"Yes!"

Several people now serve the Crown Prince, naturally obeying the orders of the much older Han King.

There was no delay at all.

Han King mounted his horse and headed to the left with his men.

The remaining Prince Pei, Lin Zong, Jiang Shouyuan, and Feng Xun then headed down the central and right paths, parting ways.

As the horse hooves kicked up dust and left, peace returned.

The figure hiding in the shadows gradually retreated.

Everything seemed as if it had never happened.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, still chasing the red fox, remained completely unaware.

Someone had already laid a trap with the intent to end his life here.

Man and horse, chasing the fox through the forest, did not stop.

Lin Ying, worried for the Crown Prince’s safety, closely followed.

Not leaving his side.

Seeing the fox falter after being pursued for so long.

The Crown Prince spurred his horse into a gallop, reaching out to grab it with his bare hands.

Such a spirited animal, he didn’t want to kill it with an arrow.

He thought it would be good to keep and raise it for a while.

But just as he reached out, he suddenly heard Lin Ying shout. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Watch out!"

Then, he felt a sudden rush of fierce wind beside him.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince, relying on his agility, dodged aside.

With a backward leap, he retreated to Lin Ying’s side.

Lin Ying anxiously asked.

"Are you alright, Your Highness?"

The Crown Prince shook his head, but his expression was no longer as excited as before.

A flash of murderous intent passed through his eyes.

He immediately snorted coldly and said.

"Hmph, it seems someone cannot bear to see me secure in my position as Crown Prince and wants to use the autumn hunt as an excuse to deal with me thoroughly."

He said this while looking toward a certain spot ahead.

When Lin Ying saw what had approached, he couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

They saw a black bear glaring viciously at them.

You couldn’t expect it to be anything other than very displeased with their sudden intrusion.

There was a honey jar at its feet.

Already devoured to bits.

The site of the autumn hunt had been carefully inspected; how could there possibly be a black bear?

Clearly, someone had deliberately lured it here.

Lin Ying suddenly thought of the red fox earlier.

And believed it was a pre-set trap.

The bear roared angrily, obviously provoked.

The Crown Prince saw an inexplicable crimson in its eyes.

Looking at the honey jar by the bear’s feet, he said to Lin Ying.

"Something must have been added to the honey jar, be careful, it’s not easy to deal with!"

At this moment, the Crown Prince in his yellow everyday attire looked like a walking honey jar to the bear.

Seeing him made the bear very excited.

Standing up, it made the tree trunks nearby appear much thinner.

These trees in the forest had been growing for many years.

The contrast with the bear was striking.

Lin Ying watched intently.

Afraid that the slightest lapse in attention would put the Crown Prince in peril.

He gripped his soft whip tightly.

Then spoke softly.

"Crown Prince, with Feng Xun’s (Ferghana Horse) speed, this bear might not be able to catch up. You should mount and ride outside first, then return with reinforcements to rescue me quickly."

"Lin Ying, do you think I am someone who flees? Moreover, how do you know Feng Xun can definitely get out? Didn’t you see it’s already trembling with fear?"

What?

Is the Ferghana Horse so weak?

He was surprised by the Crown Prince’s words and immediately turned to look.

Seeing Feng Xun tense but not to the point of weak legs.

He then realized the red bullet had been fired by someone.

Immediately, a sound came from the sky.

A loud "bang" made everyone’s attention turn skyward.

"That’s elder brother’s red bullet! Quickly! The Crown Prince is in danger!"

Lin Zong, who was originally heading down the central path, turned out to be closest to where the Crown Prince and Lin Ying were in danger.

So when he saw the red bullet, he immediately fired his own.

Successive red bullets soared into the sky, instantly alarming everyone in and out of the forest.

Han King and others rushed toward the source of the red bullets without stopping.

And everyone on the viewing platform became chaotic as well.

Lin Wanyi, who had been joking with Hua Ling and others, was startled by the sudden sound.

Next came the Emperor’s suddenly darkened face.

In an instant, her heart leapt to her throat.

In the forest were her children and nephews.

No matter who met with an accident, she could not accept it.

Anxious, she stood up.

But unexpectedly, she suddenly felt unwell.

If the Emperor had not supported her in time, she might have fainted on the spot.

"Don’t be afraid, I am here, and I will make sure the Crown Prince and the others return safely."

Tears instantly welled up in Lin Wanyi’s eyes.

But she knew that crying was useless at this moment, so she quickly held back her tears.

Then she said to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, don’t worry about me, I can manage."

The Emperor, hearing this, felt a pang of concern in his eyes, but maintained a stern face as he spoke in a deep voice.

"Lin Xingzhi."

"At Your Majesty’s service!"

"Order the Imperial Guard to seal off this autumn hunting ground, do not let a single suspect escape, and furthermore, accompany me personally into the forest and ensure the safety of the Crown Prince and others!"

"Yes!"

The Crown Prince is the future of Da Wei.

If anything happened to him, it would not only be a matter of grief between father and son.

It would also concern the people of the entire nation.

In an instant, everyone became tense and fearful.

But it was unthinkable for the Emperor to risk his own safety to save the Crown Prince and others.

It’s enough trouble having the Crown Prince already in danger; they couldn’t afford to risk the Emperor too.

Furthermore, this was an Emperor in his prime.

Thus, even if all ministers deemed the Crown Prince’s ascension inevitable.

For now, with the Emperor, Da Wei remained stable.

This was indisputable.

Hence, all the ministers tried to dissuade him.

Even the Zeng family father and son did the same.

"The Crown Prince is important, but the sovereign is even more so. While we understand Your Majesty’s love for your son, you must not endanger yourself. Otherwise, what would become of Da Wei?"

"Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"

Seeing this, Lin Xingzhi immediately stepped forward and said respectfully.

"Your Majesty, I assure you I will safely return with the Crown Prince and others. Please stay here."

Once the Emperor had made a decision, he wouldn’t change it.

But now, he faced a choice between his sons and the governance of the nation.

He had to consider this more carefully.

It was then that Lin Muzhi and Dong Keli stepped forward and immediately said to the Emperor.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, we are willing to accompany General Lin to the rescue."

Lin Muzhi might have been somewhat frail, but Dong Keli, now part of the Ministry of War, was capable both in literature and martial arts, very formidable.

Thus, with one look, the Emperor immediately spoke.

"Rally the troops and set out at once."

"Yes!"

Then the three mounted their horses, took plenty of men, and charged into the forest.