The annual hunt was about to begin, and Xue Zining decided she would participate this time.
The hunt was not just about hunting; she also wanted to take this opportunity to show her imperial demeanor to the court officials.
She had been too young to participate in the previous hunts. Now, as she was about to come of age, she could wait no longer.
"Your Majesty, I do not advise you to participate in this hunt," Hua Yunjin said, objecting for the first time.
Xue Zining was slightly taken aback. Hua Yunjin had never opposed any of her decisions before, which made this instance somewhat novel for her.
"Tell me why. What reason is there for me not to go?"
When alone with Hua Yunjin, Xue Zining referred to herself as "I," making her feel that their relationship was not just between sovereign and subject, but also between friends.
Hua Yunjin's gaze was bright, revealing an emotion she couldn't quite decipher. "Anything can happen during a hunt. Your Majesty has always resided within the confines of the palace. The Regent would not make a move unless he was absolutely certain. However, if Your Majesty participates in the hunt, it will provide the Regent with many opportunities to act."
"I have considered what you said, but I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."
"Your Majesty..."
"Did you prepare the people I asked you to?" Xue Zining interrupted Hua Yunjin.
Hua Yunjin replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured. They are all youths from the Hua family, intelligent, agile, and skilled."
Xue Zining nodded. "While I am participating in the hunt and drawing my Imperial Uncle's attention, Feng Ying and Feng Jiu will train these youths. This is the perfect opportunity."
"But..."
"If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch its cubs? I must go to the hunt."
Hua Yunjin sighed softly. He knew that what the Empress was doing was for the best, but he...
"Yunjin, we don't have much time left. Only two years."
Hua Yunjin trembled, instinctively raising his head. He saw Xue Zining's clear yet unfathomable eyes, like a bottomless abyss.
"Therefore, I must go on this expedition. Otherwise..."
A smile played on Xue Zining's lips, like a flower blooming in the dark, wicked and alluring. "How else would I know what tricks they plan to play?"
Finally, the day of the royal hunt arrived. Xue Zining boarded her carriage, heading towards the hunting grounds.
Inside the carriage, in contrast to Xue Zixuan's excitement, Consort Chao wore a sullen expression.
She had never imagined that Xue Zining would bring Zixuan to the hunting grounds. How could she let Zixuan go out?
Moreover, she was unsure if Xue Wenjie would make a move against Xue Zining at the hunting grounds. If Zixuan were to be accidentally harmed, she would have nowhere to turn to grieve.
After weighing the options, she could only accompany them. After all, Zixuan would not agree to stay behind.
"Imperial Sister, are we almost at the hunting grounds?" This was Xue Zixuan's first time leaving the palace, and he was naturally very excited and expectant.
Xue Zining held Xue Zixuan's hand and smiled. "It's still a distance. Don't expend all your excitement on the journey, or you'll have no energy left when we arrive."
Xue Zixuan immediately shook his head upon hearing this. "I won't!"
Xue Zining smiled as she looked at Xue Zixuan. Now, she could smile in the face of the enemies who sought her death. "When it's time for the hunt, how about Zixuan and Imperial Sister go together?"
"Okay..."
"No..."
The word "no" naturally came from Consort Chao. Xue Zining looked at Consort Chao with a faint expression. "Consort, since we've come all the way for the hunt, please don't disappoint Zixuan."