novelaction Chapter 286 Meet
Chapter 286 Meet
Chapter 286 Meeting
Hongchang quickly asked everyone to stop politely, and then asked why they didn't continue chasing the wolves.
"Your Highness, you don't know that you've already killed the Wolf King. The rest of them won't be able to become a threat. What's most important for them now is to find a new Wolf King through medicine. This won't cost a single soldier, but the wolf pack will lose at least half of its population. By then, the so-called wolf pack will no longer be a threat to the grassland."
Just as Hongchang was exchanging pleasantries with the princess before him, there was a sudden, rapid sound of horse hooves coming from behind, like a torrential downpour. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw, amidst a cloud of dust, the guards who had been responsible for protecting Hongchang's safety finally arriving at the scene at lightning speed.
All the guards dismounted in unison, then knelt on the ground, shouting in unison: "Please forgive me, Lord Beile! We are so late in coming to your rescue and have frightened you!"
However, these loyal guards weren't to blame for this incident. Hongchang was always reasonable and wouldn't take his anger out on others. He quickly waved his hand, motioning for everyone to stand up, and said soothingly, "Forget it, this isn't your fault. If there's any blame to be placed, it's this prince's own willful behavior. I insisted on not letting you follow, and then I acted impulsively, which led to this disaster. Let's put today's incident behind us. When we return to camp, don't tell the emperor about this, lest he be frightened in the capital."
Hearing this, the guards stood up, tears of gratitude streaming down their faces, as if they had been pardoned. With this, everyone was finally gathered. Then, with a smile on his face, Hongchang politely extended a sincere invitation to the princess: "Princess, now that the crisis is over, how about we return to the camp together?"
As soon as the words fell, the princess across from her smiled and nodded in agreement. Then, her red lips parted, and she blew a clear, resounding whistle into the azure sky. Instantly, the soaring Saker Falcon, seemingly at the beckoning of its master, flapped its wings and soared high, swooping down like a flash of lightning. Its speed was so swift it was almost impossible to follow. In the blink of an eye, the mighty Saker Falcon landed firmly on the princess's outstretched arm.
Hongchang's eyes widened at the sight, his face filled with envy. The Saker Falcon is a rare and sacred bird, a supreme totem symbol for the Manchu people. Even within the heavily guarded and extravagant Forbidden City, there are only two Saker Falcons kept, and they're considerably weaker than the one before him.
Hongchang stood there, his eyes fixed on the majestic Saker Falcon before him, his gaze revealing undisguised admiration. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, what a handsome Saker Falcon! Dancing gracefully with its wide sleeves, it looks like a bird from the eastern sea."
His praise clearly delighted the princess across from her. A bright smile blossomed on her face, her once frosty expression instantly becoming charming and charming. The princess asked softly, "Does Prince like it so much? Aren't you afraid at all?"
At this moment, Hongchang was attracted by the sudden smile of this cold-faced beauty in front of him, and for a moment he was actually a little dazed. It must be said that although this princess's facial features can only be described as beautiful, when she smiled, she was like a spring flower blooming, beautiful beyond words and very touching.
After a moment, Hongchang came to his senses and quickly replied, "Why should I be so afraid? To be honest, just now, it was this brave and fearless Saker Falcon that saved my life! Without its help, I'm afraid I would never have been able to defeat that ferocious wolf king."
Hearing this, the young Mongolian princess across from her nodded slightly, a faint smile still playing on her lips, but she said nothing more. In truth, she had only just asked casually. If this distinguished prince from the capital denied it, then she would naturally be helpless. After all, she had already made plans to travel to the capital, but whether this trip could go smoothly depended on many factors.
Knowing that the other party acknowledged Hai Dongqing's life-saving grace meant that at least his plans to reach the capital would not be hindered for the time being. So, after packing up, the group set out on their return journey. Along the way, Hongchang, through clever indirection, finally discovered that the young Mongolian princess was actually E Ji'er's eldest daughter, A Geqi. She had coincidentally been hunting nearby that day, and thanks to Hai Dongqing's reminder, she had originally been preparing to return to camp at dusk but instead came to Hongchang's rescue.
