Chapter 287: It's a Princess

Eunuch Sun nodded slightly, indicating he had received the order, then loudly announced the name of the third-place winner: "The third-place winner of this spring hunt is—Wei Zhao, son of the Pingnan General! He hunted a total of 38 animals."

Hearing this, a young man dressed in silver-white equestrian archery attire slowly walked out from the crowd. His steps were steady and powerful, as if strolling leisurely toward where Eunuch Sun stood.

When he drew near, everyone finally got a clear look at Young Master Wei's true appearance. He had sword-like eyebrows reaching his temples, sparkling starry eyes, and a posture as straight as a pine, like a vigorous green pine standing proudly between heaven and earth.

Wei Zhao came to stand beside Eunuch Sun, first respectfully bowed to the Emperor on the platform, then calmly extended both hands and steadily received the hundred taels of gleaming gold from the little eunuch.

After the exchange, he bowed again, then turned and returned to his original position. The whole process was smooth and seamless, drawing admiring glances from everyone present.

After Qianqian heard that Wei Zhao had actually hunted 38 animals, her heart sank, and she silently sighed, "Looks like I have no chance at all!" She quietly thought to herself that her own haul was only 35 animals, so she definitely had no chance at the top three.

Just then, Eunuch Sun's high and resounding voice rang out again: "Next, this official announces the second place of this spring hunt—Ai Jiao, son of the Minister of War! He successfully hunted a total of 40 animals! Congratulations, Young Master Ai!" As his words fell, the crowd erupted in warm applause and cheers.

Ai Jiao smiled and walked forward with light steps, respectfully receiving from Eunuch Sun five banknotes, each worth one hundred taels.

Ai Sheng, standing below the platform, watched his son's outstanding performance, his face full of satisfaction and joy, grinning from ear to ear. Meanwhile, Qianqian secretly gloated in her heart: "Haha, that's great! Ai Jiao is only second place! After this spring hunt ends, I must make him treat me and Si Ge to a big meal! Hmm... I should think ahead about what delicious dishes to order to reward myself!"

Thus, Qianqian began happily planning the menu for later, completely forgetting everything around her.

Just as Qianqian was immersed in her food fantasies, she suddenly noticed Ai Jiao had already received his award and left the platform. Immediately after, Eunuch Sun cleared his throat and raised his voice: "Next comes the most exciting moment! Who will win the laurel of this spring hunt competition? Everyone guess!"

As he spoke, Eunuch Sun deliberately drew out his words, causing everyone present to crane their necks, eager to know the final result.

Seeing the atmosphere was just right, Eunuch Sun no longer kept them in suspense and shouted loudly: "The champion of this spring hunt is—Princess Yongping!"

Qianqian, who had been spacing out, was thinking in her mind: "Oh, so it's a princess!" At that moment, she heard Eunuch Sun's sharp yet resounding voice ring out again: "Yan Qianqian—"

This sudden shout made Qianqian startle, she blinked her eyes, regained her composure, and then began to seriously recall.

Right, she had indeed been made a princess before, but what kind of princess was it? Oh no, she had forgotten for the moment.

But none of that mattered, anyway she was definitely the first place! Thinking this, Qianqian's face immediately lit up with a brilliant smile, and like a happy little rabbit, she trotted forward.

When she reached Eunuch Sun, he said with a beaming face: "Congratulations, Princess. Tomorrow our family will send a carriage to pick you up to the Imperial Palace to select your prize."

Hearing this, Qianqian was overjoyed and quickly bowed with clasped hands: "Thank you, Eunuch Sun!" After speaking, she turned to leave.

However, just then, a voice of doubt suddenly came from the crowd: "That's not right, I clearly remember that when counting just now, she had only hunted 35 animals, while second place caught a full 40, so how could first place be her?"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a stone stirring up a thousand waves, and the surroundings immediately buzzed with discussion.

Immediately after, another person chimed in: "Yes, who knows what's going on? Maybe there's some unknown inside story here!"

After speaking, this person did not forget to lower his voice to remind: "Shh, everyone speak softly, don't let the Emperor hear us guessing wildly here, otherwise we'll be in big trouble!"

Although the discussion was as faint as mosquito whispers, the Emperor, after all, held high position and power, with sharp ears and clear eyes, eventually caught a few words and quickly understood what everyone was discussing.

He was seen to lightly cough, clear his throat, and say: "Little Sun, come announce to everyone the hunting results of Princess Yongping this time."

Eunuch Sun, standing not far below, naturally heard all those discussions. He hurriedly responded: "I obey the decree! Princess Yongping hunted a total of fifty-two animals this time, and thus deservedly became the first place of this hunt!"

Before this, the number initially reported by the little eunuch in charge of counting was thirty-five. However, when the Princess's steed brought back the Luo brothers, there were actually four plump animals hanging on her saddle. Thus, the Princess's total hunted animals came to thirty-nine.

When counting Young Master Ai's animals again, Young Master Ai voluntarily explained that because the Princess's mount was missing, the two of them had hunted together.

Among them, thirteen animals actually belonged to the Princess. Therefore, after comprehensive calculation, the Princess hunted a total of fifty-two animals and won first place!"

After Eunuch Sun finished this detailed explanation, the crowd's discussion, which had already gradually weakened, became almost inaudible at this moment, nearly dying down completely.

Even so, there were still a few arrogant people who secretly disapproved in their hearts, thinking that Ai Jiao and Yan Wang must have shown mercy to Princess Qianqian and deliberately let her win first place. But those who thought this were ultimately a very small minority, and they only dared to think it.

Just then, Qianqian suddenly came to a realization as if awakened. After hearing it, she quickly bowed to Eunuch Sun: "Thank you, Eunuch!" Then she turned and stepped down.

At this time, Eunuch Sun spoke unhurriedly: "I suppose everyone is now starving to the point of their bellies touching their backs? Today we have a rich harvest, having hunted so many animals. So next, please let everyone enjoy the delicious roasted meat to their heart's content!"