Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

The three chatted and laughed as the tent flap was suddenly pulled open, letting in the warm sunshine from outside.

Pei Yaojun strode in, the hem of his scarlet hunting suit adorned with bits of grass.

A roguish smile played on his lips, his bright, lively eyes radiated an energy that never seemed to slow down.

Upon seeing Liu Wenying, he couldn't help but glance at her a few more times before greeting Wen Jingshu and Lin Zhiyao.

"Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law!"

Wen Jingshu smiled and shook her head, the hair ornament in her hair swaying gently.

"Why did you come back at this time instead of going hunting in the enclosure?"

"Even hunting has its rest periods."

Pei Yaojun sat down casually on the brocade stool next to him.

"Besides, everyone is putting in a lot of effort today, as if they want to catch all the wild animals in the hunting grounds. I think that at this rate, in a few days, there will only be rabbits left in the hunting grounds."

Lin Zhiyao was amused by his nonsensical words and covered her mouth to chuckle softly.

Wen Jingshu couldn't help but chuckle, "Your mouth is really something... Someone, bring tea to Third Master."

Zizhu brought over some tea, which Pei Yaojun took and gulped down a mouthful to quench his thirst.

Liu Wenying held Ye'er in her arms, the child nestled in her embrace, fast asleep.

Pei Yaojun then leaned over, wanting to tease that round little face.

"Little Ye'er, your third uncle is here, wake up..."

Wen Jingshu gently stopped him, "Ye'er just drank his medicine and finally fell asleep. Third Master, please don't disturb him."

Pei Yexuan was fast asleep and didn't react at all to his teasing.

Embarrassed, Pei Yaojun withdrew his hand and laughed, "Sleeping like a little pig, but eating and sleeping well is a blessing."

Liu Wenying curved her lips into a smile.

I've had the tea and seen my nephew.

Pei Yaojun's eyes darted around, and he came up with another idea.

"Sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, it's so boring for you to stay in the tent with Ye'er for most of the day."

"Since I'm just killing time anyway, why don't I go catch a few rabbits in the woods for you to raise and keep entertained? We can even roast them when they're fattened up."

Lin Zhiyao covered her mouth, "Let's not eat it grilled..."

Wen Jingshu laughed and said, "A grown man like you going to catch rabbits? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"

She didn't participate in hunting much, but she understood that those who did judged others by the number of wild beasts and rare birds they caught.

"Anyone who dares to laugh at me, I'll beat them to a pulp." Pei Yaojun said confidently.

He stood up and said to Liu Wenying, "Come with me."

Liu Wenying was taken aback, wondering why catching rabbits was something she had to do.

"Yes, it's you. Someone has to carry the rabbit back after we catch it. You come with me and you'll be in charge of carrying the rabbit."

Pei Yaojun spoke in a very serious manner and made the arrangements very clear.

But Liu Wenying did not respond immediately. She looked at Wen Jingshu with a questioning look in her eyes.

She's here to take care of the young master; it wouldn't be appropriate for her to leave without permission.

Seeing her reserved demeanor and then glancing at the enthusiastic Pei Zeyuan, Wen Jingshu nodded and said, "Go ahead, Ye'er just fell asleep and won't wake up for a while."

With permission, Liu Wenying handed the child over to the First Madam and left with Pei Yaojun, lifting the curtain as they went.

The two left the camp and headed towards the hunting grounds.

The sun shone brightly outside the tent, and the wind in the forest carried the sound of horses' hooves from afar; the hunt was still ongoing.

Liu Wenying followed three steps behind Pei Yaojun, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

Last night's near-death experience made her more wary of those around her.

If it weren't for the Third Master's intervention, she would have dared not step out of the tent even if it meant being punished.

Walking along the road, Liu Wenying would take an extra look at every possible hiding place—behind trees, in the grass, on the slopes.

As she walked, she bumped straight into a wall of flesh.

Pei Yaojun stopped at some point, and as soon as he turned around, he was enveloped in a warm and soft embrace.

Liu Wenying staggered backward, but a pair of hands steadily supported her lower back and helped her up.

"What are you thinking about?"

Pei Yaojun's voice came from above, his laughter barely contained.

"Like a thief, they didn't even see me stop."

Feeling as if her lower back had been burned, Liu Wenying quickly pushed him away, her face flushed red with embarrassment and awkwardness.

Fortunately, there were few people around the hunting grounds, and only towering ancient trees and overgrown weeds.

No one saw the slightly intimate actions between the two just now.

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but she couldn't tell him the truth about the assassination attempt last night, so she could only avoid his gaze and change the subject.

"It's nothing, I was just wondering where the rabbit is and when we'll be able to catch it?"

"Of course the rabbit is in its burrow. Do you think it's growing in the ground waiting for you to bend down and pick it?"

Liu Wenying felt embarrassed by his teasing, touched the tip of her nose, and whispered her defense.

"That's not what I meant..."

His tone was soft and gentle, no longer as reserved as he had been in the tent.

"Alright, don't overthink it, just follow me."

Liu Wenying silently followed, and after a few steps, she asked, "Third Master, this servant has something I would like to ask you."

"Um?"

"What was the third challenge the Northern Di people faced at the training ground today?"

Liu Wenying was genuinely curious whether it could really be related to the iron cage she had encountered.

But she went to the First Madam's place early this morning and missed the opportunity.

Seeing the inquisitive look in her eyes, Pei Yaojun didn't hide anything from her and told her in a few words.

"The Northern Di people have come up with some unusual challenges this time. They released a jade dove in the hunting grounds and set up some harmless little traps."

If the people of Great Wei can find the jade dove in the hunting grounds before nightfall and bring it back, we win; if they can't find it, they win.

It doesn't sound difficult.

But Liu Wenying always had an indescribable feeling in her heart.

"It's...that simple?"

Pei Yaojun shrugged. "Who knows? The Northern Di might be afraid of our Great Wei and might just give up the last hurdle."

As the two were talking, the sound of rapid hoofbeats suddenly came from behind them.

The clattering sound grew louder as it approached, its force so great that even the branches and leaves beneath our feet rustled.

The sudden and forceful commotion made Liu Wenying instinctively panic. Seeing this, Pei Yaojun was also afraid that the newcomer would bump into her, so he dropped his playful smile and protected her behind him.

A jet-black horse galloped out of the woods, and just as it was about to collide with the two men, the rider suddenly pulled on the reins.

The horse reared up, let out a long neigh, raised its front hooves high, and then slammed them down, stirring up dust and a strong wind.

The man on horseback had black hair that flew wildly, revealing a face with a cold and hard profile. The sharpness between his brows added a touch of captivating pressure.

Upon seeing the person's appearance, Pei Yaojun relaxed and took a few steps forward, complaining incessantly.

"Big brother? I thought it was some ignorant brat who dared to run rampant in the woods."

Pei Dingxuan glanced past his third brother and his gaze fell on the green figure behind him.

Seeing that she was unharmed, his anxious and stern face softened a little.

Pei Dingxuan returned to the camp from the training ground, but could not find her anywhere.

Hearing that she had come out with her third brother, he was afraid that she would encounter the same danger as yesterday, so he rushed over on horseback in a moment of panic.

But this relief lasted only a few breaths before being replaced by coldness.

He caught a glimpse of his third brother protecting Liu Wenying, and then saw the undisguised intimacy between the two; his expression suddenly darkened.

…………