Chapter 25 Crisis
Having drunk quite a bit of alcohol and having a low tolerance, Ah Hao didn't sleep as soundly as she had expected that night. When she woke up, the effects of the alcohol had completely worn off, and it was already broad daylight. Realizing in an instant that she was late, Ah Hao hurriedly got up to pack, fearing Zhang Yu's wrath.
Unexpectedly, Lü Yuan's voice rang out from outside the tent at that moment, saying, "Aunt Song, His Majesty has sent me to tell you not to rush over, but to prepare for your trip with the little princess." He then told Song Shuhao to wait a bit, and that he would return to His Majesty's side first.
Still somewhat disheveled, Ahao didn't go out to see Lü Yuan, but only responded from inside. However, His Majesty's thoughtfulness made it impossible for Ahao not to remember the events of the previous day that she had temporarily forgotten.
Last night, that's why I indulged in drinking. Later, I drank some more with Prince Ning and ended up drinking too much. Realizing that drinking really does lead to trouble, A-Hao raised her hand and tapped her head, then called for someone to bring in hot water to wash up and groom herself. Not having prepared riding clothes in advance, A-Hao could only choose a light blue narrow-sleeved jacket, at least it would be more convenient for movement.
In less than a quarter of an hour, Ah Hao appeared neatly before Zhang Yu. Zhang Yu was having breakfast at the time, and Ah Hao quietly walked up behind him and stood there. During this time, she stole a few glances at Zhang Yu's expression, and seeing that he didn't seem to be displeased, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Noticing Ah Hao's little thoughts, Zhang Yu wanted to ask her if she had eaten, but he swallowed his words at the last minute. Thinking that she had drunk so much yesterday, he figured he might have accidentally scared her with his own words, and decided he shouldn't be too hasty.
So Zhang Yu silently ate his breakfast, letting Ahao serve him hot tea. After resting, Ahao carefully tidied his clothes, and just as the sun was rising, he finally left the tent to meet the waiting officials.
For Zhang Yu, this was no ordinary day. It had been a day of winter hunting before, when he was ambushed, driven to the brink of despair, and struck by a poisoned arrow. Though he had miraculously survived, his body was ultimately damaged.
Those people never imagined he would survive under such circumstances. Just as they couldn't have guessed who was standing before them now. More importantly, even Prosecutor Zhao didn't know.
Since realizing he had been reborn, he had been wondering what it would be like if there were others like him. If so, he would inevitably be exposed sooner or later. However, he needed to delay that day; he needed time to prepare.
The weather was even better today than yesterday; the azure sky was clear and the warm sun made one feel comfortable. Zhang Yu's gaze swept over the familiar figures bowing to him below, and he chuckled before dismissing their greetings.
On their first day at the hunting grounds, Zhang Jin, Zhang Xin, and Zhang Yu suggested dividing the group into different teams, setting up rewards and punishments, and having them compete against each other. Zhang Yu already had his own plans, but since their suggestion wouldn't hinder him and was even somewhat beneficial, he agreed. As a result, A-Hao was placed in Zhang Xin's team by Zhang Yu.
Zhang Yu made some perfunctory remarks at the front, while Princess Zhang Xin stood in the crowd, her heart pounding with joy. When it was finally time to disperse, Zhang Xin rushed to Zhang Yu's side and pulled Ahao aside, afraid she would fall behind. Her elder brother had instructed her to take the children out and bring them back safely, and Zhang Xin felt this was her duty and a great sense of responsibility.
Seeing Zhang Xin's anxious expression, Zhang Yu finally frowned and scolded, "What's the rush?! You're so impetuous." Zhang Xin quickly admitted her mistake and apologized, taking Ahao's hand and saying, "No rush, no rush, I'll wait here for Xia Zi to come find me, and then I'll disappear from your sight, Your Majesty!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Xia Mingzhe, whom Zhang Xin had mentioned, was already standing in front of them. Zhang Xin gave Zhang Yu a sheepish grin. Xia Mingzhe greeted everyone and, upon hearing His Majesty the Emperor's instructions to protect the little princess well, repeatedly agreed and dared not neglect his duty.
After giving Zhang Xin a few more instructions, Zhang Yu said to Ahao, "Go on, have fun with A Xin." Ahao nodded, and Zhang Xin, hearing that the words were gentler than those spoken to her, clicked her tongue without thinking.
