2289 Don't Go Then!

Noble Consort Duan walked up to her son with a helpless expression, and raised her sleeve to brush away the fine snow clinging to the hair at his temples. She exhorted tenderly, "Son, there's nothing for you to do staying inside the palace all the time. If you go out and walk around, you might encounter something interesting."

Duan Yue's icy gaze only then softened as he looked down at his mother. He nodded reluctantly, "Then I won't compete with them."

"Fine, fine, fine. Whatever you want."

Beside them was the empress, who was wearing red formal attire that was inlaid with black. Her eyes flashed, and she chuckled while covering her face. "Your Majesty, look. The fourth prince has already given his word. No matter what, you should select some young elites to compete against the fourth prince once we reach the icebound snow territory.

"The crown prince's body has become weak again recently. Otherwise, he would be able to compete against his younger brother on the hunt."

The second prince and third prince were silently standing behind the crown prince, Rong Li. Their eyelids jerked.

Please!

Old Fourth had a Seven-Tailed Heavenly Fox with him. Who wanted to compete against him!

Anyone who did would definitely despair from the shock!

They would be bloody unfortunate to have to do so.

The Ultramarine Province Emperor contemplated for a moment and turned to his second and third sons, who were hanging their heads. "Old Second, Old Third!"

"Ah, Imperial Father? Th-this son's wai-waist has been hurting during this period of time!" The second prince stammered hastily.

"Th-this son's leg problem has recurred, Imperial Father."

The Ultramarine Province Emperor got angered to laughter by his two cowardly sons. "One has a waist problem and the other a leg problem! Then just stay in Phoenix Imperial City and don't go on the hunt!!"

The second prince and third prince looked at each other in dismay.

F*ck, how could they not go?

The list of people going on the winter hunt every time represented Imperial Father's favor!

Which of the people going on the winter hunt with the emperor was not a young noble, royal, or aristocrat the latter thought highly of?

"Rong Qing."

"This humble official is present." Vassal Prince Qing, who got called by name, jumped off his horse and greeted the emperor with a bow.

"Do you have the confidence to compete with Our son?"

"This humble official dares not refuse Your Majesty's order."

The emperor's mood turned better when he looked at his outstanding nephew, and he laughed heartily. "Ah-Yue, you will have a competitor once we get to the icebound snow territory! Ah-Qing's hunting skills with definitely be an eye-opener for you!"

Duan Yue glanced leisurely at Vassal Prince Rong, who was standing quietly with a solemn countenance. He lifted the curtain to his carriage and hopped inside. "Let's set out."

The emperor looked helplessly at his son's carriage and announced while raising his hand, "We're setting out."

"Oh my, His Majesty seems to really be doting on the fourth prince."

"Nonsense, that is the glory of the Rong Clan, the only one who inherited the demon emperor's bloodline in more than a thousand years!"

"Speaking of which, will your cultivation advance by leaps and bounds with this demon emperor's inheritance?"

"I wonder what cultivation this Fourth Highness has reached now…"

"You had better not ask, otherwise you're just asking to suffer a shock!"

"Previously, even though the learned and graceful crown prince couldn't match up to the Qing Vassal Prince, who excelled in both academic and martials arts, he was still a fine young sir. Now though, his limelight has completely been overshadowed by his fourth brother…"

"Eldest Brother, don't listen to those gossiping fools!" The second prince furrowed his brows as he swept his gaze toward the back.

Because there were so many people, he could not make out who was talking. Only bits and pieces were drifting into their ears.