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The entire afternoon, He Yu stayed in the tent with Xiao Yao, playing with two cubs.
Xiao Yao said, "Why don't we give them names? It will help us tell them apart."
"Sure," He Yu had no objections. "You can name them whatever you want."
"At least help me think of some," Xiao Yao said, holding one of the leopards close to He Yu and playfully slapped his face. "Family matters should involve participation, you know!"
"Okay, okay, I'll participate," He Yu quickly conceded. The attendants, Yun Zhu and Zhao Hezhong, were both startled and thought to themselves that only the princess could be so bold as to slap the prince's face; anyone else would probably have been dragged out and beaten to death by now.
The couple chatted back and forth for the whole afternoon and finally decided to name one with a black spot on its head "Wuyun" (Black Cloud) and the other, which was brighter in color, "Liujin" (Flowing Gold). Xiao Yao excitedly hugged the two leopards and began to rub them. The two little creatures let out pitiful cries of "meow meow" under Xiao Yao's playful torment. He Yu couldn't bear to watch any longer and rescued the cub from her grasp. Once Wuyun was in his arms, it instinctively clawed at He Yu's clothes, afraid of being returned to the embrace of this crazy woman, highlighting Xiao Yao's roughness.
"These are living beings, not just stuffed toys for you to squeeze around," He Yu said helplessly.
"But they're just so cute; I can't help myself," Xiao Yao replied with lingering excitement. "Besides, it's just a little playtime while they're still small. Once they grow up, I won't be able to do this anymore." She pouted her lips in disappointment.
He Yu didn't know whether to laugh or cry at his daughter-in-law's antics. However, he still said seriously, "It's fine to play with them occasionally, but we can't keep them in our house. You're pregnant after all; you need to be careful about getting sick."
"I know," Xiao Yao replied, understanding this point clearly since there were no modern medical facilities available. These creatures might be adorable, but caution was still necessary. "But where do you plan to keep them?"
"We'll keep them at Lin Mountain House for now. It's not far from my training grounds. If you want to play with them after cleaning them up, you can bring them over; otherwise, you can go see them yourself," He Yu explained.
"Lin Mountain House?" Xiao Yao thought for a moment. "Isn't that the stable?"
"Oh, Princess may not know this; it's not just a stable," Zhao Hezhong immediately chimed in to explain. "In addition to the horses raised by the prince, there are also several hunting dogs kept there. Lin Mountain House is quite large and has a garden as well; it's perfect for raising these little ones."
"Really?" Xiao Yao's eyes lit up with interest. "I didn't know there was such a place in our home!"
"That's because you don't often go to the front yard. Naturally, you wouldn't know about it," He Yu said while ruffling Xiao Yao's hair with a smile.
"Can I go see the dogs?" Xiao Yao asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling.
He Yu frowned, his expression serious. "Don't run off on your own. If you want to go, I'll take you. Those are trained hunting dogs, quite fierce. You'll get hurt if you go alone."
Xiao Yao pondered privately, estimating that they were likely not just for hunting. If it were only for that purpose, a breed like a Golden Retriever with tracking ability would suffice; why would they need something so fierce? However, since her husband had decided this, he must have his reasons. Xiao Yao immediately nodded in agreement, "Alright, I'll wait for you to take me over. I definitely won't go near that place by myself."
"Mm." He Yu nodded and smiled.
By late afternoon, He Yu handed over two leopards to the guards and took Xiao Yao to a nearby gathering spot.
Upon arrival, they indeed saw everyone gathered together discussing among themselves. At a glance, they spotted the spirited Eldest Prince and Fourth Prince. Xiao Yao and He Yu exchanged glances, both understanding that this year's top prize would likely be among these two.
As they approached, it was clear that everyone was surrounding the Eldest Prince, who was quite pleased with himself. Upon seeing He Yu, he stepped forward and said, "You really can disappear for an entire afternoon! I guess you've been quite lazy with the Princess!"
"Eldest Prince is too kind," He Yu replied with a smile. "You know that hunting isn't really my strong suit. I've already felt quite exhausted after half a day; naturally, I can't compare to the Eldest Prince."
Hearing He Yu's rare admission of weakness put the Eldest Prince in high spirits. He Yu smiled and asked, "I wonder what great achievements the Eldest Prince has made?"
"Quite a lot!" The Eldest Prince gestured towards a nearby area. "Look over there; that leopard is mine!"
Following the Eldest Prince's gaze, they indeed saw a completely dead Clouded Leopard tied up with other prey. He Yu and Xiao Yao exchanged glances and knew this was the mother leopard from earlier.
Xiao Yao lowered her head in silence, feeling no inclination to speak. He Yu forced a smile and said, "Congratulations; it seems this year's top prize belongs to the Eldest Prince."
