Surviving In Another World With My Three Cups!-Chapter 174 -

Noble Consort Su sat in her private chambers, a faint smile playing on her lips. She waved a hand, signaling one of her maids.

"Go call Chu Ming," she said.

The maid hurried out and returned shortly with Chu Ming, who bowed deeply. "Your Highness, I am here," she said.

Noble Consort Su’s eyes gleamed as she studied her. "Rise," she commanded softly. "Tell me... how badly they treated you at the Mo family residence."

Chu Ming’s expression hardened. "Terribly, Your Highness. I was insulted, mocked, and dismissed at every turn. I came to you because I wanted justice... revenge. I want San Na—and Lady Lin—to learn their lesson."

Noble Consort Su arched an eyebrow. "Lady Lin? Why mention her?"

Chu Ming’s gaze flickered but her voice remained steady. "Because she isn’t just any woman. She was a single mother in a small village, raising three children. The General, Mo Ying came to her village and... claimed he wanted to marry her."

"He brought her and doted on her, insulting me with every chance he got.. and when he was busy fighting for his life, were was she? She wa sin the arms of the crown prince."

"They had a huge argument and separated And now... she is here, walking freely beside the Crown Prince as if nothing had happened. I cannot let that go. I want San Na and anyone who wronged me to pay."

Noble Consort Su’s lips curved into a thin, calculating smile. She exchanged a devious glance with her maid before turning her attention fully to Chu Ming. "Interesting," she murmured. "Come closer."

Chu Ming stepped forward cautiously, kneeling slightly as Noble Consort Su gestured.

"You’ve suffered," Noble Consort Su said, her tone soft, almost coaxing. "But now... we can take action. Don’t you agree? Isn’t it time that the Mo family or San Na herself learned who truly holds the power?"

Chu Ming’s eyes shone with determination. "Yes, Your Highness. I only ask... for your guidance. Help me... help me make them pay."

Noble Consort Su leaned back slightly, eyes gleaming with intent. "Very good. But remember... Lady Lin may appear fragile, but she is not defenseless. The Crown Prince’s and the general’s favor shields her... for now. That does not mean she cannot be touched."

Chu Ming nodded quickly, absorbing every word. "I understand, Your Highness. I will obey your plan completely."

"Excellent," Noble Consort Su said, rising gracefully. Her smile widened, almost predatory. "Prepare yourself. Lessons will be taught, games will be played... and this time, Lady Lin will not escape my reach so easily."

Chu Ming bowed low once more, a mix of fear and excitement in her eyes. "Yes, Your Highness."

Alone now, Noble Consort Su folded her hands and leaned back, eyes dark with scheming delight.

"Lady Lin," she murmured softly, "you’ve had your moment of glory... but it is far from over."

***

The next morning, the Yan Mountain was alive with activity. Lin Xu and Yan Mei prepared for the imperial hunt, the morning sunlight streaming through the open windows.

Yan Mei wore a simple yet elegant pink hanfu, the silk soft and flowing, while Lin Xu had chosen a practical hunting outfit the Crown Prince had provided her light, comfortable, and easy to move in.

Her hair was neatly tied into a bun, keeping it out of her face as she prepared for the ride.

The Crown Prince arrived shortly, his presence commanding as always. Lin Xu straightened instinctively, waiting for him to speak.

At the main field, nobles and officials had already gathered. Horses pawed at the ground, the scent of leather and morning dew mingling with the faint sound of flapping banners.

A hush fell over the crowd as the hunting ceremony began. The Emperor gave the formal signal, and the huntsmen, warriors, and nobles all prepared.

Lin Xu’s eyes scanned the field, and for a moment, they met Mo Ying’s across the open space. He was already on his horse, looking calm and composed as always. Their gazes locked, and she felt a strange warmth in her chest, though the tension of the hunt reminded her to stay focused.

The men began moving out for the hunt, some riding swiftly while others walked slowly, a few taking the time to bow to their wives or partners, offering gentle pecks on cheeks or hands as a charm for luck.

Yan Mei nudged Lin Xu lightly, a teasing smirk on her face. "Look at them, Lin Xu... even grown men can’t resist showing off to their wives. You’re lucky they haven’t all started circling you for a good-luck kiss," she whispered, laughter dancing in her tone.

Lin Xu rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I’m fine, really," she murmured, though she couldn’t completely ignore the warm blush rising in her cheeks.

