Xue Zining and Hua Yunjin rested briefly. Feng Wu hurried back, her face a mask of fury. "Feng Wu, what's wrong?" Xue Zining asked.
Feng Wu's eyelids twitched. She pulled at the corner of her mouth, her tone growing cold. "Princess Yunlan is injured."
Xue Zining was momentarily stunned, her brow furrowing. How did Xue Yunlan end up here? "Where is she?"
Feng Wu's expression turned even colder. "A man and a woman should not touch. This subordinate could not bring Princess Yunlan back with me, so I hid her."
Xue Zining nodded. "You did well. However, we cannot leave her there alone for too long." After all, anything could happen in the hunting grounds. She had grievances with Xue Wenjie, but they did not extend to her family.
She stood up and said to Hua Yunjin, "Yunjin, stay here and take care of Zixuan. I'll be right back."
Hua Yunjin nodded. He knew he had no skills and would only be a burden if he went along. It was better to wait patiently here.
"Feng Jiu, Feng Ying, protect the Prime Minister well. If there's any trouble, you may reveal your identities," Xue Zining instructed, as Feng Yin's appearance also signified her identity.
"Yes." Two voices responded from the air.
Xue Zining set down Xue Zixuan, mounted her horse, and said to Feng Wu, "Lead the way."
Feng Wu nodded. Soon, Xue Zining arrived at a place overgrown with weeds. Feng Wu stopped and pointed to a hidden cave entrance concealed within. "Princess Yunlan should be inside."
Xue Zining pushed aside the tall grass and called out, "Xue Yunlan, this is Xue Zining."
There was no response. It was dark inside, and she could not see anything. Just as she was about to step further in, a choked sob echoed faintly. "Imperial Sister, is that you?"
Xue Zining's heart eased. "It is I..."
Before she could finish, a figure rushed out, pushing her back several steps. "Imperial Sister, you scared me to death, sob..." Xue Yunlan cried uncontrollably, completely disregarding her status as a princess.
Xue Zining gave a wry smile. "Yunlan, can you let go of your Imperial Sister?"
Only then did Xue Yunlan realize she had been holding onto Xue Zining for a long time. She quickly let go, her face flushing. "Imperial... Imperial Sister, I was just too scared. Please forgive me."
"It's alright," Xue Zining said. Seeing that Xue Yunlan seemed only slightly injured and otherwise unharmed, she asked, "Why are you here?"
Upon hearing this, Xue Yunlan's eyes widened with fear. She bit her lower lip before finally saying, "Imperial... Imperial Sister, is it not safe here?"
Xue Zining frowned. Just then, Feng Wu, standing behind them, suddenly exclaimed, "Your Majesty, be careful!"
She instinctively turned around and saw a flash of silver light. A figure shielded her from behind. "Feng Yu, escort His Majesty away!" Feng Wu's voice resonated through the area.
Feng Yu appeared out of nowhere and bowed. "Your Majesty, your subordinate will take you away."
Xue Zining nodded. "Feng Wu, be careful." Feng Wu's figure had already flown towards where the silver light had flashed.
"Yunlan, let's go." Xue Zining prompted Xue Yunlan, who was still standing there blankly.
Xue Yunlan snapped back to reality and followed her away.
"Imperial Sister, his name is Feng Wu, right?" Xue Yunlan asked after they had traveled some distance.
Xue Zining nodded. "Yes."
"What a feminine name," Xue Yunlan said, pouting.