The procession resembled a giant, winding python, swaying and slowly making its way along the meandering road.

The wheels rolled on, making a deep, rhythmic sound, like the heavy heartbeat of the earth; the horses' hooves clattered, crisp and powerful, like the stirring beat of drums.

The dust that rose up, under the sunlight, resembled a layer of golden gauze, casting a dreamlike yet solemn hue over the entire procession.

As time slowly passed, the group finally stepped into the vast and boundless territory of the Royal Hunting Grounds.

This royal hunting ground is like a dazzling pearl on the earth, inlaid between mountains and rivers.

The surrounding green mountains stretch endlessly, like a giant emerald dragon coiled and guarding the area. The trees on the mountains are lush and verdant, with layers upon layers of branches and leaves intertwined.

It resembled a vast, boundless green ocean, rippling gently in the breeze.

Within the hunting grounds, birds and beasts roam freely, creating a vibrant and lively scene.

Lively birds sing merrily on the branches, their melodious songs like a symphony of nature.

The agile hare leaps through the grass, its movements light and graceful, like a lively musical note.

The robust elk forage in the forest with a leisurely demeanor, just like the guardians of this forest.

All of this adds boundless vitality and a mysterious atmosphere to this land, making people feel as if they are in a paradise.

Following the carefully planned arrangements, everyone found their suitable spots in an orderly manner and then settled down.

The officials of the Ministry of Rites were dressed in magnificent and solemn court robes, embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns and auspicious animal designs, which shone brightly in the sunlight.

They were solemn and elegant, like a group of well-trained dancers who arranged everything perfectly and flawlessly according to a set procedure.

From the meticulous arrangement of the venue to the careful scheduling of personnel, from the detailed explanation of the hunting rules to the strict implementation of safety measures.

They handled every detail meticulously, leaving no room for error.

Every movement and every word they uttered exuded royal majesty and solemnity, as if they were presenting the world with an unparalleled feast.

With all preparations complete, the hunt officially began, a process brimming with passion and challenges.

On the first day, Qin Qianluo enthusiastically followed the group for a stroll.

She rode on a brightly colored, strong and powerful horse, which was like a burning flame, its mane flowing in the wind, its hooves running lightly.

Qin Qianluo's figure was light and graceful, like a delicate flower swaying in the breeze, or a butterfly dancing in the air.

She wore an elegant hunting hat, and her bright eyes, visible beneath the brim, sparkled with a lively light as she kept a close watch on her surroundings.

Her eyesight was as sharp as an eagle's; no slightest sound could escape her ears.

She was agile and skilled at riding horses, as if she were one with the steed. The reins seemed to come alive in her hands, directing the horse's movements according to her will.

Soon, she managed to catch several plump pheasants using her own skills.

The pheasants had brightly colored feathers that shimmered with a captivating luster in the sunlight, like works of art meticulously sculpted by nature.

They were easily captured by Qin Qianluo and became her spoils of war today. They flapped their wings on horseback, seemingly still struggling for their fate.

However, the novelty of the hunt was fleeting, like morning dew that quickly vanished under the sun.

After that, Qin Qianluo didn't go out with them anymore. Although during the spring hunt, everyone basically followed the tradition of eating whatever they caught.

To experience the primal joy and natural atmosphere of hunting.

Every time they caught prey, they would light a campfire and roast the prey over it.

The sizzling, oily grilled meat emitted an enticing aroma that filled the air, making one's mouth water.

But Qin Qianluo has an advantage that others don't have—she possesses a spatial ability.

That space was like an inexhaustible treasure trove, filled with all sorts of delicious food.

Whether it's delicate pastries, whose smooth texture seems to dance on the tip of the tongue, or savory meats, stewed to perfection, melting in your mouth.

Or perhaps it's sweet fruit, juicy and full of flavor; one bite and you can almost taste the sunshine—it has everything.

Even if she doesn't participate in the hunt for a day, she doesn't have to worry about going hungry at all.

Moreover, Su Jinyun and Qin Jiyuan would still go hunting with them every day.

With the two of them present, even if Qin Qianluo didn't go, everything could be handled smoothly without revealing any flaws.

Su Jinyun is steady and composed, and Qin Jiyuan is highly skilled in martial arts. They will surely perform well in the hunt and bring enough prey for everyone.

So she felt perfectly justified in enjoying her leisurely time at the camp.

Or lie on the soft, carpet-like grass, gazing up at the azure sky like a jewel, watching the snow-white clouds change shape, letting your thoughts drift.

They might play and laugh with Feng Qingyun, chattering witty remarks, adding a joyful atmosphere to the tranquil camp, leisurely and carefree, as if they were outside the mortal world.

