Let’s Squander A Billion First!

Chapter 866: Chapter 866: Phoenix Dominates the Rivers and Mountains (8)

The hunt was held in the Imperial Hunting Grounds.

Ning Yao came over early in the morning to call her. Chuzheng slowly got ready and went out to the carriage outside.

Ning Yao, assuming the duties of a sister, asked: ”Imperial Sister, aren’t you riding a horse?”

Beside her stood a majestic white horse, raised by Ning Yao.

”Not in the mood.” With a carriage available, why ride a horse? It’s exhausting.

The carriage curtain fell, blocking Ning Yao’s view, and the curve of her mouth dropped.

”Your Highness, she really doesn’t know what’s good for her.” Ning Yao’s confidant was indignant.

”She is my Imperial Sister; whatever she does is within reason.” Ning Yao mounted her horse. ”Let’s go.”

Quite a few people were heading to the hunting grounds this time.

Besides Ning Yao, there were two other imperial princesses, ranked fifth and seventh.

There was originally also a Fourth Princess, but unfortunately, fate was unkind, and she died before coming of age.

The rest were the daughters of court officials.

Additionally, there were some Scions of Noble Families.

Including the attending Palace Attendants and Guardians.

The procession was grand and quite long.

This kind of event was essentially a group outing for the younger generation.

Except that the roles were reversed.

The young women were gallantly riding on horseback.

While the delicate young masters rode in carriages.

”The Grand Imperial Princess is actually riding a carriage...”

”Perhaps the Grand Imperial Princess is unwell; there’s nothing wrong with sitting in a carriage.”

”Do you think there’s really resurrection in this world?”

”I don’t believe it. How can someone live after dying?”

”Isn’t it rumored that the Grand Imperial Princess is the Heaven’s Favored Daughter? Not even King Yama would take her.”

”There are also rumors that she’s possessed by a ghost.”

”I don’t know about resurrection, but I heard there’s a drug that can create the illusion of death and then revive a person.”

”Really?”

”I’m not sure, just heard about it...”

”But if so, why would Her Royal Highness the Princess do such a thing?”

”Who knows, she has always been mad.”

These people weren’t particularly respectful in their private conversations.

Ning Yao slowed her pace. ”Stop talking carelessly. If my Imperial Sister hears you, she’ll punish you.”

The people in the conversation immediately fell silent.

”Yes, Third Highness.”

Ning Yao slowed down and caught up to Chuzheng’s carriage.

She rode parallel to Chuzheng’s carriage: ”Imperial Sister, are you thirsty?”

Mu Mian lifted the carriage curtain and whispered, ”Third Highness, Her Highness is asleep.”

Ning Yao’s expression froze for a moment. Without saying anything, she rode off.

The hunting grounds weren’t too far away.

The main group arrived at the grounds, and the Scions of Noble Families first went to the palace to settle in.

Meanwhile, some of the young women, eager and ready, headed straight for hunting.

”Imperial Sister, are you coming?”

It was the Fifth Princess who asked her.

The Fifth Princess seemed genuinely inviting, with no other intentions evident.

Ning Yao stood by without speaking, maintaining a smile.

The Seventh Princess, however, snorted in displeasure: ”Coming out to play and still choosing to ride in a carriage, how embarrassing.”

Chuzheng leaned against the carriage, her expression cold: ”Not going.”

”Imperial Sister, why not come along and see? Today we’re just going to stroll around anyway.” Ning Yao tried to persuade her.

”Not going.”

Chuzheng walked toward the palace.

”Third Imperial Sister kindly invites you, and you show such a face to whom?” the Seventh Princess, already displeased, was further angered by Chuzheng’s attitude.

Chuzheng’s expression did not change, leaving behind one word: ”You.”

Seventh Princess: ”...”

”Enough, Seventh Imperial Sister.” Ning Yao held back the Seventh Princess: ”Imperial Sister isn’t feeling well; let her rest.”

Seventh Princess: ”Not feeling well? She’s just relying on her favor to look down on us!”

”Fine, fine, don’t be angry.”

The Fifth Princess looked at them somewhat confusedly.

-

Most of the young women went with Ning Yao and the others.

Those left in the palace were just the Scions of Noble Families.

Knock-knock—

”Mu Mian, open the door.”

No one responded to her.

The knocking continued.

Chuzheng pulled down the book covering her face and turned to look at the door.

She could faintly see someone standing outside.

Chuzheng turned over, deciding to ignore it.

The person outside was persistent, continuing to knock.

With a swish—

Chuzheng swung the book at the door, along with the cold words: ”Get lost.”

Outside, it became quiet.

After a moment, Mu Mian’s voice was heard from outside.

”Young Master Xu, is there something you need?”

A gentle, slightly flustered voice replied: ”N-no, nothing.”

Mu Mian entered, placing down the hot water.

She observed Chuzheng. Seeing she wasn’t asleep, she wrung out a cloth and handed it to Chuzheng.

”Young Master Xu was just outside,” Mu Mian said.

Chuzheng wiped her hands, her face indifferent: ”Who?”

”He’s the son of Minister Xu,” Mu Mian replied. ”A few years ago, one of Minister Xu’s sons entered the palace and was in great favor. During that time, Minister Xu’s family was very prestigious. But later, they fell out of favor and just... I heard that this young master of the Xu family has a health issue, and he even came this time.”

Chuzheng tossed the cloth aside, covered her face with the book, completely disinterested.

Mu Mian: ”...”

Though unsure of exactly why Young Master Xu was specifically here.

It was clear that he was interested in Her Highness.

Does Her Highness have no interest at all?

Mu Mian boldly asked, ”Your Highness, have you considered taking an Attendant Lord?”

As the Grand Imperial Princess, Her Highness currently doesn’t even have an Attendant Lord.

Marrying a Rightful Lord might not be urgent, as it concerns the future.

But there should at least be an Attendant Lord or a Side Lord, right?

The Seventh Princess already has two Attendant Lords!!

Chuzheng’s voice was low: ”It’s not the right time yet.”

Mu Mian: ”??”

Does this even have a right time?

-

The next day.

Chuzheng lazily arrived at the meeting point.

Most of the young women had changed into simpler and more convenient attire, looking energetic and gallant.

The Scions of Noble Families had also changed into more functional clothing, gathering together.

These Scions of Noble Families were actually quite normal, without any excessive makeup.

Each looked fresh-faced and quite handsome.

”The Grand Imperial Princess has arrived—”

The gathered individuals all greeted her.

”Your Highness.”

”Imperial Sister.”

Chuzheng hadn’t changed clothes, sauntering to the temporary platform, and sat on the chair in the middle, exuding a chilly distance, an aura that kept others at bay.

”At ease.”

”Imperial Sister, you’re not going?” the Fifth Princess asked curiously.

”Not interested,” Chuzheng replied flatly.

”Imperial Sister is afraid of making a fool of herself.” The Seventh Princess mocked, ”Last year, you didn’t catch a single prey, Imperial Sister. This year, you must set an example for us.”

With the Seventh Princess speaking, everyone else fell silent.

The Scions of Noble Families cautiously glanced at the lady sitting on the platform.

They weren’t seeing the Grand Imperial Princess for the first time, but this demeanor of hers was a first.

Quite a few felt that the Grand Imperial Princess was somewhat mesmerizing at that moment.

”I’m afraid you won’t dare to learn from me.” Chuzheng said casually.

My example isn’t something everyone dares to follow.

”Come on, Imperial Sister, what am I afraid of learning?” The Seventh Princess raised an eyebrow, ”How about we have a competition?”

”No competition.”

”Is Imperial Sister afraid?”