Arc 2: Part 29
Since we are going to host a gathering, the preparation work cannot be overlooked.
The site chosen for this winter hunt is at the Great Ice Mountain Hunting Ground.
This place is tucked away in a valley embraced by mountains. It’s expansively flat and is intersected by two rivers. The area is teeming with wildlife and lush vegetation. The Dakang dynasty often opts for this location for autumn and winter hunting.
This winter hunt, while rooted in tradition, serves an even greater purpose. It aims to deter the Prince of Zhenbei by showcasing the kingdom's power to the feudal lords to prevent rebellion.
Emperor Xuanyi, accompanied by the royal family and consorts, along with civil and military officers and the Featherwood Army, made a grand entrance into the Great Ice Mountain Hunting Ground with over 20,000 individuals.
The encampment had already been set up, with Emperor Xuanyi residing in the central Yellow Canopy City. With posts every ten steps and guards every five, the strict security showed off an imposing presence.
The first few days were allocated for recouping. Official hunts would only start three days later. The period preceding this was a time for relaxation, especially for the youngsters.
Xiao Qingwan set the time for the gathering on the second day.
"Since we are swapping identities tomorrow, why not just do it today?" Xiao Qingwan caught Tong Su off guard with her direct request. "After all, we are sharing the same tent, no one will notice. From now on, I'll be Xiao Bai Zhu, and you'll be Xiao Qingwan. Got it?"
Tong Su gave her a knowing smile, "Alright."
That night, Tong Su was drafting the list for tomorrow's feast preparations. Xiao Qingwan coughed twice, saying, "I need to get some air."
After carefully applying her makeup, she quietly slipped out of the tent. Avoiding the guards and leaving the camp far behind, she headed towards an isolated, dimly lit small grove nearby.
"This is the grove the emperor mentioned, isn't it?"
Xiao Qingwan's heart was pounding like a drum as she nervously entered the grove.
In her previous life, Emperor Xuanyi had accidentally let slip something when he was drunk.
He had mentioned that during a winter hunt at the Great Ice Mountain, he had a disagreement with Xiao Lingchen. Upset, he decided to clear his head in a small grove that night and unexpectedly ran into Xiao Bai Zhu.
Taken by Xiao Bai Zhu's beautiful appearance as well as the surprise encounter in the grove, Emperor Xuanyi was instantly smitten. They chatted, hiding their identities, and he couldn't help but develop a liking for her, even finding himself captivated at one point.
However, not long after Xiao Bai Zhu entered the palace, Emperor Xuanyi was taken aback upon seeing her face during a moment of frustration. He recalled the initial encounter and instantly believed it was a setup by Xiao Bai Zhu, thereby engendering resentment towards her instantly.
"Tonight, I had that wretched girl busy preparing for tomorrow's feast. She can't possibly be here! This accidental meeting can only be mine this time–"
Xiao Qingwan was psyching herself up as she courageously walked into the deserted grove. Carefully lifting her skirt, she tread lightly, when suddenly she heard a surprised voice from behind, "Who are you!"
She was overjoyed and swiftly acted as if she were wronged and crying hurtfully. She turned her head in seeming fear and answered innocently, "I am being bullied by my siblings, and I am here all alone feeling sad. Who are you?"
Out of the shadows walked an impressively handsome young man, who upon hearing her lament sympathetically asked, "Are you also being bullied?"
As Xiao Qingwan got a good look at the youngster, her heart leapt in joy. However, she portrayed an even more pitiful demeanor on the outside, and she courteously greeted, "Greetings, young master..."
Dropping her head, her beautiful and delicate features came into view. In this moment, the beauty was filled with tears, veiling her cries with her hand, appearing absolutely pitiful.
"Young master, I am the youngest in my family. My older siblings are domineering, often bullying me. I have nowhere to air my grievances, except here in solitude."
The young man looked amazed and quickly moved forward to support her. "Oh no, please don't cry. If you have any grievances, I… ahem... I can help you."
Being overly controlled on a daily basis, when has he ever encountered such a dependent damsel? His young, proud heart was instantly filled with passion and satisfaction.
Xiao Qingwan beamed triumphantly, allowing herself to lean into his support.
"Young master, you are so kind... My sister is hosting a banquet tomorrow. If you are free, perhaps you could come..."
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