141 Can Be Saved
"I'll go take a look too," Baili Yin said. He did not care at all what had happened over there, nor did he care about the outcome of that deer. He just wanted to chase the beautiful Gu Yanfei.
But they had only taken a few steps when there was a commotion in the forest. The sound of hooves approached, and bushes rustled.
After a while, a group of people came out first.
Leading them was Kang Wang, Chu You, riding a black horse and holding a bow.
!
Behind Chu You were four or five others, all smelling faintly of blood. The hunting baskets carried by the horses were heavy, and they had obviously gained a lot of game.
"Third Prince Baili." Chu You laughed loudly and rode his horse closer to Baili Yin. His posture was relaxed, and his smile was a little warm. "I heard your voice just now. It's indeed you."
Of course, Chu You also saw Gu Yanfei, who was not far away. He casually glanced at her and continued to talk to Baili Yin. "This deer happened to walk into a trap and run towards me, so I took it down."
As he spoke, one of his guards came over with a brownish-red doe on his shoulder and rudely dropped it on the grass.
Chu You, who was on horseback, looked down at the weak female deer and smiled. "This female deer is still breastfeeding. Its cubs are at most a month old, so they couldn't have run too far."
"When I came over just now, I heard movement in the grass over there. Third Prince Baili, do you want to follow me over to take a look?"
When facing Baili Yin, Chu You's friendly attitude was obvious.
Baili Yin was also smiling, but when he looked at Chu You, his smile did not reach his eyes. He avoided the question and said, "Kang Wang's archery skills are really extraordinary. I admire you."
Gu Yanfei did not care about the sharpness between the two of them at all. She looked steadily at the female deer in the hunting basket.
Its body curled into a ball, and dark red blood stained a large patch of its fur. Blood dripped down, dripping onto the grass below.
Those innocent deer eyes were half-closed, having long lost the calmness they had when they were grazing. The life in its eyes had died with the flow of blood, becoming dull and lifeless.
Its breathing was extremely weak, and it was already on its last breath.
Wei Jiaoniang glared unhappily at Chu You, who was 20 feet away. She raised her stubborn little chin and reprimanded rudely,
"Kang Wang, Prince of the Second Rank, don't you know the logic not to hunt a pregnant mother beast?"
Wei Jiaoniang was Imperial Duke Wei's legitimate granddaughter and also the daughter of the heir. She had a noble status and a forthright and generous personality. She often followed her elders into and out of the palace. When facing these descendants of the royal family, she was fearless. Once she was angry, she even dared to scold Kang Wang.
Being pointed at and scolded like this, Chu You's expression darkened. He was stung by the other party calling him 'Prince of the Second Rank'.
Behind him, Yuan Zhe frowned slightly and said coldly, "You're too soft-hearted."
Instead of being angry, Wei Jiaoniang smiled and did not argue with Yuan Zhe. What was there to say to such a weakling who could not even hold a bow steadily?!
She looked Chu You up and down and sneered. "Look who's talking."
These words seemed to have a double meaning.
Gu Yanfei dismounted without a word and walked towards the injured female deer.
Chu You frowned slightly and reprimanded unhappily, "How dare you."
It was unknown if these two words were referring to Wei Jiaoniang or Gu Yanfei.
His guard immediately drew his sword and stood in front of Chu You warily, afraid that Gu Yanfei would be rude to his master.
"What are you doing?" The attendant puffed out his chest and took a step forward, questioning Gu Yanfei in a sharp voice.
Wei Jiaoniang was afraid that this eunuch would offend Gu Yanfei, so she hurriedly dismounted and followed, but not before rolling her eyes in an imposing manner.
It meant that as long as she was here, they could forget about causing trouble.
Gu Yanfei pointed at the female deer on the ground and said matter-of-factly, "Save it."
"A dead deer?" Chu You smiled mockingly. The horse under him snorted heavily, as if in demonstration.
"I can," Gu Yanfei said clearly. "Move aside."
The first two words were directed at Chu You, and the second at the eunuch blocking the way.
When Yuan Zhe heard this, he looked at Gu Yanfei and Wei Jiaoniang thoughtfully and thought of something. It was said that Gu Yanfei had saved the dying Imperial Duke Wei in Tianyin Pavilion.
Yuan Zhe silently nudged Chu You with his elbow and gave him a comforting look, telling him to calm down.
Chu You was a smart person and immediately understood what his cousin meant. His gaze changed.
He gripped the reins, and his horse snorted again.
"Then I'll give you a chance." Chu You's lips curled up casually, as if he was looking down at Gu Yanfei from the high clouds. "If you can save this deer, I'll give it to you as a reward."
"If not…"
After a pause, Chu You's tone was cold. "You ruined my mood today. I won't let you off easily!"
He wanted to see what tricks this girl had to coax Chu Yi into giving away Empress Taizu's plum hairpin.
Gu Yanfei did not agree or disagree with Chu You's request. She only said calmly, "Move aside."
The guard subconsciously looked at Chu You and obediently retreated after seeing him raise his hand and wave it back.
Gu Yanfei calmly took two more steps forward and squatted down beside the female deer.
Seeing this, Chu You raised his hand and snapped his fingers. The corners of his mouth curled up in disdain.
A few guards from Prince Kang's Manor understood and surrounded Gu Yanfei. They held the scabbard in one hand and the hilt of the sword in the other, sealing every escape route for her.
As long as the deer died, even if Gu Yanfei had a thousand methods, she would not be able to escape.
Chu You's gaze landed steadily on the white jade plum blossom hairpin in Gu Yanfei's hair, and his eyes gradually became deep and cold.
This was the hairpin his mother had always wanted. Since he couldn't get it, he might as well destroy it!
142 Means
Gu Yanfei, whose back was facing Chu You, was carefully checking the female deer's wound.
It had been pierced through the neck by a gray-feathered arrow. The arrow was still on it, and blood was quickly spilling from the edge of the wound.
The shot was fatal, piercing its carotid artery.
The deer was on the verge of death from the loss of blood and could no longer move.
!
Even without taking a closer look, Baili Yin was certain that this deer was hopeless.
He shook his head, but he didn't say anything. In fact, his lips curled.
Only when the little beauty could not advance or retreat and was put in a difficult position by Kang Wang could he make a move at the right time and save the damsel in distress in exchange for the beauty's gratitude.
It was not appropriate to be late or slow.
