Chapter 600: The Girl Riding the Divine Beast (1)

The guards watched warily at the forest less than a hundred paces away, beads of sweat streaming down their foreheads. It seemed as though what might emerge next was not an unknown ferocious beast, but rather a fearsome being wielding chains and money to take their lives.

Among those still conscious and severely injured, including Prince Heng, the growing fear was palpable. They wished they could faint like the others. After all, sheltered by the royal family and their own families, they had lived a smooth and sheltered life, never having faced such brutal scenes.

While they could maintain composure when confronting enemies, their calmness faltered in the face of beasts that seemed intent on devouring them alive.

The only person who remained calm was likely Xiao Ruiyuan. With years of battlefield experience, he had encountered even more perilous and dire situations. Moreover, with the flute no longer playing, reinforcements would arrive soon. He was confident he could hold out until then and escape the current danger.

“Roar—”

“Aw—”

“Roar—”

“Aw—”

...

Just as everyone was desperately trying to figure out a way to escape, the howls of wolves and roars of tigers erupted, even louder than the previous beast roars, though lacking the terrifying pressure that had been felt before.

The beasts, previously trembling on the ground, now felt the fear directly. The sudden appearance of a beast that seemed to overpower them was terrifying enough, but the emergence of a powerful leader among them was even more alarming. When had Phoenix Mountain seen such a terrifying presence?

The beasts' world was simple: they obey the strongest. Even though the "leader" had not yet appeared, the overwhelming roars clearly indicated that the new arrival was formidable, far surpassing their strength.

The people did not miss the beasts' unusual reactions. Fear within them multiplied exponentially. Xiao Ruiyuan frowned and instinctively tightened his grip on the blood-stained sword.

Just as several princes and noblemen, unable to bear it any longer, were calculating how to escape while others defended, the next scene nearly caused their eyes to pop out—

Under the blue sky and green fields, a massive, majestic wolf with a triangular golden tuft on its forehead burst from the forest, followed closely by a silver-white snow wolf, a majestic white tiger with a glistening forehead, and a red giant python over ten meters long.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

As these four beasts charged forward, just when the onlookers thought they were the true leaders of the wolves, tigers, and pythons, a colossal beast with a tiger's head and a bull's body, covered in golden fur, leaped out behind them!

The golden beast swept in like a whirlwind, its golden eyes fixed intently on the terrified group. In the sunlight, its golden gaze seemed like arrows of pure gold, leaving no one able to escape its scrutiny.

However, everyone's gaze inexplicably shifted away from the golden beast to the lake-blue figure riding it!

With flowing black hair, fluttering garments, and an ethereal beauty, a girl sat atop the golden beast like a celestial savior descended to bring hope to those on the brink of despair!

The crowd had considered countless possibilities for the arrival of these terrifying beasts—perhaps they would join the beast horde in attacking them for revenge or watch from the sidelines and reap the benefits. But none had anticipated such a memorable scene!

  Chapter 599: Disfigurement (3)

However, under the relentless and fierce attacks of the beasts, only thirteen guards and four young noblemen remained on Xiao Ruiyuan’s side, barely able to continue the fight. Faced with hundreds of beasts, holding on for just a little while longer until reinforcements arrived was becoming increasingly difficult.

Except for Xiao Ruiyuan, everyone else had sustained injuries, some severe, and could only protect themselves, unable to assist the unconscious Prince Heng and the others.

The beasts paid no attention to the injured lying behind them and focused their hostile gaze on Xiao Ruiyuan and his companions, who were actively killing their kin. Xiao Ruiyuan, the strongest fighter among them, became the target of the beasts. Surrounded by six wolves, three tigers, and a giant python, he faced immense pressure and found it extremely difficult to manage.

Not far away, on a large tree, a figure clad in dark green blended with the dense foliage.

The figure in green withdrew a beast-controlling flute and took out a crossbow from his waist. A cold gleaming short arrow was aimed at Prince Heng’s chest. Just as the fatal arrow was about to be fired, another figure in dark green appeared in the tree canopy and gestured for the archer to retreat.

Following the signal, the archer in green obeyed and put away the arrow and crossbow. The two figures descended from the tree and vanished silently into the dense forest...

This scene went unnoticed by Xiao Ruiyuan, who was completely preoccupied with defending against the ten attacking beasts, unable to pay attention to anything else.

Although the beasts' stamina was depleted, the prolonged battle had pushed Xiao Ruiyuan’s combat abilities to the limit. He could only defend himself, unable to launch any offensive attacks.

The same was true for the others; no one could help each other. At this moment, no one noticed that Prince Heng, leaning against a rock, had woken up. He picked up a sword that had fallen nearby and slowly stood up, his cold gaze fixed on Xiao Ruiyuan’s back, a vicious smile spreading across his face.

“Chu Heng, you took my position as the heir and ruined my appearance. This grudge is irreconcilable. I, Chu Ye, will make you regret it, and you will die without peace!”

In the sunlight, the blood-stained sword's tip reflected a chilling light. Prince Heng raised the sword and thrust it fiercely towards Xiao Ruiyuan’s back, his eyes showing a chilling madness.

Xiao Ruiyuan, focused entirely on the ten beasts, was unaware of the imminent danger. As he used all his strength to decapitate the giant python and swung his sword to meet an attacking wolf, a terrifying beast roar echoed through the forest: “Roar—”

The roar not only knocked the sword out of Prince Heng’s hand but also frightened the remaining hundred or so beasts into submission. They lay on the ground, their limbs weak and their bodies making low, submissive sounds, showing no resistance.

The sound of metal hitting the ground reached Xiao Ruiyuan’s ears. Without time to consider the source of the roar, he quickly turned around and saw Prince Heng picking up the sword from the ground and glaring at him with a fierce expression.

Xiao Ruiyuan, on guard, was not easily caught off guard. He swung his sword decisively, striking King Heng’s wrist with a resounding crack.

“Ah—”

Prince Heng cried out in pain, clutching his right wrist.

The guards, previously pale with fear from the beast roar, snapped back to reality. They turned and saw Prince Heng’s right hand hanging limply.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s strike had broken King Heng’s wrist!

Prince Heng, sweating profusely from the pain, glared at Xiao Ruiyuan with venomous eyes, no longer displaying his former refined demeanor: “Xiao Ruiyuan, you are so bold!”

Xiao Ruiyuan stared back at King Heng expressionlessly and coldly replied, “You should be thankful you’re Prince Heng! Otherwise, that strike would have been more than just a wrist!”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Having broken Prince Heng’s wrist, Xiao Ruiyuan had already thought of ways to absolve himself. For someone who wished to kill him, breaking a wrist was a small price to pay.

Understanding the implication of Xiao Ruiyuan’s words, Prince Heng’s face grew darker. He gritted his teeth and said, “If you have the guts, kill me now. Otherwise, once we return to the palace, I will have Father accuse you of treason. Let’s see who can save you then!”

