"You two must not be so modest. I know that today we have both wild boar and bear paws, so everyone will have a good meal," Gu Tingyun laughed heartily.
The Gu family had a large estate here, complete with hot springs.
They were to stay for one night. Several days prior, the Gu family had sent people to clean and prepare the place.
In fact, even if they hadn't hunted anything today, they would still have had wild game.
Moreover, the Seventh Prince was also present.
As soon as Xiao Che arrived, Gu Tingyun sent a rider home to deliver the news, and the Gu family had prepared more provisions.
Everyone had hunted many fine things during this hunt.
The group of young people was brimming with excitement.
"I heard the Seventh Prince hunted the most game – a bear, a tiger, and a deer," Xu Zijun said, her eyes sparkling when she mentioned the Seventh Prince.
Yu Mingyue showed little interest, thinking to herself that everyone had let him win, so of course he would be the victor.
Besides, he probably wouldn't have been able to hunt so much without her brother's help.
"The Seventh Prince's archery is superb," Yu Mingyue praised insincerely.
"The Seventh Prince's horsemanship and archery were personally taught by the Sage, so of course he is skilled," Xu Zijun could not hide her admiration.
"I heard that Sister Zijun caught a nest of young rabbits, is that true?" Yu Mingyue, wanting to change the subject away from the Seventh Prince, asked.
She knew that Xu Zijun was fond of the Seventh Prince. In that storybook, Xu Zijun was supposed to enter the palace.
However, she fell into the water just before entering the palace, and her entry was consequently canceled.
Sister Zijun's body was injured from falling into the water, and knowing she could not enter the palace, she did not survive that winter, dying of depression.
Xu Zijun nodded, her eyes full of excitement. "I plan to bring them back to my manor and raise them."
"Mingyue, I heard you also hunted a wild boar. You're really something," Gu Youyou said.
Yu Mingyue quickly explained, "It was Brother Jiayan who hunted the wild boar. It's good enough if I don't get in the way."
"Don't be so modest. Brother Jiayan said it was you who shot the wild boar in the eye, which allowed him to hunt it!"
"Sixth Lady is truly remarkable."
...
The crowd was full of flattering words, and Yu Mingyue knew why. She no longer bothered to explain to everyone.
Her composed demeanor made people overlook that she was only a twelve-year-old child.
Xiao Che sat in the main seat, his expression full of arrogance, accepting the praise from everyone as his due.
Separate seating arrangements were made for the young ladies, with Yu Mingyue's position being the most esteemed.
The Gu family had even assigned a few young maids to serve her during the meal, their respectful attitude evident.
"Brother Xie, for assisting Sixth Lady in hunting beasts today, you will surely be rewarded in the future. Your rise to prominence is just around the corner," said Young Master Zhao, leaning towards Xie Jiayan, who was seated behind him.
"Hmm?" Xie Jiayan was puzzled.
"It's understandable that Brother Xie, being new to the capital, wouldn't know. Yu Liu Niang is the Seventh Prince's consort, personally chosen by the Sage." Young Master Zhao kindly enlightened him.
"Thank you for the guidance, Brother Zhao!"
"You're welcome!"
Xie Jiayan looked at Yu Mingyue, who was the center of attention. She had changed from her hunting attire into a red riding outfit. Her white sable fur coat lent her a more serene air than liveliness. The small figure possessed an aura of commanding respect without needing to be angry.
So that's how it is!
Xie Jiayan raised his cup and drank with Young Master Zhao. His expression remained largely unchanged.
The Gu mansion had prepared only non-intoxicating fruit wine. A few cups in this cold weather would warm the body without causing any trouble.
Yu Mingyue quite enjoyed the hunt today, though it would have been even better if Xiao Che hadn't been there.
When Yu Mingyue glanced towards Xie Jiayan's seat, he was talking to people at the next table and hadn't noticed her.
Even dressed plainly, the young Xie Jiayan couldn't hide his outstanding demeanor. He held his own among these noble young gentlemen.