The safety of this autumn hunt is jointly managed by Han Si Que and a Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard.
In the afternoon, Su Yaogeng dispatched a team of the Imperial Guard to search for Han Jing. Failing to find her, he came personally. Upon learning that Su Yaogeng went to search as well, Han Si Que hastily gathered people and followed suit.
However, Su Yaogeng was too swift for them to catch up, and they could only keep searching until they finally found her!
Su Yaogeng gave him a brief glance, ignored him, and lifted his whip to leave.
Han Si Que then turned to Han Jing, asking, "Jing’er, have you seen Prince Ling? Is he with you?"
Han Jing...
If he hadn’t asked, she would have truly forgotten about Su Xingyan.
Su Yaogeng had merely come looking for Han Jing, caring little about Su Xingyan’s fate.
"He was with me at the beginning, but we got separated near here. I believe he shouldn’t have gone too far!" In this featureless forest, Han Jing was utterly lost, so now, she genuinely had no idea where Su Xingyan was.
"Let them search slowly; let’s head back first!" Su Yaogeng was concerned about Han Jing’s health—the air was too cold, and she was already in poor health. Staying longer might worsen her condition, perhaps leading to serious illness.
Han Jing nodded and obediently followed Su Yaogeng.
Han Si Que was eager to follow, but Su Xingyan had not been found yet. Being in charge of the hunting grounds’ safety, he couldn’t disregard Su Xingyan, especially as he was a Prince.
Watching such a great opportunity slip by, without even a chance to speak to Su Yaogeng, Han Si Que’s face darkened. He instructed, "Search carefully!"
To hasten their return, Han Jing and Su Yaogeng barely exchanged words on the way. By the time they got back to the palace, it was already nearly dawn.
Aunt Qin had already ordered hot water to be prepared and ginger soup to ward off the cold.
Han Jing took a bath first. Su Yaogeng waited for her to come out, inspecting her closely to ensure she had no major injuries before allowing herself some relief.
"Eat some porridge first. I’ve sent for the Imperial Physician to come check your pulse." Su Yaogeng had someone bring up the porridge that had been kept warm.
Han Jing took the spoon and, hearing Su Yaogeng mention the Imperial Physician, shook her head quickly, "Mother, I’m fine, really, not a thing wrong with me. No need for the Imperial Physician! I haven’t slept all night; I’m really, really tired, so I’ll go sleep now! You’ve also been up all night, get some rest early!"
Then she hastily spooned the porridge into her mouth and quickly slipped away.
Su Yaogeng watched Han Jing’s retreating figure and shook her head helplessly, "This child~"
Yet, seeing her this way, she seemed to be alright. Su Yaogeng knew that Han Jing had always disliked taking medicine and hated seeing doctors, but her poor health often left no choice but to force her. She thought Han Jing had grown and matured recently, yet she was still quite childlike!
Su Yaogeng had no choice but to send the Imperial Physician, who was halfway there, back and decided to wait for Han Jing to wake up. Having run around for an entire day and night was indeed exhausting.
Meanwhile, Han Si Que found Su Xingyan and brought him back. After arrangements were made, he returned to his quarters at dawn, only to see Mrs. Qin sitting by the bedside as he opened the bedroom door.