“Your Highness, please feel free. I will wait and see!” Xiao Ruiyuan, undeterred by Prince Heng’s threats, responded bravely. He turned to issue orders to the various guards who had different expressions, but before he could finish, the terrifying beast roar sounded again.

This roar was even more terrifying than before. Whereas the previous roar was heard from three hundred paces away, this one was less than a hundred paces away. The beasts, once restless, now lay back down, their bodies barely moving, clearly terrified to the extreme.

Fearful of the unknown beast’s terrifying speed, no one dared to attempt escaping while the beasts were subdued. They knew that no matter how fast their two legs were, they couldn’t outrun the four-legged beasts. At their current state, they could no longer fight effectively and had no means of escape…

  Chapter 598: Disfigurement (2)

In a moment of distraction, Prince Heng's movements slowed, and a tiger seized the opportunity to strike, its claws aiming straight for his neck. The tiger’s claws, white, long, and razor-sharp, could easily pierce flesh and tear through Prince Heng's throat.

Sensing the danger, Prince Heng snapped back to awareness, instinctively leaning back to avoid the tiger's fatal blow. However, the tiger's claws still grazed his cheek, leaving three deep and long gashes from left to right. Blood spurted out, mixing with the torn flesh and creating a gory mess.

Barely escaping death, Prince Heng couldn't spare a thought for the cold sweat on his forehead. The intense pain on his face made him moan involuntarily. Realizing liquid was flowing down his face, he dazedly wiped it away and saw his hands covered in blood mixed with bits of flesh, finally grasping what had happened.

Staring at his palm in disbelief, he then wiped the blood off his sword and held it up to his face. When he saw his reflection on the blade—an unrecognizable face, disfigured beyond repair—he seemed to lose his soul, his eyes empty and lifeless.

Such severe claw marks would leave scars that were difficult to remove even if they healed. The Da Chu’s throne would not allow a disfigured person to inherit it, nor would it let someone with such a scar occupy the highest position.

Xiao Ruiyuan watched the scene of Prince Heng’s disfigurement with cold detachment. He calmly killed the tiger that had tried to bite Prince Heng’s throat and dragged the unconscious Prince Heng, who had fainted from the shock, to a nearby rock to rest. He then turned and continued fighting the endless waves of beasts.

No one knew that at the moment the tiger attacked Prince Heng, Xiao Ruiyuan had the strength to save him but chose not to act immediately.

Revenge is not merely about death; witnessing all one has pursued and possessed easily fall into another's hands, leaving oneself forever unable to grasp any of it, is a fate worse than death.

Not to mention the grudge between Consort Lin, the Lin family, and Chu Heng, Prince Heng’s repeated attempts to harm Chu Heng were unforgivable. Xiao Ruiyuan felt no pity for his fate.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

As for Consort Lin and the Lin family… Prince Heng’s disfigurement shattered their daydreams. This revenge was only just beginning!

Xiao Ruiyuan saved Prince Heng from the tiger, ultimately for his cousin Chu Heng. Whether it was Prince Heng or the other princes and nobles, as long as they survived, even if Emperor Huian discovered Chu Heng's involvement, he would be too enraged to take action against a son who was running out of time.

Chu Heng himself did not care, but Xiao Ruiyuan could not bear to see his cousin, whom he regarded as family, being blamed by his biological father in his final days, even if Chu Heng himself harbored resentment towards that father.

When Prince Heng was disfigured, the eerie flute sound ceased. The ground was now covered with the corpses of beasts, and blood flowed like rivers, staining the green grass red. The beasts, no longer controlled by the flute, were driven mad by the intense smell of blood and continued to charge recklessly.

With the control of the beasts gone and no new beasts joining the fray, a clear and resounding trumpet sounded from below the mountain. Reinforcements had evidently arrived at the foot of the mountain, giving the nearly despairing guards a glimmer of hope. They fought with their last ounce of strength to delay the beasts, knowing that salvation was imminent if they could hold on just a little longer.

  Chapter 597: Disfigurement (1)

With other potential culprits eliminated, Prince Heng was forced to turn his suspicion toward the person he had always overlooked—the second prince, Chu Heng, who, despite his disabilities and his unacknowledged status as the heir, had always been a thorn in Prince Heng’s side.

Years ago, Consort Lin and the Lin family had conspired to poison the pregnant Empress Chunyi with a heart-devouring poison. Although all the blame was placed on an inconspicuous palace maid, who was executed along with her entire family, this shocking case had many unresolved questions. Everyone knew the truth was more complex, but no one dared to investigate further. The case had been personally verified and sentenced by Emperor Huian, who had ordered the execution of the maid and her entire family.

After being granted the title of prince at eighteen, Prince Heng had discovered through some clues that his mother and the Lin family were the true culprits behind the death of Empress Chunyi. He didn’t know how Chu Heng had learned the truth or how long he had been preparing for revenge, but he knew that Chu Heng’s revenge had only just begun. Today, he would not leave the beast forest alive.

The thought of being outmaneuvered and trapped in such a predicament made Prince Heng smile bitterly, his eyes filled with deep unwillingness. He was outdone by Chu Heng, outdone by a crippled waste. He had lost miserably, utterly.

Xiao Ruiyuan, fully on guard, continued to slay the attacking beasts, ignoring Prince Heng’s taunts.

It was impossible for him not to have doubts at the beginning. However, thinking back on past events, he preferred to believe that his cousin would not use him as bait to retaliate against Prince Heng. Otherwise, he would have been informed beforehand. With his help, the plot would have been even more perfect. His cousin, however, chose not to involve him in the plan and not only avoided implicating him but also set a trap to eliminate all the princes and nobles who had once schemed against him, completely removing the threat.

When leading the Sixteenth Prince and others for a hunt, his cousin had specifically warned him not to venture into the deep mountains. Otherwise, knowing his personality, he would likely lead them to a place infested with beasts, ensuring that the princes would never dare to ask him for archery lessons again.

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Unexpectedly, he fell into Prince Heng’s trap and inadvertently into his cousin’s scheme!

Xiao Ruiyuan disdainfully avoided explaining to Prince Heng, but his gaze made everything clear. This infuriated Prince Heng, who felt incredibly unbalanced: “All these years, you’ve risked your life for him, supported his position as the heir, and shielded him from all the arrows and plots. And how has he treated you in return? If he truly considered you family, a brother, how could he watch you being surrounded by beasts? Look, the flute sound continues, the beasts keep coming, and the reinforcements haven’t arrived. He wants to kill everyone here, including me and you!”

Xiao Ruiyuan cast a cryptic look at Prince Heng and, uninterested in his continued attempts at sowing discord, coldly replied with four words, shutting him down completely: “And so what!”

And so what!

Prince Heng muttered to himself, his heart shaking violently, overwhelmed by a surge of jealousy toward Chu Heng that he had never felt before!

