Salted Fish Chapter 53

 Chapter 53

The Autumn Hunt (2)

Perhaps it was because he had slept soundly the previous night, but when Xie Zhui woke up the next day, he looked much better, and the feeling of nausea was gone.

He could say that, except for some soreness in his waist, he felt completely fine. The soreness was likely due to sleeping in the tent, as the beds there were far less comfortable than those in the prince's residence.

In the morning, they had porridge. Xie Zhui had a good appetite and ate an extra bowl compared to usual.

Seeing this, Xiao Shan finally felt relieved and also had an extra bowl of porridge.

Even so, he still said, "If you feel unwell in any way, you must tell me. There are imperial physicians traveling with us, and having them check your pulse is no big deal. If something serious comes up, we can always return to the capital. After all, I'm not that familiar with hunting anyway." He wasn't lying; he had never been fond of reading or using a bow since he was young.

His tutors in both literature and martial arts were so frustrated that they complained to the Emperor. In the end, the Emperor, seeing that he was truly hopeless, gave him the title of "foolish" and said, "Fortunately, you were born into the royal family. Even if you remain uneducated, as long as you live a simple life, you can still enjoy a prosperous future."

Xiao Shan had spent his life striving for the peaceful and prosperous life as the Emperor had mentioned.

Now, that future seemed bright.

Xie Zhui felt a bit embarrassed and said, "I'm really fine now." He was feeling perfectly well.

Moreover, he wasn't usually the type to be so clingy. He didn't know what came over him last night; when he saw Xiao Shan about to leave to find the physician, he suddenly became very needy, even feeling a bit aggrieved and upset.

This was very unlike his usual self, and thinking back on his emotions at that time made him feel a bit embarrassed.

Seeing his expression, Xiao Shan chuckled softly and said, "You and I are the closest of people. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Mm." Xie Zhui responded quietly. Xiao Shan often said such heartwarming things, but perhaps because of their current situation, today's words felt especially comforting.

His heart beat a bit faster.

Xie Zhui looked at Xiao Shan and asked, "Does Your Highness not like hunting?"

"Indeed, I'm not very fond of it," Xiao Shan muttered. The thought of those hunted animals used to be unimaginable to him.

Now, he had grown accustomed to it.

Of course, even if he didn't like it, he wouldn't tell the Emperor, nor would he stop the hunting from happening. After all, everyone wanted to showcase their bravery during the hunt. The Emperor also used the opportunity to demonstrate that he was a ruler blessed by the heavens.

If he couldn't even read the room, how could he be a leisurely prince living in wealth?

Knowing that Xie Zhui was skilled with a bow, Xiao Shan smiled and said, "I don't like it because I've never practiced and can't draw a bow. If you enjoy it, you can hunt more. According to tradition, the person who catches the most game will receive a share from Father Emperor."

"I'll do my best," Xie Zhui replied without hesitation.

He wasn't particularly interested in hunting and had never aimed to be the best, nor did he care much for the Emperor's rewards. However, having come from a military background, he knew that not showing any skill in such a setting wouldn't be appropriate.

So, everything would have to wait until they were on the hunting grounds.

Seeing his attitude, Xiao Shan understood his thoughts. Holding Xie Zhui's hand, he said half-seriously, half-jokingly, "It doesn't matter how much game you hunt, the key is to stay safe."

"I know, you don't need to worry, Your Highness," Xie Zhui said, looking intently at him. "The same goes for you."

Xiao Shan nodded.

When the horn sounded, the two of them left the tent.

Before the hunt began, everyone gathered together, and the Emperor stood to speak.

The Emperor declared that there would be substantial rewards for whoever hunted the most game. He did not specify what the rewards would be, but his announcement still sparked a wave of cheers from the crowd.

Excitement was written all over everyone's faces as they eagerly awaited the start.

The Emperor was extremely pleased with this sight.

Of course, before the official hunt began, the Emperor shot the first arrow.

With a combination of luck and skill, the Emperor managed to hunt a deer.

The Emperor was very happy, and with a wave of his hand, all the participants mounted their horses and charged towards the game.

The only exception was Xiao Shan, who seemed more like he was on a spring outing than participating in a hunt.

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