Baili Yin stared at Gu Yanfei with a burning gaze.
Gu Yanfei stroked the deer's neck comfortingly.
Under the golden light of the rising sun, her thick eyelashes drooped slightly, and her eyes were like clear water. Every frown and smile was like a green lotus in bud, moving one's heart.
Fortunately, it was only a deer. Gu Yanfei sighed softly in her heart. She circulated her spiritual energy to the tip of her right finger, dipped it in the deer's blood, and casually drew a talisman on the female deer's neck…
Blood circulated at her fingertips, as if it were alive.
Her movements were unhurried, and she had a beauty that was difficult to describe with words.
This was…
Wow! Wei Jiaoniang's eyes widened, emitting a dazzling light as she watched Gu Yanfei's every move without blinking.
She had heard from her grandfather and grandmother that Gu Yanfei had saved her grandfather with extraordinary methods. She was amazed, and did not expect to have the chance to witness this miracle so quickly.
When the last stroke was drawn, Gu Yanfei's left hand suddenly reached out and quickly pulled out the gray feather arrow from the deer's neck.
The eunuch hurriedly took two steps back. One could imagine that blood would definitely spurt out of the wound after Gu Yanfei pulled out this arrow, causing the person beside her to be in a sorry state with blood all over his face.
He looked at Gu Yanfei sympathetically, but he felt the metal arrow tip reflect the sunlight into his eyes. His eyes stung, and a layer of tears uncontrollably appeared in front of his eyes.
Through his tears, he seemed to see countless light spots flowing between the tip of the arrow and the bloody hole.
He stumbled and fell onto the grass. His butt hurt from the stones below, but he didn't even grunt like a mute.
Blood did not spurt from the deer's neck!
The eunuch sitting on the ground slowly blinked and looked at the female deer's neck again in disbelief. His eyes almost fell out.
The bloody hole in the deer's neck actually condensed.
Even if the arrow wound hadn't healed as well as it had, it wasn't bleeding or seeping blood.
This meant the bleeding had stopped.
Even Chu You's expression changed, and his eyes widened.
This was impossible!
Yuan Zhe took this all in and frowned in deep thought. He subconsciously pulled the reins, and the horse neighed as it paced a few steps.
The deer had been personally shot by Kang Wang and carried over by his guards. It was impossible for Gu Yanfei to play any tricks!
Could it be…
"The bleeding has stopped." Only Wei Jiaoniang clapped and cheered, beaming with joy.
Under the eunuch's incredulous gaze, the female deer opened its eyes, and there was life and spirit in them again.
It slowly stood up and swung its slender neck twice. Its four slender deer legs were still a little unsteady when it took the first two steps. After taking another three or four steps, its footsteps became steady.
Deers were also sentient animals and this deer knew that Gu Yanfei had saved its life.
It let out a low and gentle hiss, then leaned its head over and gently rubbed Gu Yanfei's arm as a thank-you.
"Let's go." Gu Yanfei patted its head gently. "Don't be discovered again."
It was fatally injured.
If it were a human, she would definitely suffer a certain level of backlash and her lifespan would be affected once she saved the human.
It was the "Tao" of this small world. Since she was here, she was constrained by it.
Seeing that Gu Yanfei was about to let go of the female deer, a guard from Prince Kang's Manor reached out to stop her. "This is our prince's deer…"
"…" Chu You's lips pursed into a tight line. His expression was dark, and his entire body emitted a cold aura.
At this point, he could not go back on his word.
He had already said in public that if Gu Yanfei could save this deer, he would reward her with it.
143 Means
In the next moment, a pair of clear black eyes looked up and met his. The corners of her lips curled up as she said indifferently, "I saved it."
Chu You grabbed the reins hard and was about to say, "I'll reward you," when Gu Yanfei said first, "The deer doesn't belong to Your Highness."
Gu Yanfei stood up leisurely and patted the deer butt again.
Only then did the female deer react and run. Its legs were light, and when it leaped, it seemed to want to fly. It easily passed through a patch of bushes and was gone in two or three moves.
Only the mountain wind was still howling through the surrounding trees. The pools of blood on the ground and the blood-stained gray feather silently reminded everyone what had just happened.
The smell of blood lingered in everyone's noses.
"This is Your Highness's." Gu Yanfei chuckled and threw the gray arrow in her hand towards Chu You…
How dare she! A cold smile appeared on Chu You's lips. He raised his hand to catch the gray arrow that was shooting at him with ease.
The sticky touch of deer blood made him frown in discomfort. When he looked at Gu Yanfei again, his eyes became sharper and deeper, as if he wanted to see through her appearance and see through all her thoughts and secrets.
"It's alive, Yanfei. It's alive!" Wei Jiaoniang looked in the direction the female deer had left and smiled happily. She took out another handkerchief and handed it to Gu Yanfei.
Gu Yanfei took the handkerchief from Wei Jiaoniang and casually wiped the deer blood from her hand with a casual expression.
Clap, clap, clap.
Baili Yin clapped gently, applauding the magical scene just now.
There were many beauties in the Jiangnan area. In the State of Yue, he had seen many beautiful women.
Gu Yanfei was very beautiful and had an ethereal aura.
Therefore, he was attracted to her at first glance.
The first time he was stunned, it was purely because of her beauty, but now it was more than that.
The charm of this girl was rare, and she was beautiful but thorny.
She was the only one he had seen in his life who had such extraordinary abilities.
Baili Yin narrowed his wolf-like eyes. His gaze was as hot as if he had seen his prey.
After confirming that the female deer had gone far, Gu Yanfei casually patted Wei Jiaoniang's shoulder and said, "Jiaoniang, let's go."
Wei Jiaoniang followed without saying a word.
The two of them got back on their horses and rode on without any intention of bidding farewell.
"Yanfei." Wei Jiaoniang pointed ahead excitedly and said, "I remember that there should be a mountain spring ahead. There might be prey lingering around the water source. I'm guessing that Lu Qin and the others will most likely go that way."
"Maybe we'll be lucky enough to hunt some prey!"
Gu Yanfei smiled and said, "Okay."
The two of them chatted and laughed as they walked away. The sound of hooves faded into the forest.
Baili Yin stared straight at Gu Yanfei's back, and the corners of his mouth curled up higher and higher. With a hint of casualness, he said, "Kang Wang, what's there to fuss about with a beauty? A thorny beauty is like strong wine. It burns one's throat, but it's strong and lingering."