Because Ageqi had saved Hongchang's life, and Ejier had always harbored the desire to curry favor with Hongchang and, by extension, the imperial family, the bonfire party that evening went exceptionally smoothly and successfully. Throughout the evening, Hongchang demonstrated a high degree of cooperation with every aspect and arrangement, never once showing the slightest hint of impatience.
Although the current situation differed somewhat from Eji'er's original plan, as he had originally preferred his younger daughter's marriage to Hongchang, both children were his own flesh and blood. Even if his eldest daughter's relationship with him was somewhat distant, if she could successfully forge a marriage with the imperial family, then Eji'er's goal as a Duoluo Beile would be fulfilled.
So, in just one afternoon, E Ji'er quickly changed his original plan and decided to replace his second daughter, who was originally intended to be betrothed, with his eldest daughter. He immediately ordered his subordinates to create as many opportunities as possible for the two to meet and communicate in the following days, so that they could have more time to understand each other and enhance their feelings.
E Jier was fully expecting that before Hongchang left this vast grassland, the young couple would fall in love with each other and get married naturally.
The next morning, the straightforward Ageqi took the initiative to find Hongchang without hesitation and told him her true thoughts without any hesitation.
After yesterday's conversation, the clever Ageqi had already realized that the Second Prince, a distinguished figure in front of her, was not only exceptionally intelligent and shrewd, but perhaps slightly inferior in scheming and strategy to others. However, this trait made Ageqi feel that Hongchang was more sincere and reliable, and she developed a favorable impression of him.
This may indeed be inextricably linked to his living environment. After all, the reigning emperor's children are all born to the Empress. Furthermore, for so many years, the emperor has been deeply devoted to the Empress, a love stronger than gold, and has tolerated no other woman interfering. Because of this, the princes and princesses have grown up in this pure and harmonious atmosphere, and their emotions are naturally pure and unadulterated.
At this moment, Ageqi opened her red lips and said, "My Lord Beile must have noticed that my father is interested in marrying into the royal family, right?" Hearing this, Hongchang smiled slightly and responded, "Princess, you can actually just call me Hongchang. Calling me Lord Beile seems a bit strange. I have to thank you for your help yesterday."
Ageqi gazed at Hongchang's sincere face, thought for a moment, and then nodded gently, agreeing: "In that case, Hongchang can call me Ageqi. We in Mongolia don't have the complicated formalities like the Central Plains. Besides, what happened yesterday was just a simple favor. If Hongchang were in my shoes, I'm sure he would help without hesitation."
Upon hearing this, Hongchang couldn't help but feel a certain admiration for the frank Ageqi before him. He smiled and nodded in agreement, then continued to answer Ageqi's earlier question: "Yes, I did notice something. At first, Doroberle hid it well, but last night he was so obvious. I'm not stupid, so I must have noticed it."
Ageqi opened her red lips and said, "Since Hongchang already knows this, I will no longer hide it and tell you directly. I really want to leave Mongolia, and now there is a perfect opportunity before me, that is, to leave with you. Please don't misunderstand me, I am not seeking to become your wife, I simply hope to find a reasonable reason to bid farewell to this vast grassland with dignity and never return in this life."
"But what's the problem? What kind of grievance have you suffered? If you need anything, Ageqi, please tell me directly. I will definitely help if I can!"
She lowered her eyes slightly, as if recalling the unpleasantness of the past, but soon raised her head and looked at Hongchang with a firm gaze, and continued, "As for whether there were any difficulties or any grievances suffered, it no longer matters. Those things are in the past, and there is no need to delve into them. However, I really don't want my future to be controlled by my father. I hope you can understand this."
Hongchang stared at Ageqi's unwavering eyes, and his heart couldn't help but move. After a moment of thought, he asked, "But I'm afraid that doing so will affect your reputation..."
Before he could finish his words, Ageqi waved her hand nonchalantly and said with a smile, "It's okay. Compared to the rest of my life, what does a little fame mean?"
Hearing this, Hongchang knew that Ageqi had made up her mind, so he stopped trying to persuade her. Instead, he nodded and said, "Well, if Ageqi needs anything in the future, don't be polite to me."
Upon hearing this, Ageqi's face blossomed with a brilliant smile again, and she said in a sweet voice, "Thank you, Lord Beile."