latelenovela Chapter 264 Taking the Crown Prince into the Mountains
Chapter 264 Taking the Crown Prince into the Mountains
Chapter 264 Taking the Crown Prince into the Mountains
The next morning, golden sunlight shone through the clouds, scattering across the earth like scattered gold, bathing the whole world in a warm and bright light.
Su Nuannuan got up early, changed into a short-sleeved outfit, and after washing up, went to the dining hall for breakfast.
After having breakfast, she led her three children, who were also dressed in short clothes, each carrying a bow and arrow, dry food, a water bottle, and a bamboo basket full of various items, and set off towards the mountain with great enthusiasm.
Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Su Nuannuan stopped, turned to face the three children, and earnestly yet gently instructed them, "Once we're in the mountain, you absolutely mustn't run around. If anyone wants to go off on their own, you must tell me first, understand?"
"Mother (Teacher), we understand," the three children replied in unison.
Then, Su Nuannuan turned to look at the Crown Prince's attendants standing to the side—Commander Zhang and Deputy Commander Li—and solemnly instructed them, "Commander Zhang, Deputy Commander Li, I entrust the security of the outer perimeter to you two. Make sure everyone is safe and sound."
Upon hearing this, Commander Zhang immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute to Su Nuannuan, and said loudly, "Your Highness, please rest assured, this humble servant will do his utmost to protect everyone's safety."
Hearing this, Su Nuannuan nodded in satisfaction, then waved her arm forward and shouted, "Alright, let's go up the mountain now!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Cang Lan Jingcheng excitedly slung his bow and arrows over his shoulder and rushed out like a wild horse, shouting, "Let's go up the mountain! Those cute wild rabbits and plump pheasants, here I come!" However, he had only run a few steps when Ting Xue, quick-witted and agile, pulled him back.
"Young Prince, you mustn't run around!" Tingxue said sternly, her voice so cold it seemed to freeze the surrounding air.
Cang Lan Jingcheng's previously cheerful and lively figure suddenly stopped, as if he had been frozen in place, and immediately became obedient. He drooped his head and replied weakly, "I know, Master Tingxue..." His once energetic face instantly became listless, and he wilted like a frostbitten eggplant.
Speaking of the siblings Canglan Jingcheng and Canglan Jingyao, since they wanted to learn martial arts from Tingxue, Su Nuannuan made a decisive decision to let them formally become Tingxue's disciples. From then on, the golden couple began to respectfully address Tingxue as "Master Tingxue".
At this moment, Canglan Jingyao was obediently following beside Muge, her clear and melodious laughter ringing out from time to time. She blinked her bright eyes, watching her brother who had been caught by Master Tingxue with great interest, looking incredibly adorable.
On the other side, the incomparably noble Crown Prince Canglan Jingyun was accompanied by Yaoqin and Zhixiang.
Even the ever-cautious Granny Song accompanied them on this trip up the mountain. She was still shaken by what had happened last time and feared another unexpected situation. After all, if they found something they shouldn't have, she could react promptly and make proper arrangements, avoiding the chaos of the last time.
Unfortunately, Granny Song is quite old, and her health is not as robust as it used to be. If it weren't for her remaining martial arts skills, the arduous journey would have been too much for her. For this trip up the mountain, she specifically selected eight of her ten bodyguards to accompany her, leaving two behind at the manor as a precaution.
These eight well-trained and highly skilled bodyguards were assigned to each of the four masters, with two assigned to each of them, who provided comprehensive protection from the shadows.
Meanwhile, Su Nuannuan's two personal guards, Tingfeng and Tingyu, had been secretly assigned by her to protect His Highness the Crown Prince.
It must be understood that among this group, the Crown Prince's safety is of paramount importance. No matter what happens, he absolutely cannot allow any mishap. Otherwise, not only would Su Nuannuan herself be in danger, but the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion and the Ding'an Marquis's Mansion, which she relies on, would likely face unbearable consequences.
However, despite knowing the potential dangers of the trip, Su Nuannuan was someone who didn't want to overly restrict the children's natural instincts. Therefore, as long as thorough preparations were made to ensure safety, she still hoped the children could freely do what they loved. After all, every child only has one precious childhood, and if excessive restrictions lead to regrets, it might take a long time to make up for the lost joy.
At least when they grow old and look back on their past, a joyful and carefree innocent childhood will remain deep in their memories.
After walking in the mountains for a while, the lively and energetic Canglan Jingcheng finally couldn't contain his excitement. Carrying his delicate little bow and arrows on his back, he skipped over to Su Nuannuan with the lightness of a deer. Then, raising his innocent little face, he looked up at her expectantly and said, "Mother, I really want to take my brother, the Crown Prince, hunting with me?"
"Okay, go ahead! But remember, you must not go deep into the mountains, and follow the arrangements of your Master Tingxue and Aunt Yaoqin." Su Nuannuan gently instructed her son.
"Don't worry, Mother, I will definitely be obedient and will never cause trouble." Cang Lan Jingcheng straightened his chest and solemnly assured his mother.
"Jingyun, you have a rare opportunity to explore the mountains, so let Cheng'er accompany you for a walk and some hunting to relax. Just remember not to go too far, and be sure to listen to Xue and Yaoqin. Also, don't use your status to boss them around in these mountains, understand?" Su Nuannuan turned to Canglan Jingyun, who was standing to the side, and gently instructed him.
"Teacher, please rest assured, Jingyun is well aware of the implications and will certainly not run around recklessly. Moreover, Jingyun will take good care of Fifth Brother and ensure he is not harmed in the slightest." Canglan Jingyun bowed respectfully to Su Nuannuan and answered earnestly.
"Tingxue, Yaoqin, you must protect the safety of the two young princes. If they encounter any danger, remember to send out a distress signal immediately. Do not be reckless or take risks." Su Nuannuan then turned her gaze to Tingxue and Yaoqin beside her and instructed them seriously.
"Yes, Your Highness, please rest assured, we will do our utmost to protect the safety of the two princes." Tingxue and Yaoqin replied in unison, and then led Canglan Jingyun and Canglan Jingcheng toward the other side of the forest.