He had once envied Chu Heng for being the top prince, envied him for his father’s favor, and even envied him for being able to sleep in and avoid the daily routines of study and training. Now, he envied Chu Heng for having a cousin who wholeheartedly supported him, someone willing to entrust his life and wealth to him, someone closer than even a biological sibling.

These were things he could never obtain in his lifetime, while a person whom he considered inferior, a cripple, had easily acquired them. How could he not be jealous?

  Chapter 596: Disfigurement (2)

This fierce sword strike not only deterred the attacking beasts but also boosted the morale of others. Taking advantage of the beasts' hesitation, the first wave of twenty-five guards intensified their efforts, aiming to eliminate the beasts that had breached their defenses.

The eerie flute sound continued to drive the beast pack. The pressure on the outermost layer, where Xiao Ruiyuan and his team stood, was immense. The beasts continued to attack relentlessly, and distant roars from other beasts approaching from the deep mountains made it clear that there was no room for relaxation.

The second wave of guards was not idle either. They not only had to deal with the beasts breaking through the first layer of defense but also had to take the place of the exhausted guards from the first wave, putting in their all to prevent any beasts from breaking through the second layer. Failure would mean punishment and potential harm to their families, especially if any princes or nobles were injured.

Although the third layer of Prince Heng and his companions did not need to fight directly at the moment, they still remained on high alert. These fierce and powerful beasts were not easy to handle. It was only a matter of time before they would breach the defenses. By conserving their strength now, they hoped to make dealing with the beasts easier once their stamina was depleted, minimizing casualties.

The guards worked together seamlessly, and with Xiao Ruiyuan fighting like ten men, the beasts were momentarily held back. Many beasts were killed or injured, and several princes and nobles vomited from the intensity of the battle.

However, this brief victory did not last long. Compared to the beasts, human stamina was much more easily exhausted. After about half an incense stick (approximately half an hour), more than ten guards, worn out and slowed down, were bitten by the beasts, causing a significant drop in defense.

Other guards, though still relatively unaffected, had to cover the gaps left by the injured, continuing the fight. The princes and nobles, fearing for their lives, were pale and cursed the guards for being useless.

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Among them, Prince Qi was the most vocal in his anger. He fiercely kicked several injured guards who had been pushed to the inner layer and yelled, “You useless fools, if you let the beasts get to me, I will report to Emperor Huian and demand your nine clans be punished!”

Despite knowing it was their duty to protect those inside, even if it meant being scolded and threatened, the guards were deeply affected. They had exerted their utmost effort, lost comrades to the beasts, and yet those inside who could help remained passive and dared to utter such threats. Even with the best of tolerance, they were affected.

The guards gritted their teeth and endured, but Xiao Ruiyuan did not. He slashed at a tiger, temporarily driving it back, and took the opportunity to draw an arrow from his quiver. He aimed and threw it at Prince Qi, who was making the loudest threats.

The arrow pierced through Prince Qi's hair, and as Prince Qi stared in horror, Xiao Ruiyuan's cold gaze and chilling voice cut through the air, “If you dare utter another word, the next arrow will be aimed at your throat.”

This act not only stunned Prince Qi but also terrified the other nobles who had been shouting. They almost couldn't bear to look at Xiao Ruiyuan.

If Xiao Ruiyuan dared to threaten a prince, what did that make them, mere nobles?

Prince Qi, recovering from his shock, was torn between fear and anger, his face alternating between blue and red. He longed to crush Xiao Ruiyuan but was paralyzed by Xiao Ruiyuan's murderous gaze. The desire for revenge vanished instantly.

It was only when Xiao Ruiyuan turned away, his murderous gaze gone, that Prince Qi wiped the sweat from his forehead in terror and hissed through gritted teeth to the quiet King Heng, “Third Brother, Xiao is too arrogant. He dares to threaten me, it's like slapping the entire royal family in the face!”

Prince Heng, rarely responsive, stared at the figure of Xiao Ruiyuan as he slaughtered the beasts, his gaze heavy and concealing his own murderous intent. This man could not be allowed to leave the beast forest alive!

As more guards fell and no replacements arrived for the second layer, the beast pack continued to be driven by the flute sound, with more beasts arriving from all directions to launch a fierce assault.

The situation grew increasingly dire. To save their lives, Prince Heng and the others had no choice but to join the fray. Their combat experience paled in comparison to Xiao Ruiyuan’s, and even the guards themselves were less capable. Facing beasts capable of tearing off an arm with a single bite, their courage faltered, reducing their effectiveness. Eventually, even King Heng was clawed across the chest by a tiger, bleeding profusely.

Half an hour had passed, and the reinforcements of two hundred guards were still nowhere in sight. As more and more people were injured and lost their ability to resist, Xiao Ruiyuan, covered in beast blood, looked like a grim reaper. His eyes were filled with an almost palpable hostility.

He mechanically swung his now weary and numb arms, fighting off the relentless beasts. He didn’t want to think, nor had the time to ponder whether the delay in reinforcements was due to an ambush.

Prince Heng, severely injured and covered in blood, lost his previous composure. While fighting the beasts, he pityingly remarked to Xiao Ruiyuan, “To deal with me, they even abandoned your safety. This is the person you pledge loyalty to! Hahaha, it's truly laughable!”

As Prince Heng laughed maniacally, who could tell that he was actually mocking himself?

He had never imagined that the frail brother he considered worthless would display such ruthless determination. Initially, he had suspected that the poison plot was orchestrated by the imprisoned Jing Wang or Kang Wang, but if they had such capability, they wouldn't have ended up demoted and imprisoned for life.

He then speculated that it was the fourth prince, who had grown influential, who set the trap to eliminate all the princes and nobles, intending to ascend to the throne after the death of his sickly brother.

However, seeing several adult princes being maimed and on the brink of death, he dismissed that theory as well.

The Da Chu throne would never be given to someone with a disability!

 Chapter 595: Disfigurement (1)

Xiao Ruiyuan, wary of Prince Heng, was still not one to lose sight of the bigger picture. In such a dire situation, he had no time to dwell on Prince Heng's previous attempts to set him up. His deep gaze swept over the restless beasts, and he said coldly, “Form three layers of defense with the skilled fighters. Place those unable to defend themselves in the center and buy time until reinforcements arrive.”

Prince Heng frowned, reluctant to protect those he saw as burdens. To him, these people were useless and could even serve as stepping stones in his attempt to break through the beast pack. However, seeing Xiao Ruiyuan's cold yet resolute expression, he did not voice any objections, “At this point, we can only proceed as you suggest, General Xiao.”

Xiao Ruiyuan gave Prince Heng a meaningful glance before quickly gathering fifty guards and organizing the next steps.

The unskilled individuals, who had feared being sacrificed or used to draw the beasts' attention, were surprised to find themselves part of the plan. Learning that the strategy came from Xiao Ruiyuan and Prince Heng, they felt immense relief and gratitude towards Xiao Ruiyuan, directing appreciative glances his way.