Zhang Yu shot her a glare, the sinister look sending a shiver down Zhang Xin's spine. Realizing something was wrong, she quickly grabbed Ah Hao and fled from Zhang Yu's sight.
Ahao was led away from Zhang Yu's vicinity by Zhang Xin, with Xia Mingzhe following closely behind. Later, Xia Mingzhe went ahead to lead the way, taking Ahao and Zhang Xin to make final preparations. Horses and bows and arrows were already prepared, and they only needed to claim them.
Ling Xiao, carrying a wooden medicine chest, happened to walk past A-Hao with the others. Noticing that A-Hao's complexion was a little off, perhaps out of habit as a female healer, she asked her a question. Hearing that she hadn't had breakfast yet and was afraid she had a stomachache, Ling Xiao took out some food wrapped in oil paper from her medicine chest and gave it to her.
"Take this and eat a little bit, otherwise your body won't be able to handle it."
Zhang Xin, watching from the side, noticed that the things Ling Xiao had taken out were wrapped in three layers of oil paper and then tied with thin hemp rope. She found it strange and laughed, "It's wrapped so tightly, how can we eat it? I have some food here too, Ah Hao, you eat this first." She had already sent someone to get some pastries for Ah Hao.
Ling Xiao wanted to explain, but was called out by someone in the group ahead, so he quickly followed. Although Ahao also thought it was an exaggeration, she said to Zhang Xin, "Aunt Ling probably put the things in the medicine box to prevent them from getting mixed up, so she did it this way." Zhang Xin nodded in understanding, thinking that made sense.
One group after another set off. After Ah Hao had eaten something to fill his stomach, Zhang Xin, who couldn't wait, got on the horse first and urged the others to hurry up.
Besides Xia Mingzhe, they were accompanied by a dark-faced military officer who, though not very talkative, seemed quite reliable. Also present were two small squads of soldiers responsible for their safety and other minor tasks.
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As you continue up the mountain road, you gradually venture deeper into the forest. The road into the mountains is the same, but there are many forks in the path. Moreover, the area is vast with rolling mountains, so unless you agree to take the same route, you're unlikely to run into each other.
Zhang Xin was in high spirits the whole way, as happy as a bird finally released from its cage. Seeing Zhang Xin like this, Ahao's mood also improved. At first, they didn't see many living creatures, but as they gradually entered the mountains, it seemed as if all the small animals had suddenly appeared.
Ah Hao's archery skills were not very good; she missed almost every time, and half a day later she still hadn't caught anything. Zhang Xin, on the other hand, was different. Even if she couldn't be said to have a perfect aim, she at least quickly made some progress, and by half a day she had accumulated a considerable number of kills, including wild pheasants and rabbits. Even Xia Mingzhe couldn't help but cheer her on.
Zhang Xin knew she had performed exceptionally well today, and Xia Mingzhe and the military general had deliberately avoided showing off to her. However, seeing how much Ah Hao and the others were supporting her, she couldn't help but feel vain. Holding a bow and arrow in her hand, she smiled and raised her chin, actually making a boast to Ah Hao.
"This is nothing! Ah Hao, you wait and see, I'll bring back a headhunting deer for you to see!" Zhang Xin said, spurring her horse and galloping deeper into the forest. The others quickly followed, afraid of losing her.
But ever since Zhang Xin made that boastful promise, her excellent riding skills seemed to have diminished considerably. She saw the deer several times but missed every time, the arrows never even touching it, yet she refused to ask anyone for help. What's more, Zhang Xin clearly aimed at the deer, but when she turned her head, the deer ran away, and she unintentionally shot a plump wild rabbit instead.
Xia Mingzhe had noticed that Zhang Xin was feeling down and wanted to cheer her up by at least hunting a rabbit, so he praised her loudly, "Your Highness is truly amazing! That rabbit was so plump and delicious, it outshone all the others!"
Ah Hao was too late to stop Xia Mingzhe, and Zhang Xin's face darkened upon hearing his words. If Zhang Xin had only been a little annoyed before, Xia Mingzhe's words undoubtedly provoked her.
Zhang Xin turned her head angrily and glared at Xia Mingzhe, saying, "Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! If you were a rabbit, this princess would be the first to drag you back and steam, boil, roast, or fry you! Let's see if you're happy then!"
