A great upheaval occurred in the capital.
However, the young men and women on Fang Mountain were oblivious to sorrow. They dismissed all the cooks and servants and were in high spirits as they organized a small hunting activity.
They even intended to be self - sufficient, hunting wild game and cooking it over a fire.
Gu Xiao loved to show off, especially in front of An Xingzhi.
He was the one who had instigated this hunting activity.
The others were just idle and bored.
They had heard that Fang Mountain raised small wild animals every year, which remained lively even in winter.
So, they all got interested.
Coincidentally, there were all kinds of things in Chu Nian'an's villa, including bows, arrows, and knives. There were even horses specially transported from outside.
Gu Xiao chose a dark - red horse, and with a heroic air, he mounted it. He casually tossed an object into the arms of the gong - striking maid. "Her Royal Highness has released a hundred pheasants, a hundred white rabbits, and a deer in the hunting ground. The one who hunts the most will win this prize."
The object he threw was a jade pendant of excellent quality, worth a fortune.
It was carved from a piece of jade he had found himself during his training on Xiao Mountain when he was eighteen.
There were originally a pair of jade pendants, one with a pattern of a cold plum and the other with an arrow bamboo.
The one he threw was the arrow - bamboo one.
Gu Xiao was confident. He thought that the young masters in the capital were pampered all year round, and their arrows would be weak.
It was different from him, who had been through years of training.
Gu Xiao raised his head confidently. He thought he had a 50% chance of winning the jade pendant back and then presenting it to An Xingzhi as a lucky prize.
As for the remaining 50%, it naturally belonged to his cousin, Yan Zhao.
Gu Xiao gently rubbed the tip of his nose and lowered his eyes. He had to discuss with his cousin later about letting him win.
However, his cousin had the opposite thought.
How could he let someone else take the first place?
The heroic and unrestrained image in Wanwan's eyes should only be his!
How could another man steal the limelight?
"Wanwan, wait for me to come back."
He tenderly twirled Ning Yuwǎn's fingers, reluctant to leave.
"The cold wind is biting. Your Highness should take good care of your health."
Ning Yuwǎn actually didn't quite understand why Yan Zhao insisted on participating in the hunting.
In the eyes of people in the capital, apart from being ruthless, he was also weak and seemed to have a short lifespan.
But now Yan Zhao's body was a bit stronger than before.
Ning Yuwǎn didn't want to restrain his nature. While helping him straighten his robe, she secretly cast a small spell to protect him.
"Or I'll go with you?"
This hunting was self - reliant, and no one would bring their guards.
Without the protection of A Da and A Er, Ning Yuwǎn was really worried about Yan Zhao going alone.
"Don't worry, wife. Gu Xiao is no match for me."
On the surface, Yan Zhao had been in the capital for several years, looking too weak to carry anything. But in fact, he had secretly gone to Xiao Mountain and trained with Gu Wu and Gu Xiao.
His martial arts skills were more than enough for self - defense.
Mentioning Gu Xiao, Ning Yuwǎn's eyelashes fluttered slightly. "He's good at martial arts, but not very smart. Your Highness, don't let him lead you astray. Try to stay away from him if possible."
Gu Xiao, who was about to approach Yan Zhao: "..."
There was really a reason why he didn't like Ning Yuwǎn!
"Humph! Womanish opinion!"
Many people would cooperate privately to get a good total number in the hunting.
Gu Xiao admitted that he had this selfish motive.
But after Ning Yuwǎn said it, he retorted defiantly, "I'll win the first place and blind your... eyes!"
He originally wanted to say "dog eyes".
But Yan Zhao's cold and fierce gaze was so intimidating that he had to swallow the words back.
Chu Nian'an didn't care about his arrogant words. She disdainfully picked up Gu Xiao's jade pendant. "Fang Mountain is my territory. It's not up to you to offer a prize."