Xiao Ruiyuan maintained his cold demeanor, gripping his longbow and with his sword at his side, he took position with thirty of the most skilled guards at the outermost layer, directly facing the nearly one hundred beasts poised to attack.

The second layer was made up of the remaining twenty guards, while the third layer consisted of Prince Heng, Prince Qi, and other princes and nobles. At the very center were the protected individuals, including the Thirteenth Prince.

The sounds of roaring beasts filled the air:

“Roar—”

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“Awwoo—”

“Hiss—”

Sensing the intense killing intent emanating from Xiao Ruiyuan and his men, the beasts grew more agitated, their roars echoing far and wide…

At that moment, a sharp flute sound pierced the air from all directions. The source seemed distant yet close, creating an eerie resonance that penetrated everyone’s ears, and felt like it reached the deepest parts of their brains, causing great discomfort.

Several of the weaker-willed princes and nobles had their eyes gradually turning a blood-red hue, their emotions becoming increasingly agitated, driven by an urge to destroy everything.

Humans were affected, and so were the beasts, driven by instincts and previous stimulation. As soon as the flute sound rang out, over a hundred beasts seemed to receive a signal and let out deafening roars. They charged towards the crowd, revealing their white, sharp teeth.

Xiao Ruiyuan notched an arrow, and as soon as one of the wolves lunged at him, he decisively released the arrow. It flew like a shooting star, aiming for the head of the lead wolf.

The wolf, quick to react, managed to dodge the fatal arrow with a side jump. Nonetheless, the sharp arrowhead grazed its forehead, tearing away a tuft of fur and drawing bright red blood.

The sharp pain further enraged the wolf. It bent its hind legs slightly and, in the next instant, leaped towards Xiao Ruiyuan with lightning speed, its claws extended.

The claws, though not as formidable as a tiger's, could easily shred clothing and human flesh.

With a bow and arrow unsuitable for close combat, Xiao Ruiyuan had no time to use them. He threw the bow to the ground and drew his sword with his right hand. He faced the wolf head-on and delivered a fierce slash.

The speed of Xiao Ruiyuan’s sword was so swift that the wolf, sensing danger, had no time to avoid it. In the next moment, the entire wolf was cleaved in two, its hot blood spraying across the ground.

  Chapter 594: Scheme within a Scheme (3)

The black bear’s intelligence was almost as high as that of the tiger. Seeing so many people with ill intentions, it temporarily abandoned its pursuit of the tiger and charged at Prince Qi.

Seeing this, Prince Heng quickly drew his sword and went to engage the black bear.

The forest was soon filled with the roars of the tiger and the growls of the bear.

Both Prince Heng and Prince Qi were skilled in combat, and with their injured and exhausted opponents, they managed to defeat the tiger and the bear within a short period.

The watching princes and nobles were envious. It was not hard to notice the jealousy in their eyes. While they were all sons of Emperor Huian, they felt inferior to Crown Prince Chu Heng, who was the legitimate son of the Empress, and they did not want to be outdone by other brothers of similar status.

Prince Heng was an exception; his skills were recognized as superior from a young age. However, Prince Qi, who had lesser abilities, also managed to hunt a tiger, which unsettled them.

The young nobles were more straightforward in their feelings. They were excited and eager to hunt beasts themselves, hoping to make a name for themselves in front of Emperor Hui’an and secure their futures.

Seeing the excitement in these faces, Xiao Ruiyuan felt a shadow of unease.

While he was unsure of the martial skills of these young nobles, he knew the strengths and weaknesses of the princes. Against fully healthy beasts, none of them stood a chance.

Could it be that Prince Heng intended to provoke these people into fighting the beasts, thus setting a trap for him? After all, if there were many casualties, he, as the chief guardian present, would be held responsible!

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

But as the next moment unfolded, Xiao Ruiyuan dismissed this thought. His deeper understanding of Prince Heng’s ruthlessness made him realize that there was a more sinister plot at play.

“Ah—tiger! There’s a tiger hiding in the grass, I saw it!” An excited voice suddenly jolted everyone around Prince Heng and Prince Qi.

In the next instant, another voice, filled with fear, doused their excitement with cold water: “No, not just one tiger! To the west, to the west, there’s a wolf coming, no, not one, but a pack! Run, run, it’s a wolf pack, a wolf pack!”

As the terrified cries echoed through the forest, the sound of panicked screams filled the air.

Besides the approaching wolf pack, beasts such as tigers, black bears, and even several large pythons emerged from all directions. These beasts, more formidable than the wolves, appeared suddenly, as if they had emerged from the ground, surrounding everyone in the center.

Xiao Ruiyuan hid his shock and instinctively looked at Prince Heng. Seeing the genuine shock and disbelief on Prince Heng’s face, Xiao Ruiyuan’s heart sank…

The beasts, divided by species and governed by their own territories, included about fifty wolves, more than forty tigers, bears, and pythons combined. With only eighty or so humans, including fifty guards, and several princes who were not skilled in combat, their chances of survival were slim. The additional two hundred guards would take at least half an hour to arrive. Half an hour was more than enough time for the beasts to launch a frenzied slaughter.

The sharp eyes of the beasts, cold and eerie, stared at the group, ready to pounce and enjoy a rare feast.

Aside from the wolves, which were social animals, the other three types of beasts had strong territorial instincts and usually did not gather peacefully. Different species of beasts often fought when they met, but now they ignored their former enemies, which was clearly suspicious.

Xiao Ruiyuan observed the beasts closely and noticed their unusual bloodshot eyes and restlessness. The wolves, prevented from attacking by the alpha wolf’s warning growls, were especially agitated.

The abnormal behavior of the beasts and Prince Heng’s genuine shock confirmed Xiao Ruiyuan’s suspicion, a suspicion that he feared to delve into further…

At this moment, Prince Heng, recovering from his shock, looked at the menacing beasts and took a deep breath. He turned his gaze to Xiao Ruiyuan, his usually calm demeanor replaced by tension. His voice even had a slight tremor as he spoke, “General Xiao, in this critical situation, we can only fight with all our strength to secure a chance of survival. Do you have any idea how we might escape?”

  Chapter 593: Scheme within a Scheme (2)

Prince Heng looked at him and shook his head with a smile. “Although your archery skills are quite good, your martial prowess is lacking. From the roars of those two beasts, one is a tiger and the other a bear. None of them are easy to deal with, so I can’t let you take such risks.”

Prince Qi, knowing his own limitations, was not willing to show weakness in front of so many people. He stubbornly argued, “Though my skills may not match yours, I still have a chance against a tiger or a bear. After all, we came here to hunt beasts. I even want to hunt a tiger to make a fur coat for Mother!”

Prince Heng, seemingly reluctant to deny his brother’s filial piety, replied with feigned reluctance, “Then go ahead. After all, I, your elder brother, am here. I won’t let you be truly harmed by the beasts.”

