Yu Mingchuan glared at Yu Miaoyan, who dared not speak further and lowered her head to eat.
The young lords and ladies participating in the hunt had all changed into nomadic attire, looking very capable.
In truth, spring hunts were the most boring, and there was even a suspicion of cheating, as the game in the hunting grounds had been driven from the deeper parts of the forest by the Northern Army several days prior.
Moreover, the ferocious tigers and other dangerous beasts had already been cleared out, leaving only the very docile ones.
The Sage was in high spirits today, dressed in riding gear, looking considerably younger.
It seemed the victory in Youzhou was indeed true.
If so, would her brother be returning to the capital soon?
Accompanying the Sage on his left was General Song of the Qianniu Guard, and on his right was Xie Jiayan. Xie Jiayan, having only entered the court for a year, had already earned such trust from the Sage, drawing envious glances from everyone.
Yu Mingyue overheard more rumors about Xie Jiayan being chosen as a consort. Yu Miaoyan, beside her, also heard the gossip from the young ladies in front. She tried hard to suppress her curiosity and avoid looking at Yu Mingyue's expression.
Yu Mingyue had no intention of stealing the spotlight and soon fell behind, riding her horse at a leisurely pace, imparting some small tips to Yu Miaoyan and Yu Miaoling.
"I wonder if we can catch a little rabbit."
Yu Miaoyan was eager to try, and Yu Miaoling was also very excited, even speaking more than usual.
"Rabbit meat in spring isn't good; it has a strong grassy taste and the meat isn't fatty enough," Yu Mingyue shared her experience.
"Sixth sister, I want to keep it," Yu Miaoling whispered.
"It would be fine to keep it until winter to eat."
Yu Miaoyan chuckled, "Fifth sister means she can't bear to eat it."
"Is that so?" Yu Mingyue looked at Yu Miaoling.
"Little rabbits are very cute." Yu Miaoling nodded, feeling like a little rabbit herself.
"Then we won't eat it!" Yu Mingyue smiled lightly.
A little rabbit was hiding in the grass ahead, and at Yu Mingyue's signal, they all saw it.
Yu Mingyue had intended to shoot the little rabbit's right leg, making it easier to catch, but Yu Miaoling couldn't bear to harm it.
They finally decided to capture it alive.
After all, it was just for fun; enjoying themselves was what mattered.
The group dismounted and quietly approached the little rabbit.
Just as Yu Mingyue was about to throw the homemade snare, an arrow landed at her feet.
Yu Miaoling was right beside her and let out a startled scream upon seeing the sudden arrow. Yu Miaoyan was also quite frightened.
How lucky, that arrow had almost hit Mingyue.
Yu Mingyue turned her head and saw the person on horseback looking at her provocatively.
The rider was none other than Madam Feng, who had been angered to tears at the Gu family's residence and left halfway through.
It was indeed a narrow encounter.
Yu Mingyue unhurriedly pulled out the arrow stuck at her feet, drew her bow, and aimed it at Feng Yingying on horseback.
Feng Yingying's expression changed: "How dare you!"
Almost the moment her words fell, the arrow in Yu Mingyue's hand had already been shot.
Feng Yingying felt a cool breeze brush past her ear. She instinctively covered her ear, but felt no pain.
She was about to sarcastically remark that Yu Mingyue was bluffing, but suddenly stopped. Her earlobe was bare; her earring was gone.
Yu Mingyue tilted her head, raised an eyebrow, and gave Feng Yingying a smile.
She said nothing, but it angered Feng Yingying more than any words could have.
Feng Yingying, on her horse, should have had a more imposing presence, but now Yu Mingyue held her bow lazily, her expression clearly showing she didn't take Feng Yingying seriously.
"A mere trick, who are you trying to scare?" Feng Yingying said angrily.
"Madam Feng startled me and my sisters, so I shot off one of your earrings. It's a fair exchange, wouldn't you say? If you can't handle playing, then don't play. Why accuse me of scaring you!" Yu Mingyue scoffed.