Chapter 30: Start the Winter Hunt

Chapter 30

Their frightened and nervous gaze at each other was rather unexpected, considering that the damaged item was the treasured LiWang bow.

However, Gu Ying was the mistress of Twilight Snow Studio, so she had the final say.

The LiWang bow affair could cause some turmoil in the manor, at most dismissing some maids, but if it spread to the Marquis Manor, it would become a sensational incident that rocked Bianjing.

Ming Yue bit her lip. When she looked at the other person again, her eyes were filled with worry that the matter might leak out, and she did not dare to stir up more trouble.

Today's scheme was meant to sow discord between Yanzhi and Gu Ying, mistress and servant, so it would be easier for Ming Yue and Yanzhi to get close to Gu Ying in the future.

Just as the staged drama ended, the sky started to light up as dawn approached.

Word was that royal retinues had set out ahead, and several families had already followed. In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, it would be the turn of the Dongping Earl Manor’s carriages to depart.

Gu Ying had just carried the LiWang bow into her room when she heard people from Zhe Yu Residence, where her eldest uncle lived, urging them to leave the manor.

She pursed her lips and gazed steadily at the LiWang bow, her fingertips stroking the severed bowstring, feeling somewhat disappointed and worried.

"Miss, it's time for us to set out," Ming Yue called from outside.

Gu Ying responded lightly. She gritted her teeth, "Coming." Then she walked out of the room.

...

The winter hunt was extremely grand.

Every year after heavy snowfall in the Eastern Li capital, such an event would be held, with invitations sent to all the royal sons and daughters, children of distinguished families, and young masters and ladies of prominent households, to go hunting in Nanhai Hunting Ground.

Not only would royalty and imperial clan members come, even the Empress and the Emperor's favored consort, Empress Wan, would be there.

The winter hunt lasted three days. Not only were there hunting competitions, there were also hot springs, snow viewing, gatherings around the stove for drinking and poetry recitals, barbecue feasts, and other elegant events.

Nanhai Hunting Ground was remotely located and spanned a vast area. On one side were steep cliffs that touched the clouds, and the other three sides were guarded by heavy soldiers all year round.

After Gu Ying exited the manor gates, she saw Gu Jiajing, who was mentally absent and physically frail, being supported by Mrs. Liu as they boarded a carriage.

Gu Shuang, Gu Wan, Gu Ming and others all had people looking after them.

Only she was alone, without mother or father.

She stood solitary in the snow, wrapped in a thick fox fur coat, waiting for the departure of the main branch’s procession before she could get on a carriage.

Gu Shuang felt a chill down her spine. She shook her shoulders and looked up at Gu Ying. "So someone wants to harm Brother Gu Ning, and someone wants to harm my mother too... That person is..."

"That's enough, little sister," Gu Ying said, grasping her small hand tightly. "It's best if only you, me, heaven and earth know these matters."

"But—"

"Don't be impatient," Gu Ying said with a faint smile on her lips. "Evil will be met with retribution in the end. Sister will make sure the villain gets their just desserts."

She left room for interpretation, but those with discernment knew who the villain was.

Gu Shuang was deeply shocked. She leaned numbly against the carriage, struggling to calm herself.

After a long while, she moved her eyes and firmly clasped Gu Ying's fingers. "Sister, for my mother and the child in her belly, I...I want to ask you to protect them. I...although young, am also willing to stand with Sister to protect them, Gu Ning, and..."

Gu Ying smiled gently and hooked her finger around Gu Shuang's. "Alright."

...

After a bumpy journey, the carriage finally stopped when night was falling.

Nanhai Hunting Ground was at the northernmost edge of the Eastern Li Kingdom's capital, bordering the vast grasslands of the northern nomadic tribes. Located by the mountains and waters, it had excellent fengshui. In winter, the towering trees were covered in silver, like a fairyland.

From the imperial convoy to the endless carriages and horses behind, the Dongping Earl Manor was merely an inconspicuous member among the capital's nobility.

The further north they went, the colder it became.

Gu Ying gathered her fox fur cloak tightly. Inside the carriage, the coal fire was nearly extinguished.

Outside, the sound of patrolling soldiers could be heard from time to time. From morning to evening, she had already grown accustomed to it.

"Sister, are you cold?" Gu Shuang grasped Gu Ying's hand. "Let me get someone to prepare two hot water bottles, alright?"

The last glow of the coal brazier went out, and the not-too-big, not-too-small carriage instantly lost all warmth.

Gu Ying sniffed her reddened nose and smiled. "No need. Let's endure a while longer. The hunting ground is almost here."

With carriages both ahead and behind, stopping now would cause trouble for those behind them.

They might even offend the impatient masters of some families.

In such a grand occasion, it was best to keep a low profile, rather than owe anyone favors. It was better to endure a while longer until they reached the campsite of the hunting grounds to properly warm up.