The idea of the burly Prince Qi being carried off by a beast made everyone chuckle. Prince Heng’s image improved further in their eyes. After all, how many people would truly go to such lengths for a half-brother, especially in the fiercely competitive royal family? Not taking action was already a commendable gesture!

With the competition between Prince Heng and Prince Qi, others naturally didn’t want to miss out. Before the two could even speak, they eagerly expressed their desire to witness the duel. With dozens of guards present and an additional two hundred soon to arrive, their safety seemed assured even if they ventured deeper into the Beast Forest.

Even the youngest Thirteenth Prince was eager to join the excitement. Xiao Ruiyuan, too, had to follow, trailing behind the group and keeping a vigilant eye on his surroundings, not missing any signs of trouble.

The journey was uneventful except for a few small animals that startled everyone. The flowers, trees, and the mixed rain and dew gave no hint of human presence. Birds on the trees chirped calmly, undisturbed even as the group passed by. The only disturbances were the continuing roars of the beasts deep in the forest, but the overall atmosphere was calm and peaceful, which only made Xiao Ruiyuan more on edge.

Soon, after half an hour, the group reached the depths of the Beast Forest and saw the ongoing battle between a tiger and a bear.

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Compared to the tiger’s agility, the bear’s movements were slower, but its strength far surpassed that of the tiger. Each swipe of the bear’s paw could inflict serious injuries on the tiger.

The tiger and the bear were evenly matched, both with numerous wounds. However, as the group approached, the animals noticed them and stopped, looking towards the intruders with deafening roars, clearly trying to drive them away.

Seeing that the beasts were injured and seemingly exhausted, Prince Qi was overjoyed. He excitedly called out to Prince Heng, “I’ll take the tiger, and you can have the bear. How about that, elder brother?”

His tone and demeanor suggested that the tiger and bear were already within their grasp, as if they could be taken at will.

As a dutiful elder brother, even though Prince Heng preferred the tiger, he had to smile and concede to Prince Qi. “It’s settled then! The tiger is injured, but it’s still dangerous. Be careful not to get hurt.”

It was unclear whether Prince Qi heeded the warning. He simply nodded and, with his bow and arrow in hand, swiftly moved forward. Without giving the tiger time to prepare for an attack, he released a sharp arrow.

The tiger, known as the king of the forest, was not only distinguished by its sharp claws and agile body but also by its intelligence. As soon as King Qi drew his bow and shot the arrow, the tiger reacted quickly, evading the fatal shot and preparing to pounce on Prince Qi. 

  Chapter 592: Scheme within a Scheme (1)

Although Xiao Ruiyuan was temporarily in charge of the security for the autumn hunt, his responsibility was primarily to arrange personnel and secure the key routes to prevent any potential threats or intrusions. With the Emperor Huian and Chu Heng being protected by the royal bodyguards, Xiao Ruiyuan was not required to be constantly by their side. The other attendees had even less claim on his personal protection.

However, the current situation left Xiao Ruiyuan no choice but to become directly involved.

While the young noblemen could face accidents in the Beast Forest without anyone blaming Xiao Ruiyuan, the situation was different with the princes. Even though they might not hold the same status in Emperor Huian’s eyes as the Crown Prince, they were still his direct offspring. Given the Crown Prince’s precarious health, the Emperor might have other plans in mind for his successors.

Among the many princes, there might be one whom Emperor Huian considers as a potential successor. If any harm befell them, the Emperor’s wrath would be inevitable. The Emperor’s anger could lead to countless casualties, and as the head of security, Xiao Ruiyuan would be the first to face the consequences.

Prince Heng’s blatant threat left Xiao Ruiyuan furious, but he had no choice but to yield and fall into Prince Heng’s trap, as Prince Heng’s affection for his siblings was nothing but an act. Xiao Ruiyuan had already determined that Prince Heng harbored ill intentions, whether it was to guide the young princes in archery or to lead the Thirteenth Prince deliberately into the Beast Forest. It was all part of Prince Heng’s meticulous scheme, and the ultimate goal was to eliminate Xiao Ruiyuan as an obstacle.

Xiao Ruiyuan ordered some guards to return to the palace to report the situation to Emperor Huian and to dispatch an additional two hundred guards to ensure the safety of their party.

Prince Heng wouldn’t dare to openly act against him; his only option was to create accidents. These accidents might not necessarily bypass others but would depend on their luck. The two hundred additional guards might not prevent all accidents, but they could be crucial in saving lives.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s concession not only pleased Prince Heng but also allowed King Qi to vent his frustrations, leading to further verbal attacks on him.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Xiao Ruiyuan remained vigilant, silently calculating the possible “accidents” that Prince Heng might orchestrate. He ignored Prince Qi’s verbal assaults as if they were nothing more than the buzzing of a mosquito.

As they approached the outskirts of the Beast Forest, they could faintly hear the fierce roars of wild animals from deeper within. It didn’t sound like a real fight but more like a display of dominance. With the beasts confined to this small part of the forest, competition for territory was inevitable.

Prince Heng, with an amused expression, turned to Xiao Ruiyuan and said, “General Xiao, how about a competition to see who can hunt one of those beasts first?”

Xiao Ruiyuan, observing the surroundings, did not lift his head and coldly replied with two words: “Not interested!” Knowing that he was being set up and trapped, he felt it safer to stay close to those who had orchestrated the scheme than to venture into further danger.

The response made those unfamiliar with Xiao Ruiyuan’s demeanor and courage reassess him.

Prince Heng’s smile faltered slightly but then widened even more. “General Xiao, your straightforwardness remains unchanged. Perhaps you only soften when facing the Second Prince!”

Xiao Ruiyuan remained silent. He had no intention of pretending any longer and was ready to confront Prince Heng directly.

Seeing that even the most respected elder prince was struggling with Xiao Ruiyuan, Prince Qi was even more irate and mockingly said, “Third Brother, you overestimate him! No matter how much others praise him, he’s just a turtle who won’t dare to compete. If you want to have a match, let me do it!”

  Chapter 591: Scheme within a Scheme (2)

Xiao Ruiyuan lowered his eyes to hide his cold demeanor. After bowing to the princes, he said to Prince Qi, “It is my dereliction of duty. I will take the Thirteenth Prince back to the palace and personally apologize to His Majesty.”

Prince Qi, upon hearing this, became furious. “Are you implying that I don’t have the authority to hold you accountable and seek justice for the Thirteenth Prince?”

Xiao Ruiyuan remained silent, tacitly acknowledging Prince Qi’s accusation.

“You—Xiao Ruiyuan, don’t think I’m afraid to punish you!” Prince Qi pointed angrily at Xiao Ruiyuan, his rage so intense he nearly wished to shoot an arrow through this detestable person.

Xiao Ruiyuan didn’t flinch, completely ignoring Prince Qi’s threats.

Prince Qi was so enraged he nearly choked on his own anger. His face turned crimson as he hurled accusations of “dereliction of duty,” “disrespect,” and “audacity” at Xiao Ruiyuan, but he dared not take further action. He knew that if he acted out, he would be the first to face punishment upon returning.

