Back with the Fourth Prince's wife and the others, the hunt quickly came to an end.

Emperor Kangxi bestowed gifts upon several outstanding princes and Lobzang Gunbu, and also praised the thirteenth prince as the Baturu of the Great Qing.

Thirteen was riding high, as if she had eaten ten pounds of honey.

The other princes, except for the Fourth Prince, did not look so good.

“Your Majesty’s princes are all brave and valiant; I admire them greatly,” Bandi said, rising to flatter him.

Emperor Kangxi was pleased, but he said modestly, "You flatter me, Ban Di."

The Crown Prince rose to offer a toast, smiling broadly: "Prince Darhan's eldest son, Lobzang Gunbu, is even more outstanding. Your Highness is truly blessed."

Bandi smiled broadly and toasted the Crown Prince, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. My son is still young and cannot compare to Your Highness."

Lobsang Gunbu was about thirteen years old, which pleased the crown prince, who sat down with satisfaction.

Qiqige turned to Bandi and whispered a few words in his ear, her smile radiant. Bandi was surprised, then nodded.

He Yue glanced at Qiqige's bright and smug provocation and was immediately puzzled.

Is that brat up to something again?

The next moment, Bandi stood up, performed a Mongolian salute, and said to Kangxi, "Your Majesty, my daughter Qiqige admires the 13th Prince's demeanor and hopes that the 13th Prince can instruct Qiqige in riding and archery. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."

He Yue's face darkened, and she glared fiercely at Qiqige, who was laughing heartily, which was quite irritating.

Damn it, she's waiting for me here. How annoying!

The princes exchanged glances, all looking on with anticipation for a good show.

Kangxi's smile faltered slightly, he raised an eyebrow in surprise, and then readily nodded: "In that case, it is permitted."

The thirteenth prince was clearly unhappy, but he had no choice but to get up and accept the decree.

After sitting down, he took Heyue's small hand and gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I don't like her."

He Yue glared at him angrily and pinched his arm hard, making him hiss in pain: "You're not allowed to be within two steps of her, and she's not allowed to touch a single hair on your head, or you won't be allowed to sleep with her for six months!"

Thirteen shivered, but nodded vigorously, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart.

He Yue smiled brightly and whispered to Shisan, which to outsiders looked like a loving couple having a private conversation.

Qiqige's eyes blazed with fury as she glared at her.

He Yue's smile deepened; she was putting on a show for Qi Qi Ge. Wasn't she trying to take advantage of Shi San? She'd show her just how difficult this was.

After everyone dispersed, Heyue caught a glimpse of Qiqige coming over out of the corner of her eye. Qiqige took Thirteen's arm, smiling sweetly, but whispered a warning: "Remember what I said!"

Thirteen grinned and nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, no woman can compare to you even a fraction of what I do."

Women do love sweet words, and Heyue was very pleased. As a reward, she tiptoed and quickly planted a kiss on his lips.

Thirteen's eyes were bright and piercing. He put his arm around her waist and gazed at her with deep affection.

The footsteps in the distance paused.

Heyue gave him an approving look.

Thirteen, mindful of the newcomer, had no choice but to temporarily release Heyue, though he was quite displeased.

Qiqige approached, a smile spreading across her face, gazing tenderly at the Thirteenth Prince, ignoring Heyue: "Thirteenth Prince, may I learn to ride a horse?"

Thirteen immediately put on a cold face and said, "I wouldn't dare. Princess, your riding skills are superb; I have nothing to teach you."

Qiqige bit her lip, her almond-shaped eyes filled with tears: "Does the Thirteenth Prince look down on Qiqige and refuse to teach her?"

Thirteen was slightly surprised. Seeing her pitiful state, he immediately felt guilty and couldn't bear it.

Heyue pinched his arm hard and looked at Qiqige with a smile: "To outsiders, Qiqige's behavior makes it seem like our master is bullying you, but what our master said is true. I have personally witnessed Qiqige's archery skills. Tsk tsk tsk, that arrow almost scared me so much that I fell off my horse and became Qiqige's prey."

Qiqige's face froze instantly, and her pupils contracted sharply.

Thirteen's expression changed drastically, and he looked so vicious that he almost wanted to tear her to pieces.

Qiqige's face turned pale with fright, and she instinctively took a step back.

"She shot you with an arrow?!" Thirteen turned around and looked her up and down with concern.

He Yue didn't mind stabbing her in the chest again, and explained with a smile, "Luckily I dodged quickly and returned the arrow to her, so we're even."

Thirteen ignored her next words, frowned and looked at Qiqige with an unfriendly expression, a sinister smile on his lips: "I am honored by your kindness, Princess. It would be disrespectful for me to refuse. I will certainly give you a good 'lesson'."

The word "teach" was emphasized, and his gaze seemed to want to torture her to death. At this moment, Qiqige wished she could run away immediately. How could she dare to let him teach her anymore?

Qiqige was filled with regret. She hadn't expected the woman to tell the truth; she had truly shot herself in the foot.

Heyue leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "Give him a good talking-to, and don't let unworthy people drag you down."

Thirteen understood her meaning and naturally wouldn't act impulsively. However, he was moved by her words and felt extremely guilty: "Don't worry, I know my limits and will definitely stand up for you."

He Yue stepped back with satisfaction, raised an eyebrow and glanced at Qiqige, smiled meaningfully, then turned and left.

Qiqige thought she had said something to tell the Thirteenth Prince not to let her off easily, and her face grew even worse. She looked pitifully at the Thirteenth Prince.

Thirteen remained unmoved, his expression cold and stern.

Heyue listened to Hailan's report to Li Shun'er in the tent. Hailan said that Thirteen was very responsible and strictly taught Qiqige how to ride and shoot. However, Qiqige was slow-witted and difficult to teach. She had fallen off the horse many times in the past half day and had a lot of injuries all over her body.

Hailan spoke with great enthusiasm: "The Thirteenth Prince is truly amazing!" Then she looked puzzled: "But this Mongolian princess is a bit too delicate. Aren't Mongolian princesses supposed to be good at riding and archery?"

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