Chapter 17: Danger During the Hunt

Shu Ruohua glanced warily at Xiao Che as she took the IOU from him.

But the moment she saw the writing on it, her head immediately began to ache.

What the heck is this?!

Though the calligraphy was indeed beautiful… as a modern person, she genuinely couldn’t read it!

She stared at the IOU for a long time, only managing to recognize a few of the simpler characters.

Xiao Che asked, “Is something wrong?”

He noticed that Shu Ruohua hadn’t signed it for quite a while and couldn’t help but ask.

Shu Ruohua gave a bitter smile.

Her eyes quickly flicked toward Qian Ning. “Pssst, pssst…”

But just as Qian Ning met her gaze, she was instantly silenced by Xiao Che’s sharp eyes.

Her face turned pale in an instant.

She lowered her head as much as she could, trying her best to become invisible.

Xiao Che said, “If you don’t want to sign it, then forget it.”

As he spoke, he turned to leave.

“Wait, wait, wait!!” Shu Ruohua hurriedly stopped him.

She quickly picked up the brush, ready to sign her name on the IOU—only to suddenly hesitate.

She didn’t even know how to write her name in traditional characters!

Forget it. She simply pressed her thumbprint on the IOU and handed it back to Xiao Che!

Though he didn’t understand why she used a fingerprint instead of signing, it didn’t matter—thumbprints were acceptable too.

“The morning after tomorrow, I’ll have Zhong Zihan deliver it to you,” he said.

With a final cold glance, Xiao Che turned and left.

…

Inside the room, Shu Ruohua finally let out a breath of relief.

She cast a cold glance at Qian Ning. “Just who’s your real mistress?!”

She really wanted to smack her. That girl had been so terrified earlier, she was scared stiff by Xiao Che.

Thankfully, Shu Ruohua had been quick-witted—though she couldn’t read, at least she hadn’t blown her cover.

Otherwise, she’d have been a total laughingstock.

Qian Ning looked aggrieved but didn’t dare say a word.

God knows how hard this was for her.

…

The next day.

Inside Liuli Palace.

Before dawn had even broken, Side Consort Jing had already woken up.

She wore a violet gauze gown today, her long jet-black hair styled into a beautiful chignon with golden hairpins. Her dark almond-shaped eyes glistened like obsidian beneath water, and her pink lips curved into a gentle smile, giving her an air of both liveliness and allure.

Ever since Eunuch Lin had come by the night before to tell her that the Crown Prince was taking her hunting, she had spent half the night picking out the perfect outfit—eventually settling on the one she now wore.

She had even personally prepared three different flavors of pastries for Xiao Che, planning to share them with him on the road.

Accompanied by her maid Qiuyue, she made her way to the Crown Prince’s residence.

Xiao Che wore a sapphire-blue robe, a golden crown on his head, and a white jade belt at his waist—highlighting his tall, upright figure.

However, his strikingly handsome face remained as cold and indifferent as ever.

When he saw Side Consort Jing approaching, he walked out with Zhong Zihan.

Side Consort Jing assumed he was coming to greet her and felt a burst of joy in her heart. She quickly offered a gentle bow. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

But…

Xiao Che simply waved his hand to dismiss the formality and walked past her without so much as a glance.

A chill ran through Side Consort Jing’s heart.

She quickly took the pastry box from Qiuyue and hurried after him.

“Your Highness, you probably haven’t eaten yet. I made some pastries myself—would you like to try them?”

Xiao Che replied coldly, “No need.”

By the time he finished speaking, he had already reached the entrance.

Two carriages had been prepared by the guards. Xiao Che boarded the one in front.

Side Consort Jing followed closely, but was stopped by Eunuch Lin. “Your Grace, your carriage is over there.”

He pointed to the one at the back and gently shook his head.

Another chill ran down her spine.

She wanted to say something, but Qiuyue tugged on her sleeve.

It was clear this arrangement had been made deliberately by the Crown Prince. If she tried to force her way into his carriage now, he might just send her straight back.

Left with no choice, she boarded the rear carriage.

Once everyone was present, the procession set out grandly from the Eastern Palace.

Since the destination had already been chosen, they went straight to the hunting grounds.

Outside the hunting area, in the observation zone, the emperor gave a brief explanation of the competition rules. The princes and court officials all entered the hunting grounds together.

As Xiao Che was searching for prey, a throwing dart suddenly shot toward him.

The dart came at incredible speed, its tip gleaming coldly. As it sliced through the wind, one could hear its faint whistle.

Xiao Che immediately sensed the sound.

His dark eyes narrowed, and in a flash, his long fingers reached out and caught the dart cleanly between his index and middle fingers.

In the distance, shadows of figures dressed in black flashed within the tall grass.

A moment later, dozens more darts shot straight at him.

…

…

(End of Chapter)