it herself.

Yue’er smiled lightly. “To work under a leader like Your Highness is truly a great fortune for this humble servant,” she said, seizing the chance to flatter him.

Though Zhao Chengxian suspected her words might not be sincere, hearing them nonetheless pleased him, and he chuckled, “Life would surely be happier if you lived with me.” His words flushed Yue’er’s cheeks red, and she could only smile in response.

Just then, Feishu arrived on horseback as well. Seeing Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian still mounted, he called out loudly and arrogantly from his saddle, “Let’s go!” These royal scions had been taught horseback riding and archery from childhood—whether they liked it or not, it was compulsory.

Zhao Chengxian nodded, mounted, and rode off, with Yue’er following suit. They all knew Wen Sibuo and Li Hao would not be joining them. They had to depart early, as Heling Mountain lay a hundred miles from the capital—a swift horse ride would still take two or three hours.

Morning at Heling Mountain

True to its name, Heling Mountain brimmed with spiritual energy. Stepping inside, one immediately felt refreshed and invigorated. The mountain boasted dense tree canopies, rare flowers and stones, and a variety of exotic birds. Most notably, halfway up the mountain was a natural lake where many red-crowned cranes frolicked. It was no wonder the Crane Immortal had painted scenes here that seemed otherworldly.

They led their horses further up the mountain but found no signs of habitation. Many art enthusiasts had visited Heling Mountain countless times yet never caught sight of the Crane Immortal or his dwelling. Legend said one could only find the immortal’s abode at noon, when the sun was at its zenith. However, Heling Mountain was usually shrouded in thick mist year-round, with only a handful of clear days annually, making it difficult for visitors to locate the Crane Immortal.

Today, however, fortune favored them with fine weather. They believed that by the time they reached the peak, they would find the Crane Immortal’s residence. Growing impatient, Feishu said, “Let’s use lightness skill. Traveling step by step like this will take forever!” He tied his horse’s reins to a tree and sprang into the air.

Zhao Chengxian glanced at Yue’er and asked, “Top Scholar, do you know lightness skill?” Despite the exertion, he looked unwearied, as usual—truly a martial man. One could gauge a person’s physical condition by their ability to climb mountains.

Yue’er’s constitution was also good, and she replied calmly, “I don’t know. I’ve never liked wielding swords or knives since childhood.” She had to lie; otherwise, Zhao Chengxian would grow suspicious. She was unaware that Zhao Chengxian had already identified her as Yue’er, yet she still wished to keep her identity hidden, believing it best for everyone.

Surprised but masking it well, Zhao Chengxian took the reins from Yue’er’s hand and tied them together with his own to a large tree. Then he bent down before her and said, “Come, I will carry you up.” Before she could react, she found herself on Zhao Chengxian’s back as he activated his lightness skill and soared upward.

Yue’er forgot her current identity and seemed transported back two years. She lowered her head, resting on Zhao Chengxian’s shoulder, thinking: If only time could stop at this moment forever. If she were not Yue’er, Zhao Chengxian might have carried one of his subordinates like this—but the answer was obvious: no, he wouldn’t. Zhao Chengxian’s character would never allow a subordinate to wait below or show such disregard for his image. This was all because it was Yue’er.