CMWKSD -Chapter 160 Acrobatics

After spending three consecutive days at the hunting grounds, eating nothing but roasted rabbit, roasted wild pheasant, and roasted deer all day long, Jiu Yue got so overheated that she couldn’t even go to the bathroom properly.

Taking advantage of everyone being busy processing the game, Jiu Yue slipped straight into the forest.

When she had been in this area before, she had spotted some herbs known for clearing heat and reducing internal fire. Jiu Yue intended to gather some to cool herself down.

There were other ways to reduce the internal heat, but they would have cost Jiu Yue some effort—or rather, Jiu Yue would have had to trouble Ji Yiqing. She decided against it. She needed to conserve her energy over the long term.

The main reason was that Ji Yiqing’s stamina was simply too good. Sometimes, Jiu Yue felt she couldn’t keep up.

It wasn’t long after entering the forest that Jiu Yue furrowed her brows, sensing that something in the forest was off.

But if you asked her to pinpoint exactly what was wrong, she couldn’t say.

Jiu Yue circled around on horseback twice, then simply dismounted.

She pressed her ear to the ground but didn’t hear anything unusual. The only thing different was the strong scent in the air—something fishy.

It wasn’t the smell of blood, but a fishy odor…

She couldn’t describe it precisely, but it was definitely not the scent of earth.

After a few moments of pause, Jiu Yue almost instinctively remounted and headed back the way she came.

She valued her life and didn’t have the kind of curiosity that would get her into danger. She never showed interest in unknown things—that was a rule for survival.

Hadn’t she noticed in all those horror movies and ghost films, the reason side characters always die early is because they poke at everything they see?

Back at the camp, Jiu Yue immediately noticed a small stage had been set up in the center, though she had no idea when.

Ji Yiqing had just returned after delivering some documents to his superiors.

Even while on a trip, there were still duties to attend to. After all, hadn’t the Emperor been handling state affairs in his tent?

Those who could roam freely were mostly the officials’ families.

Seeing Jiu Yue staring seriously at the stage in the empty space, Ji Yiqing walked over: “What is it?”

Jiu Yue turned to see him approaching, dressed in a fine riding outfit, full of vigor.

The soft, luxurious, high-quality fabric highlighted his long legs, broad shoulders, and slim waist.

Tsk, tsk—what a stunningly handsome man.

It was her husband. Perfect. She was satisfied.

Handsome as he was, Ji Yiqing was far too busy to just ride out and show off his figure.

The reason he changed into the riding outfit was that Jiu Yue had insisted—more for participation than display.

“I…” Jiu Yue pursed her lips, unsure what to say. She couldn’t just mention that she had smelled that strange fishy scent in the forest.

Her sixth sense had never failed her; she simply felt there was danger, though there was no evidence. Even if she said it, no one would believe her.

“I have a feeling something might happen today.”

Ji Yiqing frowned, looking at her and asking softly, “Did you notice something?”

Jiu Yue shook her head. “No, it’s just… I didn’t notice anything. It just feels off.”

Ji Yiqing knew she was exceptional. Since she said this, he immediately took it seriously.

Apart from Ji Yiqing, there was truly no one else whose word would be trusted without question just because Jiu Yue said it.

“Don’t worry. I’ll speak with General Shen, have him notify the Forbidden Guards, and make sure the Emperor’s personal guards also pay attention.”

Jiu Yue nodded.

Yet that lingering fishy scent kept hanging around in her mind.

Impulsively, Jiu Yue added, “Bring some of the realgar and medicinal powder from our tent over there as well.”

Ji Yiqing’s brow twitched. The realgar and medicinal powder Jiu Yue had prepared were meant to repel insects.

She had prepared a large packet because autumn hunting was outdoors, and there were many bugs. The powder could prevent some bites, especially since some insects could be poisonous.

The camp already had medicinal herbs burning to repel insects, but it was better to be safe.

Since Jiu Yue mentioned it, Ji Yiqing immediately went into the tent to fetch the powders.

By then, the central stage had been set up. Ji Yiqing had gone around giving instructions and finally finished.

“What’s this for?” Jiu Yue still didn’t quite understand the stage.

Ji Yiqing looked at the stage. “The Second Prince said he arranged for some folk acrobatics. He thought it would be more fun for everyone to watch together rather than alone.”

Jiu Yue hummed in acknowledgment.

The Second Prince certainly knew how to seize the moment.

Soon, the Emperor, the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and a few high-ranking ministers were seated in the best viewing area.

Others had less favorable spots.

Jiu Yue wasn’t far from the Emperor—she was diagonally below him. She knew this was a privilege the Emperor had given her.

Still, she didn’t particularly enjoy watching such performances. She just noted that the stage performers were lively and energetic.

One performance after another, the crowd grew more excited and the atmosphere intensified.

Jiu Yue felt overwhelmed and wanted to slip away. For her, there wasn’t much to see.

Sword swallowing, fire breathing, breaking stones on the chest…

Wasn’t this the same type of folk performance, where the rich pay to watch and the poor cheer for free?

She had seen better performances on television, so she was a bit disinterested.

Others, however, were captivated. Naturally, the Emperor and nobility, knowing little of folk customs, found it fascinating.

Indeed, the Emperor’s eyes were wide with interest.

The sun slowly set, painting the sky orange, reflecting the fullness of autumn. It was like a beautiful, majestic landscape painting come to life.

Jiu Yue stood there, looking at the scenery, feeling an inexplicable sense of calm.

The last performer appeared—a little girl with small braids, each tied with a tiny bell, giving her an exotic charm.

As she moved, the tinkling bells made a playful sound.

She smiled on stage, but there was something strange in her eyes.

Jiu Yue’s eyelids twitched. A subtle unease washed over her the moment the little girl appeared.