Chu You did not think much of it, but he did not refute the other party.
Baili Yin continued, "Was that a talisman she drew with deer blood just now?"
Baili Yin had long heard that Taoist doctors were prevalent in the State of Jin and were respected. However, before today, he had never cared about these divine things and thought that these Taoists were just swindlers.
The people of the State of Jin were stupid enough to be superstitious. It was no wonder that the country had declined over the years.
Only now did he know that the methods of a Taoist doctor were even more magical than the rumors!
"That's right." Chu You retracted his gaze. When he looked at Baili Yin again, his expression returned to normal. "Taoist doctors are best at talismans, abstaining, signing, incantation, and sacrificial…"
He explained patiently.
Chu You did not believe in Taoist doctors.
Just as Rong'er had said, there were no ghosts or gods in this world at all. Those Taoist priests and shamans saving people with talisman water and witchcraft were just playing a trick to fool people. It was like throwing their hands into a hot oil pot and shattering rocks with their chests.
That's right. Gu Yanfei must have done something strange just now, but she hid it better than others.
For an ignorant, incompetent, vulgar, and rude country girl to be able to openly become the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Household, squeeze into Rong'er's position, and even coax Chu Yi to take a fancy to her, she naturally had some methods that ordinary people did not have.
"Interesting, really interesting." Baili Yin laughed. It was unknown if he was talking about Gu Yanfei or a Taoist doctor.
The mountain wind grew stronger, and the whistling sound blew away the laughter…
Not only Baili Yin, but Wei Jiaoniang was also very curious about the "Taoist doctor". After confirming that Chu You and Baili Yin could not be seen behind her, she pestered Gu Yanfei and asked, "Yanfei, tell me quickly. How did you do it?"
Without needing Gu Yanfei to pull the reins, Hongyu stopped himself. Gu Yanfei's little face tilted, and she said with a smile, "Give me your hand."
Wei Jiaoniang quickly stopped her horse and impatiently handed her left hand to Gu Yanfei, looking at her without blinking.
Gu Yanfei held her left hand with one hand and gently drew a talisman on the little girl's soft and delicate palm with the other.
She drew the simplest talisman with only three or four strokes.
"This is the most basic Disease Removal Talisman." Gu Yanfei slowly drew it again. She looked at her face and asked, "Have you memorized the drawing method?"
There were also many types of Disease Removal Talismans. The one Gu Yanfei had taught Wei Jiaoniang was most suitable for beginners.
"Yes!" Wei Jiaoniang suddenly felt that her left hand had become precious. She carefully held her precious left hand with her right hand and nodded.
Gu Yanfei reminded her again, "This talisman can't be drawn wrongly. It has to be completed in a coherent manner and be completely correct before it works."
This Disease Removal Talisman was an entry-level talisman of their sect. When drawing talismans, there was no need to rely on spiritual energy. Although the effect of the talisman was minimal, it was better than that of ordinary mortals who could draw and use it.
In the past, there was a plague in the mortal town protected by the sect. Countless people fell ill and were on the verge of death. Her master asked her to go down the mountain and spread the Disease Removal Talisman to a few medical centers in town.
144 To Win
This time, Wei Jiaoniang was no longer interested in hunting. She was distracted and only let the horse move forward while she kept practicing on her left palm with her fingers.
However, for some reason, she could not possibly finish it in one stroke. The stroke of the talisman would always accidentally break at a certain point.
Wei Jiaoniang was not discouraged. She still practiced repeatedly, over and over again…
She did not know how many times she had practiced. She only gradually felt that her strokes were becoming smoother and more skilled.
Just a little more…
This little bit took her more than two hours.
After walking for an unknown distance, the faint sound of spring water could be heard ahead. However, Wei Jiaoniang did not notice it at all. Her index finger moved on her left palm for the 101st time and drew the last stroke at the base of her palm.
In an instant, she felt enlightened, as if a voice in her heart was saying that this time it would work.
Sure enough!
Her palm lit up slightly. In the next moment, a small wound on her fingertip that had just been cut by a branch healed.
Wow! That was amazing!
Wei Jiaoniang looked at the ring finger of her left hand in disbelief.
The skin on the tip of his ring finger was intact, tender, and delicate, as if the 30-centimeter-long cut had never existed.
"Yanfei, I did it!"
"Look, I did it!"
Wei Jiaoniang cheered excitedly, as if she had obtained some rare treasure.
"Jiaoniang, you're so happy." Lu Qin and the others heard the commotion and came over. From afar, their voices arrived before they arrived. "Did you hunt some ferocious beast?"
"…" Wei Jiaoniang froze.
She had been busy learning to draw talismans along the way. Other than the pheasant and a badger she had initially hunted, she had not hunted anything else.
Hence, from the moment she met Lu Qin and the others until they left the hunting ground together, Wei Jiaoniang received many caring gazes and questions along the way.
"Eh? Jiaoniang, did you only hunt these two prey?"
"Jiaoniang, you're not so lucky today!"
"Did you go into the mountains to sleep just now?"
"…"
On the empty ground outside the hunting grounds, acquaintances ran over to talk to Wei Jiaoniang. After a while, there were seven or eight people surrounding her.
Seeing that Wei Jiaoniang had gained so little prey this time, many people felt a little strange.
They had known each other for many years and had come here for the winter hunt with Wei Jiaoniang every year. She had some ancestral bearing, and her harvest from every winter hunt was one of the best.
"No, no. I think the prey in the mountains are fighting to leave. They're all afraid of Jiaoniang…" A petite girl in green said playfully, causing everyone to laugh again.
The young boys and girls were familiar with each other and often came out to play, so they did not have any scruples when talking. They teased Wei Jiaoniang one after another, and their bright and cheerful laughter echoed in the air.
The afternoon sun was high in the middle of the sky, and there were people coming and going. Many people had come out of the hunting ground before Gu Yanfei and the others. They gathered in twos and threes to talk and laugh, creating a lively atmosphere.
Faced with everyone's teasing, Wei Jiaoniang did not take it to heart. She smiled generously and said, "I'm giving you all a chance."
As she spoke, she secretly hooked Gu Yanfei's pinky with her own, meaning that this was their little secret.
The pinky promise was not to change for a hundred years.
Other than pinching her cat's paw, Gu Yanfei had not done such a childish thing in a long time. She found it extremely interesting.
