The hunt proceeded as scheduled.

Xiao Zhixing rode on horseback, joining Huo Baijun and others in a group, and followed the main force to the hunting grounds.

Now, some teenagers from various families are also secretly paying attention to her, probably because they've been educated about her by their elders when they get home.

Among them, Zhao Lin and Zhao Xi's gazes were the most blatant.

The former looked curious, while the latter carried a hint of hostility.

Huo Baijun treated her as usual, while Lin Rushu suddenly realized why she wasn't worried about being betrothed to the eldest prince.

Li Wenxiu probably wasn't told about this, and continued to get along with her as before.

Xiao Zhixing remained calm and followed the crowd once he entered the hunting grounds.

As soon as the emperor announced the start of the hunt, he greeted a few people and led his guards into the mountains.

They agreed to meet two hours later to see who had caught the most prey.

Huo Baijun was in high spirits and vowed to defeat her.

Xiao Zhixing accepted the challenge, and after entering the woods, he vigorously spurred his horse to create distance between himself and the guards, continuing to venture deeper into the forest.

"Bai Feng, Hei Hu, come out."

Now they were deep in the mountains and forests, and there was no one else around.

Bai Feng and Hei Hu transformed into the size of ordinary wild beasts and emerged from the space.

Then, as agreed, the two beasts began to fight.

"Princess!"

Just then, Bai Mei, Xiao Bei, and the others caught up. Seeing the two large wild beasts locked in a fierce battle, they nervously shielded her behind them, drawing their bows in preparation.

Xiao Zhixing's eyes flashed, signaling them not to act rashly.

Bang!

"唳——"

"roar--"

The two enraged beasts slammed into each other, rolled around a few times, and then collapsed from exhaustion, glaring at each other and roaring angrily.

Xiao Zhixing chuckled inwardly. Good boy, your acting has improved.

She dismounted and stepped forward, pointing her sword at Black Tiger and laughing:

"You're both exhausted and too weak to fight back. I could kill you all easily. How about this, you come with me?"

Even as the group headed back, Xiao Bei and the others remained in a daze.

Looking at the two large beasts following Xiao Zhixing, they thought they were in a dream.

that's all? !

The princess could easily subdue two forest overlords with just a couple of threats?

That's way too childish! Even traditional storytelling wouldn't dare to write something like that.

But the facts are right before their eyes; they witnessed them with their own eyes.

Xiao Zhixing had a smile on his face the whole time, and he was in a very good mood.

Finally, the friends have been brought out into the open. That performance was just to play along with them, so the plot can be kept simple.

Although some people in the live stream found it strange, no one doubted that this could be arranged in advance.

So everyone showered her with compliments and lavished praise on her.

Xiao Zhixing can now calmly read those cheesy words.

"Bai Feng".

Bai Feng let out a soft cry, took off and flew into the sky, disappearing from sight. However, they both knew where the other was.

Xiao Yun exclaimed, "It... ran away?"

Xiao Zhixing did not respond.

Let Bai Feng hide for a while; he might come in very useful. As for Hei Hu, he'll definitely follow me.

Not long after they returned, they encountered another group, Zhao Lin and Zhao Xi's group.

Strangely, Qi Mengshu was also in this group.

"Xiao Qingluan, you've been inside for so long, and you haven't hunted a single thing?"

Zhao Xi sneered, "Isn't this a disgrace to Prince Xiao?"

Black Tiger walked on the other side, hidden by the crowd. They didn't see him, otherwise they probably wouldn't have dared to make a sound.

Xiao Zhixing glanced at her lightly, ignoring her completely, and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Zhao Lin quickly cupped his hands in greeting, "Princess Qingluan."

Zhao Xi's face immediately turned red with anger. "Xiao Qingluan, what do you mean? How dare you ignore this princess?!"

Xiao Zhixing patted the uneasy horse's head, "Then... have you met Princess Fengxi?"

She couldn't be bothered to feign politeness towards someone who had already shown hostility.

"Xiao Qingluan!"

Zhao Xi was furious and pointed his whip at her, "You scoundrel, you are so rude and disrespectful to this princess!"

Xiao Zhixing was a little impatient. "I'm sorry, I've already paid my respects, but it was a bit late. If Princess Fengxi wants to hold this against me, then I have nothing to say."

"Little sister, how can you still be so rude and impolite? This is a princess." Qi Mengshu also tried to get attention.

Xiao Zhixing looked at them and suddenly waved.

"Roar—roar—" The black tiger leaped out, its roar echoing through the mountains and forests.

"Ahhhh—"

Zhao Xi and the others were so frightened that their faces turned pale, and they were thrown into chaos.

One by one, those who weren't prepared fell off their horses, but the guards were quick and managed to pull them up.

However, some people are unlucky.

For example, Xu Zhen'er and Qi Mengshu had a close encounter with the ground and were almost trampled and disfigured by horses.

Xiao Zhixing bent down on horseback and patted Black Tiger's head. "Good boy, let's go. Don't be angry."

Now, no one dared to stop her from making things difficult for herself.

Xiao Zhixing swaggered over with the big tiger, and the groups they encountered all gave way.

Before long, the news spread throughout the hunting grounds: Princess Qingluan had actually managed to ride a tiger!

When they returned to the assembly platform, not many people had returned; instead, Zhao Yunqi and some senior officials were up there enjoying tea and discussing the scenery.

The officials and their families who were not present stayed by Consort Zhang's side, but the Empress Dowager did not come.

Her appearance, especially with the imposing tiger beside her, caused a stir among the Imperial Guards.

Xiao Zhixing dismounted, slowly stepped forward, and bowed respectfully, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty!"

This was the first time she had faced Zhao Yunqi directly.

His eyes were slightly lowered, making his expression unreadable.

Zhao Yunqi remained silent for a few moments before saying, "Princess Qingluan, please rise."

Xiao Zhixing lowered his hands, raised his head, and looked directly at Zhao Yunqi, his face expressionless. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Then step aside and stand still.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!