Chapter 7: Whispers of the Hunting Ground

Over there, the imperial archery class hosted by Ni Liang has already begun. Dozens of people are riding horses towards Shugang Mountain, competing to hunt game, striving to return with a full load and achieve an excellent result

The grace of saving one's life

The arrows slowly disappeared from the quiver, replaced one by one with prey, gradually filling the game bags hanging from each mount.

On this day, it was the imperial archery class at the Inner Court of the Capital, and all the students had changed into hunting attire, gathering in the training ground

Xiao Yang recalled the "wolf-like and tiger-like" gazes of the maidservants just now, feeling somewhat hesitant, and suggested, "In that case, we can only go outside to buy one."

"But you have grown up in the Zhou family for so many years, and we are like brothers. I really don't understand why Uncle is always so worried about you" Jiang Yu said with a hint of complaint.

"What is it? What are you doubting?" Chu Ying stopped in her tracks, fixed in place, her keen gaze sweeping over Jiang Yu as she asked.

Although the Guangneifu Academy primarily focuses on literary studies, martial subjects such as archery are also essential supplementary courses, taught by the favored general Ni Liang, appointed by Prince Qi, Jiang Hong.

"Do you think I don't want to? Just look at the kind of people they are!" Lin Wenqing shot him a glance, irritably sitting up, "Not a single one of them is reliable."

Lin Wenqing felt both awkward and angry beside her. Unable to contain herself any longer, she struck Bu heavily and then got out of bed, saying to Xiao Yang: "Arrange for a carriage, we are going home"

"Is there anything inappropriate about the fact that these two days, Wen Jing has been working in the palace?" Chu Ying, however, was not easily deceived; he directly asked the question.

Hmm," Lin Wenqing sighed and nodded, saying, "It seems this is the only way. " She got up from the soft couch, intending to go out

"Alright. I absolutely trust your judgment of people. Since you say so, I feel reassured." Jiang Yu, upon hearing Chu Ying's resolute assurance, felt a sense of certainty and let out a sigh of relief, saying, "Ying, the Lu family is already pressing us step by step. It would be great if you could help me more."

Lin Wenqing rubbed her abdomen, feeling waves of dull pain, secretly cursing the unfairness of heaven for adding an extra burden of suffering to women

Chu Ying and Jiang Yu walked side by side, both exhibiting exceptional riding skills and mounted on excellent steeds, quickly leaving their classmates behind.

"You also know that before I was reunited with my mother, I wandered in Hongcheng for a period of time," Chu Ying explained. "At that time, no one took care of me, so I naturally endured all kinds of hardships. The most dangerous moment, which nearly cost me my life, was when I fell into the water. I was still a poor swimmer back then, and fortunately, Wen Jing jumped in to save me and dragged me to the shore. After that, he continuously spent money to buy medicine and hire a doctor to take care of me, allowing me to survive until now"

What happened?" Jiang Yu was taken aback and asked

Chu Ying dismounted from the horse and walked alongside Jiang Yu, each leading their horse forward. Under the lush shade of midsummer, one wore a moon-white garment while the other donned a light blue long robe, both guiding their horses as they leisurely descended the path. Occasionally, a gentle breeze brushed past their temples and cuffs, creating an air of elegance.

Bu replied ambiguously, "I know, I know"

Chu Ying furrowed her brows and said, "Wen Jing, I remember you were in good health before. Could it be that you have suffered from a serious illness in these past six years, leaving you with such a lingering ailment?"

"The meaning of 'uncle' is best not to be violated." Chu Ying fell silent for a moment and said, "There are some minor matters that I can help you with, but for major issues, it is best not to involve me with - Tu - Shu."

"Ying, how are you staying here? Are you feeling unwell?" Jiang Yu inquired as he peeked in.

"So... do you know what he thinks of the Lu family?" Jiang Yu changed the subject and inquired

Chu Ying smiled, yet did not respond. He knew that Jiang Yu would not ask this question without reason

... ...

Ni Liang squinted his eyes and marked an excellent score on the results of the two. Watching their retreating figures as they walked away together, he stroked his beard and let out a long sigh, secretly pondering: Such a well-rounded prince, yet not the crown prince, is this ultimately a blessing or a curse for the Qi family

Jiang Yu and Chu Ying returned to the training ground, presenting their respective achievements to the counting personnel in charge. Ni Liang was not surprised to see the two return first. In recent years, the State of Qi has gradually shifted its focus from martial to literary pursuits. The Guang Nifu has invited the master-level instructor Bu Zixia to teach as the deputy governor, attracting many students who lean towards literature. Although, according to the regulations left by the late king, martial classes are not abolished, few students are able to complete them well. Among the students, only one or two excel in martial arts, and Jiang Yu, who has been trained since childhood by the late king, along with the distant relative of the Zhou family, Chu Ying, are among the outstanding ones.

Chu Ying patted Jiang Yu's shoulder and comforted him, saying: "There is no other way. Some paths can ultimately only be walked by yourself. After all, I am merely a distant relative of the Zhou family"

Jiang Yu was momentarily at a loss for words and could only speak the truth: "For some reason, he ended up in the greenhouse palace and even ran into my elder brother, the Crown Prince. The two of them seemed to be getting along quite well. Do you think he might have something to do with the Lu family..."

"Absolutely not," Chu Ying interrupted. "I understand your concerns. However, do you think that, from the perspective of the head of the Lin family, he would choose to wade into such murky waters at this time? And to place his only son as a pawn in this situation? If he were such a shortsighted person, he wouldn't have become the richest man in the world. I believe that Wen Jing's encounter with Prince Kang was merely a coincidence."

