BXBX NOVEL Chapter 203 - 203: Hunting
Facing the man’s puzzled expression, Jiang Peihuan whispered, “Regardless, he is the Prince of the Huainan Mansion. If he’s here, it must be with the emperor’s consent.”
“As you’ve mentioned, West Mountain is vast.”
“Then we’ll proceed as you suggest.”
Aside from Jiang Peihuan, Xiao Nanye paid no attention to anyone else.
Although the atmosphere in Jiang Peihuan’s carriage was serene, the carriage behind, which carried Jiang Ruyun, was enshrouded in silence.
“Brother Cao, I’m…”
“You don’t need to explain. I understand.”
Panic filled Jiang Ruyun’s eyes, but Cao Jun took her hand reassuringly.
Seeing his comforting gaze, Jiang Ruyun’s anxiety subsided, but then she exclaimed, “I have no ties to him anymore. I don’t know why he’s even here.”
“It’s hunting season; perhaps it’s merely a coincidence.”
Noticing Jiang Ruyun’s lingering distress, Cao Jun soothed her, “Don’t fret.
With King Cheng around, 1 doubt Prince Huainan would act recklessly.”
“Furthermore, West Mountain is vast; we might not even encounter him.”
“That’s true.”
An hour later, Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye reached the West Mountain.
Xiao Nanye had already arranged for tents to be set up. Gazing at the distant scenery, Jiang Peihuan felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.
Everyone seemed to have put Zhao Fuqing out of their minds.
However, unbeknownst to them, Zhao Fuqing was in a nearby tent with Yan Xin.
Yan Xin whispered, seeing the fury in Zhao Fuqing’s eyes, “Your Highness, don’t seethe. Hunting has its risks. If anything were to happen to Cao Jun, no one would be blamed.”
The mere mention of Cao Jun caused Yan Xin’s expression to darken.
Recalling how Cao Jun had broken their engagement to marry Jiang Ruyun, turning her into the capital’s laughingstock, Yan Xin was seething with rage.
She sensed an opportunity when she learned that the Jiang sisters were heading to West Mountain for a hunt. This led her to seek out Zhao Fuqing, precipitating the day’s events.
All of this remained unknown to Jiang Peihuan.
After freshening up, they exited the tent.
Jiang Peihuan paired up with Xiao Nanye. As she watched Jiang Ruyun and Cao Jun mount their horses, she advised, “Be cautious and don’t venture too far.”
“Fear not, Eldest Miss. I’ll ensure Ruyun’s safety.”
Acknowledging Jiang Peihuan’s words with respect, Cao Jun replied.
Jiang Peihuan nodded and said nothing more.
Even though the Cao family was renowned for their scholastic achievements, Cao Jun had been proficient in horse riding and archery since his youth.
As Jiang Peihuan watched Jiang Ruyun and Cao Jun ride away, she joined Lie Feng, mounting the horse with agility. Xiao Nanye’s gaze softened, observing her.
After mounting his horse, Zhui Yun, Xiao Nanye directed it beside Jiang Peihuan.
Han Feng and Ye Xiao handed them their respective bows and quivers.
Accepting the bow from Ye Xiao, Jiang Peihuan remarked, “It’s hunting season. You can leave me be and enjoy yourself.”
“Understood,” Ye Xiao responded with a nod.
After stowing her equipment, Jiang Peihuan addressed Xiao Nanye confidently,
“Xiao Nanye, I won’t hold back.”
Her spirited demeanor drew a smile from Xiao Nanye, “Neither will I.”
With a soft chuckle, Jiang Peihuan spurred Lie Feng forward.
Having been with Jiang Peihuan for several years, Lie Feng responded keenly to her cues. At her command, it bolted like the wind.
With reins in one hand and bow in the other, Jiang Peihuan took off.
At this moment, it indeed was a good time for hunting. Jiang Peihuan hadn’t gone far when she noticed a movement in the grass.
Letting go of the reins, she drew an arrow from the quiver beside her.
After nocking the arrow and pulling the bowstring, she aimed at the rustling grass.
A brown rabbit sprang out from the bushes. Without hesitation, the arrow in Jiang Peihuan’s hand was released.
Jiang Peihuan’s archery skills were personally taught by Jiang Hong, and even among the military, many were no match for her.
Following closely behind Jiang Peihuan, Xiao Nanye watched her ride gallantly, a smile playing on his lips.
Jiang Peihuan was dressed in a green dress, and her long hair was tied up casually with a green ribbon. As she rode her horse at full speed, her hair flowed behind her, creating a stunning silhouette.
Watching as Jiang Peihuan’s arrows always hit their mark, Xiao Nanye also became interested.
Over time, several of Jiang Peihuan’s arrows hit the same prey as Xiao Nanye’s.
Jiang Peihuan’s eyes revealed some surprise.
She knew that Xiao Nanye was skilled in archery on horseback, but she hadn’t expected him to be this outstanding.
Jiang Peihuan became even more determined, and soon, many prey lay around her. Apart from rabbits and wild chickens, there were larger prey like deer and mountain goats.
As Jiang Peihuan was heading deeper into the woods, she heard galloping hooves approaching. Alongside this was a scream, “Eldest Miss?”
Jiang Peihuan recognized the voice – it was Lan Er, the maid who served Jiang Ruyun.
Most of the Jiang family’s servants could ride and shoot, so at this moment, Lan Er was galloping towards Jiang Peihuan.
Seeing this, Jiang Peihuan halted her horse.
“Eldest Miss, Master Cao… Young Master Cao is in trouble.”
Panic filled Lan Er’s eyes. Jiang Peihuan dismounted and approached her, whispering, “Calm down. What happened to Chao Jun?”
“Young Master Cao is surrounded by a pack of wolves.”
“Wolves?”
Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes were filled with confusion.
However, this was not the time to pursue the matter. The most important thing now was to find Cao Jun.
“Where’s your Second Miss?”
“Second Miss is guarding Young Master Cao.”
“Lead the way.”
“Yes.”
Jiang Peihuan instinctively looked towards Xiao Nanye and found him already by her side, riding on his horse.
“Young Master Cao came today on the Jiang family’s invitation. I should go and check on him.”
If something really happened to Cao Jun, no matter how gentle the Cao family was, they would still hate the Jiang family.
After all, Cao Jun was the only son of the Cao family.
“I’ll go with you.”
Seeing that Jiang Peihuan still wanted to say something, Xiao Nanye said,
“With me around, there’s no need for you to take risks.”
“Lead the way.”
After saying that, he glanced at Lan Er.
She quickly spurred her horse on.
Then, Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan followed.
They hadn’t gone far when Jiang Peihuan heard the howls of wolves.
While there were wolves in the West Mountain, they were deep in the mountains. Jiang Peihuan wondered how this pack had made its way to the outskirts.
“Brother Cao, be careful!”
By the time Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye arrived, they saw a wolf lunging at Jiang Ruyun. Cao Jun, seeing this, immediately embraced Jiang Ruyun to shield her.
Witnessing this, Jiang Peihuan quickly drew an arrow..