Chapter 393 But so what? [25]
For this autumn hunt, apart from Lu Zhiwen, who was still studying at the academy, the Duke of Zhenguo, his wife, Lu Zhiming, and Meng Shuling all came from the Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
This was the first time Lu Zhimo had appeared in public since the incident.
It is evident that, thanks to Meng Shuling's efforts, he truly mustered the courage to make a change.
Of course, this is something Lan Qingchen is unwilling to see.
But so what?
Unbeknownst to him, Lu Zhixing had been keeping a close eye on him for a long time.
Lan Qingchen probably never expected that it was A Chu who deliberately revealed Lan Qingchen's hidden forces while chatting with Fang Lu.
That's why Lu Zhixing was able to cut off so many of his 'tentacles' so accurately without exposing himself.
Today, Achu and Lu Zhixing ate lunch with the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and several concubines.
Also dining together were the Duke and Duchess of Zhenguo, Lu Zhiming, and Meng Shuling.
As members of the Empress's family, the Marquis of Wuyang and his wife, as well as Shangguan Linlang, were also invited by the Emperor to dine together.
After lunch, they also ate desserts made by Fang Lu.
The emperor also praised Fang Lu's desserts highly and rewarded her with a large gold ingot.
Fang Lu held the gold ingot, her heart filled with joy.
Her startup capital has increased significantly again!
After lunch and a short rest, they will continue their journey.
If you don't stop along the way, you can reach the foot of Tianshen Mountain in a day and a half at most.
However, their queue is too long, and comfort and safety must be the top priorities, so they definitely can't go too fast.
They couldn't travel at night; they had to set up camp.
Ah Chu is doing well; she's pregnant and doesn't experience any discomfort. She can eat and sleep well.
With Lu Zhixing's meticulous care, she wasn't tired at all on the way.
Moreover, when she got bored, she could invite the Crown Prince, Shangguan Linlang, and Fang Lu into her spacious carriage to play cards, which was quite interesting.
During this time, Lan Qingchen always wanted to find an opportunity to get closer to A Chu.
Unfortunately, Lu Zhixing stayed by her side at all times.
Lan Qingchen could only seize the opportunity to express his feelings for A Chu with his eyes when they made eye contact.
His gaze almost made Ah Chu, who had never experienced morning sickness before, vomit.
The convoy traveled for two days and one night, finally arriving at the imperial palace at the foot of Tianshen Mountain on the evening of the third day.
Achu and Lu Zhixing lived in the imperial palace.
The Duke of Zhenguo and his family were also granted permission by the emperor to reside in the imperial palace.
Other court officials and their families lived in the courtyards outside the imperial palace.
Back in the courtyard where he lived, Achu wanted to take a bath to relax.
The palace servants were all busy, each performing their duties in an orderly manner.
Lu Zhixing also washed up and changed his clothes.
He finished getting ready, but Ah Chu hadn't finished washing up yet.
Lu Zhixing then went to handle some official business.
He only put down his work when he heard that Achu had come out of the bathroom.
When Lu Zhixing went to see Achu, a palace maid was drying her hair.
He walked over, took the towel from the palace maid, and personally dried Achu's hair.
Lu Zhixing had specially studied how to serve A Chu comfortably.
While drying her hair, I also massaged her scalp.
Originally, Achu didn't feel too tired, but after Lu Zhixing pressed her down like that, she felt a bit tired after sitting in the carriage for two days.
She closed her eyes and fell asleep in no time.
When Achu woke up, it was already late at night.
Lu Zhixing had someone keep the food warm for her so she could eat when she woke up.
After becoming pregnant, Achu didn't experience any adverse reactions, except that she got hungry very quickly.
To prevent her from going hungry and to avoid her eating too much at once, food is always kept on hand.
After eating and rinsing her mouth again, Achu talked with Lu Zhixing for a while.
The two discussed the hunting trip scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
Lu Zhixing said he would stay by A Chu's side and wouldn't participate in the hunt.
Achu disagreed: "There is a rare kind of raccoon on Tianshen Mountain. It is snow-white all over and is chubby and very cute."
"I want you to capture one alive for me, I want to keep it as a pet!"
Lu Zhixing found it somewhat amusing: "Everyone else wants to hunt foxes or something to make the collar of their cloaks, but you only want a white raccoon cat?"
Achu nodded: "Yes, I want the white tabby cat!"
After thinking for a moment, she added, "Our child will definitely like it too. You should catch a small one and grow up with him."
Lu Zhixing had never heard of raising animals and people together.
He has never been interested in anything cute or fluffy.
Upon hearing Achu's words, Lu Zhixing couldn't help but imagine the scene.
A chubby white raccoon and a chubby white baby sleeping together... must be adorable.
Lu Zhixing lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on A Chu's stomach.
Her belly was already protruding and felt a bit hard, unlike the soft feel she had before she was pregnant.
Lu Zhixing knew that a little life was growing inside.
They will be able to meet him next spring.
Lu Zhixing heard himself say, "Okay, I'll go catch a white tabby cat for you and the child."
Achu was satisfied and leaned against Lu Zhixing's chest, wanting to listen to his story before going to sleep.
Lu Zhixing: "Then let's continue with the serial murder case from last time..."
After resting for a day at the foot of Tianshen Mountain, the emperor and his entourage set off for the mountain.
The autumn hunt lasted for seven days, and the emperor led everyone to stay in tents halfway up Tianshen Mountain for six days.
Tian Shen Mountain was a royal hunting ground, guarded by soldiers year-round.
There is a wide, flat area halfway up the mountain where several tents are pitched.
At the very center was the imperial tent, flanked by concubines, the crown prince, Princess Achu, and so on, according to rank.
Those at the very edge of the camp were the lowest-ranking officials.
Lan Qingchen's camp was located at the very edge, in the worst possible position.
His tent was also very simple, lacking one thing or another.
Lan Qingchen stood in the tent, his face grim.
His trusted eunuch, An Gui, was also indignant: "Those snobbish bastards! They see that you, Master, don't have the protection of the Princess, so they treat you so poorly!"
An Gui's words only made Lan Qingchen's expression turn even uglier.
Doesn't he know this himself?!
An Gui also saw his master's expression, and regret appeared on his face. He quickly bowed and spoke cautiously:
"My lord, the princess certainly doesn't know about your situation here. If she did, she would surely be heartbroken."
Lan Qingchen: "So what? That shameless Lu Zhixing stays by her side every day, it's hard for me to even see her!"
An Gui: "I heard that there is a hunt tomorrow. The eldest princess wants Lu Zhixing to capture a white cat for her. Then, you will have the opportunity to meet the eldest princess."
Lan Qingchen's eyes lit up: "This is a good opportunity!"
At this moment, his heart was filled with anticipation for tomorrow.
Little did they know, Ah Chu was also looking forward to it—
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