The capital had always been a place of strict hierarchy, much like this hunt today. Those invited were basically the legitimate heirs of prominent families; those without sufficient status wouldn't even have the right to enter.
They were all heirs groomed by their families since childhood, so it wasn't entirely untrue to say they shared common aspirations. However, fostering good relationships with these individuals was primarily for the benefit of their families.
Since the Seventh Prince became betrothed to Yu Mingyue, his chances of being made Crown Prince had been steadily rising, partly due to the influence of the Cui family behind Yu Mingyue.
The presence of the Seventh Prince at this hunt made the atmosphere even more subtle.
Soon, everyone divided into teams and the general hunting grounds were announced. They were familiar with this area, and with the presence of their families' guards as well as royal guards, safety was not an issue.
The young ladies naturally followed their elder brothers' teams, waving goodbye for now.
The Seventh Prince, accompanied by his guards, headed straight for the depths of Phoenix Mountain, clearly determined to win the championship today.
Yu Mingyue sighed as she watched Xie Jia Yan's receding back.
"What, you don't have confidence in your brother?"
Seeing his sister's dejected expression, Yu Mingjing couldn't help but flick her forehead.
Yu Mingyue rubbed the spot where she'd been flicked and frowned, "When did I ever!"
"Why were you staring at Xie Jia Yan?" Yu Mingjing lowered his voice.
"Ah?"
Yu Mingyue gasped. Was she that obvious?
Chi Dan, standing nearby, nodded. She had warned her, but the young lady hadn't listened.
Yu Mingyue clung to Yu Mingjing's arm and pouted, "It's just that I've never seen anyone as handsome as my brother before, and he's someone I've never met. Of course, I had to look a few more times."
Yu Mingjing dotingly pinched his sister's cheek, "You, you're not proper. Be careful not to get scolded by Mother!"
"Brother, can you become good friends with him in the future? I think he's a very capable and good person."
"..."
A very capable and good person?
Just because he was handsome?
Yu Mingjing now doubted how much of the praise his sister usually gave him was genuine.
"Brother, you must become his close friend," Yu Mingyue said anxiously, looking at her brother.
This was very important.
She remembered that Xie Jia Yan's background was not prominent. He was the top scholar personally selected by the sage, and he had risen step by step to the position of Grand Chancellor.
She absolutely must not look down on him because of his current low status. By the time he wielded great power, it would be too late to curry favor.
She had to seize this opportunity now.
"Okay, okay, okay!"
"Then can we invite him to our home next time?"
"..."
"Brother, please agree!"
"Alright, I promise. If we don't leave now, the rabbits will be hunted by others," Xie Jia Yan said, changing the subject.
"Then let's hurry!"
Yu Mingyue, indeed, took the bait and eagerly pulled her brother to catch up with their teammates ahead.
After the snow, there were many rabbit tracks on the ground. Following the tracks greatly increased the chances of catching a rabbit.
Besides hunting, Yu Mingjing also had to look after his sister, which inevitably distracted him. As a result, he only hunted two rabbits.
"Brother, you don't need to worry about me. I'll just walk around nearby and won't run off."
Yu Mingyue didn't mind for herself, but her brother had to win.
She had already caught two small rabbits, so she wasn't returning empty-handed.
She didn't want her brother to lose to the Seventh Prince.
In terms of riding and archery skills, her brother was far superior to him.
Yu Mingjing knew that although the girls were good friends, they were uncompromising when it came to whose brother was the most capable.
He remembered the last time they played Cuju, these girls had cheered for their brothers from the sidelines with all their might, and she had a hoarse voice for several days afterward.
They were still young and their hearts were pure.
With the Seventh Prince present today, who would dare to steal his thunder?
Seeing her brother hesitate, Yu Mingyue urged, "I have Zhu Yu with me, brother. Don't worry."
Only then did Yu Mingjing nod and leave. Yu Mingyue, with Zhu Yu, Chi Dan, and Dang Kang left by Yu Mingjing, ambled along behind.