Chapter 560 Autumn Hunting (1)_1
The weather after autumn was no longer as scorching as in the summer, and the midday sun was the only time when things still got fiery. The traveling party found a temporary resting place in a small grove, conveniently located near a stream, which allowed those noble ladies who loved cleanliness to get off their wagons to wash their faces, and perhaps, take a walk along the river to relieve the fatigue of the long journey.
The yellow carriage of the Crown Prince stopped under a big tree, and a breeze lifted the gauze curtains on the carriage window, revealing a faint glimpse of a gaunt figure resting with closed eyes against the carriage wall.
Despite the spacious and comfortably furnished carriage, the journey had been anything but smooth due to the rough roads, which, though bearable for ordinary people, were extremely torturous for the frail Chu Heng.
At that moment, Chu Heng’s complexion was terrible, a sickly bluish-black that seemed to have worsened; if it hadn’t been for a drink of Spirit Spring Water and the ginseng slices he’d taken, he likely would have already collapsed inside the carriage.
Xiao Ruiyuan sat under the big tree, gnawing on some dry food with cold water while keeping an eye on Chu Heng’s movements, his gaze filled with profound concern.
A group approached from not far away, led by two individuals with striking appearances and extraordinary dispositions: King Heng, who was third among the princes and deeply favored by the Emperor, and Prince Qi, who was seventh in line and had just had a grand marriage consecrated not long ago. Following them were several younger Princes who were still minors and lived in the palace.
Xiao Ruiyuan’s sharp eyes narrowed as he swallowed the last bite of his food and slowly stood up. When King Heng and Prince Qi came closer, he bowed slightly and saluted with a fist in hand, "I’ve seen Prince Heng, Prince Qi!"