Chapter 67: Man is Not as Good as a Dog

Chapter 67: Man is Not as Good as a Dog

First day of the hunt.

Despite the lack of time, the Ministry of Rites had prepared meticulously. The pomp, procedures, and atmosphere were all in place—solemn when they should be, lively when appropriate. The emperor was affable and open-minded, encouraging the young to join in and try their luck, hoping for good fortune as the year drew to a close. The surrounding atmosphere was relaxed and casual, as if everyone had forgotten that this hunt was part of a wager with the Beidi envoy.

The higher-ups maintained a normal demeanor, which helped ease the tension among those below. They wanted to showcase the grandeur of their great nation, but when it came to charging into the forest, everyone was determined not to be outdone by the envoy!

Bi Luhun remained seated in his tent, not lifting a finger himself. He merely sent his deputy to lead the others to play along. The Beidi were renowned for their equestrian skills and archery; even these few men put immense pressure on the young talents of Da Li. If not for Little Marquis Fang's resilience, they wouldn't know who else to turn to. And yet, multiple groups sought out Zhu Yan.

The current Prince Jian, formerly the Sixth Prince, regardless of his temper or his reputation that kept people at arm's length, his martial prowess was known to all. In any competition, against anyone, he rarely suffered defeat.

Soon, the first batch of game was brought back to camp. The sight of blood, the unpleasant smell, and the gruesome scenes were commonplace for warriors, but many young scholars struggled to bear it, few daring to step forward.

Wen Ruan knew that the envoy was doing this deliberately, aiming to intimidate him.

Bi Luhun had intentionally provoked him in the hall, with his veiled insults and the wager. It seemed unlikely that he had chosen Wen Ruan randomly; he must have inquired about his identity, perhaps even his personality and preferences.

Since coming to the capital, Wen Ruan had never displayed any skill related to riding or archery. Instead, he was seen working in the fields, falling ill and fainting, his slender figure leading outsiders to describe him as frail and incapable, or too young and small to be taken seriously…

Thanks to the domestic drama between the First and Second Branches of the Duke Wen's Mansion, his public image was one of a man unable to carry a load or lift a finger, someone who could only find solace in farming.

Bi Luhun must have confirmed that Wen Ruan knew nothing about hunting, that he couldn't do it, that he hadn't played before.

It was almost a sure win for the envoy, each member relaxed and confident. Their gazes, whether smiling or not, betrayed their certainty. The officials of Da Li found it hard not to worry.

Fang Rui couldn't hold back, approaching Wen Ruan directly. "Outside, everyone's in an uproar. What are we going to do? A-Ruan, do you have a plan?"

"—I've made inquiries. That dog, Bi Luhun, is an excellent hunter. I tested a few of his men; two of them were barely my match. But I heard that even combined, they can't match him. He deliberately held back today, planning a grand display tomorrow to shock everyone and crush your spirit!"

He couldn't sit still even inside the tent, pacing around the table, nearly pulling out his hair in frustration, his heart nearly breaking from worry.

Wen Ruan poured him a cup of tea. "So why are you in such a hurry?"

"How can I not be?" Fang Rui's eyes nearly bulged out. "He's so despicable, how will you win?"

Wen Ruan replied, "If I compete with him in hunting, I will certainly lose."

Fang Rui...

His voice trembled. "And you still dared to accept this wager?"

Wen Ruan calmly said, "He might not live to see that moment, though."

"Shh—" Fang Rui hurriedly darted to the door, looking around before rushing back, lowering his voice. "We shouldn't say things like that! He's the leader of the envoy, crucial to our relations. He can't die now! Even if others want to assassinate him, we'd be forced to protect him… otherwise, how would it come down to you taking action? I would have dealt with it!"

This was precisely why the envoy was so bold, leaving them anxious and powerless! If he could see it, he didn't believe Wen Ruan was oblivious!

"You should go to Prince Jian and beg him," Fang Rui coughed softly, whispering advice. "Ask him to help you cheat somehow? He's full of tricks, surely he can help you avoid misfortune…"

Wen Ruan corrected him solemnly. "How could that be? It wouldn't be fair or just."

Fang Rui was stunned. At this critical juncture, you're talking about fairness? You weren't always such a principled person…

"So, are you saying we just watch you lose?"

"Can't it be that Bi Luhun has refined taste, a corrected worldview and values, finds me adorable, and lets me win?" Wen Ruan's lips curved slightly.

Fang Rui...

