frightfiction Chapter 1120 Hunting
Chapter 1120 Hunting
Lin Wan watched the scene coldly, with a hint of sarcasm on her lips.
Wangpin's shallow thoughts are like those of a clown.
The resentment boiling in Shen Nanqiao's eyes was clearly visible.
This seemingly beautiful hunting ground has already been turbulent under the surface...
Princess Yun'an was wearing a bright red riding suit today, holding a golden whip, riding on a majestic white horse, with her chin slightly raised, revealing her arrogance.
As her eyes swept over the crowd, there was undisguised scrutiny and impatience.
Princess Wenshu wore a royal blue outfit with her long hair tied into a ponytail, looking quite neat.
Both of them were obviously ready to try their skills.
Nangong Xuanyu's gaze finally fell back on Shen Zhinian, with a hint of inquiry in his voice, a little softer than before: "Does Nian Nian want to go with us?"
At this time, many people looked at Shen Zhinian.
Gu Jinxiao was dressed in a dark crimson official uniform and stood in front of the line of civil officials, his posture as straight as a pine tree.
His face was calm and his eyes were focused ahead, as if he was just conscientiously paying attention to the progress of the autumn hunt.
Hearing the emperor's question, his gaze did not deliberately linger on Shen Zhinian. His fingers holding the reins tightened slightly for a moment, and then returned to normal.
Gu Jinxiao tilted his head slightly and whispered to his colleagues beside him to confirm the details of the ceremony. His expression was focused and impeccable.
The moment of stagnation just now seemed to be just an illusion caused by the autumn wind...
Shen Zhinian raised his eyes and met the emperor's inquiring gaze, a gentle smile in his eyes.
The first day of hunting was the most important and therefore the most difficult. She did not know martial arts and valued her life, so she did not plan to go.
Shen Zhinian bent her knees slightly and said in a soft voice: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. I am deeply grateful. But..."
She paused, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, revealing a bit of helplessness: "I am really unfamiliar with riding and shooting. Today's hunting is grand, and there are fierce beasts and birds. If I go with you, not only will I not be able to help your majesty, but I may cause trouble and distract your majesty and the soldiers."
"It would be safer to wait here for His Majesty's triumphant return."
Shen Zhinian's reasons were impeccable and his attitude was gentle and humble.
Nangong Xuanyu did not seem disappointed, he nodded, his tone still gentle: "Okay."
"It's windy today and you're weak. You really should take a good rest."
At this point, he cast his eyes toward the vast mountains in the distance, with a determined look in his eyes: "Wait for me to hunt a white fox for you and make you a new cloak to keep you warm."
Shen Zhinian bowed gracefully, with a gentle smile on her lips: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Fei, who was wearing a maroon riding uniform, stepped forward and said in a clear voice with suppressed excitement: "Your Majesty, I was born into a family of generals and have learned some riding and archery skills since I was a child. I am willing to go with Your Majesty, hold the horse and stirrup for Your Majesty, and do my best to help you!"
As soon as these words came out, the air around them seemed to freeze for a moment.
Nangong Xuanyu's eyes fell on Wang Bin's heroic face. He hesitated for a moment, but did not refuse. He just said lightly: "In this case, follow me."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
There was a sudden gleam of surprise in Wangpin's eyes, and she immediately knelt down to express her gratitude with quick and decisive movements.
She straightened her back, glanced at Shen Zhinian from the corner of her eyes, and then quickly retracted her gaze. Her deliberately straight waist and slightly raised chin all revealed a kind of high-spirited spirit that was uniquely favored.
There was a suppressed gasp and subtle discussion among the ladies.
Many envious, jealous, or inquiring glances fell on Concubine Wang.
In the direction of Duke Dingguo's Mansion, several people exchanged a tacit look, and a satisfied arc appeared on the corners of their mouths.
This concubine Wang is indeed someone who can seize opportunities.
"laugh!"
An undisguised sneer of contempt broke the atmosphere.
It was Princess Yun'an on horseback.
The fiery red riding clothes made her look even more arrogant. She looked down at Wang Bin with a sidelong glance, and uttered harsh words from her red lips: "You are just a bunch of fancy moves, and you dare to show off in the hunting ground? You are so shy to approach her, aren't you embarrassed?"
"Do you really think you are a heroine just because you have changed your skin?"
Princess Yun'an's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for people nearby to hear clearly.
The smug smile on Wangpin's face froze instantly, and her blood rushed to her head, but she didn't dare to lose her temper in front of the emperor. She could only bite her lower lip tightly and clench the whip in her hand.
Shen Zhinian seemed oblivious to the undercurrents on the side. He stood quietly where he was, watching Nangong Xuanyu mount his horse surrounded by the imperial guards with calm eyes.
The concubine was also helped by her attendants onto a docile red horse and followed closely behind the emperor. She was wearing a bright riding uniform, which was particularly eye-catching among the solemn black-armored troops.
"set off!"
Following the emperor's order, armors clanged and the huge team rushed towards the core hunting area with undulating mountains like a black torrent, stirring up golden dust all over the sky.
The noisy sound of horse hooves gradually faded away, and the camp returned to a brief silence, with only the whistling of the wind.
Shen Zhinian's azure skirt fluttered slightly in the cold wind as she watched the dark figure disappear at the end of the withered yellow grass waves.
She gathered her cloak trimmed with snow fox fur, turned around, and walked calmly towards her brocade tent, which was shining with noble brilliance in the sunlight.
The withered yellow grass waves fell madly under the iron hooves, and a black torrent rolled across the wilderness.
Nangong Xuanyu took the lead, the dragon pattern on his dark black riding uniform surging like a living thing as he galloped.
The joints of his fingers holding the reins were distinct, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, scanning the rolling hills and dense forests ahead.
Behind him, the imperial guards were wearing eerie black armor, and the sound of their horses’ hooves merged into rolling thunder, shaking the earth slightly!
Zhan Weiran's deep voice rang out: "Release the dogs! Drive the eagle!"
As the command flag was waved, the ferocious hunting dogs, which had long been unable to restrain themselves, rushed into the deep grass and bushes like arrows shot from a bow, barking wildly, startling flocks of flying birds.
At the same time, several nimble falcons broke free from the leather straps on the falconer's arms and soared into the sky with cries. Their sharp eyes penetrated everything and circled in the sky, becoming the emperor's most discerning eyes!
Wangpin followed closely behind Nangong Xuanyu for several feet. Her maroon riding uniform was extremely eye-catching among the torrent of murderous black armor.
She tried hard to control the slightly excited mount beneath her, her cheeks flushed from the galloping and excitement, her eyes closely followed the figure in front of her that dominated everything, her heart surging with unprecedented excitement!
Several people from the Duke Dingguo's Mansion occasionally exchanged glances in the team, with imperceptible satisfaction and scrutiny.
A pitch-black eagle-feather arrow with long tail feathers was silently handed to the emperor's open palm.
Nangong Xuanyu didn't even glance sideways. He twisted the cold arrowhead with his fingertips and put it on the strong yew bow. His movements were as smooth as breathing.
The bowstring was slowly pulled in his hand, making a heart-pounding sound.