The onlookers felt embarrassed watching Prince Qi’s unrestrained outburst, which lacked any semblance of royal dignity. They were too intimidated to interject or to make Xiao Ruiyuan back down. Instead, they kept their heads down, holding their breath, and pretended not to be there.

Once Prince Qi’s tirade subsided, Xiao Ruiyuan ignored him and directly addressed the Thirteenth Prince, who was cowering behind Prince Qi. “Thirteenth Prince, please come with me back to the palace to avoid causing His Majesty undue worry.”

The Thirteenth Prince trembled and, looking fearfully at Xiao Ruiyuan, stammered, “N-No... I don’t want to. I want to go into the Beast Forest with Seventh Brother and the others to hunt... hunt tigers.”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Xiao Ruiyuan’s brow furrowed, his sharp gaze fixed on the Thirteenth Prince. In an authoritative tone, he commanded the guards, “Bring the Thirteenth Prince over. I will take him back to the palace to apologize to His Majesty.”

The guards exchanged anxious looks. Despite their reluctance, they knew better than to defy General Xiao, so they approached the struggling Thirteenth Prince.

“No, I don’t want to go back. Let me go, you wretched servants, let me go!” The Thirteenth Prince struggled fiercely while pleading with Prince Qi, “Seventh Brother, help me! Save me!”

It was unclear whether the Thirteenth Prince was pleading for help to escape the guards’ grasp or to avoid the punishment he would face from Emperor Huian.

Prince Qi was also taken aback by Xiao Ruiyuan’s bold actions. He had always known Xiao Ruiyuan to be cold-hearted and unyielding. Except for the Emperor and the sickly Crown Prince, no one could sway him. However, he did not expect Xiao Ruiyuan to dare “bind” a current prince in front of so many people—this was utterly outrageous!

Regaining his composure, Prince Qi looked at Xiao Ruiyuan’s retreating figure with a deeply displeased expression. “Xiao Ruiyuan, you are being outrageous! How dare you bind a prince of our Chu dynasty? Do you have any respect for the royal family or the Emperor?”

Knowing that today’s events reeked of a carefully laid trap, Xiao Ruiyuan was eager to leave this trouble spot and protect Chu Heng. He paid no heed to Prince Qi’s unreasonable accusations, quickened his pace, and continued to lead the guards away.

At that moment, a panicked elk burst into view, being chased by Prince Heng, who was armed with a bow. Behind him were two other grown princes.

With the appearance of Prince Heng and the other princes, all the princes were now present, except for the younger Thirteenth Prince and the confined Prince Jing and Prince Kang.

Prince Heng was the first to notice Xiao Ruiyuan and Prince Qi’s group. Surprised, he halted his pursuit and asked, “What are you all doing here?” Seeing the Thirteenth Prince being held by the guards and causing a commotion, he frowned, “What’s going on? Did the Thirteenth Prince make a mistake?”

Before Xiao Ruiyuan could answer, Prince Qi jumped in, as if seizing the opportunity. He exaggerated the situation, accusing Xiao Ruiyuan of grave misconduct and declaring he would report this to the Emperor, seeking punishment for his disrespect towards the royal family.

Prince Heng, instead of siding with Prince Qi, scolded him. “This issue is entirely the fault of the Thirteenth Prince. General Xiao is only taking him back to the palace to apologize to the Emperor. Even if you are concerned for the Thirteenth Prince, you should not be so unreasonable.”

Prince Qi’s face showed a flash of grievance. Just as he was about to retort, he received a meaningful look from his older brother and immediately fell silent.

Prince Heng sighed in relief and turned to Xiao Ruiyuan with a warm smile. “General Xiao, Seventh Brother is impulsive and speaks out of concern for his younger sibling. I apologize on his behalf. Please do not take offense.”

The observers, seeing Prince Heng’s dignified and gracious demeanor, felt he was indeed deserving of the title “Wise Prince.” They looked at Xiao Ruiyuan’s stern face and began to favor Prince Heng, feeling that Xiao Ruiyuan, with his arrogance and reliance on military achievements and the Emperor’s trust, had overstepped by disregarding even a prince.

The disapproving glances did not bother Xiao Ruiyuan. He remained convinced that the Thirteenth Prince’s disappearance was more than it seemed. All he wanted now was to leave quickly and return to protect Chu Heng. He responded to Prince Heng’s pretense with polite formality. “I dare not! I must take the Thirteenth Prince back and report to the Emperor. I cannot stay any longer. Farewell.”

Without waiting for Prince Heng’s reaction, he signaled the guards to take the Thirteenth Prince away.

Prince Heng’s face momentarily twisted with displeasure at Xiao Ruiyuan’s lack of tact. He stepped forward to intercept him, seemingly oblivious to the coldness in Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyes, and smiled. “Since we are in the Beast Forest, why not stay and demonstrate your archery skills? Let the guards return to report to the Emperor. I’ve long wanted to see your skills in horsemanship and archery. Let’s have a friendly competition. What do you say?”

Xiao Ruiyuan’s gaze was heavy as he looked at Prince Heng’s seemingly benign expression. He was about to refuse outright but was interrupted by Prince Heng’s next words.

“General Xiao, you are responsible for the safety of the entire hunting ground. Since this is the Beast Forest, which is dangerous, it’s better for you to stay and ensure everything is secure. If anything goes wrong, it will be hard for you to explain to the Emperor.”

Prince Heng’s smiling words contained an underlying threat, which made Xiao Ruiyuan’s expression turn icy... 

  Chapter 590: Scheme within a Scheme (1)

Seeing Xiao Ruiyuan approaching with a stern expression, the guards exchanged worried glances, unsure of what was happening.

Xiao Ruiyuan ignored them and went straight through the thicket, only to find it completely empty—there wasn't even a trace of anyone.

The guards, witnessing this scene, turned pale and cold sweat began to bead on their foreheads. The only thought in their chaotic minds was: It's over!

Xiao Ruiyuan's face darkened as he examined the surroundings for any signs of abnormality. He was almost certain that the Thirteenth Prince hadn’t encountered any danger but had simply slipped away.

“Where is Thirteenth Brother? Why is he missing?” 

The young princes, who had been waiting for some time without seeing Xiao Ruiyuan return, became restless and came over to check. They were shocked to find that Thirteenth Brother was the only one missing.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s expression grew darker. He had no time to comfort the anxious princes. He coldly instructed the thirty pale-faced guards, “Assign ten to escort the princes back to the palace and report the Thirteenth Prince's disappearance to His Majesty. The remaining guards will accompany me to search for the Thirteenth Prince immediately!”

“Yes! We obey!” The guards quickly organized themselves, exhibiting the high professionalism expected of palace guards.

The young princes, realizing this was not the time to act willfully, obediently followed the ten guards down the mountain.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

The Sixteenth Prince stopped after a few steps, turned to look at Xiao Ruiyuan with an apologetic expression. He wanted to say something but realized that words were unnecessary at this moment.

