Chapter 245: Chapter 188: Autumn Hunt

Jun Moling, upon hearing of this affair, furrowed his brow slightly, his mind shrouded in a mist of confusion.

He genuinely couldn’t comprehend why Chunyu Che would commit such an outrageous act of placing a man with his own wife.

Clearly, when the Emperor sent women his way, it was out of covetousness for his wife, intending to vex him.

But what about Chunyu Che? As a love rival, Jun Moling was most sensitive; however, Chunyu Che’s gaze towards his wife held no affection, thus ruling out rivalry as the reason.

Then what other reason could possibly motivate him to act this way?

He held Shen Ruoxi tightly in his arms, feeling the security she brought him, and softly said, “Wife, I truly can’t understand this.”

Shen Ruoxi, equally puzzled, embraced her husband as well, lowering her voice to reply, “Then don’t think about it anymore. Chunyu Che’s visit this time reeks of malice.

If he were to place a woman around you, husband, there might be some rationale, but this, it’s utterly bizarre.

In short, he is simply mad.”

Jun Moling fully agreed with Shen Ruoxi’s statement that Chunyu Che was mad.

He pondered that he absolutely couldn’t let this scoundrel damage the deep affection between them and that he must make him suffer.

Gently kissing Shen Ruoxi’s forehead, Jun Moling softly said, “Yes, let’s not dwell on it. Whatever his intentions are? We should never have let him off so easily back then.”

Shen Ruoxi knew well that this was just his angry talk.

Though Chunyu Che was indeed detestable, under the current circumstances, there was truly no one better suited to be the Emperor of Beichang Country.

However, his recent actions were indeed deeply unnerving.

The two returned to Prince Mansion, had a simple meal, freshened up, and went to bed to rest.

Lying in bed, Shen Ruoxi nestled into a comfortable position in Jun Moling’s arms, murmuring softly, “Chunyu Che may be a jerk, but he said one thing right; since ancient times, powerful ministers and emperors find it hard to coexist peacefully.

Perhaps the Emperor was originally a good ruler, but he couldn’t resist the instigation of treacherous officials, and we certainly cannot be complacent with the current situation any longer.”

Jun Moling tightened his embrace and slowly replied, “The Emperor might not be the genuinely good ruler either!”

Shen Ruoxi raised her head from his embrace, looking at him full of doubt, not knowing what her husband meant by this.

Jun Moling smiled gently and continued, “Since ancient times, it seemed treacherous officials were in power, but do you think the emperors were truly blind to it?

In reality, it’s not the case; rather, it is intentional indulgence.

It’s because only by having treacherous officials balance against the loyal ones can the court’s stability be ensured.

Do you think the emperors were unaware of those wrongful cases throughout history?

It was merely through the hands of treacherous officials that any potential unstable element affecting their reign was eliminated, and then the emperor dealt with the traitors, redressing the wrongs for the loyal ministers.

This way, the Emperor remains the well-praised good ruler by all, truly a win-win situation.”

Shen Ruoxi was taken aback at first, her brows knitted tightly, full of doubt as she said, “Our Emperor wouldn’t do that!”

Jun Moling planted a gentle, tender kiss on her forehead, his voice tender as water, “Perhaps not before, but now it’s hard to say.”

Shen Ruoxi’s eyes were full of confusion, probing further, “Why?”

Jun Moling lightly tapped her pretty nose, his eyes filled with indulgence, “Darling, you’re such a smart person, can’t you really guess?”

Shen Ruoxi pursed her lips; it wasn’t that she couldn’t guess, but she dared not to.

She truly couldn’t believe that the Emperor, given his character, would do such an outrageous thing just to seize someone else’s wife.

“Don’t believe it?” Jun Moling looked at her, smiling uncontrollably.

Shen Ruoxi felt a slight irritation in her heart amidst the complex situation, even though she was the most innocent one.

But if the Emperor did indeed have a conflict with her husband because of this, and it led to a clash of arms in the end, she would undoubtedly be labeled as the femme fatale who ruined the nation.

It’s not that she didn’t worry about her husband; on the contrary, she had full confidence in his abilities.

She firmly believed that unless the Emperor was out of his mind, he wouldn’t dare to act against her husband at this critical juncture.

Nonetheless, with Jun Moling’s reminder, they had to be prepared for any eventualities.

After all, as the saying goes, “Have no intention to harm others, but be vigilant of others’ harm.”

“Believe it or not, we need to take precautions.” Shen Ruoxi’s voice was gentle yet firm.

Jun Moling couldn’t help but laugh, just as he was about to say, “Afraid to be wi…”

The word “dow” couldn’t be spoken before Shen Ruoxi covered his mouth.

Her face immediately turned pale, angrily scolding, “What nonsense are you saying!”

Since the death of her family, rumors of her being a jinx had spread without a trace.

She was truly scared!

Seeing Shen Ruoxi’s face pale as paper, Jun Moling’s heart was full of regret and pity.

Gently holding her slender waist, he tenderly said, “Darling, I will never make such jokes again, let’s kiss and make up.”

With that, he placed a deep and affectionate kiss on her forehead.

However, Shen Ruoxi took the initiative to kiss his lips, with indescribable passion.

She had never been so proactive before; this kiss seemed to manifest all her deep affection and determination.

After the kiss, Jun Moling was full of remorse, secretly swearing never to speak such hurtful words again.

He really lacked consideration; it was like stabbing a needle into her heart.

…

October 1st arrived, and it was truly a day blessed by the heavens, with a sky as blue as if washed, clear and bright, without a cloud in the sky, a perfect autumn day.

The Emperor, accompanied by civil and military officials, headed to the back mountain.

Meticulously arranged personnel had prepared tents in advance, and the Emperor stood there, gazing at the endless mountains, feeling utterly pleased and in high spirits.

Shen Ruoxi and Jun Moling rode their steeds side by side, both in crisp and tidy attire, looking heroic and valiant, truly a sight to behold.

Chunyu Che and his men arrived shortly thereafter, a group equally neat and efficient.

They wore the distinctive attire of Beichang, with a somewhat rough texture, looking more like seasoned, proficient hunters.

Chunyu Che loudly declared, “Emperor Dayi, would you care for a contest? I have brought the bravest warriors of our country; whoever hunts the most shall receive this precious dagger of mine as a gift.”

Upon hearing his words, the Emperor understood that Chunyu Che was challenging him, but with supreme confidence, he wouldn’t believe that the many talented people around him could be bested by the ten or twenty men Chunyu Che had brought.

Thus, the Emperor responded cheerfully, “Of course, I shall add to the stakes; this is the Jade Pendant I carry, which I shall also bestow upon the winner.”

Hearing the two Emperors speak thusly, the crowd was filled with enthusiasm and eagerness to try.

After all, this was a fantastic opportunity to gain fame and fortune, and more so, with a contest between two nations, everyone aspired to showcase their talents and make a mark at this moment.

At this point, Jun Moling slightly turned his head and gently said to Shen Ruoxi, “Darling, this is the mountain where I first encountered you; let’s find the place where we met later.”

His eyes were filled with tenderness and anticipation, evidently having little interest in the hunt, wanting only to accompany his wife well.

Hearing Jun Moling’s words, Shen Ruoxi’s thoughts seemed to drift back to the past, nodding in agreement.

The two dismounted, tethered their horses, and walked hand in hand towards the distance.

Feeling at ease, Shen Ruoxi seemed to recall something, suddenly showing a puzzled expression and asked, “Husband, why did you, a Prince, appear alone in this mountain back then? Where were your attendants?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep