His will to survive was extremely strong, but even with such a strong will, he couldn't break free from a person with superior martial arts skills.

His martial arts skills must be extraordinary to be able to bypass the night watchmen.

He made a "hoarse" sound in his throat, trying to pull at the rough hemp rope around his neck, but his hands were bound and he couldn't do such a simple thing.

A sudden clap of thunder outside snapped Yu Shuo back to his senses, and he released his grip.

Xue Huai'an collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, tears streaming uncontrollably from his eyes, quickly soaking the bedding beneath him.

A cold, white light flashed into the room, and Yu Shuo could clearly see Xue Huai'an's disheveled appearance.

We mustn't kill him.

Yu Shuo turned and left, taking the hemp rope with him.

Xue Huai'an cried out in anguish to Xue Qi, who was guarding outside.

"Go, go fetch the imperial physician." His throat felt like it was burning dry, and every word he spoke was extremely painful.

But there was nothing he could do; he was worried about his foot, fearing that if it couldn't be cured, he might be left with a disability.

How could he stand himself like this?

Xue Qi didn't have time to ask who did it, and immediately went to fetch the imperial physician.

...

Yu Shuo returned under the moonlight, took off his crisp outer robe, washed his hands, and then snuggled into the quilt, embracing his wife.

"Hmm...you're back?" Qin Su asked with her eyes closed, her voice heavy with sleepiness.

Yu Shuo responded, but didn't mention to Qin Su that he had almost killed Xue Huai'an just now.

Qin Su stepped back, completely merging herself into his embrace, and then said, "Let's sleep then, we have other things to do tomorrow."

Yu Shuo didn't know what Qin Su meant by the other things she mentioned, but he would find out tomorrow.

The two embraced and slept soundly through the night without any dreams.

While Qin Su was washing up in the morning, Lian Tao started talking about what happened last night, chattering away quite lively.

"What did the imperial physician say?" She sat down in front of the dressing table and told Lian Tao to just do her hair in a simple bun.

Lian Tao was skilled in martial arts, but she wasn't very good at things like hairdressing and dressing for ordinary maids. Qin Su had never been too demanding in these areas, so she didn't hire any other maids.

For important occasions, Yu Shuo would arrange for a special maid to dress him up.

Lian Tao said excitedly, "The imperial physician said there's nothing that can be done, and even if it's cured, the person will still be lame."

"I wonder who was so powerful that they dared to break Xue Huai'an's foot in the middle of the night! It's absolutely gratifying!"

A smile appeared on Qin Su's lips: "He's the son-in-law you mentioned."

"Indeed, Xue Huai'an has now saved the emperor's life, and not many people dare to deal with him." However, no one will investigate Yu Shuo. Who can believe that the upright and kind Prince Chen would do such a thing in the dark?

Furthermore, Qin Su and his group have leverage over Xue Huai'an. If he speaks out, Emperor Mingyang will soon learn the truth about the wolf pack's appearance.

Lian Tao combed Qin Su's hair, put on a jade hairpin and a few small hairpins, and then said, "I don't care who that person is. This matter won't do us any harm."

Qin Su responded and asked, "Where is His Highness?"

I haven't seen Yu Shuo since early this morning; I wonder where he went again.

"I went to His Majesty's place early this morning."

Qin Su guessed that Emperor Mingyang wanted Yu Shuo to investigate the matter, but Yu Shuo was unlikely to agree.

"Let's wait for His Highness to return for breakfast."

"Lian Tao, go and get some paper and pen."

Qin Su wrote down what was happening and what would happen next on the paper, and finally circled a name with the brush.

"Who is this person? It looks like a girl's name," Lian Tao asked curiously, staring at the circled name.

"Yes, it's a girl. You'll find out later." Qin Su placed the paper on the candle flame and let it burn until it was completely consumed and fell onto the desk.

Yu Shuo returned for a meal, and Qin Su took the opportunity to ask him, "Is the hunt still going on?"

"Um."

How could things not continue if only a mere crown prince got into trouble? He doesn't carry that much weight.

"I want to go with you." Qin Su grasped Yu Shuo's hand and looked at him expectantly.

"It's inconvenient." He didn't give a firm denial, but he still expressed his disapproval.

"Everyone must participate in the hunt today and must report back to His Majesty." Once the hunt begins, Qin Su cannot be kept in sight; what if something happens to her?

If she weren't pregnant, Yu Shuo wouldn't disagree.

"You guys submit yours, I don't need to submit any grades." She was just there to watch the fun.

Seeing her insistence, Yu Shuo couldn't bear to refuse, so he could only tell Qin Su to be very careful and not to hurt herself. He also left the Double Ninth Festival to her.

“I said I’m pregnant, not some fragile clay doll.”

Yu Shuo cupped her soft cheeks in his hands and said, looking down, "She's not a clay doll, she's a jade doll."

It's a precious doll.

Qin Su looked up and met his eyes, bright and clear, filled with nothing but her.

"Okay, I'll be careful."

Only after receiving Qin Su's assurance did Yu Shuo leave.

Qin Su changed into simple riding clothes and headed to the hunting grounds with Lian Tao and Chongyang.

She deliberately looked in the direction of Emperor Mingyang and slowly followed after him.

After about half an hour, Qin Su caught up with the main group.

The group, led by Emperor Mingyang, stopped at the front, seemingly having encountered some trouble. The Imperial Guards formed a wary circle, while the young talents following behind Emperor Mingyang curiously peered out.

Qin Su rode up to his father and nudged him with his elbow.

Just as Qin's father was wondering which little brat was being so rude, he turned around to scold him, but when he turned around he saw Qin Su. He widened his eyes, then frowned, "Why is my dear girl here? It's dangerous here."

Qin Su shook her head. "It's nothing. Did something happen to Father?"

She was asking a question she already knew the answer to.

Seeing that she didn't seem to be in any danger, Qin's father said, "A commoner woman appeared in the hunting grounds. His Majesty almost shot her and now he thinks she's suspicious and has her surrounded."

"I'll go take a look."

Qin Su rode her horse over, but her father immediately stopped her, disapprovingly saying, "Why are you going to such a chaotic scene? No matter what, someone will handle it; it's none of your business."

How could it be unrelated? This person will be a powerful asset to Xue Huai'an in the future.

"Oh? Princess Consort Chen? Princess Consort Chen is here too?"

"Princess Consort Chen!"

Many young people greeted Qin Su; their eyes were clear and untainted.

Qin Su was a little puzzled, wondering why they were being so enthusiastic.

"Is Princess Consort of Prince Chen also here to hunt? She is truly a woman who is just as capable as any man."

"..."

These teenagers were chattering away, each one more enthusiastic than the last.

After her initial surprise, Qin Su regained her composure and said, "I just came here for a stroll; I didn't hunt."

"Oh dear, Princess Consort Chen is too modest. It's good for Princess Consort Chen to take a walk and rest well during her pregnancy."

"Yes, yes, yes! Health is the most important thing!"

"After Princess Consort Chen gives birth, she must spar with us and give us some pointers on martial arts."

Qin Su still didn't quite understand why they were acting this way; this was a situation that had never happened in her previous life.

She awkwardly agreed.