His dear friend's appearance was indeed unparalleled, no one could see him without praising him, and he had a magnetic personality that drew everyone close, making them want to be friends. But they were currently adversaries; wasn't this thinking too naively… too shamelessly?

What, was he going to charm Bi Luhun to death, wiping out the entire envoy?

One couldn't berate a dear friend, so Fang Rui swallowed his harsh words, his gaze toward Wen Ruan incredibly complex.

"Enough, a wise man has his ways. Don't worry," Wen Ruan looked at Fang Rui. "With this free time, why don't you go out and check what the big shots who didn't rush into the forest to hunt are doing here…?"

Fang Rui's mind was a bit muddled. "Wha, what?"

Wen Ruan's tone carried a deeper meaning. "Didn't you say he can't die?"

"You mean—"

Fang Rui sucked in a breath, as if realizing something.

Wen Ruan continued, "As soon as he arrived in the capital, he stirred up so much trouble. It's not just me suffering misfortune; being targeted for revenge is well-deserved. But I can't let—someone pin this kind of thing on me."

Fang Rui was silent for a moment before spitting out, "What kind of situation is this? Looks like we really have to protect him!"

"He might not necessarily die. Our people know their limits," Wen Ruan spoke earnestly. "My point is, some people are overconfident and might think of doing something. We have to be on guard, right?"

Fang Rui clenched his fist and struck his palm. "I knew it! That Bi Luhun has been trying to harm Prince Jian since the grudge formed at the border over a decade ago! I have to keep an eye on him!"

He dashed out of the tent and quickly sprang into action, still pondering who would make a move, who would be schemed against… It was frustrating, he'd have to watch everyone closely!

The Second Prince left the envoy's tent with a smile, seemingly calm and composed. But once he was out of sight, he spat fiercely.

He was the most esteemed prince of Da Li, the one with the best chance at the throne, and he had come personally. How dare Bi Luhun act so high and mighty!

The Sixth Prince was careless and hadn't monopolized trade with Beidi, instead spreading information to merchants throughout the capital, not guarding against anyone. He couldn't waste the opportunity, assuming that his presence would guarantee him the position of guest of honor. But to his surprise, Bi Luhun showed no tact, unresponsive to any advances, and never even mentioned business!

Oh, it wasn't that he wasn't interested. He was fixated on salt, hinting at wanting to pry some secrets. Was he stupid? Would he really spill everything after a few compliments?

Moreover, the people around Wen Ruan were cunning. Although the new salt-making method had been revealed, giving outsiders a glimpse, the specifics—the formula, the amount of materials used, the quality of the product—were all tightly guarded. No one knew!

One claimed the salt he saw was good, another insisted the salt he saw was better, and then another would say that all they saw were inferior products while the best was what he had seen. To date, no one knew what the best looked like. Everyone who had seen the salt claimed that what they saw was unprecedented!

"Well, isn't it Second Brother, returning from the envoy's quarters?" The Third Prince strolled over leisurely. "You seem a bit out of sorts. Surely you didn't get snubbed, did you?"

The Second Prince had his hands in his sleeves. "Don't tell me that you didn't have any thoughts about the border trade this time."

"It's not something that can be discussed like this," the Third Prince said earnestly. "Not to criticize you, Second Brother, but your constant benevolent expression shouldn't be used like this. What does he understand from your kindness? What can he give you in return? We need to be more assertive."

The Second Prince frowned. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

The Third Prince: "Dare Second Brother cooperate with me on this?"

The Second Prince sized up his good younger brother. No wonder he came knocking; he clearly had an idea. "Do you want to suppress him?"

"The Sixth cannot take all the profits," the Third Prince's expression was sincere, but his hawkish nose made him seem calculating. "Does Second Brother truly believe that the Sixth's ambitions won't grow?"

The Second Prince curled his lips. "Oh? So you're still wary of him even now."

The Third Prince: "Even if he doesn't, don't we need to unite against the Beidi people? This is a matter of national importance..."

As these two princes conversed, further away, on the path leading towards them, in a less crowded corner, Jing Yuqing was very resistant. "Why must Ah Yu take me in this direction?"

They were heading towards the tents of the imperial relatives. It was the outer perimeter, where the less favored princes or relatives were stationed. The true center of power, the Second and Third Princes, were still far away. They couldn't just walk through, could they?

It was clear that Wen Yu's target wasn't these two princes, but the outer circle of unfavored... Even if they got closer and became acquainted, what could it bring him?

The New Year would soon usher in the Spring Imperial Examinations. Who he should be networking with were officials like Yuan Weiang, the Chancellor.

