Farm Girl's Manor

The Sixteenth Prince had humble maternal relatives, with his mother being merely a Fifth-Rank Consort, making him the lowest-born among the many princes. However, he was adorable and had always been well-behaved and sensible, so Emperor Huian also favored him a bit. Because he was young and lacked backing, the older Princes did not see him as a threat, allowing him to lead a rather peaceful and comfortable life in the palace.

Such a young prince of modest status could have been easily refused by Xiao Ruiyuan if the request had been made in private, but in the presence of Emperor Huian, he could only remain silent.

Emperor Huian looked at the Sixteenth Prince, who had hopeful eyes, and revealed a faint smile on his face, "Little Sixteen, there are others here with exceptional archery skills, not just Xiao Aiqing. Why do you specifically choose him? I have heard that in private, you complained to your study mates, saying that Xiao Aiqing always has a stern face and looks quite frightening, that whenever you see him, you’re like a cat confronting a mouse. Are you not afraid now?"

Upon hearing this, the Sixteenth Prince’s round little face turned bright red. He glanced nervously at Xiao Ruiyuan and seeing no sign of anger, he heaved a long sigh of relief. With curving brows and eyes, he said, "Reporting to Father Emperor, it was because I was young and knew no better, that I found General Xiao terrifying. Later, after hearing many stories about General Xiao fighting bravely in battle, General Xiao became the great hero in my eyes, and of course, I was no longer afraid! I wish to follow General Xiao on the hunt this time in order to witness his archery skills and to learn from him. In the future, I too want to go into battle and protect the people and lands of our Great Chu, just like General Xiao!"

By the end of his speech, the Sixteenth Prince’s voice grew excited. Realizing that many were smiling at him, he embarrassingly scratched his head and glanced stealthily towards the great hero in his heart, only to be disappointed that the hero was not looking his way.

The child had such ambition and yet retained the innocence of a child. Emperor Huian’s smile deepened, "Little Sixteen has such aspirations, Father Emperor is very pleased. Since that’s the case, you may accompany Xiao Aiqing this afternoon. However, hunting is dangerous; you must be obedient and not cause any trouble for Xiao Aiqing."

Upon hearing this, the Sixteenth Prince almost jumped with excitement. Remembering his place, he quickly contained himself and said with a respectful bow, "Many thanks to Father Emperor! Your Humble Son will be good, and if General Xiao points east, Your Humble Son will not go west."

Emperor Huian laughed heartily, and to the unchanging expression of Xiao Ruiyuan, he said, "Xiao Aiqing, Little Sixteen is entrusted to you now. If he dares to cause trouble, just tell me, and I will surely punish him properly."

Xiao Ruiyuan stood up and said respectfully, "Your servant obeys the decree!"

There were several underage princes in the hall, children about ten years old who were at an age that adored heroes. Although they feared the cold and icy General Xiao, the temptation to witness a hero’s skills firsthand outweighed their fears. One after another, they stood up eagerly, petitioning Emperor Huian to join them.

Emperor Huian was in a good mood and crisply agreed to several of his sons’ requests. He also sent thirty Imperial guards for each to ensure their safety and to prevent any accidents.

Looking at the overjoyed princes, Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyebrows tightened almost imperceptibly. As he looked up toward Chu Heng opposite him, their eyes met. They quickly averted their gazes, with both becoming secretly wary in their hearts.

Seated next to Chu Heng, King Heng lifted the wine cup with a smile, hiding a fierce glint in his eyes.

What good is being wary? This time, you’re doomed to not escape, even if you had wings!

After the midday meal, Xiao Ruiyuan returned to his tent to rest for a while, and then, with some urging from the young princes, took up his bow and arrow and led the horse, bringing them along to a nearby hill with gentle slopes for hunting.