Xiao Ruiyuan did not notice the Sixteenth Prince’s emotions. Following the trail left by the Thirteenth Prince, he quickly led the remaining twenty guards in pursuit.

If the Thirteenth Prince had remained on the outskirts of Phoenix Mountain, it would have been manageable. However, venturing into the deeper mountain areas brought many dangers. Apart from the risk of encountering wild beasts, deep forests were fraught with perils—one could easily fall off a cliff or get lost in the maze-like terrain, making escape nearly impossible.

In the two hours since the Thirteenth Prince went missing, a ten-year-old child could cover a considerable distance. Despite the rapid pace, tracking for half an hour brought Xiao Ruiyuan and the guards within three miles of the Thirteenth Prince, who had reached the outskirts of the Beast Forest.

Xiao Ruiyuan, recognizing the increasingly familiar surroundings, furrowed his brows deeply. Ahead lay the Beast Forest, which housed a large portion of the wild beasts driven into the forest by the guards. The dangers there were apparent.

Even though Xiao Ruiyuan suspected that this situation was part of a carefully laid trap, he had no choice but to continue forward and find the Thirteenth Prince as quickly as possible.

The group pressed on, and soon they reached the Beast Forest, where the Thirteenth Prince’s trail disappeared.

As Xiao Ruiyuan prepared to enter the forest to continue the search, Prince Qi, who had always been at odds with him, emerged from the forest with a group.

Following Prince Qi were several younger princes and more than a dozen sons of prominent families. The missing Thirteenth Prince was among them, head lowered, avoiding Xiao Ruiyuan's frosty gaze.

“Oh, isn’t this General Xiao, who brought our brothers hunting?” Prince Qi raised his chin with a hint of disdain in his eyes. “General Xiao’s actions caused my Thirteenth Brother to run away. If I hadn’t been nearby and stopped him from entering the Beast Forest in time, Thirteenth Brother might have faced grave danger. How should General Xiao be held accountable, hmm?”

  Chapter 589: Undercurrent (2)

Although the young princes were still children, they had been studying literature and practicing martial arts since the age of five, with archery being a required skill. While their archery might be lacking, their horseback riding skills were commendable.

The young princes, riding the smallest horses, excitedly followed Xiao Ruiyuan, chattering about the potential game they might encounter. Each one was eager and competitive, unwilling to let anyone else have the upper hand.

Only the Sixteenth Prince remained silent, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the imposing figure of Xiao Ruiyuan, his admiration never fading.

The thirty imperial guards trailing behind were vigilant, not daring to relax their guard. If anything were to go wrong with these young masters, their own lives might be at stake.

The group soon arrived at their destination. Xiao Ruiyuan dismounted first and tied his horse to a tree. The young princes followed suit, albeit clumsily, and managed to secure their horses as well.

Xiao Ruiyuan, with his lips pressed in a thin line, waited silently. His sharp eyes scanned the surrounding forest, his expression darkening slightly as he listened to the distant bird calls.

"General Xiao, this mountain is low and small. Will there be any game here? Perhaps we should move to a different location!" The nine-year-old Thirteenth Prince approached Xiao Ruiyuan with a brave face, suggesting a change of venue.

"Yes, this mountain looks barren, likely only home to wild chickens and rabbits. I don't want these small things!" 

"Exactly. I was hoping to see live tigers or bears. Wild chickens and rabbits are too dull."

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

"General Xiao, do you think we princes only deserve to hunt here for small game?"

"..."

The other princes echoed similar sentiments, their dissatisfaction apparent. They seemed to believe that Xiao Ruiyuan had brought them here as a mere formality, looking down on them.

Before Xiao Ruiyuan could respond, the Sixteenth Prince spoke up, his small face serious. "We have several people here with limited skills in martial arts and archery. If we went deeper into the mountains and encountered danger, what would we do? General Xiao is considering our safety by not taking us into the deeper mountains."

The other princes seemed to consider the Sixteenth Prince’s words, gradually calming down. However, the Thirteenth Prince, who had originally suggested going to the deeper mountains, was still displeased. "Hmph, the wild beasts in the deep mountains have all been driven away. There’s no real danger. He’s only bringing us here to make excuses!"

His words reignited the dissatisfaction among the princes, and they turned their discontent toward Xiao Ruiyuan. The Sixteenth Prince found it hard to counter their complaints.

Xiao Ruiyuan coldly watched the bickering princes until they fell silent. He then spoke calmly, "You princes are overthinking. This mountain is rarely visited by people, and many of the prey that were being hunted recently have hidden here. It won’t be just wild chickens and rabbits."

The princes looked at Xiao Ruiyuan with skepticism but, intimidated by his stern demeanor, reluctantly fell silent.

Xiao Ruiyuan paid no further attention to their thoughts, gave some instructions to the guards, and proceeded into the forest with his bow. Ignoring the murmurs behind him, he nocked an arrow and shot a wild chicken that was about to flutter away, pinning it to the ground.

This demonstration proved effective. Seeing the wild chicken impaled by Xiao Ruiyuan's arrow, the princes immediately quieted down.

With the noise gone, Xiao Ruiyuan focused on searching for game, sticking to this small forest and avoiding the deeper areas.

Arrows flew one by one, and game was collected. Although the young princes found the wild chickens and rabbits beneath their notice, they were impressed by Xiao Ruiyuan's precise archery. Some even practiced their own shooting, mimicking his stance.

Only the Thirteenth Prince, who had wanted to go deeper, had a sullen expression, his eyes darting around.

The forest did indeed have larger game such as deer and wild sheep. However, they were highly alert and fast-moving. Xiao Ruiyuan, considering the young princes’ safety, refrained from pursuing them, which disappointed the princes who wished they could catch these larger animals themselves.

After hunting several wild chickens and rabbits and losing their initial excitement, the young princes began pestering Xiao Ruiyuan to teach them archery.

At this moment, the Thirteenth Prince clutched his stomach in pain and said intermittently, "General Xiao, I have a stomachache and need to relieve myself."

Xiao Ruiyuan frowned and, surveying the area, pointed to a dense patch of bushes not far away. "Go there." He then assigned a few guards to follow him for safety.

The Thirteenth Prince glanced at the guards, his expression uneasy but saying nothing, and walked towards the bushes with the guards in tow.

Xiao Ruiyuan turned back, hung a wild rabbit on a tree branch about four feet off the ground, and told the princes, "Practice shooting."

The princes, excited, drew their bows and aimed at the rabbit ten meters away. However, their arrows missed the target, with only the Sixteenth Prince’s arrow grazing the rabbit’s fur.

The princes looked at Xiao Ruiyuan, hoping for guidance.

Xiao Ruiyuan, expressionless, watched them and made no comments, only instructing them to continue practicing.

The young princes, weary and unable to leverage their royal status to compel him, continued practicing diligently.

