Chapter 464 Extra Story: Each Finds Joy in Their Own Way 7
Chu Hongjue was clearly deliberately provoking Chu Hongyu, running around in circles.
Lin Dongdong hurriedly tried to mediate: "Your Majesty, Prince Yan is still young. Let's not stoop to his level. Try this fish I grilled—it tastes even better."
"I want that one," Chu Hongyu stood up. "I'll count to three. If you don't put that fish down, you know the consequences."
Chu Hongjue instinctively shrank his neck.
Though he usually enjoyed provoking his elder brother, he still felt some fear when his brother truly got angry. He looked toward Chu Changsheng for help.
Chu Changsheng shrugged. Of all things for this kid to snatch, he had to take the fish personally grilled by Sister He. It was entirely understandable that her brother would be angry.
Seeing that his elder sister wouldn't intervene either, Chu Hongjue could only whimper pitifully as he returned the half-bitten grilled fish: "Elder Brother, I was wrong, alright? Please don't throw me into the military camp for training. My arms and legs are too delicate—I couldn't handle it..."
As he spoke, he walked toward Chu Hongyu.
The ground was overgrown with weeds everywhere. Not watching his step, he tripped over a clump of grass and crashed directly into He Jingru.
He Jingru lost her balance and stumbled forward.
Lin Dongdong was right in front of her.
In that instant, a strange thought flashed through Lin Dongdong's mind.
If the young lady from the He family bumped into him, would it count as compromising her virtue? What if he had to take responsibility and marry Miss He? Then he'd become relatives with Chen San.
That scoundrel Chen San was always competing for the Emperor's favor in front of him—becoming relatives would be simply unbearable...
Considering this, Lin Dongdong dodged with lightning speed.
He Jingru tumbled straight into Chu Hongyu's arms.
Chu Hongyu instinctively opened his arms, catching He Jingru in an extremely secure embrace that kept her from falling to the ground.
Instantly, their eyes met.
Chu Hongyu had never dreamed that the woman he loved would fall into his embrace.
He Jingru had never dreamed that the Emperor would hold her in his arms.
As their gazes locked, time seemed to stand still.
"Hey, Elder Brother, how long are you planning to hold her? What about Miss He's reputation?" Chu Hongjue pulled them apart.
Chu Hongyu grabbed Chu Hongjue and began pummeling him.
"You little brat! Who gave you permission to come to the hunting grounds!"
"Get back to the palace immediately! Copy the Three Character Classic, Hundred Family Surnames, and Thousand Character Classic ten times each, or you're confined to quarters!"
Chu Hongjue desperately begged for mercy: "Elder Brother, I was wrong! All I did was take a bite of your grilled fish—is this really necessary? Is it?! Waaah... Elder Sister, save me... Chen San! Lin Dongdong! If you don't come help, Prince Yan is going to die!"
He Jingru worriedly asked: "Your Highness, is this really alright?"
Chu Changsheng replied: "It's been like this since we were children. I'm already used to it."
The group managed to finish eating the roasted venison, and everyone was in reasonably good spirits as they prepared to return.
By then, dusk was gradually falling, and the hunters had all returned, making the camp lively everywhere.
Chu Changsheng noticed a figure in black clothing heading toward the back mountain. She recognized him as Murong Bi.
She directly followed him: "Murong Bi, where are you going on the mountain so late?"
Murong Bi turned around and, by the surrounding torchlight, saw Chu Changsheng's stunningly beautiful face. His breath caught in his throat.
He stammered: "Re—reporting to Your Highness, I'm going up the mountain to gather herbs.""It's so late, can you even see the herbs clearly?" Chu Changsheng asked curiously.
"Your Highness may not know this, but these particular herbs emit a faint glow in the darkness, so they can only be gathered at night." Murong Bi paused before continuing, "If Your Highness is interested, why not come along?"
Having been confined to the palace for so long, Chu Changsheng was particularly drawn to such rare curiosities and immediately followed.
He Jingru only felt reassured when she noticed numerous guards following at a distance behind Chu Changsheng.
She turned to head back toward her own tent.
As the daughter of a sixth-rank official, her tent was located in the outermost corner.
Before she could reach her campsite, several noble daughters suddenly blocked her path.
"You must be Miss He, correct?"
"I believe Miss He's father is only a seventh or sixth-rank official? Logically speaking, she shouldn't qualify to participate in the hunt."
"I heard Miss He has curried favor with the Princess and was personally invited by Her Highness. She's been with the Princess all afternoon."
"What incredible luck to have won the Princess's favor!"
He Jingru lowered her gaze and said, "If you ladies have no business with me, I shall take my leave."
"There is one matter," the leading Miss Wang spoke up. "If the Princess summons you to accompany her during tomorrow's hunt, you must bring me along."
Her father was a first-rank official at court, giving her a strong chance of becoming Empress. But to her embarrassment, although she often entered the palace, she had never had the opportunity to be alone with the Emperor.
He Jingru maintained a calm expression. "I'm afraid this matter is beyond my control."
"You must take me," Miss Wang asserted with imposing authority. "If you succeed, my father will promote your He family. If you fail..."
"And what happens if she fails?"
A cold, deep voice came from behind.
The young women turned and were momentarily stunned when they saw the figure approaching in the bright yellow Dragon Robe. After a moment's delay, they hurriedly paid their respects: "Your Majesty!"
Chu Hongyu stood with his hands behind his back, positioning himself beside He Jingru.
His expression was icy, a chilling aura swirling between his brows. This coldness hung in the air like a dense net, causing everyone beneath it to tremble with fear.
"Miss Wang speaks with impressive authority," Chu Hongyu said with a cold laugh. "Daring to threaten someone with official promotion right under my watch—what would you do where I cannot see?"
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!" Miss Wang's knees buckled as she knelt on the ground. "This subject was merely joking with Miss He..."
Chu Hongyu spoke deliberately, "Perhaps I should remove your father's official cap."
Miss Wang's face showed disbelief before she broke into tearful pleas: "Your Majesty, my mistakes should not affect my father. I beg for your leniency..."
"Look how Miss Wang cries. I was only joking as well," Chu Hongyu curled his lips slightly. "Considering Minister Wang's numerous contributions, I'll let this pass. But if there's a next time..."
"No! There will never be a next time!" Miss Wang shook her head vigorously. "Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty! This subject kowtows in gratitude!"
Chu Hongyu waved his hand. "Dismissed."
The noble daughters hastily retreated.
Although the Emperor was young, they still felt immense pressure. Remaining in his presence felt more unbearable than death itself.
He Jingru bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you for intervening, Your Majesty."
Chu Hongyu looked deeply troubled.It seemed their relationship had grown much closer during today's barbecue.
But now, it felt distant again.
He spoke up: "Where is Miss He staying?"
He Jingru casually pointed toward the tent in the most remote corner.
"There are quite a few insects and ants in this area." Chu Hongyu frowned. "I'll have someone clear the surroundings for you, so you can sleep well tonight."
He Jingru hurriedly said, "No, that's not necessary..."
"It is necessary." Chu Hongyu said seriously. "You were invited to this hunt because of me. How could I let you return disappointed?"
He Jingru's heart skipped another beat.
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