Chapter 288: Springtime Triumph
Chapter 288: Springtime Triumph
"Meng Xiaojiu, you—"
"I'm going to bed first!"
Meng Qianqian hurried back to her room, quickly closing the door behind her and leaning against it. Her heart was pounding rapidly.
"How strange, why am I running?"
"It's not like I did anything to him."
Meng Qianqian was puzzled by her own instinctive behavior, but what confused her even more was her rapidly beating pulse.
Even in battle, her heart hadn't raced this fast.
She touched her flushed cheeks again.
So hot.
Unconsciously, her mind replayed what had happened in the hot springs, and then she found an even more confusing detail.
When she asked him if he had done something to her, he didn't deny it and even said he would control himself next time.
So, his meaning was—
Meng Qianqian shook her head vigorously, "Don't think about it, don't think about it!"
-
In the early morning, Meng Qianqian was awakened by a crisp birdcall.
Bao Shu was lying on the inner side of the bed, her little foot propped high against the wall, sleeping soundly.
A ray of golden morning light filtered through the curtain, landing precisely on Bao Shu's little foot, creating a warm scene.
Meng Qianqian took Bao Shu's little foot down and sniffed her small face affectionately.
"I wonder if your father's mood has improved at all. Last night, I ran too fast and forgot to observe his reaction."
Meng Qianqian sighed regretfully.
After getting herself ready, she woke up the little one and took her to freshen up. She also dressed the little one in a cute riding outfit, put a small quiver specially made for her on her back, and fastened her own little golden bow to her waist.
Bao Shu was extremely pleased with her outfit.
Holding Meng Qianqian's hand, she marched out of the room with a proud gait.
In the courtyard, everyone was in high spirits.
Upon inquiry, they learned that their father had rewarded everyone with money again! One gold ingot for each person, including Si She.
Even Ji Li received five copper coins!
Bao Shu, who was once again overshadowed by her father, clenched her fists in frustration, "Stinky Father!"
Before the official hunting began, there would be a lengthy sacrificial ceremony. It started at dawn, and Lu Yuan didn't want to wake Meng Qianqian, so he gave out the rewards and left.
By the time Meng Qianqian and Bao Shu arrived at the hunting ground, the ceremony had already ended.
The various military forces were accounted for and ready to depart, including the Imperial Guard, Embroidered Robe Guard, Capital Guard, and the Tiger Troop under the command of General Han.
An old general like General Han would not participate in the competition among the younger generals. He, along with Minister Huo of the Ministry of War and Wei Tongling of the Imperial Guard, were the examiners for this autumn hunt.
Four robust guards carried a large cage to the entrance, and Zong Zhengxi personally removed the covering cloth.
Inside the cage was a ferocious tiger with a large 'King' character on its forehead, exuding an imposing aura. This was the beast king of this autumn hunt.
Whoever captured it would be granted the title of Martial General.
Despite being just a fierce beast, once it was released, it would be difficult to find, let alone capture.
Tracking its traces, competing for the mountain peak, and breaking through the encirclement, each stage required military strategy and wisdom, and courage was indispensable.
As this was only a training exercise, the rule was not to harm the beast's life. Removing the helmet was considered a kill.
Even those not affiliated with the military could participate in the hunt, but it was best to pray not to be surrounded by the main forces.
At Zong Zhengxi's command, the guards loaded the cage onto a horse-drawn carriage and ventured into the mountains.
Half an hour later, the main forces set off.
Xun Yu rode his horse to Lu Yuan's front, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Grand Duke, shall we go hunting together?"
Behind him followed Xun Liu, Xun Qi, and two experts from the Xiang Manor.
Lu Yuan glanced at him with a faint smile tugging at his lips, his eyes no longer showing any trace of anger towards Xun Yu. "Are you sure?"
Overnight, Lu Yuan's aura had undergone a subtle change. The pain and struggle he once carried were gone, and in their place was an unintentional air of... springtime triumph.
Xun Yu squinted slightly and smiled, "I'll be waiting for you in the woods."
Lu Yuan boasted, "Then you better wash your neck clean."
Xun Yu's smile faded, and he rode into the hunting ground.
Ji Li opened her folding fan and looked at the backs of the few people, "Is Luo San one of those two guards?"
Si She: "It's hard to say."
Ji Li patted Lu Yuan's shoulder with her fan, "You've worked with Luo San in the Crown Prince's Mansion for years. Even if his appearance is fake, his voice shouldn't be, right?"
Lu Yuan said, "I suspect it is."
Ji Li sighed, "Then it'll be difficult to find him?"
After thinking for a moment, she added, "Ah, I have an idea! Let's capture everyone around Xun Yu, one of them must be Luo San! Si She, don't you think I'm right?"
Si She mounted her horse and rode into the woods.
Ji Li was startled and extended her fan, "Hey! Si She, you're just leaving? You haven't answered my question yet! I have a new idea. Maybe he's not disguised as a guard but hiding among the Embroidered Robe Guard. There are so many of them, can you capture them all?"
"Ai, impulsive Si She!"
Ji Li also mounted her horse and chased after her reluctantly.
At this moment, Zong Zhengxi approached, eager to try, "Lu Yuan, I also want to go hunting."
Quickly take me! Take me!
"Over there."
Lu Yuan pointed to a small hunting ground enclosed by a fence on the east side of the hunting ground.
Zong Zhengxi turned and saw Bao Zhu Zhu in the small hunting ground, proudly catching rabbits.
Zong Zhengxi's face darkened instantly, "That place is for children to play!"
On the other side, Princess Wanping also changed into her hunting attire, equipped with a bow and arrow, and rode the Han Xue Baoma given by the Retired Emperor, ready to enter the woods for hunting.
Meng Qianqian rode over on her horse, her eyes full of sincerity and exaggeration, "Princess, you are truly a valiant and heroic woman, a role model for all!"
Princess Wanping's vital point was hit, "Do you have a request?"
Meng Qianqian: Yes, I'm asking for a husband for you.
Princess Wanping coldly hummed, "Those who flatter me are like crossing the river, but I can see through your true intentions."
Meng Qianqian sighed, "To be honest, my cousin has an older sister who has reached marriageable age, but she met the wrong person and wasted her best years. Now, her family is in distress over her marriage, and they've asked me to find a reliable man for her in the capital. Princess, where should I look?"
Princess Wanping: "Speak plainly."
Meng Qianqian smiled, "I was thinking, since you have a wide network, could you help me find someone suitable?"
Princess Wanping asked, "How old is your cousin?"
Meng Qianqian: "Twenty... something."
Princess Wanping frowned, "At this age, she's still not married. What kind of dog of a man is holding her back?"
Meng Qianqian was taken aback.
Her eyes flashed, and she hesitated, "Princess, you... haven't married yet either, right?"
Princess Wanping's expression darkened, "What status is your cousin that she dares to compare herself to me?"
Meng Qianqian immediately backed down, "Princess, you're absolutely right!"
Princess Wanping: "Forget it. The Autumn Hunt has many noble sons, and I'll keep an eye out for you. Speaking of which, what kind of man does she admire? A scholar or a warrior?"
Meng Qianqian gripped the reins tightly and straightened her back, "Any kind will do. If you like him, Princess, my cousin will surely be satisfied!"
One vote for you, one vote for me, and the brother-in-law will be here soon.
No vote from you, no vote from me, when will Xun's dog lose his head!
Vote, vote, vote~
(End of Chapter)
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