Chapter 40: “The prey has been caught.”

Chapter 40: "We’ve got our prey."

After demonstrating her worth, Huo Ling also needed Emperor Jingyuan to witness her plight.

She placed her complete trust in him and relied on him fully—in this world, only he could protect her.

That night, Huo Ling slept dreamlessly, while Wu Mo lay awake all night.

When she woke and saw Wu Mo’s dark circles, Huo Ling chuckled, "I wouldn’t have told you so much if I’d known."

"Don’t," Wu Mo waved her hand. "You have to clue me in on your plans beforehand. Otherwise, I fear I might hold you back."

"Stay here." Huo Ling stepped out briefly and returned with a steaming egg, handing it to Wu Mo to roll under her eyes. "We’re about to move out. If you’re tired later, catch some sleep in the carriage."

On the fourth day after leaving the capital, the convoy crossed into Cangzhou without a hitch.

Located in the northern part of Great Yan, Cangzhou had the finest grasslands in the nation, endless stretches of open plains.

The riders who had been closely following the convoy now scattered across the fields, kicking their horses into gallops over the grasslands.

Xu Shidu, eager, asked Huo Ling if she wanted to join them. Seeing Huo Ling shake her head in refusal, she kicked her horse into a gallop and rode off.

"Xiang'an Commandery Lady," someone approached on horseback from behind. "Not joining in?"

Huo Ling turned.

The newcomer wore a smoke-blue robe, his features refined and handsome, every move radiating noble refinement.

Huo Ling replied, "Can’t be bothered. But you, Young Master Cui—why aren’t you joining them?"

Cui Yuan’s voice was gentle. "I’m a terrible rider, so I’d rather spare myself the embarrassment. If the Commandery Lady doesn’t mind, I’d like to ask you more about the situation in Yanxi."

Inside a carriage, the Hereditary Prince of Duke of Liu’s wife, Lady Gu, spotted Huo Ling and Cui Yuan riding side by side and nudged her husband.

"Was Cui Yuan your doing?"

"What?" The Hereditary Prince of Duke of Liu looked baffled.

Seeing his confusion, Lady Gu quickly explained, "The night before last, when the third young lady and the others went to the hillside to play, they told me afterward that they saw Cui Yuan of the Qinghe Cui clan sitting beside that Huo girl. And now he’s seeking her out again."

The Hereditary Prince of Duke of Liu followed her gaze. "That’s a direct descendant of the Qinghe Cui clan. I couldn’t possibly arrange for him."

Lady Gu angrily twisted her handkerchief. "In just a few days, she’s already snagged Cui Yuan?"

She didn’t want the Huo girl in Prince Duan’s household.

But she also didn’t want to see the Huo girl marrying too well.

The Duke of Liu analyzed the situation more rationally than Lady Gu. "This Cui heir’s lineage, character, and appearance are all first-rate, and he’s still unmarried."

"If the Huo girl chooses Cui Yuan over Prince Duan, it’d save us a headache."

No sooner had he spoken than the Hereditary Prince of Duke of Liu saw Cui Yuan ride away from Huo Ling’s side, his disappointment plain on his face.

"What’s going on?" Lady Gu asked.

The Hereditary Prince of Duke of Liu frowned deeply. "It seems this is the worst possible outcome. If the Huo girl doesn’t even favor Cui Yuan, the men I lined up won’t stand a chance."

Lady Gu said bitterly, "She is dead set on entering Prince Duan's household."

The Hereditary Prince of Duke Liu lowered his eyes, hiding the cold calculation in his gaze. "With the army escorting us along the way, it's difficult to act now. But once we reach the hunting grounds, there will be more ways to maneuver. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything."

Though Xiang'an Commandery Lady’s title sounds impressive, she has no powerful connections in the capital.

As long as no lives are lost, she'll be easy to handle.

***

In midsummer, the skies were clear and the air crisp.

A long wind swept in from the distant north, rustling the pine forests and rippling the emerald waves, rolling endlessly like an emerald sea.

The royal hunting palace grounds were located within the territory of Cangzhou, part of the imperial forest complex.

After eight days of travel, the nearly ten thousand people in the imperial retinue finally arrived at the royal hunting palace.

The royal hunting palace was built during the previous dynasty. Expanded by several emperors of that era and occasionally expanded and improved by the rulers of the current dynasty, its scale far surpassed that of the imperial palace.

