The daughter of the first wife grew up in the countryside and was extremely powerful

Gu Fanchu was stunned when he heard this, and then his eyes suddenly lit up with surprise. He jumped up from his seat as if he was ignited, and responded eagerly:

"Can we really go? Is it about to start? Then I have to go change my clothes quickly!"

As she spoke, her eyes looked eagerly at her grandmother and aunt sitting beside her, her eyes full of expectation and longing.

The old lady was slightly startled at first, then shook her head helplessly, with a hint of pampering and indulgence on her face.

He looked at Wang who was about to speak up to stop her and chuckled, then turned to the old lady and advised:

"Never mind, never mind. This child rarely goes out on weekdays. In that case, let her go and let her have fun to her heart's content."

Now it seems that Shi Jinyan does not seem to have much aversion to Gu Fanchu's lively and cheerful personality.

Moreover, there are many young ladies from famous and noble families in the capital. All of those ladies are well-educated, gentle and dignified ladies, and many of them admire Shi Jinyan.

However, over the years, Shi Jinyan has always been rude to these noble ladies and has always maintained a cold face. There has never been any news that he has a preference for any woman.

Who would have thought that this marriage would fall on Chu'er.

When Gu Fanchu heard that her grandmother had spoken, an ecstatic smile instantly broke out on her face. She respectfully bowed to the elders present, and then went to the next room under the guidance of the palace maid.

Bai Li, who was standing next to her, hurried forward to take the tray from the maid's hand, and followed her to the next room with her young lady to help her change clothes.

After Gu Fanchu changed into light clothes, he couldn't wait to rush to the hunting ground.

At this time, His Majesty was sitting in an exquisite pavilion, watching with great interest the scene of many young men outside competing in archery and having fun.

Suddenly, a loud trumpet sounded through the sky. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw that His Majesty had already taken out today's prize.

Everyone was curious about what the prize would be.

Two strong eunuchs were seen slowly lifting an enormous tray, and the attention of everyone present was attracted.

Because the tray is covered with a bright red cloth, it is difficult to see what is hidden inside.

At this moment, the eunuch who had been standing beside His Majesty, noticing that everyone's attention was focused on him, deliberately cleared his throat and shouted in his characteristic shrill voice:

"The prize your majesty has set this time is a magnificent, priceless coral glass cup! Whoever hunts the most prey will possess the cup!"

Everyone suddenly burst into an uproar, and their eyes were drawn to the coral glass cup.

Its entire body was sparkling with radiant light, attracting everyone's attention like a rare treasure.

There is no doubt that this item must be worth a lot of money, but perhaps what is more important is not its price itself, but the fact that it can gain the favor and praise of the current emperor. This honor is priceless.

For a moment, the children of various noble families present could not contain their excitement, and they were all rubbing their hands, eager to try.

They secretly wondered how to stand out in this hunting activity and win this supreme honor.

The emperor, sitting high on the throne, looked at these energetic young men with a smile on his face, and his heart was filled with joy.

He couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh loudly twice, then said:

"As the saying goes, 'Women are just as capable as men.' Today's hunting event isn't limited to men. Ladies from noble families, there's no need to be restrained; you too have the opportunity to seize this rare prize!"

The queen on the side hurriedly stopped him and said:

"Your Majesty, the girls in our capital are all from prominent families! They usually learn the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. As for skills like archery and horseback riding, I'm afraid they are not good at them."

The Queen is the eldest daughter of the Xue family. She has received the most strict and orthodox education for aristocratic women since she was a child. She has always strictly followed the moral standards of women. Naturally, it is difficult for her to agree with and support a woman engaging in such somewhat rude activities.

The emperor waved his hand nonchalantly after hearing this. He frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure showing on his face, and said:

"Empress, you are truly too pedantic! In a few days, the princess from the northern frontier will come to visit our court. I heard that this princess is extraordinary. She is proficient in all eighteen martial arts, especially archery and horseback riding, which are outstanding and enviable.

In comparison, the women in our capital should also cultivate some unique talents."

At this time, Concubine Xi, who was sitting beside her, nodded slightly and responded tenderly:

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. If that princess from the northern frontier were to challenge us in a duel, and no one on our side were brave enough to stand up and accept the challenge, we would surely become a laughing stock."

The Queen's eyes, as cold as a cold pond and full of resentment, were like sharp arrows, shooting fiercely at Concubine Xi on the other side.

She pursed her lips tightly, unwilling to admit defeat, so she straightened her back, held her head high and said:

"Our royal family certainly has brave and fearless men who are skilled in fighting! They will definitely not bring shame to our dynasty!"

However, Concubine Xi just smiled faintly, with the corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing a barely perceptible contempt.

She gently raised her jade hand, adjusted her hair, and responded slowly:

"Sister, you're wrong. The princess is a daughter of a royal family, of unparalleled status. If we rashly send our men to compete with her, wouldn't it make our men appear overly aggressive and unmannerly?

Besides, a contest between women reveals elegance and wisdom. This way, we can avoid giving others a chance to criticize us while also showcasing the elegance of our women."

At this time, the emperor, who had been silent all the time, finally spoke.

He just nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Concubine Xi's words.

"My beloved concubine is absolutely right."

His deep and sharp eyes looked at Concubine Xi with admiration, and he thought to himself:

This Imperial Concubine Xi is not only outstanding in appearance and talent, but even her remarks are so appropriate, which is really pleasing.

However, when the emperor thought about the powerful General's Mansion behind her that might pose a threat to his throne, his brows furrowed slightly, but he quickly returned to normal.

The queen watched the emperor looking at Concubine Xi with a satisfied smile on his face, and a raging anger suddenly ignited in her heart.

She was so angry that her whole body was shaking. Her hands were clenched into fists, and her nails dug deep into her palms, causing a sharp pain.