Hongzhou, riding a large black horse, took the lead in leading the way through the woods. From his horse, Hongzhou addressed the four men, "The weather is perfect today, ideal for hunting. The prey is likely to cause quite a stir!"
Backlit, Hongzhou's features were even more defined, with his handsome profile and sharp eyebrows. Qingluo was overjoyed, thinking that if she could marry such a man, she would have no regrets.
Qingluo quickly mounted her horse; though petite, her movements were clean and efficient, displaying a remarkable spirit. Hongxiang revealed a hint of admiration in his eyes; it seemed he had underestimated her.
"Giddy up..." Qingluo rode beside Hongzhou and said gently, "Young master, let Qingluo accompany you on a hunting trip!"
The more Qingluo acted this way, the more annoyed Hongzhou became, and he didn't want to pay any attention to her.
Hong Ang helped Yu Ning mount her horse, and Hong Xiang followed suit. The attendants, carrying bows and arrows and leading greyhounds, followed behind them.
The forest grew noisy as startled animals scattered and birds chirped incessantly. Hongzhou raced through the woods; he used to hunt often with Fourth Prince and Hongli. Now, without them by his side, Hongzhou felt a pang of sadness. He stood waiting for their return, determined to hunt again with them.
Hongzhou suddenly stopped his horse. "Brothers, we agreed to have a competition today. Let's see who catches more prey! Whoever does that will be the winner!"
Hong Ang and Hong Xiang thought this method was feasible. "But... there has to be a prize!" Hong Xiang said. Hong Zhou smiled, not expecting that Hong Xiang was really good at playing games. "What kind of prize?"
Hongxiang glanced at Qingluo behind Hongzhou. Qingluo saw that she had been chosen. She was both excited and resistant. If Hongzhou won, that would be fine, but if Hongxiang won, she would absolutely not agree!
Hongzhou frowned, intending to refuse, but Hongang preemptively said, "Then I won't participate. I already have Yu Ning. Qingluo is the prize for the two of you." After what happened at noon, Hongang's mind was entirely focused on Yu Ning. Hunting was just an excuse; Hongang simply wanted to spend more time with Yu Ning.
Yu Ning, who was nervously clutching Hong Ang's sleeve as she listened to Hong Xiang's words, relaxed as soon as Hong Ang spoke and snuggled into his arms. Hong Ang held Yu Ning even tighter.
“In that case, it’s just a matter of me and Prince Beile vying for Miss Qingluo!” Hongxiang smiled at Qingluo, who lowered her head shyly, making Hongxiang even happier.
Seeing this, Hongzhou didn't want to spoil the mood; he could simply let Hongxiang have his way. So he agreed, "Okay!"
The three men raised their whips and charged into the jungle in search of prey, their followers splitting into three groups, each accompanied by a greyhound. Seeing this, Qingluo quickly spurred her horse and followed Hongzhou.
Hongzhou, who was ahead, noticed that Qingluo had followed him and hurriedly stopped his horse, scolding her, "Why did you follow me?" Hongzhou hadn't expected that he had sent Qingluo to keep his two older brothers company, but she had ended up sticking with him instead.
Qingluo bit her lip and mustered her courage to say, "I want to be with you, young master!" Hongzhou smiled bitterly and helplessly, "I invited you here to accompany Hongxiang. Don't forget why you came. If things don't go well, you won't be able to leave the brothel, let alone Hongxiang."
Seeing Hongzhou's sudden seriousness, Qingluo dared not linger any longer and could only kick her horse in another direction, glancing back at Hongzhou from time to time, hoping that he would call her back.
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