Chapter 248 The Power of the Tail
Wang Xiang's daughter was seething with bitterness. Because of her back injury some time ago, she was just a wallflower here, unable to ride a horse or drink wine, but her eyes were still fixed on the young emperor, sending him flirtatious glances.
There's no way around it; we're people who do great things, so physical disability and strong will are standard requirements.
It's a pity that all my sincerity was given to the bear.
Wang Xiang was much more lively than his daughter.
The emperor was chatting and drinking with the emperor, and now, in a good mood, he had to go hunting with him.
But he did it willingly. After all, the Grand Tutor was so incompetent, losing the Emperor's favor so quickly.
This thought made him feel even happier.
Wang Xiang was extremely confident in the security of Mengshan Villa. He had personally arranged and meticulously inspected every detail.
Moreover, because this year's winter hunt was different from others, he rushed to expand the Mengshan Villa in a very short period of time.
Although this hunt is the main activity of the winter hunt, with so many women present and His Majesty intending to use it to select consorts, he naturally had to arrange some ingenious and unique activities.
Otherwise, what would happen to his poor daughter who couldn't ride a horse?
So what's wrong with Xiao Qing going to the woods to test his skills?
A very warm welcome!
He also wanted to invite a few friends along, and take the opportunity to show off his achievements.
Thinking this, he gave a wink to the people at the table.
Those were mostly officials from the Wang, Li, and Sun families. Among them was Sun Jinyi, a member of the Privy Council.
We're ambitious people; we can't just do the work and not keep up with the little emperor!
Yu Zaiting sat at a distance and watched quietly for a moment, then thoughtfully put down his wine glass.
Xiao Qing stood up, and Zhao Youchen followed closely behind.
So the ministers who were still seated naturally stood up to see him off.
As Xiao Qing walked past the Grand Tutor, he gestured with his hand and said with a faint smile, "It's just a few steps. I can hunt whatever I want, so it won't be a wasted trip. My dear ministers, please enjoy your wine and meat. Wait, wait."
Taking advantage of Fu Mingyi's bent-over posture, she gently patted his shoulder.
Fu Mingyi reacted as if a switch had been flipped, "Your Majesty, I request to accompany you."
Wang Xiang paused, and the people behind him all looked at the Grand Tutor, who still hadn't straightened up.
Zhao Youchen stood straight beside Xiao Qing, secretly glancing over from the corner of his eye, and began to ponder.
Fu Mingyi was resolute, but Xiao Qing did not immediately agree.
Xiao Yan stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have been practicing for several days and I am also itching to try. I would like to ask the Grand Tutor for guidance. Please grant me permission, Your Majesty."
Since Xiao Yan had spoken, Xiao Qing put his hands behind his back, adopted a serious expression, and quickly agreed.
She is now very friendly and protective of this younger brother who was adopted by the emperor.
Xiao Qing looked at the large group of people behind her and felt a little annoyed.
Mengshan Villa is located in Mengshan. Although this mountain is not a high mountain, many places have been rebuilt or renovated since it was built as a royal villa for hunting.
She had previously studied the topographical map and security layout of Mengshan Villa in detail, and knew which places were more dangerous, which places were not convenient to defend, and which places had loopholes to exploit, etc.
As she pondered her thoughts, she led a bunch of tails into the woods.
Those who attacked Mingxiu must have more to say than done.
If Mingxiu doesn't make any further moves, they definitely won't let go of this opportunity for winter hunting.
Xiao Qing felt like a delicious, steaming meat bun, waiting for a few hungry dogs to come to him.
However, the tails were following too closely...
She casually shot a few silly deer that wandered in front of her horse, her eyes twitching as she listened to the exaggerated praise from Wang Xiang and the others. Out of the corner of her eye, her gaze unconsciously drifted to the Grand Tutor, who appeared unusually silent and dull.
Surrounded by Wang Xiang's men, they naturally refused to get close to Fu Mingyi. However, he wasn't lonely, because Xiao Yan was very close to him and would often make conversation, clearly not wanting to neglect him.
He was a kind and respectful student.
Xiao Qing dismounted and walked rather recklessly into the depths of the forest.
Wang Xiang quickly followed, somewhat worried.
“Your Majesty, going any further would take us quite a distance. The Mengshan Villa has been unused for many years, and some of the overgrown forests are difficult to clear in a short time. I have already sent people to guard various places. Although this will not disturb Your Majesty, it is still…”
That's why they say what you fear most is what happens.
Xiao Qing walked casually with his bow in hand. He saw a gray flash quickly behind the lush trees not far in front of him. He subconsciously drew his bow and shot an arrow. The arrow flew past with a "whoosh", followed by a muffled groan and a deliberately suppressed gasp.
This is definitely not the sound of an animal.
Xiao Qing was on guard when Zhao Youchen stepped forward to block her way, drawing his sword and shouting, "Who's there?"
Silence.
Zhao Youchen waved his hand, and several imperial guards jogged forward. Soon they brought two half-grown children from behind the tree.
Their clothes looked like they were made of good material, but they were tattered. Their hair was messy, their faces were dirty, and one of the older children had the feathered arrow stuck in his arm, which was covered in blood and was trembling unnaturally.
Xiao Qing frowned, looking at these two teenagers, who really didn't seem like the kind of people who could accomplish anything.
Seeing that the child was seriously injured, she said, "Treat the wounds first before asking questions."
Knowing the young emperor's temperament, Zhao Youchen didn't waste any words and simply had his men treat the child's arrow wound.
"Who are you, and why are you here?"
The two children exchanged glances, and perhaps because Xiao Qing had asked them to treat their injuries first, they sensed some kindness and became bolder.
“My lord, please forgive us. We are from Nanhua, and our family has an old house not far from here. We were originally resting there. But…”
The two children knelt on the ground. The older child had an indignant look on his face, but his eyes were firm and brave.
In contrast, the smaller child was clearly frightened and instinctively tried to hide behind his older brother.
Wang Xiang exchanged glances with his friends next to him, and suddenly thought of something.
His eyes darkened slightly, and then he heard the child continue speaking rapidly: "The boys' land was suddenly and inexplicably requisitioned. The boys' fathers were unwilling, so they had their fathers and mothers arrested and thrown into jail..."
One of the men beside Wang Xiang's expression changed, and he shouted, "How dare you be so disrespectful before the Emperor!"
The two boys were frightened by him, and for a moment they shrank back and were also a little confused.
Fu Mingyi took a step forward and said calmly, "Since you've already said half of what you wanted to say, you might as well finish it. It is indeed a bit strange that you appeared at the Royal Villa without any reason."
Another person gave a soft snort, "It is indeed strange. The Grand Tutor has remained silent the whole way, but now that he has seen two thieves who have broken into the royal villa, he speaks up to help them. Could it be that the Grand Tutor knows what is going on? Why don't you tell us, Grand Tutor?"
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