Xin Jiuwei smiled and said, "That's right, he's just like a little Yunzhou. With him by Chengji's side, it really makes me feel much more at ease. Nannan was also well-behaved today and didn't make a fuss about going in with her brothers."
Xin Xiyao wiped the grease from her daughter Mingyue's mouth and said, "Nannan is quiet, just like your sister-in-law. My Mingyue, on the other hand, is a little rascal. She follows her father around all day and can count the abacus beads better than I can. I think she'll be a good businessman in the future." As she spoke, she looked at Qi Mingyue, who was curiously fiddling with the new abacus sticks (used for the orphanage's accounts) that Lin Jingshu had brought, her eyes full of affection.
Lin Jingshu put down the account book in her hand and smiled, "It's a good thing that Mingyue is talented! We women don't necessarily have to be confined to the inner palace. Look at Her Majesty, the Empress, who is a model of virtue for the world and cares for all people; Lady Xin Kui, whose medical skills are superb and who has saved countless lives; Xi Yao, you are good at managing the household and assisting Lord Qi; as for me, I can also do some things that I think are meaningful. We should all thank His Majesty and Her Majesty for creating such a bright and enlightened world, which allows us women to also make a difference."
Xin Jiuwei nodded, her gentle gaze sweeping over everyone: "Sister Jing Shu is right. In times of peace and prosperity, when the seas are calm and the rivers are clear, it is the time for women like us to display our talents. Whether it is being a good wife and mother, managing a family business, or, like you, dedicating ourselves to charity, it is all a contribution. His Majesty often says that the family and the country are one; only when the 'family' is stable can the foundation of the 'country' be more solid." She looked towards the direction of the dense forest, where the faint sounds of horns and horses' hooves could be heard, "I only hope that the emperor and his ministers are safe and sound, and return home satisfied."
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached from afar. A guard galloped up, dismounted before the platform, and reported: "Your Majesty, His Majesty, along with the Duke of Zhenguo, Lord Qi, and others, have discovered a herd of rare white deer near 'Deer Cry Gorge'! His Majesty is in high spirits and is leading a hunt. He has specially sent me back to report this. Please rest assured, Your Majesty and the ladies."
"A white deer?" Xin Jiuwei was slightly surprised. "That's an auspicious omen. Is His Majesty safe?"
"Your Majesty, the deer herd has been driven to an open area. His Majesty is heavily guarded, with the Duke of Zhenguo personally protecting him. There is absolutely no chance of anything going wrong."
"That's good." Xin Jiuwei was relieved and smiled. "The appearance of auspicious omens is a good omen. Convey this to His Majesty, and we sisters will wait here for good news. We wish His Majesty a fruitful return."
Along the banks of Deer Cry Valley, amidst lush forests and babbling brooks, a herd of snow-white, graceful deer were drinking when they were silently surrounded by a hunting party led by Xiao Xun. The atmosphere was tense yet exciting.
Xiao Xun drew his bow and aimed at the most majestic alpha deer in the herd. Xin Yunzhou rode slightly behind the emperor, his hawk-like eyes scanning the surroundings warily to ensure there were no potential dangers. Qi Huaihe and several other ministers provided support from the outside.
Just as Xiao Xun was about to release the string, a sudden change occurred!
A piercing howl of a wild boar rang out from the dense forest to the side! A huge, black wild boar with menacing tusks, whether startled or attracted by the smell of blood, charged wildly out of the forest, its target... a relatively low, gentle slope by the stream! On the slope, Xin Jiuwei, Xin Kui, Xin Xiyao, and others, under the protection of guards, were riding their horses toward them to get a better view!
"Protect the Emperor! Protect the Empress!" Xin Yunzhou's pupils shrank, and he roared sharply. Almost instinctively, he turned his horse around and drew three arrows with lightning speed!
However, the wild boar was too fast and too close! Although the guards reacted quickly, the hastily formed defensive line was weak!
At the critical moment!
A cold glint flashed in Xiao Xun's eyes! Without hesitation, he abandoned the deer that was within reach, abruptly turning his bow and crossbow towards the charging wild boar! The bowstring was instantly drawn to its fullest extent, his muscles bulged, and a chilling killing intent soared into the sky!
"Your Majesty!" Xin Yunzhou's arrow had already left the bowstring!
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Three powerful arrows pierced the air! Two came from Xiao Xun and one from Xin Yunzhou, almost simultaneously, whistling sharply as they struck the wild boar in the neck and eyes with pinpoint accuracy! The immense momentum was abruptly halted, and the wild boar let out a deafening scream before crashing to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust, only a few feet away from Xin Jiuwei and the others' horses!
All of this happened in the blink of an eye!
Xin Jiuwei's face paled slightly, but her eyes remained calm. She immediately reined in the frightened horse and shielded the baby in her arms. Xin Kui had already dismounted, moving with the swiftness of a cheetah, instantly blocking Xin Jiuwei and Xin Xiyao's horses. Several silver needles were already in her hand, her sharp eyes fixed on the fallen wild boar, confirming its complete death. Xin Xiyao, still shaken, was tightly supported by Lin Jingshu.
"Wei'er! Xi Yao! Are you alright?" Xiao Xun had already spurred his horse forward like the wind, leaped off, and rushed to Xin Jiuwei's horse in a few steps, his voice filled with rare urgency and lingering fear. He grabbed Xin Jiuwei's hand, looked her up and down, his eyes filled with undisguised shock, anger, and worry.
"Your Majesty, I am fine." Xin Jiuwei grasped his hand in return, feeling the sweat and slight trembling in his palm. Her heart warmed, and she said softly, "Thanks to Your Majesty and my brother's divine archery skills, this beast was killed in time."
Xin Yunzhou also rushed over, his face ashen. He sternly rebuked the guard commander, "What happened?! Why are there such ferocious beasts here? How did the guards clear the hunting grounds?!" He then looked at Xin Kui and Xin Jiuwei, and only breathed a slight sigh of relief after confirming that they were unharmed, but his eyes remained sharp.
Qi Huaihe also rushed over and stood guard beside Xin Xiyao, his face grave: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, this place is not safe to stay any longer. We must immediately strengthen our vigilance and clear the hunting grounds again."
"Huaihe is absolutely right." Xiao Xun suppressed his anger and regained his imperial composure, but he did not let go of Xin Jiuwei's hand. "Yunzhou, I entrust this matter to you to investigate thoroughly! Huaihe, arrange for someone to escort the Empress and the ladies back to the safe camp to rest. Today's autumn hunt ends here!"
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
