Since we're having a party and banquet, we need to do a lot of preparation.
The designated area for this winter hunt is the Dahanshan hunting grounds.
This is a plain nestled among mountains, with open terrain and two rivers flowing through it. It is home to many wild animals and lush vegetation, and was a popular hunting ground for the Da Kang Dynasty during the autumn and winter seasons.
This winter hunt was partly due to custom, but more importantly, it was meant to intimidate the Prince of Zhenbei and demonstrate national power to the vassal kings in order to prevent rebellion.
Emperor Xuanyi, accompanied by his imperial relatives, concubines, civil and military officials, and the Imperial Guard, a total of more than 20,000 people, entered the Dahanshan hunting grounds in a grand procession.
The encampment had already been set up, with Emperor Xuanyi residing in the central Huangman City. The camps were manned every ten steps and patrolled every five steps, with strict patrols and an imposing presence.
The past few days have been a period of rest and recuperation. The formal hunting will begin three days later with the trial hunting. Before that, it's a time for the younger generation to relax.
Xiao Qingwan chose the next day as the date for the gathering.
“Since we’re going to change identities tomorrow, why don’t we do it today?” Xiao Qingwan stopped Tong Su and demanded directly, “We’ll be sharing a tent anyway, so no one will find out. From now on, I’m Xiao Baishu, and you’re Xiao Qingwan, understand?”
Tong Su smiled knowingly: "Okay."
As night fell, Tong Su was writing down the preparation list for tomorrow's banquet when Xiao Qingwan coughed twice and said, "I'm going out for a walk."
She carefully applied her makeup, quietly slipped out of the tent, avoided the guards, and left the camp far away, heading towards a dark and secluded grove of trees not far away.
"The grove Your Majesty spoke of back then, is this the one?"
Xiao Qingwan's heart pounded like a drum as she nervously entered the woods.
In her past life, Emperor Xuanyi accidentally let slip something to her when he was drunk.
He said that when he went winter hunting in Dahan Mountain, he had another conflict with Xiao Lingchen on the way and was very upset. That night, he went to the woods to relax and avoided people, but he happened to run into Xiao Baishu.
Xiao Baishu was beautiful, and it was a chance encounter in the woods that captivated Emperor Xuanyi at first sight. Both of them kept their identities a secret and chatted for a while, which made Emperor Xuanyi feel increasingly fond of her and even fall in love with her at one point.
Not long after, Xiao Baishu entered the palace. When Emperor Xuanyi was in a bad mood, he suddenly saw her face. Recalling their chance encounter, he immediately thought that it was Xiao Baishu's deliberate scheme, and thus instantly felt disgusted with her.
"Tonight, I'll send that little bitch to prepare tomorrow's banquet; there's no way she'll come! This chance encounter can only be mine—"
Xiao Qingwan encouraged herself and bravely walked into the deserted woods. Lifting her skirt, she walked carefully when she suddenly heard a surprised voice behind her: "Who are you!"
A surge of joy welled up within her, and she quickly feigned a pitiful, tearful expression. Turning around in a bewildered and panicked manner, she innocently asked, "I was bullied by my older brother and sister, and I'm here feeling sad all by myself. Who are you?"
From the shadows emerged a handsome young man who, upon hearing the voice, asked pitifully, "Were you being bullied too?"
Upon seeing his appearance, Xiao Qingwan was overjoyed, but her face showed even more grievance as she gently bowed and said, "Greetings, young master..."
She lowered her head, revealing her beautiful and delicate features. At this moment, the beauty was filled with tears, covering her face and sobbing softly, looking pitiful.
“Young master, you do not know that I am the youngest child in my family. My older brothers and sisters are domineering and often bully me. I have nowhere to appeal and can only cry silently here.”
The young man's eyes widened in amazement, and he quickly stepped forward to support her: "Oh dear, don't cry. If you have any grievances, I... cough, I can help you."
He was usually overly controlled, and he had never seen a girl so dependent on him. His youthful spirit was instantly filled with passion and satisfaction.
Xiao Qingwan smiled smugly and leaned closer to him.
"Young master, you are so kind... My sister is hosting a banquet tomorrow. If you have nothing to do, you might as well come and take a look..."
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