The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

The Emperor sneered, "A leisurely trip? I've heard that I really hope you're just having a leisurely trip and not stationing troops here."

Xiao Wan Ning's expression changed drastically: "Your Majesty, who...who is spreading these rumors? Your Majesty is utterly loyal to me, how could this be..."

The Emperor waved his hand, interrupting her explanation: "Alright, I don't want to pursue this matter for now. However, I warn you, don't do anything to betray me. Otherwise..." He gave Xiao Wan Ning a meaningful look, "You should know the consequences."

Xiao Wan Ning suppressed her fear and quickly knelt down: "Your Majesty, please understand, your younger sister has never harbored any disloyal intentions!"

The Emperor said calmly, "Rise. Go and keep an eye on the situation in the East Market, and report back to me promptly."

Xiao Wan Ning accepted the order and withdrew. After leaving the imperial study, her face instantly darkened.

Xiao Wanning gritted her teeth and muttered to herself, "Murong Xuewei, you're very good. We'll see!"

A few days later, the capital city finally returned to peace. Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye successfully quelled the riot in the East Market, winning the trust and support of the people.

Although the emperor was unwilling, he had no choice but to temporarily suspend the punishment of the two.

However, the calm before the storm is always short-lived.

One morning, Murong Xuewei was handling family affairs in her study when she suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside.

"Miss!" Liuli rushed in, "The *** mansion has sent an invitation!"

Murong Xuewei raised an eyebrow, took the invitation, opened it, and immediately frowned.

"Spring hunt?" she murmured to herself, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes.

Just then, Gu Ye pushed open the door and entered. Seeing the invitation in Murong Xuewei's hand, his expression turned serious: "*** is inviting you to the spring hunt?"

Murong Xuewei nodded and handed the invitation to Gu Ye: "Take a look."

Gu Ye quickly glanced through the text, his brow furrowed. "This is probably no good. ***'s sudden invitation to the spring hunt is definitely for a purpose."

Murong Xuewei sneered, "I think so too. However..." She paused, a resolute glint in her eyes, "I plan to go."

Gu Ye was startled: "Xue Wei, this is too dangerous! *** holds a grudge against you; this spring hunt could very well be a trap."

Murong Xuewei shook her head: "That's precisely why I need to go. If I don't go, they'll think we're guilty. Besides..." She gave Gu Ye a meaningful look, "This is also an opportunity."

Gu Ye was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright. But you must be careful. I will secretly send people to protect you."

Murong Xuewei smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

On the day of the spring hunt, Murong Xuewei got up early, dressed differently from her usual low-key attire.

Murong Xuewei specially changed into a bright red riding outfit today, which made her look like a newly blooming flower.

As dawn broke, the hunting grounds outside the capital were already bustling with activity. Young masters and ladies from various families, riding fine horses and dressed in splendid attire, gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing.

The spring hunt was not only a grand event for the royal family, but also an excellent opportunity for the powerful and wealthy to demonstrate their strength and make allies.

The sound of horses' hooves approached from afar, drawing everyone's attention. A woman dressed in red rode a snow-white steed slowly towards them, accompanied by a dashing general.

"It's Murong Xuewei and General Gu!" someone exclaimed in a low voice.

Murong Xuewei calmly reined in her horse and gracefully dismounted.

Her red dress, as fiery as fire, shone brightly in the morning light, highlighting her snow-white skin and exquisite features. For a moment, everyone present was stunned.

Gu Ye stood silently beside Murong Xuewei, a hint of admiration and complexity flashing in his eyes. He thought to himself, "Xuewei's attire today must be for a purpose."

Just then, a sharp laugh shattered the silence.

"Oh, isn't this the second young lady of the Murong family? Dressed so beautifully today, who are you trying to seduce?" Xiao Sining walked in gracefully with Wen Ruoxin, her eyes full of contempt.

Murong Xuewei smiled slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes, "Second Princess is joking. I am merely here to participate in the spring hunt, how could I dare to have any other thoughts?"

Wen Ruoxin sneered from the side, "A merchant's daughter probably can't even ride a horse, right? She's probably going to make a fool of herself by coming here today."

Upon hearing this, some people around nodded to themselves, while others wore expressions of anticipation, as if they were watching a good show.

Murong Xuewei's eyes grew even colder, but she still maintained an elegant smile on her face. "Since Miss Wen puts it this way, how about we have a competition?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Sining's eyes, then she smiled and said, "Alright, let's see who looks better then. If you lose, you'll obediently divorce General Gu, how about that?"

