Feng Junyi couldn't help but look at the little girl beside him.
Is she serious?
Even Wang Ze, who was still outside the tent, could sense the awkward atmosphere.
He hurriedly said, "The Empress is humorous. Your Majesty, are you going to come out and take a look now?"
"Mhm."
They arrived outside the hunting grounds one after the other. They saw that the people who took part in the hunt were already gathered.
Everyone was either holding a hare, a wild duck, or chicken. Of course, some were lucky enough to hunt a young deer.
In short, no one returned empty-handed.
Su Nuan also studied everyone's catch.
However, her thoughts were completely different from others.
Roasted rabbits will probably taste good. We can also cook beggar's chicken with wild chicken. As for the deer, we can just roast it like roasting a whole lamb, right?
She imagined marinating these animals, lighting bonfires, roasting the animals over the fire, and sprinkling some cumin powder, pepper, and salt. The thought of it made her take a gulp.
"Wipe your saliva, you're about to drool."
Feng Junyi blurted just as she was happily thinking about food. She quickly wiped the corners of her mouth with her hands.
He was right. The corners of her mouth were already wet with drool.
She simply chuckled politely without appearing awkward.
Eunuch Wang stepped forward, overlapped his hands before his chest, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, look, this is what everyone has hunted."
After Eunuch Wang finished speaking, Regent Liu Boyun, who was standing at the side, suddenly asked, "Why isn't the Prince of the Yun Nation here?"
Upon hearing the Regent's words, Su Nuan quickly scanned the area. Indeed, there was no sign of Su Qinghan.
I was too careless. I know that as the male protagonist of the novel, Su Qinghan is familiar with hardships.
She vaguely remembered that even though they had the same mother, Su Qinghan was treated differently.
Even though the original book only mentioned briefly, it was said that Su Qinghan's father detested him since he was young. Their father doted on his younger sister instead. He had suffered greatly since his childhood.
I thought that if I sent Feng Linche, the second idiot, away, Su Qinghan would be spared. Looks like that's not the case.
At this moment, everyone realized that the unremarkable male protagonist had disappeared.
Someone exclaimed, "There are many animals in the hunting grounds. There might be jackals, tigers, leopards and the like. Could he have been eaten?"
"That might not be the case. He might have gotten lost, instead."
When everyone heard this, they could not help but laugh.
Someone muttered, "Su Qinghan is the older brother of the current Empress of Shang Nation."
The laughter stopped immediately, and someone hastily said, "Since he hasn't returned yet, something might have happened. We should send people to look for him quickly."
Feng Junyi sat still on the stage, quietly watching the people below act like buffoons.
Finally, he suddenly said, "Isn't he back?"
Sure enough, everyone looked behind them immediately and saw Su Qinghan, covered in wounds, carrying a brown bear on his back. He walked towards them step by step.
His hair was in a mess, and his clothes were in tatters. The bear mangled his skin and flesh, and everyone who saw him shuddered at the sight.
It seemed like they had a fierce battle.
The people around started whispering and discussing again.
"He is capable. I can't believe he fought with a bear. He'll be the one winning the first prize today."
"Impressive, impressive. As expected of the Empress's brother, he's extraordinary."
Just as everyone was murmuring amongst themselves, Su Qinghan suddenly fell to the ground, unconscious.
Su Nuan sighed. She was well aware that no matter how severe Su Qinghan's injuries were, he wouldn't die. After all, the main character wouldn't die so easily.
"What's going on? Call the imperial physicians."
A gentle voice was heard. Before Su Nuan could react, the Eldest Princess was already next to Su Qinghan.
As soon as she finished speaking, she had already used her handkerchief to wipe the bloodstains on Su Qinghan's face.
!!!
Su Nuan was extremely panicked.
Eldest Princess, oh Eldest Princess, you are the Princess of Shang Nation! Don't they say that ancient women cannot show their faces casually?
You rushed over Su Qinghan and wiped his face in front of everyone. People who don't know better will think that you are a couple!
Su Nuan was determined to douse the sparks of their love before they were ignited.
Hence, Su Nuan quickly walked towards the Eldest Princess. "Princess, this is my older brother. The imperial physicians should take care of him."
The Eldest Princess, who had looked as if she was under a spell, returned to her senses in an instant. Her cheeks flushed red as she lowered her head slightly. "I was too rash," she said softly.
Su Nuan seized the opportunity and turned to speak to the palace maid beside the Eldest Princess. "What are you waiting for? Quickly, help your Princess return back to rest."
The palace maid was also startled. She hurriedly agreed and helped the Eldest Princess return to her tent.
The imperial physician arrived late and checked Su Qinghan's injuries before ordering someone to bring him into the tent.
Everyone outside surrounded the bear, inspecting it. They could not help but sigh in admiration. "This bear is at least 100kg. It's amazing that he can carry it back despite being injured."
Su Nuan pouted. Su Qinghan? He is the male protagonist! 100kg? He can probably carry a 250kg bear.
Soon, the imperial physician who was checking Su Qinghan's injuries walked out and shook his head. "Reporting to Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, his injuries are too severe. If he doesn't make it through tonight, please send a letter to Yun Nation and ask them to prepare his funeral."
It was indeed a familiar plot device.
However, Su Nuan knew that Su Qinghan would not die.
In fact, the Eldest Princess would sneak into his tent and take care of him all night.
Tsk, a single man and a single woman in the same room, aren't you ashamed?
The Empress Dowager cast a cold glance at the people around her and said indifferently, "What happened today is a warning to all of you. One should not rush for quick success. It will only backfire. I have already warned all of you not to go deeper into the forest."
When everyone heard this, they all knelt and shouted, "The Empress Dowager is wise!"
After hearing the commotion, Feng Linche slowly squeezed into the crowd.
Before he could speak, Feng Junyi blocked his way.
"Where's the prey you've hunted?"
Feng Junyi's voice made Feng Linche shiver.
Without waiting for him to reply, Feng Junyi stared at the hamster in his hands and said flatly, "You've only caught such a little thing in four hours. Empress, do you want to roast or boil this little thing?"
"…"
Can I say I don't want to eat it?
Feng Linche became anxious. "Brother, this is not my prey. This is the Empress' pet."
"Oh, I understand. You want to fry it."