She gently hooked Wei Jiaoniang's pinky finger, meaning, "Alright, it's our little secret."
Wei Jiaoniang looked up and around to see that half of the surrounding shed was empty. The noble ladies were no longer around, leaving only a few servants to clean up something.
She did not mind and casually asked her friends, "Did anyone hunt any powerful, ferocious beasts?"
Lu Qin's fourth brother, Lu Shi, immediately revealed a mysterious smile and said slowly, "Not for the time being."
"What do you mean?" Lu Qin grabbed her sleeve and urged, "Don't keep me in suspense."
"I heard someone found a tiger," Lu Shi said with a grin.
Tiger?! Gu Yanfei, who was feeding sugar to the horse, was also interested.
Wei Jiaoniang and the others' eyes also lit up. Their eyes were like lit lanterns, sparkling.
145 To Win
Lu Shi seemed to be quite satisfied with this effect. He took the tea from his sister, Lu Qin, and said slowly, "A few imperial guards who were scouting the hunting grounds found a tiger by a river near the foot of the Five Peaks. Many people went after hearing about it. Some wanted to hunt the tiger, and some wanted to see it."
Wei Jiaoniang was deep in thought. She glanced at Yu Chaoyun and the others' shed again, raised her chin, and asked, "Did they follow to watch the commotion?"
"Yes, they entered the forest half an hour ago." Lu Shi nodded. "If I hadn't been waiting for you, I would have followed them to watch the commotion."
Towards the end, Lu Shi seemed to be unable to help but complain to them.
!
"Ha." Lu Qin didn't bother to hide her mockery. "Aren't they afraid of dirtying their shoes even when they walk? Aren't they afraid that the fleas on the tiger will jump on them?"
As she spoke, she couldn't help but burst out laughing, making the others burst into laughter.
After laughing for a while, Wei Jiaoniang exclaimed, "I didn't expect there to be a tiger in the hunting grounds."
Although they had agreed before the winter hunt that anyone who hunted a tiger or a wolf would win, in fact, this area belonged to the hunting grounds of the Upper Forest Garden, and the Emperor would come occasionally. For the safety of the Emperor, those ferocious beasts had long been driven into the depths of the forest. Moreover, the imperial guards came to clean up this hunting ground every few days. Hence, there were basically no ferocious beasts, and no one really expected a ferocious tiger to appear.
"Let's go take a look too," Wei Jiaoniang suggested excitedly. "I should know about the river you mentioned."
She had hunted eagles, wolves, and wild boars, but she had never hunted ferocious beasts like tigers and bears!
"Of course," Lu Qin said. Before she could finish, she was already on her horse.
The group had just left the forest when they turned around and set off in the direction of the hunting ground again.
Their horses galloped out like the wind, their hooves kicking up dust and grass.
Along the way, the group's topic of discussion revolved around the tiger.
"Fourth Brother Lu, do you know how big that tiger is? What does it look like?"
"Where did it come from? I heard there hasn't been a tiger in these parts for years."
"I wonder if we'll be able to pick up anything if we go over now…"
Lu Shi seemed to be enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention as he chose to answer everyone's questions.
As for the answers he did not know, he passed them by directly, answering only those he knew. He said that the tiger had somehow come to a nearby village. Not only had it stolen chicken to eat, but it had also bitten a child to death and injured a few adults.
The villagers worked together to chase with their hoes, and the evil tiger fled into the forest. This forest was the royal hunting ground, so the villagers naturally did not dare to chase after it again and could only give up.
Lu Shi continued, "… After the Eldest Prince heard the news that a tiger had hurt the villagers, he personally brought people into the forest."
When Gu Yanfei and the others entered the forest again, they felt that the atmosphere inside had changed.
Every once in a while, they would see some tall, strong, and dignified-looking imperial guards patrolling the forest. Others had also heard that there were ferocious tigers and were rushing in the direction of the Five Peaks Mountain.
Gu Yanfei also learned more from these people. They said that even Kang Wang, Chu You, and Baili Yin from the State of Yue had gone to the foot of the Five Peaks Mountain. They also said that Baili Yin was determined to get that ferocious tiger.
Wei Jiaoniang was anxious. Afraid that they would not be able to see the commotion if they were late, she increased the speed of the horse.
With her leading the way, everyone arrived at their destination in half an hour.
"Go further down ahead and you'll reach the foot of the Five Peaks Mountain. There's a river there," Wei Jiaoniang said affirmatively as she pointed to the southeast.
"Roar!"
As if in response, a ferocious roar came from ahead, so murderous that even the air around them seemed to vibrate.
This was the deterrence from the king of beasts.
Lu Qin's eyes lit up. "We made it! We still have time to watch the show…"
"Young Master Yi." Baili Yin's sharp and arrogant voice came from ahead. He was in high spirits. "This tiger's eyes are fierce and energetic. It must have just eaten someone."
Immediately after, Chu Yi's gentle voice sounded. "Third Prince Baili really has sharp eyes."
"Hahaha!" Baili Yin let out a smug laugh. "I've been hunting with the Sage since I was six years old. I've heard and seen too much."
Gu Yanfei, Wei Jiaoniang, and the others immediately looked for the voice.
After circling around a lush bush, they saw a crowd not far ahead. Standing in front of the crowd were Chu Yi and Baili Yin, riding two horses with different auras. One was gentle and elegant, and the other was arrogant.
Kang Wang, Chu You, stood behind Chu Yi on a black horse. He seemed to be watching and thinking.
As for the noble young masters, they all looked down at the foot of the mountain in front of them with extraordinary eyes and rubbed their palms together.
They had been in the hunting ground for an hour, searching for traces in the forest. It was not easy for them to find this ferocious tiger.
"Roar!"
600 feet away, a tall and mighty tiger lingered by a small river at the foot of the mountain, emitting a shocking howl.
Everyone stood on the mountainside and happened to have the geographical advantage. They could see the ferocious tiger below clearly.
It was a snow-white white tiger. It was huge, and when it opened its mouth to roar, its bloody mouth revealed ghastly white teeth.
There was still some flesh between its sharp teeth, making one shudder.
Around the white tiger, an encirclement with a diameter of 1,000 feet formed. The imperial guards and soldiers from the Divine Arms Battalion were either holding swords or drawing bows. They were all focused on guarding, but they did not dare to get too close. They were on guard and could not let this evil tiger escape.
