Chapter 153: He’s Going to Protect Su Yingxue

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

He just couldn’t bring himself to reject her!

Seeing a hint of regret and sorrow in her eyes would make his heartache.

For years, the empress had harbored jealousy toward Consort Xiang. Her attempts to harm her had failed, and she had even been punished and confined in the past. Now, Consort Xiang had emerged to challenge her once again.

A glint of ruthlessness flashed in the empress’s eyes. “If Consort Xiang’s health is not good, she should stay in the palace! The Upper Forest Court is dusty, and if you fall ill, don’t blame me for not treating you well!”

Consort Xiang was immune to such words from the empress. She simply leaned against Chu Mingyuan’s embrace.

Chu Mingyuan rarely witnessed a smile on Consort Xiang’s face. When she ceased smiling, he turned to the empress and lashed out, “Empress! If you continue to scold Consort Xiang, then go back to the palace!”

The empress, scolded in front of everyone, found herself speechless and embarrassed.

Su Yingxue and Lin Sisi exchanged amused glances on the sidelines.

Especially when they saw Chu Xiuwen and Chu Chengye’s expressions sour after the empress’s scolding, their amusement grew even stronger.

To appease Consort Xiang, Chu Mingyuan offered his bow as a reward, promising that the winning team would receive it.

Consort Xiang also removed a pearl hairpin from her head. “I’ll contribute this pearl hairpin as a reward, along with the emperor’s bow.”

“Very well!” Chu Mingyuan happily embraced her.

“A pearl hairpin is nothing! 1’11 offer three golden hairpins as a reward!” The empress refused to be outdone, immediately tossing three golden hairpins into the reward plate.

“If the empress is so generous, then I, a concubine, must also step up. I’ll offer ten golden hairpins as a reward!”

Noble Consort Xiao strolled over gracefully, exuding an air of elegance and luxury. Coupled with her generosity, she quickly overshadowed the empress’s sharpness.

She was particularly confident in Lin Sisi and Su Yingxue, smiling at them and saying, “You two young ladies must compete well. If you win, I’ll have additional rewards!”

“Thank you, Noble Consort!” Su Yingxue and Lin Sisi expressed their gratitude.

Noble Consort Xiao covered her mouth and giggled.

With her wealth and Consort Xiang’s favor from the emperor, the two of them flanked the empress, leaving her looking like a clown.

Chu Xiuwen, seeing the empress being mistreated, couldn’t help but grit his teeth. “Seventh Brother, we must make those two women kneel and cry!”

Chu Chengye initially had no plans to target Su Yingxue, but seeing her confident expression, he grew irritated. “Su Yingxue, you’re the one who’s disregarding the face I’m giving you!”

“Don’t blame me later!” He thought.

The four of them rode into the forest like eagles just learning to fly.

Consort Xiang remained in Chu Mingyuan’s arms, her eyes filled with envy as she watched Su Yingxue’s figure disappear into the distance. She believed that Su Yingxue would surely win!

Sheng Ping observed from a distance near the entrance. She noticed Chu Yihan entering the forest on horseback.

In the past, he had never bothered to participate in such hunts. They were beneath him, and he saw no need to vie with his juniors.

But this time, he joined.

“Princess, how many fierce beasts do you think Your Highness can hunt?” Lian’er tried to lighten Sheng Ping’s mood.

Sheng Ping’s lips curved into a faint smile. “He’s there to protect others. He probably doesn’t care about hunting fierce beasts.”

Perhaps, his main concern was whether Su Yingxue would get hurt.

However, with his protection, it would be hard for any harm to come to her.

“Princess, please don’t feel this way. Your Highness has saved you before.” Lian’er couldn’t bear to see Sheng Ping so depressed..