Numerous manor houses were also constructed around the palace.

The officials accompanying Emperor Jingyuan and their families were all housed in these manor houses.

Apart from Emperor Jingyuan, Ji Yuanwan, and the two young princesses, the only others who stayed within the palace itself were Princess Elder Ningxin’s family and Huo Ling.

Worn out from the journey, everyone was eager to rest. Moreover, Huo Ling staying in the palace went almost unnoticed.

Those who did notice simply assumed the emperor was showing consideration for the daughter of a distinguished general. After all, unlike other officials who brought their entire families, only Xiang'an Commandery Lady had come to the capital from the Huo household.

Only Princess Elder Ningxin shot the emperor several knowing looks.

The emperor was puzzled. "What’s the matter? Not pleased with your quarters?"

Princess Elder Ningxin gave a knowing smile. "I just noticed Your Majesty has been in excellent spirits these past few days."

Emperor Jingyuan raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like there’s more to it."

The princess replied, "If Your Majesty has a guilty conscience, everything will sound suspicious."

Realizing she had seen through him, the emperor didn’t mince words. "Then tomorrow during the hunt, take the Commandery Lady with you."

Princess Elder Ningxin knew she was trapped, and sure enough, the emperor continued, "My hunting zone is vast, with plenty of game. Stay with me for two days before separating."

Princess Elder Ningxin: "..."

In truth, she didn’t need to do anything special. The next morning, the moment Xu Shidu saw Huo Ling, she immediately invited her to join the hunt.

Huo Ling smiled in agreement. "I promised to teach you riding and archery—this is the perfect opportunity."

"That’s wonderful!" Xu Shidu clapped her hands in delight.

It was the first day of the hunt, and the scene was grandly arranged. Everyone who had accompanied the emperor to the royal hunting grounds gathered on the training field. Those preparing to enter the forest were dressed either in riding attire or light armor, all carrying prized bows on their backs.

Emperor Jingyuan, dressed in gilded armor that day, held the imperial sword while the sunlight glinted off the bow strapped to his back.

Seated high on the platform, he looked over the assembly without lengthy motivational speeches. Instead, he presented several treasures as prizes—whoever hunted the most game would win them.

At this announcement, many martial young nobles grew excited, eagerly flexing their fingers.

The three treasures offered by the emperor were: a rare blood-sweating steed, a legendary sword capable of slicing through iron, and the most expensive Mingguang armor in Great Yan—worn exclusively by military officials of the third rank or higher. (Note: Mingguang armor was a type of Chinese lamellar armor renowned for its brilliance and protective qualities.)

Even without aiming for these treasures, just the chance to make an impression and be seen by Emperor Jingyuan as the top hunter was enough to push everyone to go all out.

Huo Ling watched the scene with mixed feelings.

They mastered arts civil and martial—all to serve the throne. However noble their birth or sharp their skills, what these people sought was to be noticed and valued by the Son of Heaven.

At Emperor Jingyuan’s command, the crowd streamed into their designated hunting zones.

Xu Shidu peered impatiently at the distant mountains and forests, but after endless waiting, her mother still didn’t budge. She finally blurted out, "Mother, why aren’t we leaving yet?"

"What’s the hurry?" Princess Elder Ningxin replied.

Shortly after, the imperial banners snapped in the wind as Emperor Jingyuan rode up to Princess Elder Ningxin, followed by a large contingent of elite imperial guards. "We’ll head out now," he said.

The two young princesses and Ji Yuanwan were still too young—could hardly draw a bowstring, let alone hunt on horseback—so they remained at the training grounds under the watch of palace attendants.

When Xu Shidu saw Emperor Jingyuan, she lit up in realization. "So we’re hunting with Emperor Uncle today! That’s wonderful—your hunting zone must have the most game."

Emperor Jingyuan glanced at Xu Shidu and teased, "I recall your marks in riding and archery were rather mediocre, Jiale."

Game aplenty won’t help if you miss.

Xu Shidu beamed with confidence. "No worries—I’ve hired myself a tutor this time. With Commandery Lady Xiang’an guiding me, I’m sure to bring home a haul."

Emperor Jingyuan turned his gaze to Huo Ling. "Commandery Lady Xiang’an’s riding and archery are indeed outstanding. I’ve long wished to witness her hunting prowess."

Huo Ling curved her eyes and saluted from horseback. "This humble subject shall not disappoint Your Majesty and the Princess’s expectations."