She casually clapped her hands, and a little maid behind her presented a cold sword. "This sword is called Slaying the Dragon. It was once the sword of the founding emperor of the Chu Dynasty. It's extremely sharp. A hair will be cut when it touches the blade. Today, it will be the prize for the first - place winner in the hunting."
Sure enough, the cold sword glistened with a cold light under the sun.
Ning Yuwǎn wasn't a sword - lover, but at this moment, she was involuntarily attracted by the "Slaying the Dragon".
It was not only because of the sudden transfer of the sword's murderous aura but also because the name of the sword was clearly an insult to the dragon.
Seeing Ning Yuwǎn's eyes fixed on the "Slaying the Dragon", Yan Zhao leaned over and whispered to her, "If wife likes it, I'll win it for you?"
Ning Yuwǎn liked to collect treasures, but she didn't really care about things in the mortal world.
But at this moment, her mind seemed to be drawn by the Slaying the Dragon Sword, and she involuntarily replied, "Okay!"
Ning Yuwǎn fixed her gaze, and Yan Zhao's figure was clearly reflected in the bottom of her eyes. "I want that sword!"
Her intuition told her that it wasn't the first time she had seen the Slaying the Dragon.
Yan Zhao gently touched her forehead. "If wife wants it, I'll get it for you!"
Yan Zhao's competitive spirit, which had been hidden under his usual appearance, was completely aroused. His determined momentum scared away a group of young men.
But which young man didn't love a sword?
As soon as Chu Nian'an presented this high - profile prize, the young men were all excitedly making preparations.
Even though Yan Zhao's cold and intimidating aura was scary, there were still a few bold ones who wanted to try their luck at winning the cold sword and taking the first place.
"Clang!"
The little maid struck the gong, and all the young men rode their horses away.
Chu Nian'an watched the heroic figures of the group in the distance. Someone in the forest had already spotted a prey, quickly drew an arrow, but missed.
"Shall we place a bet?"
Her eyesight wasn't that good, and looking into the distance made her eyes tired. So, she sat down, feeling a bit bored.
An Xingzhi was on her right. Although her movements were subtle, her eyes were also wandering towards the distant hunting ground.
As for Ning Yuwǎn on her left, her cold and clear eyes were still fixed on the Slaying the Dragon Sword.
There were also a group of delicate noble ladies behind them. Naturally, they couldn't be idle either.
"Guess who will be the first - place winner?"
Chu Nian'an was in a great mood after getting the dark - purple jewelry.
She asked the little maid to find a pair of glass earrings from her private treasury. Although they weren't very valuable, they were rare.
"This pair of glass earrings will be the bet."
An Xingzhi answered before Ning Yuwǎn. "Then Xingzhi will bet on Young Prince Gu."
Although she liked Yan Zhao, everyone in the capital knew that Yan Zhao was in such poor health that he wouldn't live long.
Not to mention winning the competition, it would be a great fortune if he could ride a horse safely to the end.
Gu Xiao had been on Xiao Mountain for five years, and he was personally taught by the former general and current Marquis of Wu'an, Gu Wu. His riding skills were excellent, and his archery was superb!
Between love and victory, it was obvious that An Xingzhi chose the latter.
Chu Nian'an nodded with a smile. She thought the same way in her heart.
But she also cared about Ning Yuwǎn's opinion. "What do you think, sister - in - law?"
Ning Yuwǎn smiled. "I want this Slaying the Dragon Sword. His Highness said he would win it for me!"
They were really an affectionate couple!
But Yan Zhao's strength...
Chu Nian'an didn't hold out much hope!
She even poured cold water on her cousin from afar!
"If I had known sister - in - law liked it, I wouldn't have used the Slaying the Dragon Sword as a prize. I would have given it to sister - in - law directly."
It was almost like saying that Yan Zhao definitely couldn't win the first place.
Ning Yuwǎn was as confident and imposing as Yan Zhao just now.
"I believe in His Highness."