Chapter 99: Parting Without Farewell (2)

Chi Nie’s excessive kindness toward her was not necessarily a good thing, and there was truth in the old saying: "Those who offer favors without reason are either up to no good or harboring ulterior motives."

Yun Zui preferred her own company. Back in the modern world, she had watched couples walk by her side, yet she never felt envious, nor had she ever considered finding someone for herself. She chose to ignore Chi Nie’s kindness.

This evening’s banquet was not prepared by the usual cooks; rather, Emperor Chi Xuan had introduced a new arrangement. The rules involved drawing lots to divide everyone into various hunting zones. Yun Zui drew the most desolate forest; the wild grass there grew tall, though it was also home to plenty of game.

Once the time was up, everyone was expected to return and use their catch to prepare the evening meal. Those who failed to secure any prey would simply have to go hungry.

People from the same household formed a team. For instance, Yun Shang was with Tie Fan, while Yun Yao was with Emperor Chi Xuan. The unmarried Yun Xi, Yun Mo, and Yun Qiang were permitted to accompany Prime Minister Yun Tai and Dou Saiqi. Although Yun Zui was a woman of the Yun family, she was the consort of the late Emperor; she was like water spilled from a married daughter’s bowl, no longer considered a member of the family. She was separated from the rest and stood alone.

As for Chi Nie and Chi Yuan, they were both keen to join, but they were assigned to areas far removed from Yun Zui. It all felt rather deliberately orchestrated.

She now found herself isolated, and with Chi Nie so far away, he would be unable to assist her. Perhaps if she were ambushed again, Yun Zui feared that even if she screamed until her throat went hoarse, no one would hear her. Was this the "new arrangement" from the Yun family?

Yun Zui caught Yun Shang’s gaze and noticed a look of smug triumph. She then looked at Yun Yao; though she was good at hiding her intentions, her eyes were far from innocent. But what of it? A trap? A deliberate arrangement? Who had she ever feared?

Seeing that some were worried about the dangers of the night and the threat of wild beasts, Chi Xuan spoke up: "I have already dispatched double the number of guards to patrol the perimeter of the hunting grounds. I trust there will be no accidents."

Hearing this, the expressions of the crowd softened slightly. A eunuch then presented a tray covered in red silk, upon which lay signal flares resembling fireworks from the modern world. Chi Xuan added, "If you truly encounter danger, you may use these 'Fire Meteors' to call for help. Once ignited, reinforcements will arrive immediately."

With this assurance, everyone’s worries vanished completely. The safety measures were well-organized, leaving them nothing more to fret over. Yun Zui remained silent as a eunuch handed one to each person; she took hers and tucked it into her robes.

Whether it was a conspiracy or a life-threatening situation, she was not afraid. She would treat it as a training exercise; she needed to become stronger, and these trials were welcome. After all, she had always been one to cheat death. Besides, the assassins from the You Hall did not seem all that terrifying.

Yun Zui could feel multiple gazes fixed upon her, but she did not acknowledge them. Let them look. She had no desire to snatch Chi Nie away, yet she was still viewed as a common enemy by the women present. It seemed that no matter where she went, she was destined to never make friends with those of her own gender.

"If there are no questions, we may depart immediately. The hunting time is one hour. Gather back here when the hour is up," Chi Xuan announced the final rules.

The ministers had no objections.

"If the Dowager Consort does not wish to participate, you may withdraw," Chi Xuan added. As a woman of the late Emperor, Yun Zui held a different status and naturally enjoyed certain privileges. However, since Yun Zui had already drawn her lot and accepted the Fire Meteor, it seemed a little late for that now, didn't it?