Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 54: I do not know
by Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
Although Muhe collapsed, the Daxia Royal Hunting Competition continued in an orderly fashion.
Located on the Hongchuan Plain by the Chishui River, the expanse of the endless, barren plain provided the perfect ground for racing and hunting. Under the moon and stars, the vast snowy field was dotted with bonfires, and campsites stretched across the area like a sea of fiery red. Nature was kind tonight, with no wind or snow, and the temperature had risen slightly. Tens of thousands of Daxia's Chagui (precious tea plants) were scattered around the paddock. Riders on horseback practiced archery, brandished knives, and drank and danced—filling the place with energy and excitement. The intricate melodies of summer tunes and the sound of the pianoforte mixed with the scent of roasted game, creating a rich atmosphere of celebration.
Chu Qiao wore a snow-white fur cloak, white boots, and a ferret hat that framed her delicate face. Her long hair cascaded beneath the hat, and her bright, star-like eyes sparkled in the night.
Yan Xun returned, casting a long gaze at Chu Qiao before smiling faintly. "A'Chu has grown up," he said.
The girl raised an eyebrow, her brow slightly furrowed as she replied, "And yet you look like an old man."
Yan Xun chuckled, about to respond, when the sound of fast-approaching hoofbeats interrupted him. He looked up to see Zhao Song racing toward them, his green damask cape billowing behind him. Zhao Song rode past them and called out excitedly, "A'Chu, A'Chu!"
Yan Xun frowned, clearly irritated by Zhao Song's overly familiar tone. "Why does he call you that?" he asked.
Chu Qiao snorted. "Didn't he learn that from you?"
Zhao Song and his twenty-odd companions rode up like a gust of wind. He smiled as he approached Chu Qiao, calling out, "So you're here too!"
"Come to the bonfire dinner; everyone's there," Zhao Song invited. His voice was mild, though tinged with a subtle distance. Chu Qiao frowned slightly, sensing something odd, but Zhao Song didn't seem to notice. He continued, "A'Chu, why didn't you wear the snakeskin jacket I sent you? It's much warmer."
Chu Qiao smiled warmly, her voice gentle as she replied, "It's warm, but it's not that cold tonight, so I didn't need it."
"Oh," Zhao Song said, nodding, "but this fur looks great on you."
Yan Xun interjected, steering the conversation elsewhere. "Why don't you join His Highness the Thirteenth at the archery range?"
Zhao Song, caught off guard, blushed slightly. "I'm tired of that; it's no fun anymore. I thought I'd take a break and enjoy the beauty of the frozen landscape."
"Is that so?" Yan Xun laughed. "That's a shame. We were planning to invite His Highness to join us, but I suppose we'll have to skip that now."
"Wait, are you going?" Zhao Song asked, his eyes wide with surprise.
Irritated, Chu Qiao tugged on Yan Xun's sleeve, trying to stop him from speaking. But Yan Xun only grinned as he tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her onto the horse with him. "Let's not disturb His Highness's peace."
With that, they rode off, ignoring Zhao Song's protests behind them.
"What was that about?" Chu Qiao demanded as soon as they were out of earshot, shaking off Yan Xun's hand.
Yan Xun didn't respond, only looked at her with a smug smile. His childish joy was infectious, and Chu Qiao's anger soon faded.
"Forget it," she sighed. "He hasn't been this happy in a long time."
As they continued riding, the sound of approaching hoofbeats echoed again. Turning around, they saw Zhao Song racing toward them once more. "It's windy!" he called out. "I was going to roast something by the fire—care to join me?"
Yan Xun's expression darkened, while Chu Qiao couldn't help but laugh.
Zhao Song, realizing how absurd his excuse was, awkwardly guided them back toward the main camp.
The bonfire dinner was in full swing, with the scent of roasted meat filling the air. People laughed and danced around the flames, oblivious to the small group of three as they wandered through the crowd.
Suddenly, loud shouting drew their attention. A group of men had stripped off their shirts and were wrestling in the snow, bellowing loudly. Among them was a girl on horseback, wearing a red fur coat. With her graceful posture and charming face, she released three arrows in quick succession, each striking the bullseye 100 meters away.
The crowd erupted in applause, and the girl, triumphant, surveyed her surroundings. She jumped down from her horse, landing on the shoulder of one of the wrestlers. With a flick of her whip, she struck another man in the back, laughing as she shouted, "I told you we'd win!"
"Zama," Chu Qiao muttered, her brow furrowing as she glanced at Yan Xun.
Yan Xun, sensing her concern, nodded. They turned to leave, but before they could, a sharp voice called out.
"Stop right there!"
Zama, standing tall, had a whip in her hand. She sneered as she shouted, "Leaving so soon, Yan Shizi? Are you running away?"
The crowd fell silent as Zama leapt down, her whip slashing through the air toward Yan Xun. But Chu Qiao moved faster. She grabbed the whip with a swift motion, wrapping it around her arm and pulling it taut. The whip went rigid, held firm by both women.
"Long time no see, Yan Shizi," Zama said mockingly. "I didn't expect to see you again after the fall of Yanbian."
"Zama, watch your mouth!" Zhao Song shouted, stepping forward.
But before the situation could escalate further, Chu Qiao released the whip and spoke softly, her cold eyes locked on Zama. "I suggest you reconsider your actions."
The air was tense as Chu Qiao turned away, leaving only a chilling phrase behind: "You don't know death."
Zama, furious, made to pursue, but her brother Zaru stopped her. "Let it go. We'll deal with this another time."
In the distance, the lights of the bonfire dinner shone brightly as the royal hunt feast finally began.
Afterthoughts
This chapter showcases the growing tension between the characters, as well as the complex relationships between the different factions. The royal hunting event, though outwardly festive, is tinged with subtle power plays and underlying hostilities. Chu Qiao's quick reflexes and sharp instincts demonstrate her strength, while Yan Xun's playful side hints at the deeper emotions he keeps hidden. Zama's arrogance and hostility serve as a reminder of the dangers still lurking, even in times of apparent peace. This chapter sets the stage for future conflicts, with a focus on the brewing tensions between Yan Xun's group and their adversaries.