Arc 2: Part 46
In the early winter chill, accompanied by the setting sun, Xiao Lingchen returned to camp, carrying several white foxes.
He had shot three foxes through their temples, killing them instantly. Their fur was nearly undamaged, and another one, a cub barely a month old, whimpered in its cage.
Perhaps due to being born during unfitting times, it was incredibly weak, pitifully curled up in a ball. The cub was only showing its two shiny black eyes, looking around in terror.
Wiping the sweat off his brow, Little Thirteen followed Xiao Lingchen into the camp, constantly sneaking glances at the foxes.
He couldn't figure out why the mature man chose to hunt foxes in the woods instead of flirting with girls. What a puzzling behavior!
Fortunately, they found the fox den while chasing the foxes and took a small one that was both cute and spirited, something the young girls would find very appealing.
Little Thirteen was relieved that the other man's sensibility kicked in and, rather than slitting the cub's throat, had taken it back alive.
With a grimaced expression, he thought if the Lord had commented, "The pelt from this small fox isn't very big. It can only make a hand warmer," he would have congratulated him without an expression. It would signify that the man had no hope of winning over the girls in his lifetime!
As they walked, a passing nobleman flattered, "Lord Xiao must've hunted all the white foxes in the mountain, right? What excellent archery skills!"
He merely nodded indifferently in response, ignoring them.
The crowd shifted uncomfortably in embarrassment.
Seeing the circumstances, someone had a sudden insight, saying, "The soft and beautiful white fox fur is suitable for making fur coats. Are you planning to present it to a lady, sir? If she sees that you've gone hunting specifically for her, this action of yours... surely, it would be equivalent to swearing love by the mountains and the sea!"
The crowd glanced scornfully at the man.
"Such a flatterer! He must have just been transferred to the capital and doesn't know that Lord Xiao has no interest in women," they thought snidely. "Well, he's certainly shot himself in the foot. He's doomed!"
However..
A hint of a smile appeared on Xiao Lingchen's usually indifferent face. Maybe he found something amusing, as he mildly nodded, "I'll borrow your auspicious words."
Wait, what???
What's happening???
The crowd could no longer conceal their curious eyes, and they excitedly turned their attention to Little Thirteen.
"Unbelievable, is Lord Xiao's iron tree finally blooming? Is this real or not?" (Note: 铁树开花 [tiě shù kāi huā] = literally, the iron tree blooms. It's an idiomatic expression for a highly improbable or extremely rare event.)
Without uttering a word, Little Thirteen subtly but meaningfully nodded at the crowd and smiled.
"It's certainly true, and probably not long from now, there will be good news to share," he hinted.
Wow——!
The crowd's eyes opened wide in surprise. Their feet couldn't follow, but their gaze lingered on Xiao Lingchen.
'Which lady is so lacking in discernment to actually fall for Lord Xiao?' they wondered.
Xiao Lingchen maintained his composure, his heart though was in turmoil. He entered the camp with the white fox, not knowing where to find Tong Su. While looking around, he suddenly overheard a conversation coming from behind a nearby tent.
"The lady from Lord Xiao's household... her marriage alliance with Prince He Lian should be settled, right?"
"It is absolutely settled!"
"Lord Xiao is indeed far-sighted! The two ladies in the residence, one entering the palace, the other marrying into the northwest as a peace tribute. Both are suitable alliances."
"And it's not merely an alliance. I see that the young miss of the Xiao household and Prince He Lian harbor affection for each other. Haven't you seen? They are currently drinking wine by the river. It seems that Prince He Lian is indeed besotted. It's said that a reformed prodigal son is worth more than gold, Prince He Lian also makes a good match."
"Indeed, indeed! Hahaha..."
Two passing courtiers were cheerfully conversing. But as they turned the corner of the tent, they found a grim-faced man standing there, demanding lowly, "Where are they?"
Both courtiers paled, trembling as they stammered, "Lord... Lord Xiao..."
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