Two hours passed quickly. The princes, exhausted and with sore arms, were struggling with their aim and range.

Seeing it was time, Xiao Ruiyuan decided to let them rest. After they had rested, he would provide individual guidance.

The princes cheered and, ignoring the damp ground, sat down. They asked the guards to bring food and water to replenish their energy.

The Sixteenth Prince, sitting beside Xiao Ruiyuan and nibbling on a pastry, glanced at the bushes and murmured, "Thirteenth Brother still hasn’t returned. Could he be constipated?"

Xiao Ruiyuan’s expression tightened. Sensing something might be amiss, he looked towards the bushes, saw the guards still stationed outside, and, uneasy, quickly walked over…

  Chapter 588: Undercurrent (1)

The Sixteenth Prince had a relatively humble background; his mother was only a consort of the fifth rank, making him one of the lowest-born among the princes. However, his cute appearance and generally well-behaved nature had won him some affection from Emperor Huian. Due to his young age and lack of powerful backing, the older princes did not see him as a threat, allowing him to live a relatively peaceful and carefree life in the palace.

If this unremarkable young prince had made such a request only in front of Xiao Ruiyuan, Xiao Ruiyuan could have easily refused. But in the presence of Emperor Huian, he had to remain silent.

Emperor Huian looked at the Sixteenth Prince, whose eyes were full of hope, and smiled faintly. "Little Sixteenth, there are many skilled archers present, not just General Xiao. Why do you specifically choose him? I heard you've complained to your study companions about how General Xiao's stern expression scares you, like a mouse before a cat. Are you not afraid of him now?"

The Sixteenth Prince's round face turned bright red. Nervously glancing at Xiao Ruiyuan and seeing no sign of anger, he breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Father, that was when I was younger and didn't understand. After hearing many stories about General Xiao's bravery in battle, he's become my hero. So, of course, I'm not afraid of him now! I want to follow General Xiao on this hunt to see his archery skills up close and learn from him. One day, I want to be like him, defending our great Chu's lands and people!"

His voice grew more excited, and noticing the smiles around him, he sheepishly scratched his head and glanced at his hero, only to be disappointed that the hero wasn't looking at him.

Seeing the child's aspiration mixed with innocence, Emperor Huian's smile deepened. "I'm glad to hear you have such ambitions. Very well, you may go with General Xiao this afternoon. But hunting can be dangerous, so you must behave and not cause trouble for him."

The Sixteenth Prince almost jumped for joy but quickly restrained himself, bowing respectfully, "Thank you, Father! I promise to be good and follow General Xiao's instructions."

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Emperor Huian laughed heartily and addressed Xiao Ruiyuan, "General Xiao, I'll leave the Sixteenth Prince in your care. If he misbehaves, let me know, and I'll ensure he's properly punished."

Xiao Ruiyuan stood and replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Several other young princes around ten years old, who idolized heroes, couldn't resist the temptation to witness Xiao Ruiyuan's skills firsthand, despite their fear of him. They eagerly stood up and requested permission to join the hunt.

In a good mood, Emperor Huian readily agreed and assigned thirty imperial guards to accompany them for protection.

As he watched the joyful young princes, Xiao Ruiyuan's brow furrowed slightly. He glanced across the table at Chu Heng, meeting his gaze momentarily before they both looked away, a silent understanding passing between them.

Prince Heng, seated beside Chu Heng, smiled as he raised his cup, hiding the malice in his eyes.

No matter how cautious you are, this time, you won't escape!

After the midday meal, Xiao Ruiyuan returned to his tent for a brief rest. Soon, at the urging of the young princes, he grabbed his bow and mounted his horse, leading them towards a nearby forested area with gentler terrain.

  Chapter 587: Approaching Storm (5)

With only four days left before their return to the capital, the young men who had yet to make a good catch and earn Emperor Huian's favor grew increasingly anxious. These individuals, who hadn't excelled in their studies, had only their martial skills to rely on. Fortunately, their starting point was far superior to that of ordinary scholars. Even if they couldn't join the ranks of nobles, they could still secure some minor official positions through family connections. However, these were mostly idle roles, and seeking a promotion or a substantive post was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

Opting for such positions meant a lifetime of mediocrity, a path taken only by those truly resigned to their fate or those who couldn't seize opportunities. Anyone with ambition or ability would disdain such a route.

Among the dozen or so princes, apart from the ailing Crown Prince, all wanted to impress Emperor Huian and earn his favor. Yet, after ten days, only Prince Heng had managed to earn a faint compliment from the emperor by catching a deer and two roe deer. The others, either too young and inexperienced in archery or simply unlucky, brought back little more than pheasants and hares—small game unworthy of note. The best among them might have caught an extra fox or two.

In stark contrast to the lackluster hunting results of the princes, Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu stood out, having each hunted seven or eight deer within just three days. They had even collaborated to bring down a tiger, earning more praise from Emperor Huian than all the other princes combined.

Yan Junyu was a different case; though he was friendly with the Crown Prince, he was considered a "good-for-nothing" playboy, holding the title of a young lord without any real power. Despite his association with the Crown Prince, he wasn't seen as part of the faction because his grandfather, Wu An Gong, a loyalist to Emperor Huian, neither formed cliques nor played politics. Therefore, the other princes, though annoyed by Yan Junyu's favor with the emperor, didn't see him as a threat. Wu An Gong was known for being fiercely protective and wouldn't hesitate to defend Yan Junyu, even against princes, in front of the emperor. Emperor Huian would likely respond with a smile and praise Wu An Gong for his discipline.

Xiao Ruiyuan, however, was a different matter. With numerous military achievements and high regard among the military's younger leaders, Xiao Ruiyuan was a first-rank general with real power. He not only commanded half of the troops under the Five Armies Command but also served as the Chief Inspector of the Imperial Guard, overseeing the ten thousand troops in the capital.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com....

Though the Chief Inspector didn't have direct command over the troops, those in the position were invariably trusted and valued by the emperor. Xiao Ruiyuan's clear alignment with the Crown Prince made him a formidable figure. With Emperor Huian's trust, Xiao Ruiyuan's position posed a significant threat, especially as the frail Crown Prince, Chu Heng, seemed unlikely to survive much longer. Should Chu Heng pass away, Xiao Ruiyuan would become an even more desirable ally, albeit one difficult to control, likely to shatter any attempts to manipulate him.

Unable to eliminate Xiao Ruiyuan or fearing that rivals might gain his allegiance, the princes plotted to bring him down completely, ensuring no one could benefit from his downfall. This autumn hunt and the unexpected storm presented them with the perfect opportunity.

Beneath the calm surface of the hunting grounds, a meticulously planned conspiracy simmered. At the midday banquet, when the eight-year-old Sixteenth Prince requested permission from Emperor Huian to join Xiao Ruiyuan in the mountains for hunting, Xiao Ruiyuan's eyes instantly grew cold.