Wen Yu found it hard to speak.

He knew what Jing Yuqing was thinking, but how could he explain that Yuan Weiang, this Chancellor, would soon be dealt with? Yuan Weiang wasn't a good official. He led corruption and bribery, engaging in factional struggles. His many years of operation were successful due to his ruthless methods and the large number of people bound to his ship. Everyone in the court knew, but for a time, they couldn't do anything about him. Ordinary means couldn't touch his foundation, so efforts were futile. But his good luck would soon run out...

In the past, Wen Yu hadn't been sensitive enough to court affairs and hadn't paid attention to many things. Now, he only knew the results, not the causes. He didn't know who did it, how it was done, why it started, or how it ended. All was vague, except that Zhu Yan was involved. With his temper, he naturally caused a huge commotion, making everyone uneasy. As a result, the prince consort suffered greatly. Others didn't dare to deal with the Sixth Prince, but they dared to deal with him. He didn't know how much criticism and abuse he endured, and no one was willing to walk the same path as him...

So this time, Wen Ruan wouldn't fare well either!

Being married to someone like Zhu Yan, getting involved in the envoy's affairs, competing in hunting with Bi Luhun... this was simply a rhythm to play himself to death!

There were hunting events back then, with assassins, and people died. Who the target was, he didn't know. The imperial family covered it up tightly. But regardless of who it was, they would certainly make a move again. Wen Ruan wouldn't fare well, and he and Jing Yuqing could stay out of the pigsty, watching the battle from afar.

In short, no matter what, certain major directions couldn't change. There was no need to approach Yuan Weiang at all. Flattering him was worse than flattering Jing Ji. After Yuan Weiang was dealt with, it was Jing Ji, the Deputy Chancellor, who took his place. Unfortunately, Jing Ji looked like a harmless old man, seemingly without temper, but in reality, he was a smiling tiger. Even if you exhausted all your skills, you might not catch his eye. Instead, you'd harbor hope, believing there was much potential... It was unclear and not worth it.

But Wen Yu didn't dare to tell Jing Yuqing all this. Even if he did, Jing Yuqing wouldn't believe him. He could only look at the other party with a pained yet hopeful expression. "Brother Qing, trust me this time. Listen to me, okay? I'm at least from the Wen Duke's Mansion; I know more."

However, his pale explanation didn't receive approval.

Jing Yuqing retracted his smile and lowered his eyes to look at him. "Your meaning is that I don't understand human relations, don't understand court affairs, and there's no need to explain through them."

Talented scholars were always sensitive. Accidentally touching their sore spots would always elicit sharp responses.

"I didn't mean that, Brother Qing, you know—Brother Qing, wait for me!"

As evening approached, the atmosphere around grew increasingly tense, restless. Yet, the officials everywhere remained eerily quiet, silent and cold.

But was it really quiet?

After taking a walk and returning to his tent, Wen Ruan could still hear the whispers carried by the cold wind in his ears.

Rumors among the common folk were hard to suppress. Once the momentum of the literati formed... it would be devastating, unstoppable.

"Master, someone sent something over." Nanxing's voice came from outside.

Wen Ruan called her in. "What is it?"

Nanxing thought to herself what kind of situation this was, but she had to bite the bullet and deliver it.

An exquisite and beautiful cloth bag, in a soft sky-blue color, adorned with elegant bamboo patterns. Untying the intricate ribbon, inside was even more beautiful—a lute, plain and elegant, its beauty innate.

Wen Ruan didn't understand lutes, but he could see that such exquisite craftsmanship and the high-quality material visible at first glance, combined with the pleasant sound of the strings when he touched them, even without playing music, made it undoubtedly a fine lute, perhaps a rare treasure hard to find in the world.

Who in this tent understood lutes?

Sending it over like this clearly wasn't for him.

Wen Ruan lowered his eyes. "Where is the person?"

"He left after dropping it off..." Nanxing pointed out the window.

Although night had fallen and the light was poor, Wen Ruan could still see the person through the window.

Tall and slender, the lines from shoulder to waist were pleasing to the eye. He was a young man, with a rare sense of youthfulness, clear and cold, like moonlight on a winter night, bright and dustless. He was thin, the kind that didn't appear bloated even in a white fur cloak. His fingers were beautiful, slender and refined.

"I didn't want to let him go without asking, but since dinner time hadn't passed and there were people coming and going outside, if he spoke loudly, it would attract more attention..."

Nanxing finished speaking and turned to leave. "I'll go check his background right now!"