Xia Mingzhe hadn't expected to make Zhang Xin even angrier, and was still trying to figure out how to make amends. But then Zhang Xin caught sight of a rare snow fox, screamed, and chased after it, completely oblivious to everything else.
Ah Hao remembered Zhang Xin telling him how rare the snow fox was, and he never expected they would encounter it at this time. Zhang Xin ran off, and they had no choice but to keep following. But Zhang Xin was focused on the snow fox, completely oblivious to where she had gone.
Zhang Xin galloped on relentlessly. Everyone else was fine, except for Ahao, who was inexperienced at riding and couldn't keep up. Xia Mingzhe and the military officer were both trying to keep up with Ahao's pace, but this worried them from losing Zhang Xin. Ahao was afraid that Zhang Xin might act rashly in her impulsiveness, and knowing that she was holding them back, she quickly told them to go after the little princess first.
They had already ventured deep into the mountains and forests, and who knew what they might encounter? Their priority was to bring Zhang Xin back. So, Xia Mingzhe quickly led a small group ahead, while the dark-faced general stayed behind with Ahao. Gradually, however, they could only see the tail of Xia Mingzhe leading his small group.
Ahao felt a sudden unease, and hearing what sounded like the roar of a large tiger and the neighing of a horse ahead only intensified her panic. Fearing for Zhang Xin's safety, Ahao turned to the dark-faced general whose name she couldn't recall and said, "General, don't worry about me. Take some men and check on Princess Zhang and Lord Xia. You go ahead, I'll follow behind and catch up soon."
The black-faced general had far more experience in similar situations than Ah Hao. He noticed the cries earlier and realized that the situation was likely critical. He dared not abandon Ah Hao, nor could he ignore the princess's life or death. In the end, he left four soldiers to follow Ah Hao behind, and led the others to give chase.
Shortly after, a signal rang out from the distant mountains and forests, one after another, sounding extremely urgent. Even though Ah Hao didn't recognize the signal, he could tell that something urgent had happened. The other soldiers around him slowed down, and Ah Hao slowed down as well, but he saw that they all had serious and solemn expressions, as if something major had occurred.
Ah Hao hurriedly inquired, and one of the soldiers said, "If this is reported, His Majesty may be in danger." These words made Ah Hao, who was already flustered, even more uneasy. But before Ah Hao could ask any further questions, an arrow suddenly shot from the shadows, its target the horse she was on.
Danger suddenly appeared. The soldier who had spoken earlier remained relatively calm and immediately shouted, "Protect Miss Song!" However, the horse was startled and became agitated. A-Hao, caught off guard, fell from its back. Realizing the danger, the others fired more arrows from the shadows, all aimed at the horses beneath them.
Ah-hao was thrown onto the gravel and muddy road, wincing in pain. But the situation was unclear, and her clear mind prevented her from lying on the ground for even a moment longer. She gritted her teeth and endured the pain to stand up.
The frightened horse galloped away, but several soldiers had already surrounded her. The figures hidden in the shadows gradually emerged, numbering over twenty. The situation was dire, and they couldn't contact anyone else. It seemed they only had one option left—to run.
Ah Hao ran for her life, no longer thinking of anything else. A group of men in black, wielding knives, relentlessly closed in; there was no way to retreat. She had no idea when or where this group of men had appeared and were now fighting against the men in black. She only knew that she had to run; if she didn't, she would not only lose her life but also become a burden to the others.
She soon reached a fork in the road. Disregarding everything else, she panicked and ran aimlessly, eventually losing track of where she ended up. One by one, those protecting her were injured or fell, yet she dared not show the slightest cowardice. She simply didn't know who she had offended to warrant such fuss over taking her life.
Ah Hao ran until her legs were weak and she was panting heavily, but she didn't dare to stop. However, she didn't know when she was left alone. Several men in black, carrying blood-stained long knives, approached her step by step. Ah Hao kept running and running, but eventually she ran out of strength and fell to the ground. She struggled to get up but couldn't.
Sweat blurred her vision, and Ah Hao looked around blankly, only to realize that she had run to the edge of the forest. Her body was almost limp, but she was unwilling to give up. When she tried to get up again, the men in black were already very close to her. They had a clear objective and didn't waste any words.