"Young Master Yi." Baili Yin's cynical voice sounded in front of him again. It was a little confident, joking, and provocative. "Not only do I have good taste, but I also have good hands. Do you dare to compete with me?"
"Whoever hunts the tiger first wins."
146 Attack
Baili Yin raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Chu Yi beside him with a smile. He clenched his right fist casually.
He kept smiling, as if he was just in the mood and had casually mentioned it. Or as if he was challenging Chu Yi so as to show off to the State of Jin.
Lu Shi and the other noble descendants instantly looked at Chu Yi, their hearts in their throats.
There was only one prince in the Great Jin Dynasty now. If he did not dare to accept the challenge, wouldn't that mean that the Great Jin was afraid of the State of Yue?
"Ding, ding, ding…"
A crisp bell suddenly sounded from behind, disturbing everyone's tense nerves.
"Did you hear…" Lu Qin tugged at Wei Jiaoniang's sleeve, wanting to ask if she had heard any bells.
She stopped mid-sentence.
Her surprised gaze was fixed on a few hundred feet behind her when she saw four or five graceful noble ladies riding slowly over, looking dignified.
The horses they rode were all robust and strong. Every horse was equipped with a horse cage head with red tassels and bells. There was a circle of jade embedded in the edge of the saddle, making it look exceptionally luxurious.
The reins of these horses were all in the hands of the servants, who led the horses forward.
As the horses moved, a few horse bells tinkled.
Wei Jiaoniang, Lu Qin, and the others had never seen anyone enter the hunting grounds like this. All of them were dumbfounded.
"I see." After a while, Lu Qin found her voice and said with a strange expression, "No wonder they entered the forest so early and only arrived now."
"Fortunately, they didn't encounter any other ferocious beasts. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to escape." Wei Jiaoniang shook her head speechlessly.
The two sides faced each other. Of course, the noble ladies also saw Gu Yanfei and the others. When they walked past, a delicate-looking girl in yellow hurriedly covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief and glanced at Gu Yanfei and the others in disdain.
Gu Yanfei's riding clothes were stained with a lot of blood from the female deer. Lu Qin's body was also stained with blood from her prey. As for the others, when they rode their horses to hunt in the forest, their faces and bodies were more or less stained with leaves and mud.
Compared to these well-dressed and beautiful women, Gu Yanfei and the others looked disheveled, as if they had escaped from something.
"Roar!"
The white tiger, surrounded by everyone, roared again, calling everyone's attention.
The tiger circled where it was, its fierce, beastly eyes watching the people and horses around it covetously.
The horses closest to it were so intimidated by its tiger might that they paced in shock, breathing heavily through their noses.
Everyone held their breaths in anticipation, but Gu Yanfei stared at the white tiger excitedly and thought of Qing Guang. In the past, Qing Guang was also majestic in the Bright Spirit Realm. It was a beast that could hold off all beasts, but now…
It had gained too much weight.
Sigh!
Gu Yanfei sighed faintly in her heart and could only comfort herself. At least Qing Guang was obedient and did not eat people.
Amidst the impetuous and noisy commotion, Chu Yi remained calm.
He chuckled with a handsome smile and said unhurriedly, "Since the Third Prince is so interested, I'll naturally accompany you."
As he spoke, Chu Yi raised his hand and gestured.
At the side, Gu Yuan immediately understood and whistled twice in the direction of the foot of the mountain. The rhythm was straightforward, signaling the imperial guards and soldiers surrounding the white tiger to quickly retreat.
Behind him, Chu You watched from the sidelines without saying a word. He neither dissuaded nor encouraged him.
Seeing that the Eldest Prince had accepted the challenge from the State of Yue, the generals were all in high spirits, but then they became nervous.
The Eldest Prince was weak. Everyone knew that if he was accidentally injured by the white tiger…
They did not dare to think further. The atmosphere around them became even more tense.
"Good spirit." Baili Yin laughed again.
Without saying a word, he took the lead and slapped the horse's rump, swooping down the hill toward the white tiger riding ahead.
The white tiger naturally saw Baili Yin rushing towards it. It raised its head and howled again, "Roar!"
The voice was louder than before, and it even sounded bloodthirsty.
The might of the king of beasts was unquestionable. The white tiger was completely enraged and ran in Baili Yin's direction.
Its body was so huge, but it also had the agility unique to felines. When it ran, it was like a violent tornado that wanted to tear apart and shatter everything around it.
The tiger was clearly more than 500 feet away from them, but a few girls were already frightened and took a few steps back.
147 Attack
Facing the roaring tiger, Baili Yin was fearless. He lowered his body and rode his horse towards the white tiger.
Soon, Baili Yin realized that there was no movement behind him. He turned around and saw Chu Yi standing motionless on the mountainside.
The corners of Baili Yin's mouth curled into a confident arc as he muttered to himself, "It's still that sick young master."
Chu Yi had been a hostage in the State of Yue for eight years. Not only did Baili Yin recognize Chu Yi, but he also knew him 70 to 80%.
He was a person who was weak and sickly, and would be sick for 28 days every 30 days a month.
In the past eight years, Chu Yi had rarely left his house. He would only come out of his manor when summoned by the Sage or attending some festival.
It had been half a day since Chu Yi rode out of the capital this morning. With his body, he probably wouldn't be able to hold on much longer.
Baili Yin only glanced at Chu Yi before turning back. He clamped down on the horse's abdomen and stared at the ferocious tiger in front of him with a burning gaze. At the same time, he began to draw his arrow.
Seeing that the Eldest Prince was motionless, the surrounding crowd was burning with anxiety, thinking that he was afraid.
"Eldest Prince…"
Someone shouted, but before he could finish, Chu Yi took a musket from his attendant, Si Hai. No one noticed his gaze drift gently over a beautiful figure behind him, like a dragonfly skimming the water.
It was a flintlock!
Several descendants of noble families recognized the flintlock in Chu Yi's hand, and hope lit up in their eyes again. No wonder the Eldest Prince did not move. It seemed that he wanted to use this flintlock to stop the tiger.
No way. Chu You thought to himself and smirked disapprovingly.
The power of a flintlock was indeed far superior to a matchlock, but its flaws were also very obvious.
With the accuracy of the flintlock, it was harder to hit the tiger than to pierce a willow leaf with an arrow from a distance of a hundred paces.
Moreover, even if Chu Yi was lucky enough to shoot the tiger, this injury was nothing to a strong tiger.
