Chapter 400: The Gorgeous Superintendent's Intense Flirtation 23

Five days later, the autumn hunt officially began.

When the royal carriage convoy arrived at the encampment, 0731 keenly sensed the emergence of that system power.

The holder of that power must be here!

It excitedly told Jin Chen about this.

【Host! If that's a bad system, you can let me devour it! It won't hurt you and Little Pitiful One, and I won't need to eat meat for a month!】

【... You really aren't picky.】

Jin Chen helplessly embraced Xuan Che, who had gotten down from the carriage, and entered the tent.

Their relationship is basically an open secret now; aside from putting on a show in front of Emperor Qian Yong, everyone pretty much knows, and they have no qualms.

【If you can detect it, won't it detect you?】 Jin Chen still trusted 0731's ability, but inevitably had some worries about that.

【No way, Host! I'm now one of the strongest systems in the Quick Transmigration Bureau!】 0731 stood arms akimbo in the space, full of pride.

Jin Chen smiled at the corner of his mouth, but still retorted bluntly.

【Looks like the Quick Transmigration Bureau really has no other powerful systems.】

【... Host!!】

"Your Highness, what are you laughing at?"

Xuan Che saw that a young lady from some official's family, who had just passed by, was dazed by Jin Chen's smile, and actually stared straight for a few seconds, which made him rather displeased.

"Having been cooped up in the palace for so long, I can finally go out and play with you—I'm naturally happy."

Jin Chen completely ignored others' gazes; his eyes were filled only with his own wife.

This attitude pleased Xuan Che greatly; the subtle jealousy from earlier also diminished considerably.

"Your Highness can only be mine; no one else may look upon you."

"Third Prince, Superintendent Jin."

Cui Chengping and Ji Yiqiu both wore matching archery outfits and walked toward them.

The two seem to have warmed up considerably lately; basically both families tacitly agree they will become in-laws, and General Ji, after much persuasion from all sides, has sided with Jin Chen.

"Today's hunt, it's said, will have each of the three princes select a few people to form teams, then compete based on the number and ferocity of the beasts they take down."

Ji Yiqiu, being the general's son, is naturally skilled at mounted hunting, and also worried that Jin Chen, born in Jiangnan, doesn't know archery, so he volunteered to form a team.

Hearing their intention, Jin Chen didn't rush to agree but first looked to his own wife to seek her opinion.

Although we had agreed today there was no need to hide our clumsiness, this is still someone personally coming to our door to help.

Jin Chen blinked his peach-blossom eyes, smiling.

Having understood his meaning, Xuan Che gave a wry smile: "Then thank you both for your help."

Ji Yiqiu still felt for the first time that the Eastern Depot's seal-holder was so gentle; he couldn't help but be surprised, and after exchanging glances with Cui Chengping, he waved his hands repeatedly, saying this was just what they should do.

——

After a brief rest, all those participating in this hunt gathered before Emperor Qian Yong's carriage.

Since taking the elixir Jin Chen gave him that day, Emperor Qian Yong felt practically radiant, his vigor much improved, and even his view of this third son had become far more pleasing.

After a bunch of pleasantries, Jin Chen felt his face about to freeze from smiling, so he quickly looked to his wife, pleading with his eyes.

Xuan Che withdrew the smile from his eyes, stepped forward, and stopped Emperor Qian Yong's nagging.

"Your Majesty, the auspicious hour is almost past; let's hurry and start the first round."

Emperor Qian Yong seemed somewhat afraid of Xuan Che, quickly shut his mouth, stopped speaking, and glanced at the chief eunuch beside him.

"As in previous years, this hunt remains three days and three rounds, but this time all three princes are present; Your Majesty has specially set a rule: each prince selects three people to form temporary teams, and after three rounds, the prince who comes out on top will receive a gift personally bestowed by Your Majesty."

The rule of princes competing has existed since the previous dynasty, so officials don't find it surprising, and now they all have their own thoughts.

If they pick the right prince and help him win the top spot, their family might likewise rise with the tide!

Following seniority, Emperor Qian Yong let the eldest prince, Jin Huaxuan, choose first.

He first looked toward Ji Yiqiu, who was silently hiding behind Cui Chengping.

He walked over almost without hesitation.

Under everyone's gaze, everyone thought Ji Yiqiu would not refuse.

Or rather, no matter which prince picks which person, nobody would refuse, after all Your Majesty is still watching here.

"Little General Ji, This Prince wishes to invite you to join the team."

Jin Huaxuan revealed a smile he considered handsome.

"Hehe..." Ji Yiqiu gave an awkward laugh, stepped back, and hid behind Cui Chengping: "I'm really sorry, Minister, I believe the eldest prince will certainly choose a more suitable person."

Jin Huaxuan: "..."

Having been refused in public, his face now burned with pain.

His outstretched hand had stiffened.

The officials beside them sucked in a cold breath, unable to believe what they saw.

Could it be that the Ji family no longer fears opposing the eldest prince!

"Do you really refuse to join?" Jin Huaxuan asked again.

"Sorry, Your Highness."

Jin Chen watched from the side, unable to hold back his laughter.

What self-inflicted humiliation, yet he had to ask again.

Xuan Che's phoenix eyes also shone with mockery.

"Then This Prince will invite Little General Liu; are you willing?"

Jin Huaxuan simply picked someone at random from the military officers nearby.

"Naturally I'm willing; to serve the eldest prince is my honor."

He then picked two more muscular generals, and the troop formation wasn't too shabby.

Next up is Jin Chen.

He glanced at the silently watching Jin Changyou without a trace; feeling the other's doubtful gaze, he shook his head and looked away.

Father Emperor, I, the son, have a question I'd like to ask.

"Go on," the Qian Yong Emperor replied with a smile.

"Can I choose any of the officials present?"

"Of course, you can choose any of them."

I, the son, would like to invite Supervisor Du.

"What... what?"

The Qian Yong Emperor stared, cold sweat breaking out. "Who do you want to choose?"

"Supervisor Du, Xuan Che."

Jin Chen spoke loudly, his voice echoing through the silent arena.

Everyone: ……

Only Xuan Che smiled, his eyes full of anticipation.

He unhurriedly bowed to the Qian Yong Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, I am willing to comply with the Third Prince's request."

Qian Yong Emperor: …… "Did I skip my medicine today? Why do I feel like I'm hallucinating?"

After a long while he finally said: …… "Well, then that will do too."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." "Thank you, Father Emperor."

The two bowed side by side; as they lowered their heads, their sideways glances met, and each saw deep affection in the other's eyes.

The informed Cui Chengping on the arena stroked his chin, moved close to Qi Yiqiu, and said, "Do you feel they look especially like they're... performing a wedding ceremony?"

Qi Yiqiu nodded, "Chengping brother is right; I feel the same."