Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 560 Autumn Hunting (1)_1

Chapter 560: Chapter 560 Autumn Hunting (1)_1

The weather after autumn was no longer as scorching as in the summer, and the midday sun was the only time when things still got fiery. The traveling party found a temporary resting place in a small grove, conveniently located near a stream, which allowed those noble ladies who loved cleanliness to get off their wagons to wash their faces, and perhaps, take a walk along the river to relieve the fatigue of the long journey.

The yellow carriage of the Crown Prince stopped under a big tree, and a breeze lifted the gauze curtains on the carriage window, revealing a faint glimpse of a gaunt figure resting with closed eyes against the carriage wall.

Despite the spacious and comfortably furnished carriage, the journey had been anything but smooth due to the rough roads, which, though bearable for ordinary people, were extremely torturous for the frail Chu Heng.

At that moment, Chu Heng’s complexion was terrible, a sickly bluish-black that seemed to have worsened; if it hadn’t been for a drink of Spirit Spring Water and the ginseng slices he’d taken, he likely would have already collapsed inside the carriage.

Xiao Ruiyuan sat under the big tree, gnawing on some dry food with cold water while keeping an eye on Chu Heng’s movements, his gaze filled with profound concern.

A group approached from not far away, led by two individuals with striking appearances and extraordinary dispositions: King Heng, who was third among the princes and deeply favored by the Emperor, and Prince Qi, who was seventh in line and had just had a grand marriage consecrated not long ago. Following them were several younger Princes who were still minors and lived in the palace.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s sharp eyes narrowed as he swallowed the last bite of his food and slowly stood up. When King Heng and Prince Qi came closer, he bowed slightly and saluted with a fist in hand, "I’ve seen Prince Heng, Prince Qi!"

Hearing the icy sound of the salute, King Heng appeared unfazed, and instead, responded with great courtesy, "The journey has been smooth all the way, all thanks to General Xiao’s efforts. You have worked hard, General!"

King Heng had a gentle visage and was modest and respectful, known for loving his siblings, earning him the title of "Virtuous King" in the court. His reputation even surpassed that of the scholarly and reclusive Crown Prince. With this reputation, he had won over many Ministers and was the most popular candidate to succeed the Crown Prince among the many Princes.

Unmoved by the praise, Xiao Ruiyuan’s brows did not twitch, and he spoke in a cold, matter-of-fact voice, "Protecting the Emperor and the Crown Prince is my duty. Prince Heng, you are too kind with your words."

Prince Qi, who couldn’t stand Xiao Ruiyuan’s arrogant manner, didn’t wait for King Heng to speak and couldn’t help but step forward with a sarcastic tone, "What a ’duty.’ I thought you were a dog raised by the Crown Prince’s side since you stick to him so closely, only understanding how to protect your master, the Crown Prince, without considering anyone else!"

Xiao Ruiyuan lowered his eyes in silence, not even deigning to glance at Prince Qi as if he did not exist at all.

Seeing himself ignored, Prince Qi’s handsome face began to contort. Just as he was about to accuse Xiao Ruiyuan of disrespect, a cool voice came through, "Seventh Imperial Brother, have you come here just to trouble General Xiao?"

King Heng and Prince Qi stiffened in unison and turned toward the carriage, where Chu Heng, who had opened his eyes at some point, was seated.

King Heng reacted quickly, striding to the side of the carriage, bowing solemnly to the figure inside, revealing his usual smile, "Second Imperial Brother worries too much, the Seventh knows what he thinks of General Xiao – it’s adoration, not malice."

According to protocol, King Heng should address Chu Heng as the Crown Prince or Imperial Brother, but he never did so. Each time he met him, he would use the term "Second Imperial Brother." Others thought he was very close to his sibling, calling him Second Imperial Brother to emphasize this closeness, but only those who knew his true nature understood what ambitions were lurking behind the appellation.