However, Chu Yi would not have time to fire a second shot. In other words, his shot was just a gift to "someone else".
Chu You's gaze turned from Chu Yi to Baili Yin and he sighed silently, as if he had already seen in advance what would happen next.
In the blink of an eye, the white tiger had already rushed to a distance of less than 200 feet from Baili Yin. Its aura was like a rainbow.
Wherever the thick and powerful tiger claws passed, the thorns, mud, and grass on the mountain ground flew everywhere.
"Roar!"
The white tiger's fierce tiger eyes were suffused with a murderous red light.
The surrounding branches rustled under the deafening tiger roar.
The smile on Baili Yin's lips deepened, and his eyes were firm.
Three arrows, at most three arrows, and he would be able to take down this white tiger!
Baili Yin pulled out an arrow and skillfully nocked it into his bow. He narrowed his eyes and smiled.
Almost at the same time, Chu Yi aimed his gun at the white tiger from behind. Smiling faintly, he gently stroked the gun with one hand and firmly pulled the trigger with the other.
Of the two young men, one was riding his horse and drawing his bow, and the other was leisurely holding a flintlock behind.
One moved noisily, while the other was quiet.
The surrounding crowd held their breath again, and their hearts raced. Even Gu Yanfei looked at the two of them and the tiger with a burning gaze.
"Swoosh!"
A white-feathered arrow left the bow and shot towards the white tiger's left eye like lightning.
The white tiger swung a thick front paw in midair and slapped the arrow away. The arrow clanged against the tree trunk behind it.
"This tiger is too fierce," someone commented in the crowd. "I'm afraid it won't be easy to deal with."
Everyone became even more nervous and on tenterhooks. Baili Yin took out two more arrows without fear and nocked them to the bowstring as quickly as possible.
"Swoosh!"
Two consecutive arrows were shot at the white tiger at the same time with great force.
The white tiger was even angrier. It slapped the two arrows away with its claws again and ran even faster. A strong stench came with the wind from its furious, bloody mouth.
"Roar!"
The white tiger pounced violently at Baili Yinfei, its eyes growing even redder. Its heavy roar seemed to be saying that it wanted to tear this human apart.
The leisurely smile on Baili Yin's lips had already disappeared, and his expression became more solemn.
He clamped his legs on the horse's belly, and the black horse immediately leaped in the other direction. At the same time, he lowered his body to avoid the tiger's attack. His breathing was slightly hurried as he drew his arrow again.
The surroundings were in a mess from the trampling of tigers and horses. Fallen leaves were scattered everywhere.
"Bang!"
A deafening bang suddenly sounded on the mountainside.
Baili Yin was shocked, and his hand that was holding the bow paused for a moment.
Was that a gunshot?!
He felt a hot breath brush his left ear, as if something had flown past him like a shooting star, too fast for the naked eye to catch…
Before he could figure out what was going on, he saw the charging white tiger in front of him suddenly stop as if it had been struck by lightning. It let out a near-death wail, so shrill and terrifying.
In the next moment, its huge body crashed to the ground. Its heavy tiger body shook the ground below, sending a few broken leaves flying.
The fallen white tiger's limbs twitched violently before it fell silent.
Its bell-like tiger eyes widened, and a large pool of bright red blood flowed from its fanged mouth, quickly staining the grass below. It also meant that its life force had passed…
This ferocious tiger that was still alive and kicking a few breaths ago was killed by a single shot!
...
Gu Yuan looked at the fallen tiger corpse in shock, then subconsciously turned around and stared at the flintlock pistol in Chu Yi's hand.
This power, this accuracy… There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
He studied the flintlock, his gaze lingering several times on the "plum mark" at the barrel.
It seemed to be a cat's paw print.
His sister's cat had also left paw prints on him, so he was sure.
Strange, the size of the claw mark also felt strangely familiar…
148 Jealousy
"Phew—Phew—"
The cold wind howled, and the air was filled with the thick smell of blood. The smell of blood drilled into everyone's noses, making them want to vomit.
Apart from the smell of blood, there was also a pungent smell of gunpowder that lingered.
Gu Yanfei rubbed her nose and silently praised him in her heart. His marksmanship was not bad.
How could this be?! Baili Yin's eyes widened in shock. His right hand tightened on the reins, and the smile on his usually playful and handsome face disappeared.
The black horse beneath him raised its legs in shock and whinnied.
Baili Yin clearly felt a burning pain in his left ear, reminding him of what had just happened.
He turned slowly and looked up. More than 200 feet away, Chu Yi, who was on the mountainside, seemed to be at the top of the clouds. He held the reins elegantly in one hand and a black flintlock in the other.
Wisps of white smoke rose from the dark muzzle.
Everyone's gaze turned from the tiger corpse to Chu Yi and the flintlock gun in his hand. There was a bright red cat paw mark on the gun that looked like blood but was not.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Everyone's hearts were still pounding from the gunshot.
Some were shocked, while others were pleasantly surprised.
For a moment, there was silence except for the sound of the wind.
Baili Yin looked up at Chu Yi on the mountainside and was momentarily distracted.
The young man in a moon-white robe faced the cold wind, his face calm, and his clothes fluttering in the wind.
He lowered his eyes and looked down, as if he was looking at the tiger or Baili Yin. His dark phoenix eyes were clear and calm, like a lake in winter, or a deep and bottomless valley.
Chu You also looked at Chu Yi in a daze. His narrow eagle eyes were filled with bewilderment, and his thin lips were pursed tightly. He did not even know when the horse whip in his hand had left his hand.
"Ahem."
Another gust of cold wind blew fiercely. Chu Yi lowered his head, put his fist to his lips, and coughed heavily. His shoulders trembled slightly, unable to hide his weakness.
He handed the flintlock to Si Hai again. A wisp of white smoke still floated from the muzzle.
Baili Yin's burning gaze shifted from Chu Yi to the flintlock. His eyes were red, and he could not bear to blink.
His thick chest heaved rapidly, and the emotions in his heart surged several times, from shock to ecstasy to greed… to determination.
He had crossed the river to the State of Jin on the orders of the Sage for the blueprint of the flintlock.
Their State of Yue had mastered matchlocks as early as 60 years ago, and the country was thriving. Meanwhile, the Qi Kingdom in the north had declined due to corruption, and there were continuous uprisings everywhere. It was not until more than 50 years ago that Chu Jin led the army and rebelled, overturning the Qi Kingdom with irresistible force and establishing the current State of Jin.
