Chapter 227

You’re Expendable (1)

“–Thank you Your Majesty!”

Despite Mo Linyuan’s celebratory toast, everyone still couldn’t fully loosen up. After picking up a glass of wine, they’d force a few jokes, but then immediately go silent.

Since the death of the Zhou’s family heir, the murderer still hasn’t been found. And yet, a large hunting banquet was being held. The hundreds of officials just couldn’t laugh and celebrate with the Head of the Zhou family present.

As expected, only after a few cups of wine, the Head of the Zhou family suddenly sighed, “If only my son, Yong’er was still here… he was especially great at hunting at night. If only he was still alive, it wouldn’t be so dull tonight.”

His words left the dinner banquet in utter silence. Only the occasional crackling of the bonfire could be heard.

Mo Linyuan chuckled faintly, “If my dear minister wants to make a suggestion, just be frank and say it.”

Chief Zhou stood up quickly and anxiously answered, “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. This old official is simply expressing his mixed feelings of pain in this situation.”

He paused before continuing, “Since we are already here, rather than simply drinking and lazing around, why don’t we host a night hunting event? That way we can test our skills before tomorrow.”

Mo Linyuan went silent for a while, before replying cautiously, “Going night hunting is unwise. We wouldn’t be able to see the road in front of us, let alone catch any animals.”

Chief Zhou was being unusually pushy, “But being able to shoot in broad daylight isn’t much of a challenge. Night hunting is the true test of one’s ability.”

“Sounds amusing.” Mo Linyuan said unexpectedly.

“Your Majesty!” Prime Minister Wen tried protesting, but Mo Linyuan waved his hand in dismissal.

“Let’s do it like that then. Before the hunt tomorrow, let’s test everyone’s skills tonight beforehand! Only those who successfully hunt tonight can enjoy the bonfire banquet! This is my final decision.”

The emperor had made up his mind. No one dared to disobey and began preparing their horses. Notably, everyone glanced at Chief Zhou, his meaningful eyes subtly hinted that something will definitely happen tonight! One could only hope that the innocent fishes in the pond were left unharmed.

Minister Shu walked up to Chief Zhou and muttered, “What are you trying to do? It’s pitch black out and we can’t even see the shadows of any animals. How are we supposed to hunt like this?”

Chief Zhou lifted his head. His slightly round face held a pair of dark and sinister eyes.

Chief Zhou replied, “Hunting blind is the best way to hunt. That way, it wouldn’t be surprising if a few people got injured or killed during this event, am I right?”

What’s more, within the forest tonight, it was uncertain exactly how many others were hiding, ready to ambush. Rather than working under the bright revealing sun, nighttime was better for a surprise attack on the battle front.

Mo Linyuan got up and called to Ye Mu, “Let’s go!”

Overhearing this, Prime Minister Wen promptly shouted, “Night hunting is dangerous! Your Majesty should stay near the campsite and rest!”

Mo Linyuan looked at him and gave a half-hearted reply, “Since all of you are going out, the campsite is half empty. Wouldn’t it be safer to stay in the woods?”

Minister Wen responded with a blank stare and didn’t say anything.

Mo Linyuan snorted before taking Ye Mu away with him. He never really treated Wen Ze (the Prime Minister) politely. Mo Linyuan would often give Wen Ze mixed signals, sometimes acting awkwardly towards him, other times trusting him, but also giving off hints of not wanting to see him. Because of this, the Prime Minister was convinced that Mo Linyuan potentially knew of his origins of possibly being his (Mo Linyuan’s) father.

Mo Linyuan undoubtedly had a talent for toying with the human heart.

Ye Mu also felt that the enemy had been prepared for this. The two of them shouldn’t stay in one place and get beaten without a fight. Besides, not enough of the imperial army came along and the forest is way too big. Who knew exactly how many people were in there hiding?

As a result, Mo Linyuan only brought Ye Mu and a few other close comrades, allowing for them to easily disappear into the forest. Prime Minister Wen originally wanted to follow them, but Mo Linyuan was too fast; he immediately blended into the darkness.