Suddenly, movement at the edge of her vision drew her attention. The Crown Prince was approaching on horseback, his golden headgear gleaming in the sunlight. His eyes locked on hers, and for the briefest moment, her words caught in her throat. The world seemed to shrink around them.

All eyes in the field turned toward them, sensing the silent tension. Lin Xu’s heartbeat quickened. Before she could say anything, Xuan Lu bent slightly from his horse and gently pressed his lips to her forehead in a light, deliberate peck.

Gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd. Lin Xu froze, the warmth of his touch lingering on her skin, her cheeks flushing as a thousand thoughts raced through her mind. Yan Mei nudged her again, smirking knowingly.

"Wish me luck, and good luck with yours!" He said with a smirk as he then turned around had rode off, leaving Lin Xu utterly dumbfounded.

"Ah!! That was so cute.. you guys are already acting like a couple." Yan Mei teased which made Lin Xu cheeks turn more red.

"Oh stop it.. it isn’t what it seems like.. you are overthinking this.." they both laughed.

Just then, Lin Xu heard a soft chime.

[ Jealousy Rate : 72% ]

She sighed as she found Mo Ying amongst the other men, he wasn’t looking at her but she knew his mind was fixed on her.

"Men, they get jealous so easily." She whispered to herself.

Once the men rode off into the forest, the field gradually quieted, the sound of hooves fading into the distance.

Just as Lin Xu took a deep breath to steady herself, a herald stepped forward, raising a hand to call attention.

"Now, the female partners’ hunt shall begin!" he announced. The crowd stirred with excitement. "Each participant will take her weapons and proceed into the designated forest zone. Should you face danger beyond your control, use the colored firework signal, and assistance will arrive immediately."

Lin Xu exchanged a glance with Yan Mei.

"Ready?" Yan Mei asked, gripping her bow.

Lin Xu nodded, feeling the familiar mix of thrill and tension rise in her chest. "Yes. Let’s do this carefully."

They moved toward the weapon pavilion, where various hunting weapons bows, spears, and short blades were neatly arranged. Lin Xu selected a practical bow and quiver, slinging it across her back. Her fingers brushed the smooth wood, calming her nerves.

Nearby, she spotted San Na and Chu Ming preparing their weapons. San Na’s face was tight with concentration. While Chu Ming looked as though she had been forced to do this.

Lin Xu’s lips pressed into a thin line. She knew Chu Ming would be watching her closely, waiting for an opportunity to provoke or interfere, and San Na, of course, would not pass up a chance to assert herself.

The herald continued with instructions. "Remember, the women’s hunt is a test of skill and strategy. Protect yourselves, respect the rules, and do not endanger others. Use the fireworks only if absolutely necessary."

Lin Xu and Yan Mei each tucked an extra arrow into their quiver. Yan Mei’s hand brushed Lin Xu’s briefly. "We’ve got this," she said softly, giving her a reassuring nod.

Lin Xu allowed herself a small smile. "Together," she said, feeling a surge of resolve.

As Lin Xu and Yan Mei moved deeper into the forest, a sharp voice cut through the quiet morning air.

"You think you can just prance around, Lady Lin?" Chu Ming’s tone was dripping with venom as she stepped up beside them, her eyes flashing with malice.

Lin Xu glanced at her calmly and rolled her eyes. "Oh, Chu Ming... don’t you ever get tired of being a nuisance.. you know you can’t win this hunt so you’re just trying to entertain your self but the truth is you are just being completely stupid."

Yan Mei stifled a laugh behind her hand, shaking her head. "Honestly, she’s amusing. Don’t let her ruin your mood."

Chu Ming’s face flushed red with fury, and she opened her mouth to argue, but San Na’s serene voice interrupted, calm and unbothered.

"You really shouldn’t waste your energy on people who don’t notice you," San Na said lightly, her eyes forward as if she weren’t even speaking to them.

Chu Ming turned sharply toward her, incredulous. "And you! Why didn’t you even try to defend me? Are you just going to stand there and let her—"

San Na’s expression didn’t change. She looked at Chu Ming with cool disdain. "Protecting a fool makes you one yourself. Learn that, and maybe you’ll survive this hunt without embarrassing yourself."

With that, San Na turned and walked away gracefully, leaving Chu Ming seething.

Lin Xu and Yan Mei shared a brief grin, stepping lightly to follow the path deeper into the forest.

Chu Ming’s fists clenched, her face a deep, angry red. "I will teach both of you a lesson you’ll never forget!" she hissed after them, her voice barely contained.