Even though Jiang Yu made various promises, Chu Ying merely smiled and did not respond. This topic, like many before, came to an inconclusive end.

Jiang Yuze said to Bu Hui: "Doctor Bu, if there are any precious medicinal materials needed for Wen Jing's illness, please do not hesitate to mention them. I will have someone fetch them from the treasury. Let us do our utmost to cure him completely"

"English, tell me the truth. Is this related to your background?" Jiang Yu irritably ran his fingers through his hair and asked

After parting with Jiang Yu, Chu Ying initially intended to ride home, but suddenly changed his mind. He turned his horse around and headed towards the direction of Qindu Xiaozhu.

"Alright, alright. I understand that you are only looking out for my best interests," Jiang Yu conceded quickly under his gaze. "However, in the current situation in Yucheng, there are many spectators, but few who are truly willing to risk their lives for me, and even fewer whom I can fully trust. It is rare to have someone like you, yet you are constrained by my uncle's limitations, leaving me feeling anxious."

"Remember to drink more red date soup when you go back, it nourishes the blood and enhances your complexion," Bu Hui said coolly from behind. "If you really feel unwell these days, just take a leave. Call Xiao Yang over, and I will concoct a diagnosis for you."

Lin Wenqing could only close the roster casually and said with a hint of annoyance, "Everyone, please leave."

"Come on now," Jiang Yu rolled her eyes and said, "Neither you nor I are the type to easily bare our hearts to others. Spare me the empty talk about instant connections; save that for deceiving someone else"

... ...

Bu returned to sit properly beside Lin Wenqing, took her pulse, and said: "It's nothing much, probably her old ailment; she just needs to lie down for three or four days to recover"

Chu Ying raised an eyebrow, disapprovingly looking at Jiang Yu.

Young Master, the Master has sent only honest and reliable family servants to the cottage this time. Here is the roster, which includes a total of fourteen maids. Xiao Yang spread the roster on the tea table, allowing Lin Wenqing to make her selection

Jiang Yu arrived at the training ground with a bow and arrow, took a turn, and finally found Chu Ying in the medical tent beside the training ground

Chu Ying turned around and shook his head. At that moment, Jiang Yu finally saw Lin Wenqing lying on the bed behind him, in a state of near death.

Xiao Yang saw that all the maidservants had stepped back, so he could only approach and whisper: "Miss, this won't do. Ultimately, someone needs to take care of you."

"It's just a minor issue, class is about to start. Don't delay the lesson, hurry along." Lin Wenqing suppressed the discomfort in her abdomen and reassured Chu Ying, "With Doctor Bu taking care of me, I'll be fine."

Once Chu Ying and Jiang Yu left, Bu Hui could no longer contain his amusement and chuckled softly, saying: "Miss Lin, how do you think I can help you cure this ailment once and for all?"

Chu Ying smiled and shook her head, replying: "I will not answer this question. We agreed on three rules, have you forgotten?"

After walking a few steps, Jiang Yu suddenly asked, "Ying, how did you meet Lin Wenjing? It's rare to see you care about someone so much"

Jiang Yu precisely shot the fleeing wild rabbit. He dismounted, picked up the rabbit, placed it in his game bag, and said to Chu Ying: "Alright, let's call it a day."

"Oh, it's that agreement again." Jiang Yu was extremely annoyed as he said, "Ying, we have lived together for six years, just like brothers. Your uncle is so wary of you; don't you feel angry about it? Even if your family were traitors or fugitives, if you confided in me privately, based on our years of friendship, I would help you bear the burden."

Lin Wenqing flipped through the roster from beginning to end at https://m.hetushu.com, and couldn't help but sigh quietly. The parents of the legitimate children were all trusted stewards of her father. If they were brought to serve by her side, it was likely that they would end up communicating with her own parents, exposing the fact that she was studying on behalf of her younger brother. This is quite a dilemma

Chu Yingmei furrowed her brows slightly, appearing somewhat troubled. After pondering for a moment, she sighed and said: "Since you have asked, I will not hide it from you. The reason I trust Wen Jing is very simple: he has saved my life."

"No wonder, no wonder you treat him this way," Jiang Yu nodded in understanding and said, "It turns out you are acquainted from humble beginnings; such friends are always the most precious.

Jiang Yu noticed that Chu Ying's smile had faded, and he immediately understood that he had underestimated Lin Wenjing's significance in his heart. He could only pat his shoulder and reassure him, "Don't be nervous. I'm just asking, nothing more. You are an important support for my maternal family, and Wenjing is your most trusted friend; I should get to know this person better."

"Young Master, Young Brother Yang," a servant came to report, "Master Chu Ying has come to visit"

"Why can't I have a friend with whom I have an instant connection?" Chu Ying replied with a smile.

The maidservants in the hall subtly guessed that the young master intended to choose a personal maid this time, each harboring a certain hope of rising to prominence, eagerly gazing at Lin Wenqing.

As another wild rabbit darted past, Chu Ying reached for an arrow from his waist, only to find it empty. Turning his head, he realized that he had unknowingly exhausted all his arrows. He could only shake his head and said to the still enthusiastic Jiang Yu: "I have run out of arrows, so I won't play anymore"

The ringing of the bell outside echoed, reminding the four people in the medical tent. Chu Ying could only sigh and said, "Then take care of yourself."

In the quiet study, Lin Wenqing was reclining on the soft couch, carefully observing the maidservants below in the hall