The next day, the fifth prince followed the main troop to the royal hunting grounds outside the capital.
On the surface, everyone was cordial, but beneath the veneer, undercurrents churned.
In the past few days, the Emperor had repeatedly summoned imperial physicians, leading them to suspect that his health might be failing. Coupled with the news that all the princes were making moves this time, Zhang Dahai and the second prince placed particular importance on this expedition, viewing it as a potential make-or-break moment. To ensure the second prince's safety, Zhang Dahai proactively requested to accompany him.
Although the second prince felt it was somewhat improper for a civil official like him to be present, he had indeed been greatly aided by Zhang Dahai's assistance recently, feeling as if he had gained wings. After some thought, he agreed to Zhang Dahai's request, reasoning that perhaps Zhang Dahai could offer strategic advice if any difficulties arose.
Zhang Dahai saw no need to explain. After all, he had never revealed his martial arts skills to outsiders. If he were to claim his skills surpassed everyone present, no one would believe him. Naturally, he did not wish to reveal all his trump cards unless absolutely necessary, fearing it might arouse the second prince's suspicion.
In daily life, he perfectly portrayed himself as an honest, simple man from the countryside, being polite to everyone, speaking little, and only offering his opinions at crucial moments. Of course, the second prince was not foolish; he understood who possessed true ability. Therefore, Zhang Dahai's standing in his eyes had steadily risen.
It was the same this time. Although Zhang Dahai was not the closest to him, he was not far. Those closest to the second prince had followed him since childhood. Yet, Zhang Dahai had risen to this position in just a few months, already inciting jealousy in others. However, they were powerless against him, and he always played dumb when they spoke to him.
Soon, they reached their destination. The days were no different from usual. Under the Emperor's watchful eye, they dared not even gather to discuss matters. It would be ill-advised if the Emperor found out, though he might already be aware, but they could not give him concrete proof.
As the hunt was about to begin, Zhang Dahai, to everyone's surprise, rode a horse and joined the second prince's entourage.
Even the second prince could not resist teasing, "Your bearing suggests you intend to hunt with us. Initially, I thought you followed along because you couldn't ride a horse and were physically weak, merely satisfying your curiosity. Now it seems you've been hiding your strength. Your horsemanship is no less skilled than ours. What other surprises do I not know about you?"
Zhang Dahai replied with a meaningful smile, "I know many things, and the second prince will discover them in due time."
Upon hearing this, the second prince raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected Zhang Dahai to actually possess such skills. His earlier remark was meant as a jest, but Zhang Dahai had directly admitted it. After days of observation, he knew this man never spoke boastfully. He was intensely curious about what other talents Zhang Dahai possessed. Just as he was about to inquire further, the Emperor spoke.
"I have instructed people to release many beasts in this forest, including two deer. Whoever brings back those two deer will be heavily rewarded by me. Now, let us rely on our own abilities and see who emerges victorious." The Emperor's face was somewhat pale, and speaking these words had exhausted him. He knew that someone would cause trouble today, but he believed he was still robust and everything was under his control.
At the command of the head eunuch beside the Emperor, those who had already divided into several factions surged towards the forest ahead.
Zhang Dahai rode his horse, staying close to the second prince. His main task today was to ensure the second prince's safety; he had no interest in hunting. Of course, he had relayed the information he'd gleaned from the fifth prince to the second prince as a mere speculation. The second prince had immediately nodded, indicating he would take it seriously. As for how he would arrange things, Zhang Dahai couldn't be bothered. After all, sometimes having too much ability was also a sin.
They rode and hunted as they went, unconsciously venturing deep into the forest. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, and the guards beside the second prince swiftly drew their swords to intercept an arrow.
Everyone had anticipated such a situation and was mentally prepared. They reacted without panic, quickly forming a circle to protect the second prince in the center.
Zhang Dahai seized the opportunity to position himself next to the second prince, thus naturally falling within the protection of the group. Soon, more and more arrows rained down, and more of the second prince's men were struck and fell.
Seeing that this situation was unsustainable, some people provided cover while others charged directly towards the source of the arrows. Along the way, people continued to fall, while others immediately stepped in to replace them. Soon, the sounds of clashing swords and blades echoed.
The men with the second prince were all top-tier experts. Although the opposing force was also formidable, there was still a gap in their strength. Soon, the attackers were eliminated.
A collective sigh of relief swept through the group, mingled with sorrow. After all, they had lost so many men, including friends and comrades who had fought alongside them.
Before they could dwell on their grief, some lax individuals nearby were directly struck by arrows. They watched helplessly as their companions fell, unable to do anything but stare in the direction the arrows came from. Even the second prince couldn't help but frown. He hadn't expected to block so many paths. This was clearly a second wave of attackers, who had held back initially, planning to catch the mantis while the cicada was unaware, with themselves as the oriole.
This time, the second prince's men did not choose to wait. While cautiously fending off the enemy's arrows, they charged towards the attackers' hiding place. Ultimately, due to the superior numbers on their side, the enemy was quickly vanquished, but the second prince's combat effectiveness was also greatly diminished.
Looking around, he realized that most of the men he had brought with him were either severely wounded or dead. When danger struck, only about a dozen were capable of fighting back. He dared not risk further exposure and decisively led his men back. After they had traveled a short distance, Zhang Dahai immediately signaled for them to stop.
"What is it? Did you discover something?" the second prince asked nervously.
Today's events had somewhat exceeded his expectations. He had initially anticipated only one wave of attackers and believed that with strengthened guards and increased manpower, there shouldn't be major problems. However, two waves had appeared immediately. If they encountered more enemies, he truly didn't know if he could get out of this forest. Therefore, when Zhang Dahai made a move, he became highly alert.
Zhang Dahai remained silent, then said sternly, "Since you're here, reveal yourselves quickly. Are you too afraid to show your faces, lurking about so sneakily?"
As soon as his words fell, figures of more than twenty people appeared from the bushes ahead. It turned out they had tied branches to themselves, camouflaging as part of the small forest. If Zhang Dahai hadn't pointed it out, the second prince would never have discovered them. If they had blundered into them unknowingly, they would have been caught completely off guard.