CHAPTER 339: CHAPTER 131: HUNTING CONFERENCE (1) XIAO JINXING’S COMPLEX EMOTIONS_3

Xiao Wu braced himself, determined.

"I, the Prince, have never made any promises to Ye Qichi," Xiao Jinxing convinced himself.

He need not take responsibility for Ye Qichi.

He only said once,

that if he could ascend to the throne, he would make her the Imperial Concubine.

Beyond that,

there was nothing.

"That’s why I feel compelled to stand up for the Princess," Xiao Wu continued.

Xiao Jinxing’s eyes narrowed.

With his head bowed, knowing the Prince was beginning to get annoyed, Xiao Wu couldn’t help but say, "General Bai is good to the Prince, and the Prince thinks about not failing him; the Princess is good to the Prince, and the Prince thinks as long as he made no promises, he bears no responsibility. This behavior towards the Princess is indeed very unfair."

"I do not fancy Ye Qichi," said Xiao Jinxing coldly.

"If the Prince did not fancy her, there wouldn’t be such contradiction," Xiao Wu pointed out.

Xiao Jinxing felt a twinge in his chest.

Being spoken to so bluntly by Xiao Wu at this moment.

His face visibly worsened.

Does he fancy Ye Qichi...?!

All these years, his heart was solely on Bai Mowan.

For Ye Qichi, was it really a sentiment?

Or,

was it out of pity for her steadfastness and uncomplaining nature?

It was out of pity that he cared a bit for Ye Qichi.

"You may leave," Xiao Jinxing suddenly waved his hand.

Apparently, he didn’t want to hear any more nonsense from Xiao Wu.

"Yes," Xiao Wu dared not say more.

But he always felt that one day the Prince might truly understand his own heart.

Of course, that’s assuming,

the Prince is willing to admit it.

From what he knows about the Prince,

if the Prince really wants to suppress something,

he will bury it deep within, never to speak of it till death.

If he truly does not wish to take responsibility for the Princess,

he would not let anyone discern, any of his thoughts.

...

The next day.

Ye Qichi was woken up early to set off for Jiudun Mountain.

Jiudun Mountain is actually on the outskirts of Xun City.

It’s the closest mountain range to the Imperial Palace. Xiao Zhanping, who enjoys hunting, turned it into a hunting ground. Every year, he would take a group of royal relatives and distinguished officials there to hunt for a day. Initially, it was merely a hunting event, but now it has evolved into a competition.

Everyone going aspired to demonstrate their skills before the Emperor. Therefore, the hunting festival was exceedingly intense.

When everyone reached Jiudun Mountain, it was only Chen time (early morning).

The entire hunting ground had been set up half a month prior, awaiting the Emperor’s arrival.

At this moment, Xiao Zhanping was seated in the middle, on the highest tier of the Dragon Throne. Joining him were the Empress and the esteemed Imperial Concubine.

For three consecutive years, it had been them accompanying him.

One could guess,

within the entire harem, it was Yu Qingyuan and Zhao Mengyu who were most favored.

"Today’s annual hunting festival brings me great joy. Mu Gonggong," Xiao Zhanping was still full of presence.

Although Xiao Zhanping was still clad in the Dragon Robe today, he dressed slightly lighter for the hunting activity, yet his supreme majesty remained unmatched.

"This servant is here," Mu Gonggong quickly knelt to receive the order.

"Let me explain the rules for this time."

"Yes," Mu Gonggong stood up from the ground and spoke to at least a hundred people below, "This hunting festival will, as usual, be divided into two contests. One is horseback archery within the horse arena, divided into male and female groups, awarding first, second, and third places. The second is hunting in the field, selecting first, second, and third places based on the number of game. Finally, ranking will combine the results of both contests to award the ultimate first, second, and third places, along with prizes. Differently from before, this time there will also be a team award, meaning everyone present will be randomly grouped into teams, mixed-gender, and the first place earns a team reward."

After Mu Gonggong briefly explained.

The Emperor spoke, "In the hunting festival, there is no distinction of rank, status, or gender. Show your true abilities, and let me witness everyone’s prowess! I hereby announce, the hunting festival officially begins!"

All present kneeled and saluted, "Long live the Emperor, long live, long live."

Xiao Zhanping left first.

After he left.

The hunting festival officially began.

Everyone was divided into groups.

Assigned randomly to a group based on numbers.

Ye Qichi looked at the number three in her hand.

She glanced at Xiao Jinxing nearby.

"What group are you in?" Ye Qichi asked.

Xiao Jinxing gave Ye Qichi a sidelong glance.

He also looked at the number in Ye Qichi’s hand, but did not answer.