Chapter 592: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
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!”
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