Princess Elder Ningxin winced. So this was how her imperial brother charmed young ladies.

The party rode into the forest, entering Emperor Jingyuan’s hunting grounds.

Perhaps to ensure the emperor’s enjoyment, the hunting grounds staff had driven many animals into this area. Within moments, several prey darted between the trees.

No one drew their bows—the first shot belonged to the Son of Heaven.

Emperor Jingyuan, aware of their hesitation, nocked an arrow from his quiver, aimed casually at a badger, and loosed it.

Truly casual.

So casual that Huo Ling could tell the moment it left the bow that it would miss.

Sure enough, the arrow landed beside the badger, startling it into a leap before it vanished from sight.

Huo Ling bit back a smile. This was the first time since meeting Emperor Jingyuan that she’d discovered something he wasn’t skilled at.

As if sensing her thoughts, Emperor Jingyuan turned to her just then, catching the trace of amusement on her lips.

He gave a dry cough and offered an explanation. "I’m no good at riding or archery. You may proceed as you wish."

Huo Ling’s smile deepened as she volunteered, "If Your Majesty permits, this subject would like to hunt a deer in your honor."

Emperor Jingyuan nodded. "Granted."

Wild deer were not easily encountered. Since the group had just entered the forest, they ventured deeper rather than rushing after elusive tracks.

After Emperor Jingyuan’s first shot, Huo Ling slipped the bow from her shoulder.

This pear wood bow had been a sixteenth birthday gift from her father, Huo Shiming. She had brought it with her to the capital.

Arrow nocked, Huo Ling took aim at a distant mountain goat.

The white-fletched arrow sliced through the air, piercing several leaves without losing momentum before striking the prey’s neck.

Someone cheered beside her. Huo Ling turned slightly, meeting Emperor Jingyuan’s gaze.

Xu Shidu, who had been firing arrows haphazardly, only noticed Huo Ling’s feat upon hearing the emperor’s praise. When the imperial guards dragged the prey back, Xu Shidu eyed the perfectly placed arrow and sighed in admiration, “A Ling, you’re incredible.”

Huo Ling lowered her bow. “I’ll show you.”

Xu Shidu hesitated. “The hunting grounds are plentiful. With your skill, if you focused on hunting, you could take first honors and make a grand showing in front of everyone.”

“What need have I for such displays? Those who seek first honors only wish to gain imperial favor.”

Huo Ling paused, her voice softening. “And I—I’m already by His Majesty’s side.”

She rode closer to Xu Shidu, carefully explaining archery techniques and correcting a few minor mistakes. “Give it another try?”

Whether it was Huo Ling’s guidance or pure chance, Xu Shidu’s next arrow successfully struck a pheasant’s wing.

Though Huo Ling needed to finish it with another arrow to secure the prey, Xu Shidu was certain she was getting better.

“I’ll master it in no time!”

Clenching her fists, Xu Shidu rode confidently eastward, her imperial guard detail swiftly following.

Meanwhile, Princess Elder Ningxin had already led her party west while Huo Ling was instructing Xu Shidu.

Now, apart from the guards stationed around, only Huo Ling and Emperor Jingyuan remained.

Huo Ling rode up beside the emperor, her high ponytail swaying lightly in the wind—catching Emperor Jingyuan’s eye.

“Your Majesty.”

She called to him. “Did I teach well?”

Emperor Jingyuan hadn’t paid much attention. “Excellent.”

“Really?”

Huo Ling toyed with an arrow, preparing to jest with him about his archery skills and offer hands-on instruction when a pair of antlers flashed in her periphery. Her focus snapped into place.

In the next moment, an arrow was already nocked.

Without hesitation, she released her first arrow at the sprinting elk.

Then, she swiftly drew another for another shot.

Even for someone as skilled as her, taking down swift prey in one shot was no guarantee.

As she reached for a third arrow, the results of the first two became clear.

One grazed its flank, the other struck its head.

Huo Ling withdrew her hand from the quiver, opting not to send the guards but to claim the prize personally.

After a few steps forward, she looked back at the mounted emperor. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, catching in her eyes before spilling forth from those radiant depths.

“Your Majesty, your promised trophy is secured.”

She extended her hand toward the mounted emperor, boldly inviting him. “Will you come see it with me?”

Emperor Jingyuan dismounted and took her slender hand.