The Eldest Prince laughed heartily, clearly pleased with He Yu's compliment. Soon after, others came up to congratulate him as well; after all, catching a leopard in the Hunting Ground was no easy feat. He Yu quietly led Xiao Yao away. Noticing her downcast demeanor, he asked gently, "Not feeling well?"
"Mm, my heart hurts," Xiao Yao replied softly.
Upon hearing this, He Yu sighed deeply before leaning closer to her ear and saying, "It's unavoidable; at least we saved two cubs."
"Mm." Xiao Yao understood this much but still felt uncomfortable about it. At that moment, she had no desire to talk. He Yu stayed by her side silently, knowing she was upset; if she hadn't seen the shot mother leopard, it might have been easier for her. But having seen it made it hard not to feel uneasy for a while.
However, there are always those who come to disturb this peace. The two were leaning against each other, and seeing the proud expression of the Eldest Prince, the Fourth Prince approached and asked, "I wonder if Hong Ming has caught any game this time?"
Although surprised that Yang Yunzhe was not being sharp-tongued this time, He Yu still smiled and replied, "I'm not skilled in horseback archery, so I returned by noon. Just a few mountain chickens and rabbits, I'm afraid I might be at the bottom this time."
The Fourth Prince chuckled lightly and said, "That's not bad; at least you didn't return empty-handed."
"Yes," He Yu said without changing his expression.
Xiao Yao rolled her eyes while leaning against He Yu. Was he an idiot? What did he mean by not returning empty-handed?
The Fourth Prince unusually engaged in a few casual conversations with He Yu. When he saw that He Yu was genuinely uninterested in small talk, he smiled and took his leave to find others.
He Yu watched the Fourth Prince walk away, his previously gentle smile fading into a blank expression as he fixed his gaze on Yang Yunzhe. Xiao Yao also found it strange; was this person insane? He had been so arrogant before, and now he suddenly acted friendly? Xiao Yao tugged at He Yu's sleeve. He Yu looked down at her, and Xiao Yao pointed at the Fourth Prince with a puzzled expression.
He Yu smiled slightly, signaling her not to worry, and whispered in her ear, "We'll talk about it later; it's not convenient right now."
Xiao Yao nodded.
Everyone stood for a while until the Emperor arrived.
Next was naturally the hunting award ceremony. As expected, the top prize went to the Eldest Prince. The reward was a commonly used jade ring from the Emperor. This was something used by the Emperor! The Emperor's belongings were not casually given away. In addition to the jade ring, there was also a silver bow and arrow that looked exceptionally exquisite; however, Xiao Yao maliciously thought that such things would likely just be displayed at home.
Amidst the envious gazes of everyone present, the Eldest Prince received his award with a radiant face.
The second prize went to the Second Prince because he had hunted a wolf along with several other animals.
The third prize went to the legitimate son of the Yun Family that He Yu had mentioned earlier. The current head of the Yun Family used to be the first assistant to He Yu's father. After He Yu's father died in battle, the Yun Family naturally took over and is now highly valued by the Emperor. The Yun Family was granted the title of Zhenguo General.
However, this honor belonged only to Yun Zhenfei, the current head of the Yun Family, because the title of Zhenguo General is not hereditary. Only the Heir of the Yun Family can retain this title after achieving merit on the battlefield in the future; otherwise, even if they are granted a noble title later on, it must be inherited by a legitimate son with military achievements; otherwise, the title will be revoked.
This is likely a tactic by the Emperor to keep the military generals in check. Xiao Yao is pondering this.
Qidi rewarded a group of people and finally noticed He Yu, who was still holding hands with his Daughter-in-law, frowning and putting on a stern expression. He said to He Yu, "Hong Ming, what have you gained today?"
Upon hearing this, He Yu immediately showed a guilty smile and shook his head, "Compared to several princes, I truly feel ashamed."
He then displayed his catch to the Emperor: three rabbits, one fox, and two mountain chickens. He Yu continued, "Your Majesty knows that I am not skilled in horseback archery; it took a lot of effort to bring these back..."
"Effort?" Qidi raised an eyebrow, "I heard you spent the entire afternoon slacking off!"
"I was really exhausted; I ask for Your Majesty's forgiveness." With that, He Yu knelt down, looking remorseful.
Xiao Yao also knelt beside He Yu. Qidi scolded in a tone filled with disappointment, "Your father and grandfather were both brave warriors, the first generals of our Great Feng Dynasty. How can you face your ancestors after behaving like this?"
He Yu remained silent. Qidi sighed deeply, as if filled with countless feelings of disappointment and helplessness. It was as if he were a father genuinely concerned for his child. (To be continued)
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