The spring hunt is quietly coming to an end, and the sunlight over the hunting grounds seems to have taken on a tinge of weariness, no longer as scorching and dazzling as before, but rather carrying a touch of gentleness and languor.

The campsite was filled with a relaxed atmosphere of anticipation for the upcoming return journey.

Everyone was immersed in the joy of the royal event coming to a successful close, enjoying this rare moment of peace and tranquility.

Inside the hunting camp, the soldiers packed their gear in an orderly fashion, occasionally letting out lighthearted laughter, as if they were reminiscing about the various amusing incidents during the spring hunt.

The firewood in the campfire was still crackling and burning, and the sparks that flew up were like shooting stars that flashed across the night sky for a short time before disappearing into the air.

The burning flames reflected on people's faces, casting warm and vibrant light and shadow.

In this peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, a sudden burst of rapid and dense hoofbeats came from afar, like the beating of war drums, breaking the original calm.

A fast horse, like a wild horse, galloped toward the royal hunting grounds.

The horse's mane flew wildly in the wind, its hooves thrashed about, dust billowed, and a long yellow dragon rose behind it as it rolled forward.

The messenger on horseback was dressed in specially made urgent uniforms, his expression hurried and solemn, clutching an urgent letter tightly in his hand as if it were a matter of life and death.

He galloped on his horse without daring to stop for a moment, heading straight for the emperor's tent.

At this moment, the Emperor was sitting in his tent, surrounded by several important officials, discussing matters related to the conclusion of the spring hunt.

The atmosphere inside the tent was harmonious, with the sounds of conversation mingling together and occasional bursts of hearty laughter.

However, the messenger's sudden intrusion shattered this harmony.

The messenger knelt on one knee, his voice loud yet tinged with tension and urgency: "Your Majesty, an urgent secret letter!"

The emperor's relaxed expression faltered slightly, a hint of alarm flashed in his eyes, and a strong sense of foreboding welled up in his heart.

He quickly reached out and took the letter from the messenger, eagerly unfolding it and scanning the paper with lightning speed.

As the emperor read on, his expression grew increasingly grave, like the sky before a storm, overcast with dark clouds.

His once bright eyes now seemed shrouded in a thick haze, a deep and heavy worry flashing within them.

His gaze seemed to be instantly drawn into an endless vortex of darkness, filled with indescribable worry and heaviness, as if it carried the fate of the entire nation.

After reading the letter, he slowly raised his eyes, as if he had used up all his strength.

His gaze pierced through layers of tents and bustling crowds, as if penetrating through layers of mist, and fixedly looked in the direction where Qin Qianluo was.

That gaze seemed to contain a thousand words, worries, contemplation, and even more complex emotions that were difficult to express.

At that moment, it was as if the whole world was only focused on Qin Qianluo's direction, as if she was inextricably linked to this sudden change.

The Empress sat quietly beside the Emperor, her bright, watery eyes constantly watching his every move.

Upon seeing the Emperor's sudden and drastic change, the Empress's heart clenched, as if struck by a sharp icy arrow.

An unprecedented sense of unease surged into my heart like a tidal wave, and my heart skipped a beat.

She knew that something that could move the emperor so deeply must be a major event concerning the fate of the nation, and certainly not an ordinary trivial matter.

The Queen took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, but her trembling fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of her dress, betraying her inner tension.

Then, she leaned slightly closer to the Emperor, a gentle and concerned smile quickly appearing on her face.

That smile was like the gentlest breeze in spring, trying to lightly dispel the gloom that had settled in the emperor's heart.

In her gentle, melodious voice, like a babbling brook, and with a hint of caution, she asked softly, "Your Majesty, what has happened?"

Although her voice was soft, it could not hide her deep worry and concern, as if these few words carried her endless concern for the emperor and the fate of the country.

As soon as Xiao Wanxi finished speaking, a chilling cold, like the biting wind of the dead of winter, suddenly surged from the deepest part of her heart.

With lightning speed, it spread to her entire body in an instant.

In that instant, she felt as if she were in an ice cellar, every inch of her skin frozen by the sudden tension and fear.

Her gaze was fixed on the Emperor's eyes, her eyes filled with panic and confusion, like a lone boat lost in the dark night.

In this deep, abyss-like ocean of eyes, I desperately searched for even the slightest glimmer of hope that could calm me down.

She struggled to suppress the overwhelming fear within her, trying to ignore the strong smell of blood emanating from the letter that had been delivered by fast horse.

The pungent smell, like a sharp steel knife, mercilessly pierced through layers of air, drilling straight into her nasal cavity, causing her stomach to churn and making her feel nauseous.

One corner of the letter was already mottled beyond recognition, and dried bloodstains had congealed into dark scabs.

Like the hideous claw marks of a demon, or the silent witness to a tragic massacre, they seem to be telling the world about that inhuman hell on earth.

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