Chapter 339: The Autumn Hunt Begins

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

With this thought in mind, Chu Zai said in a tone that brooked no argument, “The most important thing is one’s participation. Although your martial arts aren’t good, you can ask for help.”

Chu Zai was certain that if something happened to Yu Yunxi in the forest, those who helped her would surely retreat at the critical moment. He was confident that no one would save her life.

Yu Yunxi looked at Chu Zai, and the cunning expression on his face did not escape her notice. She sneered inwardly as she thought to herself, ‘He really can’t wait to kill me… However, I won’t let him have his way…’

Outwardly, Yu Yunxi said, “I understand your meaning, Your Majesty. It really won’t be lively if there are too few people participating in the autumn hunt. Why don’t we allow the princesses and the officials’ daughters to participate as well? In any case, the hunting ground is guarded by the imperial guards. Moreover, with so many princes and young masters participating in the hunt, they can also protect the princesses and the young misses. What do you think?”

Chu Zai’s expression was very unsightly after he listened to Yu Yunxi’s words. He did not expect Yu Yunxi to respond in this way.

At this time, Feng Yili chimed in nonchalantly, “Your Majesty, I think the suggestion is excellent. The imperial guards guarding the hunting ground are very capable. I think there’s no problem at all with letting everyone participate.”

Meanwhile, the faces of the noble young ladies sitting below the podium blushed. Although they did not express their opinions, they all agreed in their hearts. After all, this was a chance for them. If they sought protection from the princes and noble young masters they liked, would that not create an opportunity for them to deepen their relationships?

Consort Mu lifted her handkerchief to her red lips before she said with a smile, “Your Majesty, I also think this is a good suggestion.”

Chu Zai’s eyes flashed as he considered the suggestion.

Consort Mu moved closer and whispered coquettishly, “Your Majesty, why are you worried? The more people there are, the more chaotic it will be. At that time, it’d be easier for us to make a move, right?”

These words successfully convinced Chu Zai. His eyes flashed with a hint of viciousness, and he immediately said, “Alright, we’ll follow the Eldest Princess’ suggestion. All the women present can choose a horse and enter the forest to hunt. If they feel unsafe, they can ask the imperial guards for help as well.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The noble young ladies were overjoyed.

“This hunt is getting more and more interesting,” Yu Yunxi said meaningfully.

‘The Emperor wants to use this hunt to kill me. I really want to see who’ll have the last laugh…

Meanwhile, Yu Xiaoxiao ran to Chu Yuefu’s side immediately. She asked, “Your

Royal Highness, can I stay by your side? I’m scared. Can you protect me?”

Chu Yuefu’s expression darkened, but he tried to restrain his temper as he asked, “Can you ride?”

“I-I don’t know how to ride, but you can teach me!” Yu Xiaoxiao said coquettishly.

Chu Yuefu: .

‘This idiot actually has the audacity to ask me to teach her…’

Chu Yuefu did not have much patience for Yu Xiaoxiao. He turned to one of the guards behind him and said, “Zhong Yi, follow the Commandery Princess and protect her.”

“Yes, Your Royal Highness,” the guard, Zhong Yi, quickly replied with a nod.

“B-but I don’t want a guard to protect me. I…” Yu Xiaoxiao protested.

However, Chu Yuefu ignored Yu Xiaoxiao and quickly strode toward Yu Yunxi.

Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to chase after Chu Yuefu, but Zhong Yi stood in front of her like a wall and said stiffly, “Commandery Princess, it’s time for you to choose a horse.”

Yu Xiaoxiao berated shrilly, “Scram, you lowly thing! Don’t get close to me!”

However, Zhong Yi’s expression did not change. He said firmly, “Commandery Princess, if you don’t choose a horse now, you won’t be qualified to participate in the hunt later.”

Yu Xiaoxiao calmed down when she heard these words. She clenched her hands tightly as she comforted herself inwardly, ‘The Crown Prince is only ignoring me because he has a goal to achieve. If something happens to me in the forest, I’m sure he won’t just ignore me…”

Yu Xiaoxiao felt much more at ease when she thought about it. She no longer wasted time and quickly left to choose a horse.

Meanwhile, Meng Xia asked worriedly, “Eldest Princess, why don’t we go and choose a horse now?”

Meng Xia was worried if they were too late, all the good horses would be snatched away by the others.

Chu Yuefu walked over and said, “Do you need a horse, Sister Yunxi? Coincidentally, I brought many good horses here with me today. You can choose whichever one you want.”

At this moment, Chu Yuezheng, the Fourth Prince, also walked over and said,

“The Crown Prince’s horses are too precious and extraordinary. Even if the Eldest Princess wants to use the horse, she has to be extremely careful. However, the horses I brought are different. They’re docile but fast. Most importantly, the Eldest Princess doesn’t have to be too careful with them.” Chu Yuefu’s expression turned ugly when he heard Chu Yuezheng’s words.

‘Is Old Fourth bent on going against me?’

“There’s no need for the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince to worry. I’ll just choose a horse like the others,” Yu Yunxi said expressionlessly. She was naturally not interested in the duo’s help.

Chu Yuefu shot a warning glance at Chu Yuezheng before he said, probing Yu Yunxi’s intention, “Sister Yunxi, when we enter the forest later, are you going with the King of Youshan or…”

Chu Yuefu was worried about Yu Yunxi and Feng Yili getting too close to each other. After all, it would hinder his plans.

Yu Yunxi looked coldly at the dragon throne before she looked away and said coldly, “No, I can handle it myself.”

Chu Yuefu sighed in relief when he heard these words. It did not matter if Yu Yunxi did not want to go with him, as long as she stayed away from the King of

Youshan.

On the other hand, Feng Yili’s gaze darkened when he heard Yu Yunxi’s reply, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew that if he stayed by her side, those who schemed against her would not dare to make a move. With that, she would not be able to lure her enemies out of hiding. Therefore, the best solution was for him to secretly protect her.

On the other side, Consort Mu quickly approached her son, Chu Yuemu, the Seventh Prince, and reminded him seriously, “Yuemu, you have to protect your Imperial Sister well. Then, you have to kill Yu Yunxi for your Imperial Father and also to avenge your Imperial Sister.”

Chu Yuemu sneered and said confidently, “Mother, don’t worry. How hard could it be to deal with Yu Yunxi? I’ll definitely be able to complete the mission.”

Then, Chu Yuemu turned to Chu Zhihe and said, “Sixth Sister, let’s go. When the time comes, you can watch from the side as I kill Yu Yunxi.”

Chu Yuemu and Chu Zhihe were twins, and their relationship had always been very good.

Chu Zhihe could not hide the excitement in her eyes at all when she heard Chu Yuemu’s words. Over the past few days, every time she closed her eyes, the scene of Yu Yunxi humiliating her would appear in her mind. This time, she was determined to wash away her humiliation.

Seeing that the women were almost done choosing their horses, Yu Yunxi slowly got up and walked over. She immediately took a liking to a small horse that seemed listless.

“I choose this one,” Yu Yunxi said casually.

“Eldest Princess, are you sure?” a palace maid asked as she looked at Yu Yunxi strangely.

At the same time, snickers could be heard from the surroundings. With this, they were certain that Yu Yunxi did not know anything. After all, she had chosen the worst horse.

‘Isn’t she worried that the horse will die of exhaustion before it even enters the forest?’