At that time, the new state had just been established, and the soldiers of the State of Jin were exhausted.
The Sage of the State of Yue at that time had wanted to take the opportunity to send his army north and unify the north and south in one fell swoop. Unexpectedly, Chu Jin had personally improved his musket.
From then on, a new flintlock was born. It was far more convenient and powerful than a matchlock, and could be said to be a divine weapon.
Chu Jin established the Divine Arms Battalion and equipped tens of thousands of soldiers with flintlocks, causing a huge setback in the State of Yue.
Since then, the State of Yue and State of Jin had been governed by two separate rivers. It had been a confrontation for decades.
It was not until Chu Jin passed away 20 years ago and the second Emperor of the State of Jin, Chu Luo, ascended the throne that the State of Yue once again thought of annexing the State of Jin. 14 years ago, 8 years ago, they launched two surprise attacks on the State of Jin.
No one expected another talented Marquis of Dingyuan, Gu Ce, to appear.
Gu Ce was like a divine general who had descended from the sky and helped the State of Jin win with his own strength.
The State of Yue's army had been blocked by Gu Ce in Yangzhou twice. It had been like this 14 years ago and eight years ago…
Now that Gu Ce was dead and the huge problem had been resolved, there was still something in the State of Jin that made the State of Yue wary—
The flintlock.
It was not difficult to obtain a flintlock. The State of Yue had also used various methods to obtain a few flintlocks and tried to disassemble them. However, after trying countless times, they still could not replicate them.
It was also for this reason that they were determined to obtain the blueprint for the flintlock.
Only by completely mastering the flintlock would the State of Yue be 100% confident of taking down the State of Jin in one go.
As thoughts flashed through his mind, Baili Yin's eyes became hotter and more urgent. His heart beat faster like a drum.
From what he had seen today, the flintlock in Chu Yi's hand was more than twice as powerful as the one he knew. Just one shot had killed a fierce tiger.
149 Jealousy
In other words, after Emperor Taizu and Chu Jin, someone in the State of Jin modified the flintlock!
His trip to the State of Jin had not been in vain!
"Your Highness." At this moment, a few imperial guards quickly came up. The leader cupped his fists at Chu Yi and reported, "The tiger has died."
The two imperial guards at the back worked together to drag the white tiger's corpse up the mountainside.
!
The white tiger was clearly dead and was motionless from head to toe. Its limbs and tail hung limply, occasionally brushing against the trunks and rocks beside them.
Everyone around, including Wei Jiaoniang and Lu Shi, all turned to look at the white tiger's corpse in unison. Baili Yin also slowly rode his horse over. Only Yu Chaoyun and the other daughters of aristocratic families in the distance were covering their faces, tilting their heads, or frowning, as if they could not bear to look at it.
The bullet that Chu Yi had fired entered the white tiger's mouth and exited the back of its neck. The bullet completely pierced its spine and killed it.
Its bell-like tiger eyes widened, as if it had died with remaining grievances.
The smell of blood in the air was stronger, and the stench from the tiger's mouth was overwhelming.
This was… Chu You stared unblinkingly at the small bullet hole in the back of the white tiger's neck. His eyes were as deep as the sea, filled with shock and confusion.
He was certain that ordinary flintlocks would never be able to do this.
This speed, this power…
Chu You's right hand gripped the reins so tightly that he almost tore them off.
Beside him, Yuan Zhe was also shocked. He had many questions, but he could only suppress them now.
"Young Master Yi is really good at shooting!" Baili Yin said as he urged his horse closer to Chu Yi.
There was a playful smile on his lips again, and his eyes were fixed on him without blinking…
"You flatter me." Chu Yi met his eyes from afar and smiled. "I heard that the Third Prince is looking for the tiger bone, so I'll give this white tiger to him."
His laughter was warm. With this smile, his eyes seemed to be dyed with a few rays of sunlight, and he looked like a sparkling jade statue.
"Hahaha." Baili Yin laughed loudly. The corners of his flying eyes made him look handsome, as if he did not care about the outcome of the hunt. "Then I'll thank Young Master Yi for your kindness."
He clapped gently and gestured to his subordinates behind him. The accompanying guards immediately accepted the tiger corpse.
He kept smiling, his smile frivolous and casual, his gaze fixed on the flintlock. His eyes were sharp and ambitious.
14 years ago, and eight years ago, the Sage failed to do something when he was young. This time, he and the Crown Prince would definitely do it. He would become a treasured sword in the Crown Prince's hands.
The surrounding atmosphere was lively and filled with an abnormally excited aura, scattering the coldness of the forest.
Everyone was talking about Chu Yi's shot just now. Words like "flintlock", "power", and "one shot kill" floated over from time to time.
Wei Jiaoniangr, Lu Qin, and the others also joined in the heated discussion. They were all talking at once and in high spirits.
When they saw Chu Yi and Baili Yin riding away on their horses, Wei Jiaoniang called for Gu Yanfei and the others to quickly follow. As they walked, they talked nonstop.
"My grandfather also had a flintlock. I wanted to play with it, but he refused to lend it to me. He said that if it went off accidentally, the consequences would be unimaginable," Wei Jiaoniang muttered. "This is the first time I've seen the power of this flintlock."
"It's my first time seeing a flintlock, too," Lu Qin said, her eyes shining. "It's far more shocking than the rumors."
"Yes, yes…"
The more they spoke, the more excited they became. Wei Jiaoniang was not paying attention and accidentally bumped into a yellow-robed girl wearing a pure gold phoenix dangling ornament.
The girl in yellow frowned unhappily as she saw some mud on her left sleeve.
"My Lady, your clothes!" Her personal maidservant shouted at Wei Jiaoniang in alarm, "Hey, you've dirtied our Lady's clothes!"
"Forget it." The girl in yellow gently brushed the dirt from her sleeve with a handkerchief. The few tassels hanging from the dangling ornament swayed slightly with her movements. "It's already dirty."
Her voice was gentle, but she could not hide her disgust.
"Sigh!" Another girl in pink sighed faintly and covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, as if she could not look directly at Wei Jiaoniang and the others. "Miss Wei, Miss Lu, how did you… end up like this?"
"Yes, it's bloody and muddy and strangely unpleasant. We girls aren't supposed to be like this."
