Resisting the Wind and Splendor

Chapter 232: Should we proceed with the next plan?

The Emperor did not appear today; it is said that he caught a cold yesterday after being exposed to the wind.

It was just a minor illness, but as a precaution, the imperial physician asked him not to leave the camp for the time being.

It was still dark outside, and the autumn morning air was still chilly.

It was Andelu and the Empress who read the rules aloud on behalf of the Emperor.

The target turned out to be a black bear.

But this black bear had the mark of the Dongling royal family on its belly, and An Delu had not been able to explain what this mark was.

This year's rules are indeed a bit strange.

After one incense stick has burned, the ten teams will set off.

During the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the teams are still working on their plans.

Lu Fengjin was summoned by Consort Rui.

“Last night I wanted to ask the Emperor, but he didn’t reveal even a word about the rules. I don’t know what this mark is either.”

Consort Rui now looked extremely anxious.

Before yesterday, she thought that her son had gained a helper who was no less capable than Chu Xiaohe, and that he would definitely win the hunting competition. After all, she had personally witnessed Tuoba Mingyue's superb riding and archery skills yesterday.

But she never expected that Mo Wang and Chu Yueli's archery and horsemanship skills far exceeded her expectations.

Later, the scouts sent to gather information returned and said that Chu Yueli had clashed with the people from the Duke's Mansion and the people from the Marquis Mu's Mansion, and they had been fighting and bickering all the time. She was also glad that her son had not chosen Chu Xiaohe.

But to her surprise, after making such a scene all day, just as the sun was setting, the people from the Duke's mansion were still able to secure a spot in today's competition. This not only made her incredulous, but also made her feel uneasy.

"Jin'er, you were at the hunting grounds yesterday. Did you see the fight between the Duke's Mansion and the Marquis of Mu's Mansion? Were they really all fighting?"

Lu Fengjin knew about Consort Rui's question. Although he was still very bothered by the coldness of the people from the Duke's Mansion towards him, he couldn't help but smile slightly when he thought of Chu Yueli's arrogant appearance.

"Yes, Your Majesty did see it with your own eyes. I never expected that Ali would have such a domineering side."

Not only was he domineering, but he was also savage. However, he was completely different from the mindless savagery of Tuoba Feiyuan. He was brave, resourceful, courageous, and had a temper. His appearance was inexplicably and deeply imprinted in my heart.

When Consort Rui and Granny Xiu saw the faint smile on his lips, they couldn't help but exchange glances, feeling a pang of sympathy.

The old nanny Xiu glanced at Consort Rui, her eyes filled with unease: Your Highness, it seems that Prince Jin has... fallen for Chu Yueli again.

Consort Rui frowned, both angry and helpless.

It's all Tuoba Feiyuan's fault for being so useless; she couldn't even control a man's heart.

"Jin'er, did you see what Chu Yi was doing while they were arguing?" Consort Rui suddenly asked.

Lu Fengjin's eyes were dark and unfathomable, with a hint of displeasure: "Mother, I know you don't like Ali, but I saw Ali's riding and archery skills with my own eyes. They didn't cheat, nor did they use a diversionary tactic to send Chu Yi to hunt secretly. They are indeed very skilled."

"Jin'er, how can you boost others' morale while diminishing your own!" No one could compare to her son, at least, her son himself had to believe in himself!

“Jin’er, no matter how powerful they are, they are still outsiders. Your father will not entrust the Dragon Guard token to such an outsider. You can go and compete with Prince Mo with peace of mind. Your mother will take care of things here with your father.”

Lu Fengjin nodded, bowed, and left.

Granny Xiu, however, was filled with unease: "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, Prince Jin is probably deeply entangled again without realizing it. This Chu Yue Li cannot be allowed to live! Your Highness, shouldn't we... proceed with the next plan?"