Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

The onlookers felt gratified and warmed by the scene.

Lingyan's four men were very happy for her, that she had made such good friends.

The three members of the Xuan Yue Kingdom in the envoy's group were also happy for Ling Yan.

At the same time, there was also some envy and longing.

The fifth prince of Dongling was also somewhat envious.

How could royalty possibly make such good, true friends?

………………

By the afternoon, the top three finishers in this hunt had been determined.

The first place naturally belongs to Xiao Muyao.

The second place went to He Jingchuan.

As for the third place, it is Qin Qi.

Everyone was convinced.

As for Lu Yanqing...

He was not skilled in archery and horsemanship; he learned quick, accurate, and ruthless killing techniques.

Naturally, it couldn't compare to the solid foundation that the three of them had built up since childhood.

This time, Xiao Muyao and He Jingchuan were evenly matched, with neither being superior to the other.

However, since Xiao Muyao was Prince Rui, the official in charge of statistics and records naturally made Xiao Muyao the first place.

So when the evening banquet began.

When Emperor Jingzhao was about to award prizes to the top three, Xiao Muyao took the initiative to explain, saying, "Your Majesty, this time General He and I were evenly matched. I only came in first place because of my status. So I propose that we share first place this time."

Emperor Jingzhao was not angry when he heard about this. Instead, he laughed and praised, "Good! My son is so frank. I am very pleased. As you said, you and General He will be ranked first this time."

Xiao Muyao immediately replied, "Thank you, Father."

He Jingchuan also rose to express his gratitude, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

Those who witnessed this scene.

They admired and praised Prince Rui.

Some people didn't understand, while others mocked him for being foolish.

Xiao Muyao ignored them all.

If he wants to defeat He Jingchuan or anyone else, he will rely on his own strength, not on things like status.

That would be to belittle him.

He disdains and despises it.

So it's good as it is now.

The rewards for the top three finishers in this hunt are different.

The first-place winner will be awarded a peerless bow and arrow.

It was passed down from the generation before Emperor Jingzhao.

Therefore, the bow and arrows belonged to Xiao Muyao.

Xiao Muyao cherished this very much.

Actually, the second place winner should have been awarded a dagger.

However, He Jingchuan was also in first place.

Therefore, Emperor Jingzhao rewarded the emperor with a Ferghana horse.

It was very valuable and satisfied He Jingchuan.

As for Qin Qi, who was originally in third place but is now in second place.

Emperor Jingzhao rewarded him with a gleaming sword.

Qin Qi was clearly overjoyed.

It's clear that she really likes it.

After the rewards were given, the banquet that followed was a time for everyone to flatter Emperor Jingzhao, eat and drink, watch the song and dance performances, and exchange compliments and conversations with their neighbors.

It's really boring.

After eating her fill, Lingyan became drowsy.

Xiao Muyao told her to lean on him and fall asleep peacefully.

Lingyan didn't dare to be presumptuous, mainly because they were too close to Emperor Jingzhao.

Fortunately, the banquet ended after a short while.

We have to get up early to head back tomorrow, so we'll naturally leave early.

After Xiao Muyao helped Lingyan to her feet, Lingyan asked, "Have you found out?"

Xiao Muyao replied, "It was indeed Hua Rong who made it."

Ling Yan laughed upon hearing this, a laugh that was both terrifying and chilling.

Then he sneered, "Since that's the case, then we haven't wronged her. Let's go find Father."

Today, Princess Huayin mentioned Princess Huarong.

At the time, she felt that Princess Huayin must have been instigated by someone behind her back, given her intelligence.

And this person was Princess Huarong.

She felt that she must have some ulterior motive.

In order not to wrong her, she specifically asked Xiao Muyao to investigate.

It really was her.

Her purpose was not to threaten her.

Instead, she wanted Princess Huayin to offend her and anger her, so that in a fit of anger, she would arrange for Princess Huayin to be married off, thus allowing Princess Huarong to escape the situation.

Lingyan was speechless.

No, is her intelligence really that lacking? Would she completely manipulate me and make me act according to her ideas?

That's right, that's exactly what Princess Huarong thought.

It's just a pity that it didn't go as she wished.

After arriving at Emperor Jingzhao's camp.

The two were allowed to enter after being notified.

After the salute.

Emperor Jingzhao looked at the two men and asked, "What brings you here so late?"

Lingyan replied with a look of shame, "Father, please forgive your daughter-in-law for misjudging people. I never expected that the person I chose would be so useless. Please forgive me!"

Emperor Jingzhao, upon hearing this, said indifferently, "This matter is not your fault. You could not possibly know these people so well. Do not blame yourself."

Lingyan was moved to tears upon hearing this and said, "Thank you so much, Father Emperor, for your understanding of your daughter-in-law. Then I should also share your burdens. Princess Huayin is impulsive, reckless, and brainless. If such a princess were to be sent to the northern desert, she would easily cause trouble if she were instigated by others. Therefore, Princess Huayin is not suitable for a marriage alliance, as it would ruin the important affairs of both countries."

Emperor Jingzhao had actually figured it out during the day, so he had already decided to choose between the remaining two.

Now, hearing this, he asked curiously, "So what are your thoughts?"

Lingyan replied calmly, "Today, Princess Huayin mentioned Princess Huarong in her words. I immediately thought that Princess Huayin must have been used as a pawn, so I asked the prince to investigate. It turned out that the person behind the scheme was Princess Huarong."

Emperor Jingzhao was somewhat surprised upon hearing this, then his gaze sharpened slightly as he said, "Go on."

Lingyan then said with a worried expression, "So, Father, Princess Huarong is so intelligent and shrewd, she is perfect for a marriage alliance in the northern desert. The situation in the northern desert is complicated, and only someone as shrewd and intelligent as her can survive and maintain the friendly relations between the two countries! I think that with Princess Huarong's intelligence and righteousness, she will definitely share the burden for Father and the Great Zhao."

Emperor Jingzhao listened and pondered carefully.

He then said calmly, "It's late, you should all go back. I will consider this matter carefully."

Upon hearing this, Lingyan and Xiao Muyao bowed and said, "Daughter-in-law/Your subject take their leave."

After leaving Emperor Jingzhao's tent, on their way back, Xiao Muyao said with a smile, "Judging from Father's expression, this matter is almost certain."

Lingyan nodded and smiled with delight and satisfaction, saying, "Of course! How could Father Emperor not agree to Princess Huarong's scheming nature? Humph! She dared to provoke me and scheme against me, so I will repay her a hundredfold or a thousandfold!"

Xiao Muyao nodded and smiled indulgently, "It's good that you've vented your anger."

Lingyan laughed and said, "Of course she got her revenge. What good outcome could she possibly have if she went to the Northern Desert?"

Therefore, Princess Huarong's cleverness backfired.

If she hadn't provoked Lingyan, she might not have been the one to go for the marriage alliance.

But since she offended Ling Yan, it's definitely her.

I wonder if she'll regret it.