These words immediately caused an uproar among those around him. Gu Ye's face darkened, and he was about to speak when Murong Xuewei stopped him.

Murong Xuewei said calmly, "Second Princess, you overestimate yourself. My marriage with General Gu is not something you can simply divorce as you please. However, if Second Princess wishes to compete, I will gladly oblige."

Xiao Sining's face turned ashen from the rebuke, and she was about to retaliate when the Emperor's messenger suddenly arrived, announcing the official start of the spring hunt. Only then did everyone disperse to prepare.

Taking the opportunity, Liuli moved closer to Murong Xuewei and whispered, "Miss, when did you learn riding and archery?"

Murong Xuewei smiled gently, "I just learned it without a teacher." But in her heart, she thought of the skills she had learned in her previous life when she had to integrate into Xiao Wanning's circle in order to help Jiang Lingyun.

Not far away, Xiao Wanning was talking quietly with several ministers, but her eyes were constantly watching Murong Xuewei. She whispered to the guard beside her, "Go, make sure Murong Xuewei is humiliated today."

The guard obeyed and left, while Xiao Wan Ning revealed a sinister smile.

The competition began quickly. The first round was with dead targets. Xiao Sining smiled and said to Murong Xuewei, "Miss Murong, please."

Murong Xuewei was about to step forward when Wen Ruoxin "accidentally" bumped into her. She frowned slightly, picked up her bow and arrow, and aimed at the bullseye. However, the moment she released her grip, the bowstring suddenly loosened, and the arrow missed the bullseye.

A murmur of surprise immediately arose from the surrounding crowd.

Gu Ye frowned, sensing something amiss. He was about to speak up for Murong Xuewei when he saw the calm smile on her face and held back.

Murong Xuewei remained expressionless, merely glancing indifferently at Wen Ruoxin.

Wen Ruoxin lowered her head guiltily, but a smug smile remained on her lips.

Xiao Sining stepped forward and hit the bullseye with all three arrows, drawing cheers from the crowd.

She looked at Murong Xuewei triumphantly, as if victory was already in her grasp.

The second round is a moving target game.

Xiao Sining made the first move, hitting all ten targets and winning applause once again.

Just when everyone thought Murong Xuewei was about to lose, she suddenly took out a silk handkerchief.

"Second Princess, you don't mind if I cover my eyes, do you?" Murong Xuewei said calmly.

Xiao Sining was taken aback, then sneered, "Miss Murong can lose however she wants."

Murong Xuewei blindfolded herself, took a deep breath, and drew her bow and nocked an arrow.

Everyone present held their breath as her arrows shot out like meteors, each one hitting the bullseye.

After ten arrows were fired, the entire arena fell silent.

Murong Xuewei removed her silk handkerchief, revealing a faint smile. "You flatter me."

Xiao Sining's face was ashen, and she said through gritted teeth, "The third round will be decided by who hunts the most prey during the spring hunt!"

Murong Xuewei nodded in agreement, "The princess has the final say."

At this moment, the emperor announced that the hunting grounds were open, and everyone rode their horses into the forest.

Gu Ye rode up to Murong Xuewei's side and said in a low voice, "I had no idea that Madam's archery skills were so good. May I ask for some pointers another day?"

Murong Xuewei smiled, "General, please don't joke around. My skills are only so-so; they can only be fooled by them."

Gu Ye stopped joking and said seriously, "Xiao Wanning specially invited you here today, I'm afraid there's something fishy going on in the woods. Stay close to me and don't stray too far."

Murong Xuewei nodded, "General, rest assured, I will be careful."

Just as the two were about to enter the woods, they suddenly heard a scream.

It turned out that Xiao Sining's horse had suddenly become startled, almost throwing her off.

Murong Xuewei reacted quickly and grabbed Xiao Sining's reins.

Xiao Sining managed to stand firm, but instead of feeling grateful, she glared fiercely at Murong Xuewei.

"Don't think I'll thank you for this."

"Then please proceed, Your Highness. I will take my leave now."

Murong Xuewei loosened the reins, and the horse became restless again. Xiao Sining quickly pulled on the reins.

Just then, a commotion suddenly arose in the forest. A huge wild boar charged out and headed straight for the group.

The crowd panicked and scattered in all directions.

Murong Xuewei reacted quickly, drawing her bow and arrow and shooting at the wild boar.

However, just as the arrow was about to hit its mark, an arrow shot from an unknown source knocked it down.