Wen Ruan lowered his eyes to look at the lute. "He didn't just send the lute, did he? Tell me, what else did he say?"

Nanxing: ...

"He said that His Highness the Prince of Jian lacks a fine lute, searching for one his entire life. He presents this one, hoping to please the Prince."

"There's someone who cares so much about the Prince," Wen Ruan curled his lips. "I'm very satisfied."

Nanxing: ...

Young Master, please don't smile like that. I'm a bit scared.

Wen Ruan didn't say anything else. He only told Nanxing to leave and didn't need to investigate the young man.

By night, when Zhu Yan returned, he felt an incredibly subtle atmosphere, as if he was being despised by the princess, looking at him with displeasure.

But his Ah Ruan didn't seem to have a temper. He always smiled when looking at him, spoke cooperatively, and even took the initiative to care about his food and clothing... just like many deeply affectionate couples.

Prince Zhu Yan kept his expression neutral, but internally, he was more alert than usual —

Sure enough, his pillow was thrown out, and Ah Ruan forbade him from getting into bed, stating that they had agreed to a contractual marriage, which should be adhered to.

They had shared the same bed countless times; shouldn't this understanding have already been established? Why bring it up now?

There must have been something he did wrong, infuriating the other person!

True to his reputation as Prince Jian, he was deeply scheming. Before clarifying the situation, he didn’t act rashly. Instead, he sought a topic that the other party couldn’t refuse, lifting the bed curtain. "I have something to discuss with you."

To prevent refusal, he added, "It's about tomorrow’s hunt, very important."

However, Wen Ruan remained unmoved. Pulling the covers over himself, he yawned. "I’m tired. Let’s talk about it in the forest tomorrow."

Prince Zhu Yan: ...

But even in the forest, there was no immediate opportunity for discussion, as the atmosphere grew tenser.

"Is Your Highness heading in the wrong direction? That way, Bi Luhun passed through not long ago."

As one of the personnel chosen by Wen Ruan to accompany him, according to the rules, Prince Zhu Yan couldn’t carry weapons like bows and arrows. However, he could help Wen Ruan locate and drive game, and he was enthusiastic about it. Unfortunately, Wen Ruan wasn’t entirely satisfied, always finding fault with something.

"...Such a large bear, is Your Highness sure I can hit it with an arrow and kill it in one shot? Do you think its fur is thicker or my arrow has more force? Even if I can hit it, will you carry it back now?"

"Making me shoot a deer from such a distance, isn’t that too high a demand? What, get closer? It’s so alert, how can it not run away?"

Wen Ruan leisurely rode through the forest, doing nothing, looking at his dog with more affection than at his husband.

"Woof! Woof woof woof!"

The slender hound Dao Dao chased after another wild chicken, which, being pursued, lost its wits and stumbled blindly into the crowd, running straight toward Wen Ruan. Without exerting any effort or aiming carefully, Wen Ruan let the arrow fly from the bowstring —

And hit the target effortlessly.

"Good boy, Dao Dao, such a good boy!"

"Woof! Woof woof!"

The black dog’s eyes shone brilliantly, full of spirit. Feeling praised by his master, he became even more eager to show off. After barking twice, he continued running into the forest, determined to chase more chickens for his master!

Prince Zhu Yan: ...

He silently changed direction, attempting to find smaller prey.

Wen Ruan: "What are you doing over there? It’s almost noon. Shouldn’t we find a place to start a fire and roast the chicken?"

Prince Zhu Yan: ...

Wen Ruan turned to the three people who had been eerily silent since the beginning, Fang Rui, Nanxing, and Lan Tian.

"Why aren’t you moving yet?"

The three: ...

They didn’t dare speak.

Fang Rui, who had the most courage, after all, he was his good brother’s friend, said, "I mean... you two fighting, can you leave me out of it? It’s been half a day, and you’ve only hunted a few chickens. With just today and tomorrow left, how can you not be worried at all? You don’t even know how much Bi Luhun has hunted. Ahh, it’s driving me crazy!"

His words grew faster and louder, genuinely distressed for his good brother.

Wen Ruan: "If I try harder, can I win against Bi Luhun?"

This...

Fang Rui honestly shook his head. "It might be difficult."

Wen Ruan: "Then why should I bother trying?"

Fang Rui: ...

That doesn’t mean you should give up! And to say it so confidently!

Wait, wait, yesterday, didn’t Ah Ruan mention something to him... a mountain man has his own clever plan?

Could this be the clever plan?