CHAPTER 106: THE HUNTING FESTIVAL BEGINS

It was the first time he had felt genuine interest in someone.

For a moment, neither of them spoke and the room carried a slightly awkward tension.

After a short pause, Shang Qinghua finally spoke, breaking the silence: "I hope you remember what you said."

"I... said what?" Yue Mingxuan’s mind went blank.

If the two of them weren’t out to make trouble for him, they must both be crazy, one to discuss something, the other to speak in riddles.

Today was clearly a day of misfortune for him.

He thought perhaps some good food might turn the luck around.

Shang Qinghua glanced at the clearly distracted Yue Mingxuan and a small smile tugging at his lips.

He suddenly found himself curious to see Yue Mingxuan in riding attire.

By the time Yue Mingxuan recovered his thoughts, Shang Qinghua had already left.

He sighed, wondering what exactly those two men were up to today.

Whatever it was, he would deal with it as it came.

When Sui He entered the room, she found Yue Mingxuan has been fall asleep, sprawled across the bed.

She stepped forward, tucked the blanket around him, and quietly left.

Time passed like flowing water.

Soon, the hunting festival was approaching and Yue Mingxuan’s clinic had officially opened with great fanfare.

Several well-known doctors had agreed to consult there and because Yue Mingxuan insisted on using simple, affordable herbs, the clinic gradually gained a good reputation among the people.

Three days before the hunting festival, Yue Mingxuan received an imperial decree.

It required him not only to attend the first day of the event to offer blessings but also to accompany Rong Tieshan as his female companion during the festival.

Upon reading the decree, Yue Mingxuan’s face turned green.

The emperor seemed determined to make sure he never had a moment of peace.

He constantly pushing him into the spotlight.

But once the decree had been issued, no matter how unwilling Yue Mingxuan felt, he had no choice but to obey.

"The palace has sent a riding outfit for you, Your Highness," Sui He said the day before the festival.

She then took out a set of bright red riding clothes, complete with matching boots.

The outfit looked neat and spirited.

Yue Mingxuan glanced at it and instructed Sui He to leave it aside.

After all, it was probably just the royal family making sure he wouldn’t embarrass them.

Since Yue Mingxuan wasn’t in a good mood, Sui He didn’t chatter or joke as she usually did.

The two of them quickly settled down for the night.

The next morning, while it was still dark, Sui He woke Yue Mingxuan up from bed.

After washing and dressing, Yue Mingxuan still felt heavy-eyed and drowsy.

Seeing her prince looking like a sleepy cat, Sui He couldn’t help but laugh, though she didn’t stop her work.

She carefully styled Yue Mingxuan’s hair and helped him put on the Flower God ceremonial robes.

When it came to makeup, Sui He hesitated.

Since experiencing the convenience of wearing a mask, Yue Mingxuan had refused to put elaborate makeup on his face.

However, the Flower God rituals had never allowed someone used masks.

After a moment of thought, Sui He asked, "Your Highness, no one has ever worn a mask for this ritual before."

Yue Mingxuan waved her off. "Then there’s no rule saying I can’t. Sui He, hurry up, I’m sleepy and want to nap a little more."

Following his instructions, Sui He placed the mask from the last competition over his face.

At least this mask looked more valuable than others; if the emperor complained, it might soften the criticism.

Once everything was ready, the palace attendants arrived at his courtyard to escort him.

Yue Mingxuan’s wish for a little extra sleep was impossible.

He followed Sui He into the Flower God palanquin while pouting.

The palanquin swayed as it made its way to the hunting grounds.

Inside, Sui He had to support Yue Mingxuan’s head with her hands.

The moment he had entered, he had already fallen asleep.

If left unchecked, his intricate hair bun would surely unravel along the way.

After about an hour, Yue Mingxuan and Sui He finally arrived at the hunting grounds.

The hunting grounds were located to the south of the Beirong Imperial City, it’s a flat area of forest and grasslands.

Since the founding of the Beirong Kingdom, this area had been reserved as the royal hunting ground.

Over generations, each emperor had expanded it and now it was impressively large.

As soon as he stepped out of the palanquin, Yue Mingxuan was greeted with a sea of green.

The wind carried the unique fragrance of plants, making the mind feel calm and refreshed.

Power certainly had its privileges, he thought, quietly admiring the royal monopoly on such a natural oxygen bar.

Ordinary citizens probably wouldn’t even be allowed in.

Yue Mingxuan continued to take in the scenery as he followed the attendants to the Flower God altar.

Since it was a ceremonial altar, only he could ascend it.

Sui He adjusted the cloak around him to keep out the wind and then stepped down with the attendants.

Once on the altar, Yue Mingxuan looked around.

The platform wasn’t very high, just enough to see someone on it clearly without being obtrusive.

Since the main group had not yet arrived, he found a corner and curled up, hoping to catch a bit of extra sleep.

Though it was a little cold on the altar, Yue Mingxuan quickly fell asleep, leaning against the wall.

The participants in the hunt began arriving one after another.

Many looked forward eagerly to the bright yellow figure on the high platform who would announce the start of the hunting tournament.

Some couples who are already in love, led their horses while whispering to each other, making it feel more like a spring outing than a hunt.

The emperor feel satisfied, he swept his gaze over the crowd and waved.