The two girls comforted her with "good intentions". Their voices were soft, but their gazes were extremely disdainful.
There were also a few well-dressed women from aristocratic families who were laughing softly, just short of being straightforward in saying that they were dirty and smelly. The meaning between the lines was that they did not have the gentleness and beauty that women should have.
Wei Jiaoniang was not a pushover, and would not tolerate such ridicule.
"It's better than some people…" She casually flicked her horse whip and looked around at the daughters of noble families with a faint smile. "Some people are just so out of place, even their horses too!"
No one came to the hunting ground in fancy clothes like them, as if they were attending a banquet. Why did they give the horse a horse bell? Did they think the prey could not hear them?!
"Pfft!" Lu Qin laughed rudely.
She looked back and forth at the girls from the aristocratic families and imitated them by covering her nose. She waved her other hand in disdain and sneered. "You smell so good. Are you trying to kill your prey?!"
The expressions of the women from the aristocratic families instantly changed, and their chests heaved.
They thought that they were noble ladies from aristocratic families and had always paid attention to manners. Even if they wanted to hurt someone, they had to beat around the bush and not use dirty words. They had never interacted with such straightforward people as Wei Jiaoniang and Lu Qin.
How vulgar!
They were too embarrassed to scold her directly, so they could only hold it in and tense up.
Seeing that they were suppressed by Wei Jiaoniang and the others, a strange glint flashed across Yu Chaoyun's eyes. She kept smiling and did not even move her eyes.
She silently gestured, and the servant led her horse forward a few steps, blocking the way of Gu Yanfei, Wei Jiaoniang, and the others.
Yu Chaoyun gently gathered her big red cloak with a circle of pure white rabbit fur.
Suddenly, the golden butterfly collar on her neck broke, and the golden collar slipped off her body…
"Oh my," Yu Chaoyun exclaimed softly, her right hand poised to grab it.
But she was too slow. The golden collar brushed past her hand and fell straight to the grass below.
"Miss Gu, I dropped my collar. Help me pick it up."
...
Yu Chaoyun smiled demurely at Gu Yanfei, who was a few steps away, and said gently, as if she was just asking Gu Yanfei for a favor.
150 Counterattack
Gu Yanfei neither moved nor said anything, and only slightly raised her eyebrows.
Memories from her previous life instantly rolled over again, and ripples appeared in her eyes again…
All the women around looked at Yu Chaoyun and Gu Yanfei.
Everyone present was not stupid and immediately heard the hidden hostility in Yu Chaoyun's words.
The servant from the Yu family was here, but Yu Chaoyun asked Gu Yanfei, a stranger, to bend down and pick up the golden collar for her. Wasn't she treating her like a maidservant?
She had to pick the softest persimmon.
Among Wei Jiaoniang and Lu Qin, there were the Wei family, the General's Manor that guarded the border, and the Earl's Manor that controlled the military power of a province. They were all popular families.
Only Gu Yanfei came from the declining Dingyuan Marquis Household.
The reason why Yu Chaoyun chose Gu Yanfei to put her in her place was obvious.
This girl from the Yu family was not ordinary.
The other women from the aristocratic families exchanged glances with different expressions. They were either looking forward to it, frowning, smiling ambiguously, or stroking their sleeves indifferently.
These noble women dared to be rude to the aristocratic families and provoke their authority. If Yu Chaoyun could teach Gu Yanfei a lesson and make her bend down, she could also avenge them.
Feeling everyone's gazes on her, Yu Chaoyun's lips curled up a little more. She smiled and said, "Pick it up."
The first sentence was polite, but when it came to this sentence, it was already arrogant and sharp.
Yu Chaoyun smiled and stared at Gu Yanfei, silently pressuring her.
Yu Chaoyun had just arrived and had yet to gain a foothold in the capital. Today was the best opportunity to establish her might.
After making up her mind, Yu Chaoyun slowly stroked her sleeve and said with a smile, "I heard that Miss Gu's brother is currently working as an imperial guard. What a coincidence. My aunt-in-law, the British Duke, is currently in charge of the imperial guard."
Her tone was gentle and slow, as if she was chatting with Gu Yanfei. A determined glint flashed across her eyes.
The girl in yellow and the girl in pink looked at each other meaningfully and covered their mouths to laugh.
Interesting. Miss Yu should have just arrived in the capital a few days ago. They did not expect her to figure out the situation in the capital and the twists and turns between the various prefectures in just a few days and know how to take advantage of the situation.
The Gu family's eldest branch had an awkward position. Gu Yanfei's brother was her only relative, and it was only human nature for her to consider his future.
Next, it depended on whether Gu Yanfei dared to risk her brother's future.
This was no longer a quarrel between a few girls, but a competition between the aristocratic families and nobles.
Meeting Yu Chaoyun's arrogant face, Gu Yanfei's eyes were a little dazed, and she forgot where she was.
In her previous life, she had a hard time living in the Marquis Mansion and was deep in the mud. Only Yu Chaoyun took the initiative to show her kindness, be gentle, and be considerate, making her treat Yu Chaoyun as her only friend.
After Yu Chaoyun betrayed her, she asked why Yu Chaoyun wanted to destroy her and her brother's only way out.
At that moment, Yu Chaoyun also had the same expression. She asked the maidservant to push her to the ground and step on her right palm…
Humans' fingers were connected to their hearts, and the piercing pain was still engraved in Gu Yanfei's hearts.
In the blink of an eye, Gu Yanfei was already filled with thoughts. Soon, the ripples in her eyes disappeared, and she looked at Yu Chaoyun calmly.
It was as if she was looking at a complete stranger.
There was silence, and time seemed to have stopped in that instant. Even the wind had stopped.
Although the two sides did not fight or shout at each other, the tension in the air could not be hidden, and anyone with eyes could tell.
Not far away, Baili Yin also inadvertently noticed the commotion here.
Eh?
He immediately saw Gu Yanfei in the crowd and stopped his horse. His interested gaze darted between the girls before landing on Gu Yanfei's slender figure.
The bright-eyed and beautiful girl stood out just by standing there, making the surrounding girls look like commoners.
Sigh. Baili Yin sighed silently in his heart. No wonder the little beauty was targeted and troubled.
Baili Yin had been used to seeing concubines fighting since he was young in the palace. The fights between women were the most interesting. They fought for men, status, jewelry, new clothes… and jealousy.