The Second Prince quickly covered up, saying, "Truth? There's no truth to tell you. Some things are better felt than told."
Ji Feiyu then understood. Ran Wei's relaxed look wasn't because of the First Prince, but the Second Prince...
This was truly unexpected!
The Second Prince said, "You don't need to worry about her too much. I'll protect her silently. Now that no one bothers her, she can do whatever she wants. It's good."
So it was always only herself who was trapped! Ji Feiyu wailed in her heart.
The Second Prince said, "We've just arrived at the palace. There's still time to rest. But when the autumn hunt starts, you'll have to switch back."
Ji Feiyu thought sadly that she should take these few days to explore the surrounding area and learn about the terrain in case it might be useful.
Time passed quickly. The autumn hunt officially began. Ji Feiyu disguised herself as a maid bringing clothes for "Ji Feiyu" and entered the courtyard. She completed the identity swap with her.
On the day of the autumn hunt, a large crowd gathered at the hunting ground. The hunting ground had already been enclosed, marked with the flags of the Northern Cold. Even though the grassland was vast, one couldn't underestimate the intimidation brought by this group of people and horses.
The royal family and tribal chiefs of the Northern Cold all attended in grand attire. They were dressed in magnificent equestrian and archery suits, sitting on their steeds with beautiful bridles and trappings. Each person had a large bow on their back, and some bows were even inlaid with jewels. Besides bows, some people also carried crossbows, scimitars and other weapons for attacking nearby prey.
Ji Feiyu followed the First Prince, watching him greet everyone present one by one.
Coincidentally, it was cloudy that day. The autumn scenery was desolate. Under the overcast sky, the dense forest for the hunt seemed to lose some of its color, looking gray and adding a bit of tension and solemnity to the upcoming hunt.
Sure enough, hunting, a primitive and bloody activity, was more attractive to men. Many people were rubbing their hands in anticipation, looking excited. Ji Feiyu watched all this indifferently. At this moment, she was wearing a bright red riding and archery suit exquisitely embroidered with needle - like patterns. Her hair was neatly coiled up. She sat silently on a milky - white steed, observing.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the crowd. It turned out that Yong Yaxuan had ridden over with his men. At this moment, he was wearing a white and light orange riding and archery robe with flat gold threads. A dark gem - green gold belt with barbarian patterns was tied around his waist. His jet - black long hair was tied up high and pinned in a golden crown. Under his sword - like eyebrows, his eyes were bright and imposing. He had an extraordinary bearing. Behind him, Xi Zhuang and Zhan Shan were also dressed in strong - looking outfits, looking imposing.
The First Prince immediately dismounted to greet him. The others also dismounted and saluted one after another. Ji Feiyu also dismounted, sighing inwardly that the Great Yong indeed had many talents.
After the greetings, all the participants of the autumn hunt had arrived. Let's not mention the grand and empty words for now. The reason why the autumn hunt made these men extremely excited was not only because of the primitive hunting but also the competition mechanism. Since the arrow feathers of the hunters were all marked differently, there were special people in the hunting forest to record and transport the hunted prey. The hunters just needed to enjoy the hunt to their hearts' content.
After the hunt, points would be calculated based on the type and quantity of the prey. Compared with the quantity, the type of prey was also very important. Deer would surely score more points than hares.
According to the scores, each person could obtain different titles and rewards. The one who won the first place could be called the Hunting King and would receive additional rewards. Over the years, in the Northern Cold autumn hunt, all the participants aimed for the title of Hunting King. The competition was extremely fierce.
After the opening speech, the First Prince rode up to Ji Feiyu and said, "Today, I've made an agreement with the Emperor of Yong to compete and see who can hunt more prey. Although I'll take you with me to gain some experience, I may not be able to take care of you. The hunting ground is dangerous. These two people will follow you all the time. They are very capable and can keep you safe. If you can keep up with me, then follow. If you really can't, hunt some hares by yourself."
Ji Feiyu didn't expect such sudden freedom. She couldn't help asking, "Aren't you worried that I'll run away, First Prince?"
The First Prince laughed and said, "The whole hunting ground is enclosed. You can't run out. Moreover, it's easy to get lost in the outer area. Without a local guide, you won't be able to get out."
Ji Feiyu: "..."
Ji Feiyu looked around the field. Except for the female archers in female archery suits, there were no other women participating. She couldn't help asking, "Where's Ran Wei? Didn't you say she would also participate?"
The First Prince pointed with a big hand and said, "She's over there. She's leading my concubines to offer incense and pray for me. She'll participate a bit later."
Ji Feiyu:???
She looked in the distance and really saw Ran Wei leading a group of women praying devoutly. This was really a strange custom.
At this time, the Second Prince also rode over in his strong - looking outfit. Wearing the leather armor riding and archery suit, he looked more valiant than usual.
Ji Feiyu looked at the Jingyun under his mount. She couldn't help pointing at it and blinking, saying, "Second Prince, can we swap horses?"
Ji Feiyu loved the feeling of Jingyun running. But the Second Prince didn't seem very willing. He shook his head and said, "I've just come to see you, and you want to rob my horse. That's not very appropriate, is it?"
The First Prince laughed and said, "This horse has a very fiery temper. Feiyu'd better not ride it. Even a slight touch from others usually makes it unhappy."
Feiyu... Ji Feiyu couldn't help twitching the corner of her mouth. The address had changed again. She originally wanted to tell the First Prince that she had ridden this horse and it was very docile. But seeing the Second Prince wink at her, she didn't mention it. It seemed that there were quite a few things the Second Prince hadn't told the First Prince.
The Second Prince found it funny looking at Ji Feiyu's changing expression. He said, "Brother, you must take good care of her. Give me the first place today!"
The First Prince also laughed heartily. "Haha, when have you ever beaten me? Feiyu, you must watch well today. Even if I take you with me, I'll surely beat him!"
Well, he had just said he wouldn't be able to take care of her. Such male competitiveness!
"Okay." Ji Feiyu replied. But what she was thinking was that if she had to follow him, she might as well slow him down.
Everyone present was smiling hypocritically at each other. It seemed that another good show was about to start...
Sure enough, after the gong sounded, the men participating in the hunt galloped away like wild horses off the reins.
At first, the First Prince told Ji Feiyu to follow him closely and even deliberately slowed down his horse. But when he saw the prey, the Second Prince took the lead, and he no longer cared whether Ji Feiyu could keep up. He spurred his horse and chased after the prey.
Sure enough, competitiveness could make men lose their minds. A faint smile appeared on Ji Feiyu's lips. She deliberately slowed down her horse, took advantage of the chaotic situation to distance herself from the First Prince, and ran towards the forest on the other side.
The male and female guards behind her closely followed Ji Feiyu, never leaving her side. At this moment, Ji Feiyu didn't know that danger was about to come.